Today a Window Moved Me to Tears

Today a Window Moved Me to Tears

Today I was blessed. I got to go back to preach at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the first congregation I ever worked with full-time . They packed the house and the spirit of love and optimism was everywhere.

After a class spent rejoicing of the faith that had been lived out in “that specific place” (Note: 1 Timothy 2:8 says that “men are to pray everywhere…” Part of the word everywhere (τόπος) denotes the concept of specific places), we worshipped God. There was a great time of fellowship, renewing, and eating together that followed that. The afternoon ended in singing.

During the singing I snuck out for a moment. I went down the hall to the last room in the back of the building. It’s the room that had been my first ever office. Five days a week, several hours a day, I prayed, studied, prepared, planned, counseled, and sometimes just sat. Not much in that room has changed. There was one window. There still is. It is still “The Preacher’s Office.”

One day I prayed a mighty prayer, a bold prayer, a prayer of promise and commitment. Preachers want to preach. They want to influence people to and for the Lord. They want to tell the old old story of Jesus and His love. They want to proclaim the Gospel. I wasn’t different. I wanted to preach…more. More. MORE. I wanted to lead others to Jesus. I knew I wasn’t very good, but I was very available. I know others would always be better, but I wanted to preach. So, one day when I felt like I wasn’t doing all I could, I prayed. “God, I want to be used. If You will give me opportunities to preach I will NEVER turn down a chance to preach anywhere as long as I can physically do it and Melanie doesn’t object.” I am nothing, but I have kept that promise. The size of the audience, the distance required, the nature of the event (as long as they don’t put strictures on me) have not mattered. I wanted to preach. So whether in front of 12,000-15,000 or 12-15 people, I have done that.

I believe God answered that prayer. I challenge you to do the same. Preach the Gospel every time you can. Preachers preach.

So, I took a minute at that window and worshipped. I thanked God for hearing my prayer. And, yes, my eyes leaked a little in that thanks.

Preachers preach. Don’t quit!