st. john’s |moving out of God’s way
Mon, Jul 28, 2008
I have to admit one of the things I struggle with as an Officer in training is writing sermons. You would think as a Cadet with a future in full time ministry it should come naturally, but for me it doesn’t.
As I prepared my first sermon to deliver to the congregation at St. John’s West Corps, I struggled. What topic do I know enough about? What format should I use? Do I have enough illustrations? The closer it got to Sunday, the worst I felt. I took a few moments aside to spend with God and then I realized what I had been doing. I had been focusing on making myself look good and not God. I had been worried about getting a bad evaluation on the sermon or about not filling up enough time in the service. I came to the realization that being God’s messenger was not at all about me. I had to intentionally place myself in the sidelines – my own personal worries had to be set aside so that Christ could come to the forefront.
I know as I continue on in my Officership, I must be willing to decrease so that Christ can increase. As I delivered the sermon that Sunday morning, I know God was increasing the more I stood back from the pulpit and allowed Him to do the work. He brought people to the mercy seat and prayer filled the sanctuary – not because of the work I had done, but because of His work alone. When I let God do the work I realize I am his servant, standing in the shadows so He can work among His people.
posted by Amanda Robinson
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