So the book I just finished reading is: Confessions of a Pastor. Although the title seems to limit the books influence and even marketability (consumer market) it shouldn’t. The book’s title reflects that it is written from a ‘pastor’s’ perspective, but what we all must realize that ‘pastors’ are human and face the same struggles as everyone else. Here are a few of the chapter titles:
- Sometimes I Doubt God
- I Stink at Handling Criticism
- I’m Afraid of Failure
- Most of the Time I Feel Incredibly Lonely
The writer, Craig Groeschel, spends just a few short paragraphs confessing thoughts and actions on each of these topics and then balances these confessions with Spiritual Truths that we all can apply.
God has called us all to live for Him without fear and with the power, the immeasurable power that is available to us through a live centered in Christ. Yet with all that available to us, we often question God. Why have you forgotten me? Why have you put me in this place at this time? How did I ever get stuck teaching this class? I feel totally inadequate to carry out this ministry that I ended up in.
As I was reading one of the last chapters of the book, “I’m Afraid of Failure” and “I Feel Completely Inadequate” I was also reading the book of Judges in the Old Testament. All of us at times wonder why God has called.
As I was reading the chapters of Confessions of A Pastor that deal with the issues listed above two quotes jumped off the page to me:
“God doesn’t choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen.”
“I started putting more confidence in His presence than in my abilities.”
At the same time I was reading the book I was reading THE BOOK, in the section labeled Judges. In chapter 6 God has just chosen Gideon to be a leader. Gideon voiced to God many of the questions that each of us rewind when God calls us.
Here is a brief look at that conversation:
The Lord turned to Him and said, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending You.” “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe…, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
God’s call on our lives is an amazing thing, an awesome responsibility and it is impossible to carry out the call in our own strength. God wants us to listen to His call and put confidence in His presence not our abilities. “God doesn’t choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen.”
Okay, I recommend the book mention above, but with greater confidence I recommend THE BOOK…there we find real answers.