When I was first approached
about writing something about Praise and Power, I was unsure about what
to say. How do I even begin to explain or describe the things that we as
a team have gone through this past year? We have gone through
numerous growing pains, but in hindsight, I can see that through every
step of the way, we grew closer to God and closer to His Will for the team.
It is hard to believe that it has been just over a year since we were all
first brought together. Time has flown by! We each have our own unique
story of how we were called to become a part of this ministry, and for
me personally, looking back I can see that the first seeds were planted
in my heart at the very first Praise and Power service I attended. When
they put the call out for a new team the following school year, I began
to earnestly seek God and pray for His direction concerning this ministry.
I knew that the desire to be a part of Praise and Power was very much in
my heart, but I was still uncertain whether it was what God wanted me to
do. It was around the time that we had to tell them our final decision
about whether or not we were going to commit ourselves to being on next
year’s team that God really showed His Will to me. Through various different
ways, it became very clear to me that His will was for me to be a part
of this. Looking back now, I can see how far we have come and how much
we have grown this past year. In fully giving ourselves and surrendering
everything to God, He has blessed us in ways I never could have imagined.
I cannot speak for everyone else, but I can tell you how God has changed
my life this year through Praise and Power. First of all, He has brought
some really incredible people into my life. These people inspire me, challenge
me, and motivate me to stretch beyond my “comfort zone”, and they support
and pray for me when I need them. But more importantly, He has brought
me so much closer to Him, and really taught me what it means to put all
my trust in Him. Through Praise and Power, I have seen the power of God,
the power of true worship, and most importantly, the power of prayer. I
have felt the Holy Spirit moving in that sanctuary and touching the lives
of those present. We serve an incredible God! A challenge was put forth
to me recently that I want to share with you. Do not be afraid to pray
big! If you pray according to His Will, He will answer. There are times
when you may be unsure about where God is leading you, but be encouraged.
Take heart in knowing that although you may not know what God’s Will for
your life is right at this very moment, He does. The verse that I looked
to quite often throughout this year was Jeremiah 29:11-13. In it, God tells
us, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon
me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me
and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” His promises to us are
clear. Pray earnestly. Seek Him with your whole heart. You will find him
and His Will for you.