My Life...Part of a Greater Story?

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This is a note I posted on my facebook page a few years ago, but it was a great reminder to me today and maybe you'll like it too. It also helps you get to know the stuttering pastor that I am!
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Psalm 139:13-18

Our small group had just finished Lesson 6 of The Truth Project. It was all about history, and knowing you are part of a greater story. God's greater story. So often in scripture God tells his people to REMEMBER! But why? We heard from Carl Marx stating, "A people without a heritage are easily persuaded." If the world can take the meaning and purpose out of the past, they can change the way we see the present and ultimately shape our future. According to Os Guinness, remembering the long road God has lead us down helps us find our purpose in Him, give Him our gratitude and follow Him in obedience. So I guess here is what I am asking...

Do you remember?

The Bible is not simply a good road map for life...IT IS GOD'S HISTORY BOOK!

Do you remember?

From Genesis to Revelation it is the story of God's grace and the redemption of man through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ!

DO YOU REMEMBER?

Well, this is why I decided to write this in the first place... I wanted to walk you down my road for a second and remind myself as I tell you about the great grace of my God, my Savior! So here is what I remember...

I was born on October 14, 1978. And from about the time I started forming cohesive sentences until today I have been blessed with a speech impediment. I stutter. You're probably asking yourself, "did he just say BLESSED!" And yes, I did.

I could look back on my past with anger and hatred toward God. I was made fun of by almost everyone, laughed at in class, scared to say anything to anyone for fear of the same. If I had reason to dismiss my past and say that God screwed it all up, I had the means to do it. But God in his infinite wisdom and amazing grace saw fit to show me this passage of His Word...

"Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether." - Psalm 139:4

Yes. I could look back and say, God screwed up! He made a mistake! The only problem with that statement is... It's a lie! I look back on my life and I see God's hand on me every single day. Holding me up, dusting me off, molding me and shaping me for something greater than I ever thought I was going to do. I know now that I am stronger than I would ever have been if it weren't for my past. I am humbled by this stammering tongue everyday. Especially when I think what I have to say is so important. And let me tell you, I have a tongue on me that can cut and it can cut deep. But God took away a lot of my ability to use it, so that I wouldn't use it! He knew I would if I could so He saved me from it.

But here is the greatest grace in all of this. He called me to be a worship leader, a public speaker and teacher and a pastor! Did you catch that! He called out the kid that couldn't put two words in front of another to preach and teach...WHY? To showcase His glory! To let the world see how awesome He truly is. But how is God's glory revealed in a stuttering pastor?!

BY GRACE. Grace upon grace upon grace. The thing is that when I lead worship and speak to groups about the greatness of God and share with them His Word, my stuttering just amazingly disappears for a season. For a brief moment, God opens my throat, rests my tongue and uses me to do things I could never do on my own. And in that moment, though all too brief a moment as it sometimes is, God's glory is revealed through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

Oh that I would remember, remember, remember where God has brought me. And that this little, insignificant, lying, cheating, sinful man would never forget the grace that made him a part of a much greater story! All praise and glory be to the One who reigns on high forever and ever, my Savior, my Lord, Jesus Christ. And by His grace alone I stand!