Having recently asked friends to pray for me as I gave some talks I have encountered lots of:
How did it go?
And before they had a chance to ask, of course I was trying to work it out for myself.
But what measurements can you use? People’s reactions – they were kind and enthusiastic. Did I lose my voice, or my notes? No. I did drop the microphone – but only briefly! Did I keep to time? Pretty much. Did I aim to be faithful, and encouraging? Yes. Was I well prepared? Yes.
But could I have been more prepared? Yes. Could it have been more biblical – less based on me and my thoughts? Yes. Could it have been better, clearer, more honed? Of course.
So let’s just change the question!
How did God do?
Perfectly.
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Psalm 115:3
Amazingly I can say with 100% confidence that God is pleased. Pleased with what HE has done in my life through giving the talks and being encouraged by a church building full of ladies of all ages who love him so much. Pleased with how HE is going to use ‘A Day of Extravagance’ Saturday 12th November 2016 in every life touched by it – including the lovely men and the children they cared for.
In fact the verses around that are telling as well:
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens;
he does all that he pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
It is nothing to do with how I did. To HIM be the glory.
Dear Lord, you do all that you please. Forgive me for chasing the empty idols of praise and reassurance. Thank you that whatever we do we can be assured of your love and acceptance and we can do it thankfully and to your glory. In the name of Jesus, whose extravagant love for us we celebrated together on Saturday, Amen.
Supper's NOT in the slow cooker 