A Moment Of Clarity

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4

“Those who want to lead others must set goals for themselves. . . . A leader is someone who knows where he is going and invites others to join him. . . . Leadership begins within an individual and is then expressed in his lifestyle.” The conference speaker went on and on. I was sitting in the audience taking notes, although I had heard the information many times before.

But then the speaker said something that got my attention: “It is not clear where the next generation of national Christian leaders will come from. The men and women who are currently national spokespeople are getting old, and we cannot tell at this time who will take their place.”

I was sitting among hundreds of other people, but it seemed as if this statement was spoken directly to me. Before that moment, being a public speaker had never been a dream of mine. In fact, I had always been embarrassed to talk about my life in front of others. I knew that if I were to “go public,” I would have to be open about both my victories and my struggles.

Hesitation gripped my mind, but conviction gripped my heart. I knew instantly that God was calling me. I knew that somehow, some way, I would communicate with thousands of people and represent the cause of Christ at a national level.

Since that time, I have become the pastor of a church, written books, been on radio and television, and spoken at conferences all around the country. As it turns out, the very thing I thought would embarrass me—public speaking—has turned out to be the most comfortable part of my life.

Keep your ears open to what God may be telling you. Today may be the day you hear the statement that clarifies your life calling.

Lord, give me ears to hear your voice in the midst of my everyday life. Make your purpose for me clear.