A sweet woman taking a group through The Sacred Echo DVD Bible Study recently emailed me. She’d never led a Bible study before, and this was a big step for her.
The woman asked me to pray that she didn’t disappoint or fail or look ridiculous and fumble over her words.
I said, “No! I refuse to pray for any of those things.”
“I will only pray the opposite of everything you’ve asked for,” I continued.
I prayed she would make colorful mistakes and stumble and fumble along the way. I prayed she’d find herself struggling and have at least one unforgettable “Oopsies!” moment.
I begged the Lord that in every gaffe and slip up, she’d find herself leaning into God all the more.
I asked that in such moments, she’d learn to laugh hard and radiate joy. I prayed she’d rediscover the timeless truth that as children of God, we all glow in the dark. God’s robustness is proclaimed in our frailty.
Instead of being a leader wrapped in perfection, I prayed she would be clothed in with grace, humility, and love. And in the process, she’d be WONDERSTRUCK by the goodness and faithfulness of God.
I prayed she’d realize her job isn’t to have all the answers but to give a hearty embrace to those asking the toughest questions of life. I prayed she would never forget that among the greatest things she could ever give those she leads are the joyful truths of Christ, abundant gifts of kindness, Holy Spirit-infused prayers, and the hearty embrace of a listening ear.
I don’t know if I’ll ever hear from her again.
Or if she’ll ever forgive me for such a prayer.
But sometimes in order to experience the wonders of God in greater measure, we need to pray the opposite of what people ask.
*Original photo found here
We want to introduce you to seven DVD Bible studies that small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday School classes around the country have been using to grow in their faith, knowledge of the Bible, and love of God. Email jessica@margaretfeinberg.com and we’ll give you access to the complimentary DVD Sampler from Margaret Feinberg.
This is such a great reminder! We’re planting a church in Boston this year and so many times I’ve prayed, “Oh, Lord please don’t let us make a fool of ourselves”. But, I so agree with you, it’s in the “ooopsie” moments memories are made, bonds are being forged, and faith is refined. Thanks for your wisdom to say “no” and call us to embrace the messiness of authentic leadership.
Fantastic stuff, Margaret. Having planted the church I now pastor 10 years ago, that’s what it’s all about. Before I left my previous church I said to the secretary, “What if I fail?” She said, “It’s not about whether you fail later on. It’s about whether you are obedient in the present moment.”
Osheta,
Yes–the oopsies moments are what sometimes God reveals Himself in the most clearly!
David,
Thank you for the kind words. My friend, Mark Batterson, has been known to walk into his staff meetings and declare, “we’re not failing enough!” A reminder that if we’re truly growing and stretching and reaching out we’re going to fail. Maybe we need to be aware of when we’re not failing enough…because we’re not stepping out enough.
I’m not leading a church or teaching a lot of people right now but this is applicable even down to relationship with individuals and spouses. When I try to be the perfect father or husband all it does is set myself to hurt those I am trying to help. What I do is make myself the one they trust in. Instead I need to be OK with my weakness and magnifying Christ in my frailness. I must cry out with John “I must decrease and He must increase”!
You…. Have blessed me today. Thank You. 🙂
Thank you for posting this. I needed to hear this today. God is continually blessing me and tugging on my heartstrings through your writing
Ooooh, AMEN! As I was reading, I was hoping someone would pray the same for me . . . as scary as it is, it’s exactly what I need — the breaking of this craving for perfection.
tried to put this in practice today in my “Wonderstruck” post (I am really enjoying this by the way – thank you very much). I want to use my blog as a way to be honest, messy, which I hope ultimately makes God look really good!
http://shimergap.blogspot.com/2013/01/wonderstruck-by-one-god-accepts.html
Great post, Philip, and powerful reminder.
Lifting up this prayer for you, Amy!
Hug to you, Alyssa.
You’re welcome, Sally!
We are beginning the Wonderstruck study tomorrow in Sunday School, and I have prayed many times the very same prayer: to not fail, to not be at a loss for words, for the conversation to be engaging…this was a God moment post for me – I’d rather be sitting in class listening than leading, because that is less scary, but, I have a new prayer now…to let God lead the class, to trust Him to reach each and everyone one of us right where we are; and to embrace every aspect…the successes, the awkwardness, the failures – I love your way with the words, and am so looking forward to this study!
Oh, Margaret! How I needed to read this today. I’ve been kicking myself off and on today for something I said in bible study yesterday. I need God to lead the class, especially when I think everyone is looking at me and not at Him. Thanks for the reminder that I do nothing of value without Him, all my messes He uses to draw me closer and deeper into Him. Thanks!!!
Praying for you as you lead, Anita!
#justiceforalyssaedlund
Love,
Mom and Dad