December 24

The Weak Speaker


The Spirit helps us in our weakness….

Romans 8:26 (NIV)


What had I gotten myself into?

I had agreed to preach—again. I said I’d take the Saturday night sermon so our pastor could travel out-of-town to watch his all-star son play basketball. It was well intentioned, a nice gesture and I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. I even had a topic … sort of. What I didn’t count on was the virus.

The bug I’d battled a week or so earlier came roaring back with a vengeance. I was exhausted and at times bedridden. What could I do?

Well, I did the only thing I could do; I asked for prayer. And I waited. Not a lot seemed to happen though. I finally felt a little better on Saturday morning and made the final rush to pull my thoughts and words into a collective, understandable whole. I gave it my best shot, as weak as it was, and had to trust God for the rest.

That night, I mounted the platform just a bit unsure but then chased those thoughts away with a prayer. I think it was then the Spirit took charge as I launched into the topic he had given me, Rising Above the Challenges that Rock Our World: Lessons from Jonah.

So, how did it go? It went great! God answered the prayers of faithful friends; the Spirit helped me in my weakness; and His word seemed to speak to people’s hearts.

To hear the message go to www.eastmontchurch.com and look under audio. I hope you will be as blessed as I was.


Loving God, thank You for Your strength, and thank You for stretching me … far beyond my dreams! Amen.