“I’m praying for you” If I had a nickel for each time I have heard this phrase in the last couple of years, well then I would have a lot of nickels. It’s a simple phrase packed with a truck full of well-meant thoughts and emotions. It’s a phrase that brings comfort to those hurting, and hope for those who are hopeless. It’s a simple way to convey “I want the best for you, and God wants the best for you, but there’s nothing I can do to help at this moment”. Well the truth is there is rarely times that we are actually able to help as humans. Besides brotherly or sisterly advice for some scenarios, how often can we really act as a response to someone’s trials. Most situations such as death, sickness, relational problems, the person saying “I’m praying for you” has little to offer besides kind words and a cheesy chicken casserole. That’s not a bad thing though. Even from a secular viewpoint (who has their own version of this phrase, they just call it “sending positive thoughts/v...
So there I was. Seventeen years old. Preparing for my second time preaching ever. I remember wanting to make it great. I wanted to tie in tons of great stories. I wanted it to be deep and compelling, as well as convicting. (I didn't preach often, my youth pastor let students preach when they wanted to) I wanted it to be perfect and for people to talk about it for years to come. I still have the notes for that message in my old Bible. Fast Forward eight years to present day. I now prepare multiple messages a week. The technique has changed. The style has changed. The presentation has changed. Sometimes I still want to "wow" the congregation in front of me with stuff they never noticed before. Rewind to last night. Sitting in front of my computer. Tropical Storm going on around me. Trying to find ways to kill time. I open up an online Bible and start reading 1 Corinthians. Namely, 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 . I got a punch to the gut. I remember thinking back to all th...