Chad, I just listened to your testimony and was very moved (and of course very proud) about what you shared. You very profoundly said, “When God calls you to it. He will see you through it!!!” I started out 50 years ago after also being called by God. I would go into my place of prayer and receive wonderful inspiration from the Lord, carefully write it all down, get in the pulpit and GET SCARED! I would hold onto the sides of the pulpit and try to read what I wrote down; IT WAS AWFUL! A very dear friend of mine asked if I really thought I was called to preach.
I was asked to preach in a youth Convention and as I sat waiting my turn I looked to the side and noticed an open door, a little voice said, “just walk out the door” then a much sweeter voice said, “just let go and trust me, I called you to do this!” When I was called up to preach, I set my notes down and backed up and for the first time responded to the anointing and preached!!! IT WAS WONDERFUL, my message was on “Getting the Devil off Your Back!” This was 18 months after I accepted my call! So, Chad, I look back now and ask myself “What took you so long???” “Behold, God is my salvation, I will TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
“DO NOT FEAR, for I am with you; DO NOT BE AFRAID, for I am your God. I will STRENGTHEN YOU, I will also HELP YOU, I will also UPHOLD YOU (tâmak: to grasp, hold fast, support) with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) The wise man Solomon said, “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and do not lean (try to reason out things on your own) on your own understanding. In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge (yâda‛: an intimate comprehending, find out, to detect with our spiritual senses) Him, And He will MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ME ANYTHING THAT’S ON YOUR HEART AND I’LL SEEK THE LORD FOR AN ANSWER…
Your Personal Pastor – Grandpa Bill Stockham