Two years ago, I was invited to share my testimony with a church group in Bethlehem called the "Jolly Sixties," who met on Sunday afternoons.
That Sunday morning, something unsettling occurred. I was
overcome by a deep feeling of unworthiness, and I felt inadequate to minister
to the group. Despite these feelings, I prepared to attend the church's morning
service. I felt unworthy.
As I sat in the pew, wrestling with my inferiority complex,
I waited for the sermon to begin. Little did I know how specifically that
sermon was meant for me. The preacher, unaware of my struggles, delivered a
message that felt directly from the Father's heart, offering encouragement
precisely when I needed it.
He preached from Luke 7, recounting the story of the man who
asked Jesus to heal his servant. The man's words resonated deeply: he didn't
consider himself worthy to have Jesus come under his roof, requesting instead
that Jesus simply speak a word from a distance, and his servant would be
healed.
Jesus was amazed at the greatness of the man's faith!
That message ministered to me profoundly, and I was filled
with renewed confidence to minister that afternoon. The day was delightful and
successful.
Then, two years later, just last weekend, I helped a friend
at his stall at the Esther festival in the Eastern Free State. We also prayed
for the 700 women attending the festival. That same week, I shared words of
encouragement on Radiokansel, declaring, "You are worthy."
The theme of the Esther festival was: "You are worthy
in God's flower garden." My friend provided earrings for each woman's gift
pack, and the cards on which the earrings were mounted bore the message:
"You are worthy."
At the stall, a woman approached me and said, "You
might not remember me, but you gave your testimony at the Jolly Sixties two
years ago. I was there." Her next words struck me deeply: "I am the
pastor's wife."
A great circle had come full turn.
My prayer for you and each of those 700 women is that you
will know your worth. As you put on those earrings, may you hear with your
spirit that you are worthy, and may Jesus marvel at your faith.
Father, I pray now for everyone listening. May they not just
hear with their physical ears, but may they hook this truth onto their spirit:
You are worthy.
May your small steps in faith cause Jesus to be in wonder at
you.
Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.
Amen
