Just in the Nick of Time

I was excited for our first service, but I was not excited about the sermon I was going to give. Because of all the busyness getting ready I was not been able to devote the time needed to prepare to share the Word of God with these kids in Rush Hour(middle school youth group). I never want to be that busy. For me, my soul just hurts to not have had my time with Jesus and study what God would have me share. I could get up there on Sunday morning and “just give a talk”, but there would be no anointing. There would be no power. I don’t want to short change anyone!!!!!

I was at the point I decided to show a Rob Bell video. I wouldn’t show just any video, but one that would be pertinent to the opening weekend and tying it all together. I had it all set up to go Sunday morning. I sat in the sanctuary as David was speaking about never being the same again and defining moments in his life. As I sat there my mind drifted about Rush Hour and being prepared with all the students and leaders. I wanted these kids to encounter Jesus!! I wanted the best for them. I felt I heard God say that the video I was going to show was not his best for me this Sunday, He wanted more.

I sat there contemplating if it was my flesh or God? How was I going to come up with a sermon when I didn’t study. “God, You couldn’t be asking this of me? Are you?” As I sat there I knew what he was asking. He wanted me to be obedient, to trust Him. It is so hard when I can be a control freak. This is one of those special times when I let go and trusted.

After first service in the new building, I ran around in the madness of all the people getting all I could ready. Trying to make sure leaders were in their right positions, band had time to practice, and trying to get stage lights to work correctly(like I even know what I am doing). I think I might have had 5 minutes to put together what I wanted to say.

I spoke on Ephesians 3:14-21. What was amazing is God showed up and spoke through me. I give him the Glory.  I had illustrations that came from nowhere.  It just fitted altogether and the spirit of the Lord fell upon me.  It all flowed like honey from my lips.  It was like I was watching myself talk and thinking where was it all coming from..ha..ha.  It seemed to happen just in the nick of time.  I needed Jesus to show up, or it would have been a flop.  And I mean a flop.  Go Jesus.  I love it when he shows off!!!

Justin

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