Over a decade ago my life was very different. I was the pastor of a thriving church and most my life involved being on the stage with the spotlight on me. After a major failure on my part, I was sent to a place that rehabilitates broken pastors. While there I had many Divine Encounters but one of them I specifically remember was as follows.

I was being humbled by the Lord. He let me know I had moved myself to center stage with the spotlight on me and I could no longer do that. I sensed He told me if I was willing to be a stage hand and shine the light on Him; He would continue to use me for His purposes.

That message came back to me yesterday. Bay Life Church was gearing up for probably one of the most significant days in her history. I got a text Saturday Evening asking if I could arrive early Sunday because they needed more help with the big day.

As I was in the worship center Sunday Morning early listening to the worship team running through the service, they were playing worship songs from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. “Lord I lift Your Name on High,” “Majesty,” and “I love You Lord,” just to name a few. I was reliving the decades and thinking about the two congregations I was privileged to serve. As I am making my way through the worship space making sure there are pens in all the seats,  I couldn’t help but think back to the days when I would have been responsible for the event and would have been center stage.

Later, I had another responsibility. I was on stage but helping people as they made their commitments, showing them how to get off the stage. Finally, I had the opportunity to help carry an easel off the stage. That is when I remembered. “If you are willing to be a stage hand and shine the light on Me, I will use your life.”

May this be a warning to all my pastor friends far and near! I remember when all was going well and I felt I was bullet proof! Pride leads to a fall. Having been humbled by the Lord, I’ve come to believe it is better for us to choose to humble ourselves.

There is only room for one person to be in the spotlight! Let it be Jesus for his glory and our good!

Blessings,

Scott