472. God Who Calls also Enables

Many of you already know, but our praise team is invited to lead praise time at the Shepherd's Conference next week. It is an annual conference that happens for shepherds and spouses in North America, and about 200 people attend. This year, all our shepherds and spouses are attending as well. Though the conference starts on Thursday, the praise team will fly out with me early on Tuesday to practice. They were also asked to lead praise time during Sunday service at NLF (New Life Fellowship), the host church, so they will return on Sunday evening. (I will also be preaching there on Sunday)

Last year, when Pastor Eric came to speak at our members' retreat, he noticed something about our praise team. After the first praise session, he openly invited our team in the middle of his first sermon at the retreat. We were all surprised, and some thought he was making a joke. But when the official invitation came, we knew he was serious. I believe there is a special favour of God on our praise team, and his favor is always for the greater good of His people.

So, I think God has called our praise team not to showcase their talent but to bless the greater body of Christ, particularly within the house church ministry network. Also, we believe it is our privilege to serve back the church that hosts HC lay leader seminar, pastor's seminar, and Shepherd conference every year. Just as we were blessed through their service, I believe God is giving us the opportunity to show appreciation through this.

Our praise team has been practicing multiple times a week for the last 6 months. Even with such preparation, it is sometimes easy to doubt ourselves: "Are we good enough?" This is the type of doubt I wrestle with when I am invited to guest speak as well. But one thing I have learned over the years is this: God who calls also enables. God wants our success more than anyone else. He never calls us to fail. He sets us up to succeed. And when he gives us an assignment, he also gives us the ability to fulfill it. I am confident that this trip will be a great blessing not only to the participants but also to our praise team. Please pray for safe travel for the praise team and all who are attending.