Trial By Fire

When you preach for the first time, it is hard enough. You are responsible for bringing the word of God to the ears of the congregation and for challenging them with God's truth. A daunting task and responsibility indeed. Tomorrow, I will be doing this. I will be speaking the truth to the congregation. It gets harder though. I'm not just being put through this trial, but I am going to be doing it to a congregation that has just last night, lost their shepherd. He passed away after a heart attack. This is God's will, but that doesn't mean that it won't be hard. I've shed my tears. It hurts, but these people still need to be shown God's love through His word.

Pray for grace and God's guidance in my words. Pray that I can speak with compassion and use wisdom in how I would best approach the situation. I am not sure what will happen at service tomorrow, but given the pulpit, I will be ready to preach. It is my trial by fire. Everyone goes through one and this is mine.

God, take my mouth and anoint my words that they may bring comfort and love to this hurting congregation. Help me to be able to point them back to you if I am indeed called on to do so.



***Update***
I won't be preaching tomorrow. I got a phone call and they have other things they want to take care of. I will be rescheduled, but I know it still won't be easy going back there any time soon. It will still be a tough place to preach for me. I still think it will be a trial by fire.....