Called to Preach?
Hey you guys,
The past two weeks, I was able to preach in 2 churches. If that’s my new calling and if I give up my photography, you’ll see in this weeks video and by continue reading.
Joy
What brings me to this word now? The current times do not give any reason to be joyful ... Covid, Ukraine and gas prices ... but one message is even worse. Humanity is lost. We have turned our back to our creator. The consequence: Death. But look at what Paul tells us here:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8, NIV]
There is a joy that goes much deeper than all our circumstances. A deep joy that we’re not lost anymore, but that we’re able to live in a close relationship with our creator. And all of that totally unconditionally - when we were still sinners. We have contributed absolutely nothing, it was only by God’s love, our creator. In all our present circumstances, this is a true, profound hope and a real reason for joy.
Do I give up my photography?
Quick answer: No! I still really love photography and enjoy to take pictures, tell stories and bless other people through it. In these past weeks, I had one wedding (as you’ve seen in the last newsletter) and three photoshoots. After a long time without photoshoots, I really enjoyed it and realized that this is exactly what I want to do right now. I struggled a bit with the new program I have to use (Lightroom), but feel pretty comfortable right now.
Called to Preach?
I was able to preach twice recently and I would say that I don’t mind speaking in front of people. But despite that I don’t really feel spiritually mature or ‘holy’ enough, like I don’t have anything to tell them. This is especially true for people who are older or longer in their faith than I am.
And also the preparation is really challenging for me. I’m not a book worm and it’s really hard for me to understand texts. I find it super difficult to understand certain passages of Scripture and theological texts. So most of the time I stick to the simple passages that everybody knows already and work with them (which is totally fine, I know). But it gives me the feeling that I’m not teaching anything new. On top of that, I struggled hard preparing my last sermon as I couldn’t find the words to say.
After 20h of research, brainstorming and writing, I read through my notes and was quite surprised and amazed that it made sense and that God has blessed my thoughts. On Sunday, I was standing in front of the congregation and stuttered through my notes, at least that was the feeling I had. I was very unhappy with my words and hoped that God would somehow use this, even though I didn’t actually believe it.
These past days, several people came up to me and gave me positive feedback on my sermon. They were encouraged and through that encouraged me to keep going. I was amazed how God has used this. I’m still not convinced that this is my calling, as I just struggle so much with it. But we will see, maybe one day, God will give me more peace and joy about it.
At the moment, I don’t really see it, because photography is just so much more fun to me and feels more comfortable than preaching. But I want to be open for what He has for me, instead of what’s easy and brings me joy.
What’s next?
This week I have a lot of organizing to do, backing up hard drives, cleaning up and planning my upcoming weeks. On the weekend, I get to go snowboarding one last time for the next four years probably ... I’m really excited for that! Next week, there’s a missions weekend in Rosbach (Windeck). I’m their missionary of the week and will be there the whole week having different opportunities. I’m sure it’ll be great.
Also, on March 23rd at 7:30pm, I will have a missions evening in my church (Er-lebt Gemeinde Landau). You’re all more than welcome to come! If you can, just let me know if you’ll come, so that I can plan a bit better. I’d love to see you there.
With this being said, have a blessed rest of the week!
