As I finished preaching yesterday, I felt the familiar feeling of ... oh man, that could have been so much better. I am currently taking our church through a series on the book of Romans. Yesterday's text was Romans 1:16-17, the theme of the whole epistle, and possibly one of the most potent sections of the whole New Testament. Of all the places to do a weak job, why here? I was talking with Janet my wife in the afternoon, she was honest and encouragening, brining me back to reality a bit. The sum and substance of our conversation ended up being this. Even if I felt like it could have gone a lot better (and honestly it probably could have) I rest in the reality that His Word does not return void. As Isaiah 55:10-11 says..

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Here is comfort for the pastor who feels faint of heart in his own shortcomings of preaching.

One of the things I did not hit has hard as I would have liked to was what Paul says about the gospel being 'the power of God' (Romans 1:16). What an astounding thought. The power that made the universe, every planet, star, quasar and galaxy and holds it together, is the same power that is unleashed in the proclaimation of the Gospel. No wonder it accomplishes what we never could - salvation to all who believe! It does so by providing a righteousness from God on the basis of faith. This reality is worthy of much contemplation, praise and sharing with others who need to hear.