Daily Power #188

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps. 40:1–2)

All of us, unfortunately, at one time or another, fall short and let ourselves, God, and other people down. Even today, I’m still haunted by the first time I preached and failed miserably. When I was only twenty-two years old, my pastor took a chance and brought me on staff at his church. He also gave me my first opportunity to preach a real Sunday-morning sermon before the entire congregation, the most terrifying and humbling experience of my life to that point.

With all the other pastors sitting in these big, fancy throne-like chairs behind me, I stood up front to deliver the sermon. Finally, my nerves settled and I thought maybe this would be okay. I said, “What you need to know is that God knew you before you were born,” which brought several amens from the congregation. So I kept going: “God knew you before your mama knew your daddy,” which once again brought several amens. Having gained momentum, I couldn’t stop myself: “And God even knew you before you were an itch in your daddy’s pants!”

You could’ve heard a pin drop.

No one said amen.

I went too far, and from there I never recovered in that sermon. By God’s grace, my pastor let me preach again. Despite one of my most embarrassing moments, God built on my mistakes and used me for his kingdom.

He will do the same for you.

Power Lift

Lord, I am not only the mistakes I have made—I am a trophy of your glory.