#initimidating

I think that if I hadn’t studied theology, I would have wanted to study history. I have always loved learning about the past, and the events and people that shaped our lives today. 

When I became a Christian, that love carried on. Whilst training, I used to look forward to hearing the accounts of the early Church as well as those who are more recent but still lived centuries ago. The accounts of C. H. Spurgeon and others filled me with interest and a little bit of dread (could any Church leader live up to the standard of people like that?). The stories of how these people started Churches and had them full in a matter of months were astounding. How Spurgeon would preach on average 12 times a week (and this was Baptist sermons of 40+ minutes) and still have time to see many people for pastoral care is really intimidating when you’re training. 

Sometimes that intimidation can affect us all; it might be someone who used to work in the job you now do or maybe your partner’s ex. What you hear about how good they were can make you feel a little inadequate and unable to achieve the same standard. 

Let’s get some perspective in this: God has been at work since the beginning. God was present before you, is present now and will be when we are gone; that should fill us with hope. The generations before us had weaknesses and strengths just as we do and yet God was present in the rhythm of life. 

Take heart, you have all the ability you need to fulfil your calling. If God got those before us through what life threw at them, then he will not forsake you.