The Power of God in Balaam's Ass

I've always said, "If God can use Balaam's ass, then certainly he can speak through me." This past Lord's Day this was affirmed once again.

Our study in Acts has been a difficult one for me, especially this last sermon. I was to preach on one of the greatest sermons ever preached, Peter's Pentecost sermon (As if that was not intimidating enough!), and I could not get a handle on the passage. I spent a great deal of time researching--much, much more than I usually do. In writing the message I never felt that I nailed the theme. Nor did I feel that the application fit. When I finished I thought, "Well, I guess I have to go with this." meaning I didn't particularly care for the message.

Highly discouraged, I left my house Sunday morning I in order to go practice. The trial run did nothing to boost my confidence. I'm sure I could give you the recording (I record during my trial run), and you can see for yourself.

As people began to arrive I sulked and prayed. I was still not confident in the message. But then the Spirit arrived and great things happened.

The whole service seemed greatly enhanced by the Spirit. Because the sermon was so hotly on my mind, I did not have time to prepare my prayers as I usually do. But the words that were formulated on my mouth in those moments were of greater coherence and life than any I have ever prayed.

And the message! While I was still not altogether confident in my sermon, I felt that the presentation of the material was quite good, much better than it has been for the last couple of weeks--and infinitely better than my trail run! But more than that, the congregation seemed more engaged than normal. Even they noticed that the children--who are always quite attentive--were much more focused than normal.

After the service I went out to play some Sharks and Minnows with the kids to keep from thinking about my imperfections. Though things went better, I was still disappointed.

Since then I have received various comments on how greatly blessed people were by the service. Both commented on how greatly they appreciated the ministry of the Word, how affective it was, and how appropriate it was for certain others (the situations of which I did not know).

Ironic that on the passage where fumbling Peter is made to become a blaze of glory, my stammering lips were made to be the channel of the Holy Spirit. I praise God that Balaam's ass spoke again.

Soli Deo Gloria