still small voice

In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah is burned out, depressed and scared.  He is in hiding and afraid for his life.  God comes to speak to him (and care for him) but not in big impressive ways (not in the earthquake or the fire) but in the "still small voice."
 
This past Sunday in worship, I was just about to preach a sermon I had worked on all week long...when it became clear that the Holy Spirit was up to something.  I felt a tug on my heart (that still small voice) to ask the congregation if any wanted to share a word of praise and we spent the next thirty minutes hearing praise after praise from those who were there about God's goodness and faithfulness.
 
I am so glad I didn't quench the spirit by insisting that we stop sharing and start preaching.  I have, over the years, had mentors who set the example to me that the Pastor's job is to tend to the flock by any means necessary; and while that might often include a well thought out sermon, it might also involve sitting down and letting the Spirit move.
 
It wasn't a normal worship service (and the livestream was pretty terrible viewing) but I am so glad for those of you who stood up and shared your testimonies of God's goodness.  Your courage to share and love for God were an example to us all.

In Christ,
Pastor Scott McDermid