There are a lot of things I have done in my life that have been difficult, and felt like I could not do.
For example: mathematics. When I was in eighth grade, I failed algebra. I had to retake it my freshman year—I barely passed with a C-. My failures in math reoccurred throughout high school, so naturally when I got to college, I had to take a math class. Luckily, I passed with a B-, my best grade ever! We all have those certain subjects that just seem impossible. For myself, that impossible task was mathematics.
I also wanted to be an architect when I was younger, and quickly realized I had to be good at math and drawing. Which for me was next to impossible!
As seen, I struggled with my education growing up, and I am grateful for the teachers that were patient with me. But when I received the call to ministry, those struggles became a season of hardship, and not something that is impossible.
When I was a junior in high school, I received the call to ministry and started searching for opportunities to dive into the word and share it with others. I was able to share my testimony for the youth group and the church, and it was an amazing opportunity. However, there was always a part of me that longed to preach the word, and to partake in the joy that it is to do that. I think that God was teaching me things and preparing me for the work He was about to have me to do.
I had an opportunity this summer for me to share the word. I was so excited to be able to do this!
The pastor of my church gave me the portion of scripture, Judges 11-12. I quickly opened to the passage to start researching, and my excitement began to decrease. I do not know how many of you have read Judges before, but it is typically not a book preachers jump to share with their congregation. However, I was still excited about this story so I began the researching process. Little did I know that this would turn into a life changing moment for me.
As I researched for almost a month it was amazing to discover all these things God was revealing to me through His word. I found that the more I studied the word and asked God for guidance, the more questions I had. I learned that asking questions means I am growing, and God wants us to ask questions.
So when the weekend came for me to preach in front of the body—I was so nervous when I was walking up to the pulpit—I prayed for God and His power to fill me as I preached. God not only did that, but so much more! I was so grateful to be filled with His power.
Preaching was the most exhausting thing I have ever done. It is exhausting because you are preaching this undeniable truth, however, the forces of evil are pushing down on the you. You can actually feel the burden of Satan driving you down. I found that the more I pressed deeper into Christ and His power, the more I felt empowered to proclaim the truth that is the gospel!
I am thankful for the opportunity I was given this summer. I am so excited to be able to preach more in the future, because I am certain this is my calling. As I go through this process, I would appreciate prayer as I continue to pursue this.