Pastor's Pondering

I haven’t written anything for a while as we have been leading Vacation Bible School at our church. We had a much smaller group than normal, but it takes the same work and energy to succeed. It seemed like I started behind this year and was playing catchup. Now that the week is done, preparation and worship is complete, and my body got some long-needed rest, I can begin to move forward again. This last group really surprised me. We normally present a program on Friday night, but we had so few people, we had to adapt skits and plays to make it work. Let me tell you, this small group sang like a choir that was four times its size. They were loud, clear, and musical. I was so proud of what they did. When I think about the phrase small but mighty, I can’t help but think of King David. As a boy, he fought off lions and bears that attacked his heard. Then, while still a boy, he willingly went to battle against a giant named Goliath. The King offered David his armor, but it was too heavy for David. Truth is, even if it hadn’t been too heavy, it was foreign to David. His God, not his armor, kept him safe. David went up against the mighty giant and won. Then there is Samuel that was called to be a prophet at age six. He became one of, if not the greatest of those called by God. King Josiah, who began to rule at age 8, was God fearing and brought his people back to God. Jesus at age twelve was teaching and asking questions before the church leaders. There are also countless people that were not mighty in their own right that God used to accomplish great things. It is not the age or the influence that God is looking for... He looks at the heart. One person, fully devoted to God, can accomplish awesome things as the Spirit moves among them. The excuses that we use not to serve God are just that... excuses. God can, and does, equip those whom He calls to serve. When God directs our hearts to do His bidding, it should not be, “I can’t...” but rather, “I will... with the help of God.” We need to wake up each day with the knowledge that God can do anything through us if we are surrendered to Him. Are you willing to accept the call to follow Him? What are the false narratives that you tell yourself that deny God? Father, when we are tempted to give in, thinking that we are out of our league, remind us that nothing is impossible with God. Amen