I was called to preach in Dobele church of Christ today, and I spent hours agonising over what to preach. Knowing nothing about the church I was about to preach in it felt like I was flying blind. I asked God what to preach on and Gods answer was, do what you always do… Preach about Joy. So I prepared a message on Joy for this Sunday, as I said I knew nothing about this church but I made some assumptions like that they where a normal traditional evangelical church. Boy was I wrong.
When I came into the church hall my first thought was, these people don’t need to hear about Freedom in worship and the joy of God as the worship band was rocking in it in full freedom and joy! This was confirmed later when we prayed for the meeting and it was like turning on the tap, everyone immediately started praying and praising loudly in tounges and the power of God could be felt strongly.
I started doubting my message and was in panic rewriting my sermon in my head to fit this church who seemingly did not need the message I was about to preach. I was really nervous as the pastor stepped up and then I was blown away by what he said.
Today I God told me is a day of Joy, rejoicing is not a suggestion but a commandment, he said echoing the outline of my sermon. Allright God, I thought, I guess you knew what you where saying to me after all. I had to immediately confess my sin of doubting and get on with it. It is a great thing when God so clearly confirms His will.
We need to trust God, but also trust ourselves that we have actually heard Him when He has spoken!
