Proclaim

This week our church set a theme of "Faith proclamation that transcends barriers" and the church gave me the opportunity to share from the Word. I looked up the topic and I was almost dejected because growing up in church one is constantly encouraged to share the faith. I was not sure if I would be apt to give a sermon on this topic but strange events that followed led me to be prepared.

Scene 1: 10pm on a Monday night. I have tons of homework to do but my heart is heavy and my mind keeps wandering to my friends in high school that took sudden turns in life and a lot of unfortunate events ensued. I saw everything like a flashback and I couldn't concentrate. And next thing I know, I am lightening this burden on a friend online encouraging them to keep moving on and Jesus loves you. Burden lightened. Heart at peace. Mind racing with thoughts - why did I do that? Am I going to be called Jesus freak? I wish I said less. I wish I said more. Did I just lose friends? Was that pointless?

[Looking back, this was practical training on proclaiming faith]

Scene 2: 3pm on Wednesday afternoon. I am done for the day at school and I sit in front of my laptop in hope of writing a rough draft to the sermon. I also vowed not to eat until I was done with the sermon, but by this time the brain is craving for nutrients and a headache slowly creeps in. I open the passage and its the typical Bartimaeus story. How do I make a sermon out of a story every kid knows?

Two hours later: I am amazed at what I learn and finish a rough draft. Singing and skipping and heading towards food, I realize that I am just a jar of clay holding His message. Heart at peace.

Scene 3: Saturday night. Nervousness creeps in. I almost doubt the words in the sermon and I don't know if I am ready for it. I fall asleep and I dream of everyone in church having a microphone to themselves.

[Looking back, this was subconscious inspiration that everyone should proclaim faith]

Scene 4: Sunday morning. If you ask me how my sermon went, all I have to say is I have no idea how the time went. Or what I said. I also don't know how I spoke because I couldn't stop coughing before the service started.

[Looking back,all I know is Praise God for what He does!]