So you thought you would check and see if I have posted something new? Fooled ya! I promise a new blog is coming soon. keep checkin!!You've seen the t-shirts that say things like" I'm with stupid", "I'm the man of the house when my wife is gone." or "I'm the best looking dad on the block next to Stan."
For a long time I've worn a t-shirt that says "I'm not good enough" or some days it says, "I'm not smart enough". Have you ever noticed that you sometimes wear a t-shirt that says something like that?
In September of 2006, I was asked to chair in a planning committee for the first ever United Brethren In Christ National Conference. I was asked to head up the Music and Arts side of the conference and anything that happened in the main session. As I considered this opportunity, I also dawned my t-shirt that read something like, "Why did they ask me? I'm nobody!"
I reluctantly said yes and began a journey that I will remember forever. As time went on I faced some pretty big giants. First of which was logistics. Trying to get a team gathered from various churches to provide music and arts for over 900 people. It started out just being music, then quickly turned out to have drama, video enhancement or IMAG (image magnification) Special music, interpretative dance, professional lighting, professional sound, and the list goes on and on. Now keep in mind I lead music at a church of less than 150 people. We don't use special lighting, professional sound equipment or a lot of drama for that matter. Most of all this was new to me. I had many struggles with God about why I was asked to do this when there were so many other talented and schooled individuals in close proximity to me. However God started showing me what he can do when I am weak.
Over time I saw God provide the best of the best for my team. Things just started to fall into place. Lighting, sound, a top notch drama team, great bands, a fantastic video editing team, great support from friends and family. For the most part God placed into my sphere a team of people that loved to do what they do and were good at it. As the conference approached, I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I knew my limitations and I started to trust that God would take what I could do and add to it to provide something great.
Well God provided above and beyond. The conference went great, we had no major glitches and the ones we did have were handled before anyone ever know they were there. It was, for all technical purposes, a success. God met us in that place and we watched Him do what only He could do as he touched lives, changed and freed hearts.
In Judges we read about a man that has a similar story, and he also wore a self doubt t-shirt. Gideon was a man that God called to deliver Israel from the grasp of the Midiniates. When called, Gideon questioned the Lord saying who am I but the least of these, my clan is the weakest.
Through many tests of God on Gideons behalf, God proved that it was Him calling Gideon to the task, and Gideon reluctantly stood up and took the calling. Now Gideon had 32,000 men at his side, and God does something that blind sides Gideon. He tells him that he has too many men for God to use, so they ask for those who are afraid to leave and 22,000 men left that day. Again the Lord says that Gideon has too many men, and though another test he weeds out all but 300 men for Gideon to use. 300 against the many of the Midian armies.
God gave Gideon specific instruction as to what he was to do to defeat the enemy and that is exactly what happened. With 300 men, Gideon defeated the great army of Midian and freed the people of Israel from 7 years of oppression.
Now was it Gideon and the 300 men that did this great thing? I highly doubt it. 300 men against tens of thousands, the numbers just don't add up. So what was so special about these men and Gideon that they could accomplish such a task? IT WAS GOD!
God took this group of 301 and their willingness to serve and follow Him, and used them to defeat the armies of Midian. God did it through them, not on their own, but with God. The bible tells us that "All things are possible with Christ" ALL THINGS, not some things, not a few things, but ALL THINGS!! We need to believe that and start taking it to heart. We need to stop doubting what can be accomplished when we have Christ on our side. NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR GOD!! It's not just a nice saying, it's the truth!
In September of 2006, I was asked to chair in a planning committee for the first ever United Brethren In Christ National Conference. I was asked to head up the Music and Arts side of the conference and anything that happened in the main session. As I considered this opportunity, I also dawned my t-shirt that read something like, "Why did they ask me? I'm nobody!"
I reluctantly said yes and began a journey that I will remember forever. As time went on I faced some pretty big giants. First of which was logistics. Trying to get a team gathered from various churches to provide music and arts for over 900 people. It started out just being music, then quickly turned out to have drama, video enhancement or IMAG (image magnification) Special music, interpretative dance, professional lighting, professional sound, and the list goes on and on. Now keep in mind I lead music at a church of less than 150 people. We don't use special lighting, professional sound equipment or a lot of drama for that matter. Most of all this was new to me. I had many struggles with God about why I was asked to do this when there were so many other talented and schooled individuals in close proximity to me. However God started showing me what he can do when I am weak.
Over time I saw God provide the best of the best for my team. Things just started to fall into place. Lighting, sound, a top notch drama team, great bands, a fantastic video editing team, great support from friends and family. For the most part God placed into my sphere a team of people that loved to do what they do and were good at it. As the conference approached, I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I knew my limitations and I started to trust that God would take what I could do and add to it to provide something great.
Well God provided above and beyond. The conference went great, we had no major glitches and the ones we did have were handled before anyone ever know they were there. It was, for all technical purposes, a success. God met us in that place and we watched Him do what only He could do as he touched lives, changed and freed hearts.
In Judges we read about a man that has a similar story, and he also wore a self doubt t-shirt. Gideon was a man that God called to deliver Israel from the grasp of the Midiniates. When called, Gideon questioned the Lord saying who am I but the least of these, my clan is the weakest.
Through many tests of God on Gideons behalf, God proved that it was Him calling Gideon to the task, and Gideon reluctantly stood up and took the calling. Now Gideon had 32,000 men at his side, and God does something that blind sides Gideon. He tells him that he has too many men for God to use, so they ask for those who are afraid to leave and 22,000 men left that day. Again the Lord says that Gideon has too many men, and though another test he weeds out all but 300 men for Gideon to use. 300 against the many of the Midian armies.
God gave Gideon specific instruction as to what he was to do to defeat the enemy and that is exactly what happened. With 300 men, Gideon defeated the great army of Midian and freed the people of Israel from 7 years of oppression.
Now was it Gideon and the 300 men that did this great thing? I highly doubt it. 300 men against tens of thousands, the numbers just don't add up. So what was so special about these men and Gideon that they could accomplish such a task? IT WAS GOD!
God took this group of 301 and their willingness to serve and follow Him, and used them to defeat the armies of Midian. God did it through them, not on their own, but with God. The bible tells us that "All things are possible with Christ" ALL THINGS, not some things, not a few things, but ALL THINGS!! We need to believe that and start taking it to heart. We need to stop doubting what can be accomplished when we have Christ on our side. NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR GOD!! It's not just a nice saying, it's the truth!
I wonder what kind of T-shirt Gideon put on after he saw what God did. I know what kind of T-shirt I am wearing now. One that says:
"All Things Are Possible Through Christ Who Strengthens Me!"
It's time we wake up church and stop playing this silly game of "I'm not good enough". God doesn't need us to be "better" before He can use us. He doesn't need for us to "well versed" in English or any other language before we can pray out loud. He wants us to be available and willing to follow Him when He calls. If we could do it on our own then we wouldn't need Him. When we are weak and and unable to do what He has called us to do , you can bet that you will see God do some pretty amazing work on you and on those around you.
HE will provide your needs, HE will show you the way, HE will help you finish the task. And when it is finished and it has been done by His grace and by His power, then the glory and praise will go to Him and not man, just the way it should be.
What kind of T-shirt are you wearing today?
