When God called me to preach His word, I was very hesitant and silent. I did not speak a word to anyone. My mom, whom I am very close did not know, and my pastor definitely was unaware. I wanted to be sure that it was God and not me going ahead of Him. Even when I realized that it was indeed Our Lord calling me, I did not answer Him immediately. Yes, I had some insecurities. I mean, I was young, I didn't know the "whole" bible. I could not speak in a "preacher's voice" (whatever that is...). Above all of those phrases of excuses and reasons not to preach, the one that hit the nail on the head was the great responsibility that comes with the call. I love the word of God and definitely would not want to present His word to His people incorrectly. More than that, I would have to be perfect (so I thought), and I was far from that and a long ways off even now. As a leader, I have experienced the "pedestal mentality" of the parishioners (members of the church). Certain demands were placed upon me that I could not accomplish. Honestly, I can say that I placed demands on myself that I could never fulfill. Moreover, God did not choose me because I was completely without fault. I am saved because of the grace of God and my faith in Jesus the Christ, and the work that I do is to BELIEVE. So, my focus is not what I can do or not do. Neither do I fear the faces of man. My gaze is upon Jesus. His Holy Spirit does all the work through me. I am the vessel that He uses. He desires to use you too if you let Him. I have discovered that as I yield to God's way, I am more in tune and aware of His infinite love for me and in return, I am compelled to love Him with my obedience. God does the perfecting not man. So, you and I do not have to work to be what man thinks we ought to be. We can just be still and know that God is. Point the parishioners to Jesus and there will be no need to perform. There you have it, people of God. Your Pastor's Truth.
