This is one of those days when I have no inspiration to write. I’ve been looking at this computer screen for almost an hour. I’ve had a granola bar and a cup of coffee and have taken a cup of coffee to Mrs. Sweetie. And now, I am just about out of time because I need to be getting ready for church.
This reminds me of the podcast I listened to yesterday while digging out my flower bed. Cliff Ravenscraft, The Podcast Answer Man, is one of my current inspirations. I am planning to launch a podcast (“Your Church Matters”) within the next few months. I’ve been saying that for about 6 months now and am no closer to launch. In the episode I listened to yesterday, he challenged all his listeners who have been delaying for more than 60 days to record their first episode and call it, “I feel like such a pretender.”
I think that’s how I’m feeling this morning. In just over an hour I will leave to head to church, where I will be filling in as the worship leader. Who am I to pretend to lead God’s people to place their minds’ attention and their hearts’ affection on Jesus?
This afternoon, I will meet with a church transition team with whom I have been consulting for 10 months. Who am I to pretend that I have anything to offer a church that needs to be thinking of strategies to lead them into the future?
I’ve been writing Life Matters for over 17 years. Who am I to pretend that anything I have to say is worth the time anyone would take to read it?
I feel like such a pretender.
Do you ever feel that way? You put on a good face, but inside you are trembling with insecurity and wondering when they are going to figure you out.
I think that may be some of what the Apostle Paul was revealing in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.” (New Living Translation)
Maybe that’s the secret. If it’s all about our skill and wisdom, we are worse than pretenders. But if it is about sharing a journey of faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, then no matter how weak we feel, we are tapped into the ultimate strength of the One for whom our lives and message matter tremendously.
Who am I? I’m the one God is sending to lead, consult, and encourage His people with His message.
And that’s the real deal.
Question: When do you feel like a pretender?
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