“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
It was 7:15 a.m. on Sunday morning as I dragged myself from the bed to shower and go make sure the temperature was adjusted in the sanctuary. I had reflected and meditated all week on the morning’s message and stayed up late Saturday night getting the sermon completed. I was as prepared as I could be but still jittery about it. “I don’t think I can do this,” I told myself.
“Yes. You can,” the Spirit said in response.
During Sunday School, I sat in my office and prayed that God would supply his anointing for the sermon. I secretly hoped the Holy Spirit would flood the service with his power and presence and maybe I wouldn’t have to preach today. But just as I was getting ready to run from the building, the bell rang ending Sunday School. So, I went into the prayer room with the praise team for prayer and final instructions.
After a great praise encounter with the Holy Spirit, I stood behind the pulpit and stared at the congregation. O God, please help me now so that I don’t blow it and look like a fool. As I looked across the group of people sitting before me, I realized they had come to hear from God. They were not there to hear me preach. They had come to hear God. And God had given me his word for them.
Suddenly I was ready to tackle my task as conveyor of God’s message. I knew that I was standing in this place because God had called me to this task. Therefore my duty was to do my best for him and them. And if I flopped, then God would somehow use that for his glory. So I preached with bold liberty in the Holy Spirit. The preaching was not perfect, but then it wasn’t supposed to be, otherwise I would not have needed his strength and anointing.
Dear Father, thank you for your strength to do what you have called us to do. Enable us to be faithful. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his strengthening power and live to his glory,