You don’t feel ready to preach.
You desired to be more prepared, to spend much time in the text and prayer, to enter the pulpit with full health, but life had other plans. God had other plans.
The last song has started; it is nearly time for you to speak. You look around and notice a visitor. This is not usually how thin my outline is. You see a wandering sheep who chose this Sunday to return. Why didn’t he come last week? The people seem hungry; the Spirit seems present. Will you now let them down?
You ascend the pulpit. Eyes gaze up at you. And then you say it. “Good morning . . . I beg your forgiveness beforehand. My oldest son was sick all week, and I had less time to prepare than I hoped.” Or, “Good morning . . . please excuse my voice. I’m just getting over a cold.”
