As Rev. Bob McCombs, my District Superintendent from years ago, used to say: "When it comes to preaching, some days you hit a single; other days you hit a home run; and then there are days when you just strike out." I don't know if it's fair to say that my sermon on Sunday, March 23 was a home run, but I certainly received a lot of compliments about it.
It was refreshing to revisit my call to ministry, especially after 30 years. It's good to remind myself how I was inspired by the call of Moses in Exodus 3. When God told Moses to lead the
people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, Moses made excuse after excuse why he was not suited to the task. However, God would not accept any of those excuses, because God had chosen Moses specifically for this important job.
Just like Moses, I too had been making excuse after excuse to God of why I wasn't suited to be a pastor. Just like Moses, God would not accept any of those excuses. Just like Moses, God
promised to be with me, to lead and equip me. So, just like Moses, I accepted God's call, even though I had plenty of doubts at first. And 30 years later, here I am. These past 30 years—and I've been serving churches for 25 of those years—have truly been a blessing. I'm so glad I finally said yes to God.
How about you? Have you said yes to God? God has a calling for each of us. Not all of us are called to be pastors or to make our careers in church work. But God does have a call for each and every one of us. Now some of you might say, "This is all fine for the young folks, but I'm retired. My years of service are over. Plus, I can't do near what I used to be able to do." But that doesn't mean your time for serving the Lord is over or that you've missed your chance. As Rev. Dave Bennet likes to say, "If you aren't dead, you aren't done!"
Indeed, there are ways you can serve the Lord all the way up to your dying day. Some of these ways include: being a prayer warrior; telling others about Jesus; encouraging people going
through hard times with cards, letters, phone calls, emails, and face-to-face visits; using your financial gifts to support various causes for Christ; and serving as a mentor, being an example and model of faith for younger people. I'm sure there are many other ministries as well.
Whatever ministry God has planned for you, God will give you the gifts and graces needed to fulfill it. God will equip you and provide the way. So, let us set aside our excuses—God has had enough of them anyway. Let us say yes to whatever God is calling us to do, knowing that it will lead to blessings greater than we can imagine. And if you would like guidance in discerning and accepting your call, feel free to contact me by phone, email, or in person. I'd be happy to visit with you and chat about what God has in store for you. See you at McMurry!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Clayton