Into the fire

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 It was a blessing to be invited to speak at a Resurrection Sunday Sunrise service over the weekend.  I was doubly blessed to bring the message at the main church service as well, but today's post is about the sunrise service.

Speaking in public can be scary, especially when you're not very good at speaking off the top of your head.  For the service, the Holy Spirit gave me some remarks that were appropriate for the occasion and and led into the service.  Before I left the house I made sure I had the remarks separated from the main message and off we went.

The gentleman I was with told me rain was in the forecast but not until mid-morning.  When we arrived there were quite a few people gathered.  All total, we had 22. Someone had built a nice fire.  We sang a couple of hymns a-capella and then it was my turn.

Ever tried to read wet paper?  Because when it was my turn, it started raining for real so I did what anybody would...crumpled up the papers, tossed them into the fire, and then winged it.

I had a good idea of what to say because, after all, I had typed it out and reviewed it.  You do the best you can in the moments God gives you and it was a growing moment.  I'd like to be a little less focused on the text and a little bit more able to walk around and speak when I get to.  This was like the first time I ever HAD to though and it was a good experience.

I didn't say everything I wanted to, I don't think, but I did say enough of what I'd remembered to make the points about the first Sunday after the crucifixion of my Jesus.  We had a blessed time of worship, weather notwithstanding.  In the PNW, you just have to learn to do stuff in the rain, I guess...

Glory to God that He would use someone like me in the first place to tell people about Him!


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