Маттс-Ола Исхоел – Pastoral Ministry (страница 4)

So I nodded and admitted that I maybe, kind of, in a way knew the song, and then he said what I really, really didn’t want to hear: “Wonderful! Please sing it to us.”

I don’t think you can understand the panic level I was in. I was in an overcrowded church, and I was not only asked to sing this song once, but keep on singing until everyone learned it. But again, what could I do? There was nowhere to run, and obviously, I was the only one in the building who knew the song! I grabbed the chair in front of me, cleared my throat, hoped to survive and started to sing. And as I sang, the worship team caught up with me, and gradually everyone else joined in, and we sang the song!

Experiences like this are stuck in my memory. I have lots of stories to tell, and they all play some part in the road God lead me down. I am not a singer, but if nobody else knows the song, then I’ll sing. We do not serve ourselves or our own image. “Likes” on Facebook or Instagram are not the goal – the goal is to be available whenever the Lord needs you. There is only one way to learn this, and that is by being an active and willing helper in the church you belong to. Find out where you can be useful today, and serve God with gladness!

If you are a pastor or a leader today, you must teach this lesson to all who want to serve God. There is a spiritual law in 1 Peter, chapter 5, that applies to all:

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”

Lack of respect for leaders will always be a hindrance for spiritual growth, while a willing and submissive attitude brings God’s grace over your life.

Before we leave the subject, I have to admit there is a final point of the story about the song. Some years later when this song was sung during a conference in Uppsala, I heard a Norwegian worship leader saying: “It is so strange. We sing this song in Norway also, but here in Uppsala the melody is different.” I didn’t say anything. I just smiled to her and looked surprised. I know I did my best, and who can prove that my melody was worse? Maybe it was an improvement! Whatever is right, just remember that ministry begins with saying: “I’ll do anything for You, Jesus.”

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