I don’t think I am alone when I say that there have been times I have been paralyzed by my past or by a fear that someday soon everything could come crashing down on me.  When I was younger and more foolish than I am now (I hope I have learned from my mistakes) I seemed to be looking over my shoulder a lot.   Sometimes I felt inadequate as a pastor because of my personality or my inability to figure something out.  Recently I read the following quote by the late coach, John Wooden:

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

WOW! So simple a quote but so profound!  While I have been mulling that quote over in mind for the past few days, I was privileged to read these two blogs:  Julie’s blog here and Jay’s blog here.  I know I am asking you to take a few more moments to read but please, if you must forego mine, read theirs.  Much of our fear and insecurity comes from not knowing who we are in Christ, of what we have received (His grace and forgiveness).   Plainly put: we feel inadequate for the task God has called us to.  I AM NOT talking to just those who are a pastor or are in some form of church work. I am talking to anyone who reads this and feels God’s call on your life in some way or another.   You may be a seeker but afraid to admit it and give your life away in surrender to God.  You may be a bread-maker or candlestick maker (or whatever you do)  but you are afraid to turn your business over to Him.   You may be one who thinks (like Jay pointed out) that you cannot be forgiven for what you have done.  I believe just the opposite!  You can be forgiven, and are forgiven, because of what Christ has done for you.

So…once again I ask that you take the time to read Julie and Jay’s blogs.  Comment on theirs if you like and then if you still have the time I would love to have you come back here and let me know what you are thinking.   I truly would love to hear how you are being given a “voice.”