I’m reminded of the song, I've Got a Testimony by Rev. Clay Evans:
“As I look back over my life and I think things over
I can truly say, that I’ve been blessed I’ve got a
testimony”
And boy do I have a testimony...
We’re flying first-class from Los Angeles after Byron
officiated the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Westbrook. We were surrounded by a number of NBA
players, superstars, multimillionaires, yet they all had to stop and listen to
this Pastor/ Preacher from Oklahoma City.
All ears were attuned to the illustrious words of love and wisdom spoken
by a little boy, born on the west side of Chicago. He’s the same cat who went to Morehouse College
in Atlanta from Homewood Flossmoor High School in Illinois. The same dude who worked in a little church
in South Philadelphia (while I was in Podiatric Medical school) and was called
to pastor a church in Oklahoma City, spoke into the life of a man and his
wife. He’s the same brother who
motivates hundreds of students on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, yet
still finds time to be there for both of his sons and all of their school and sporting
activities. Byron is the same guy who
serves as chaplain for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA franchise and pours into
the lives of these young men. He is the
same guy who is called on, from all around the City, to participate on this panel
or speak at that church. He is the same
one who wants to see relationships grow and be strengthened, so he offers
counseling and an annual marriage retreat.
Why am I telling you this?
One, because he’ll never tell you that he does ALL of those things and
so much more.
I’m telling you about
him because I want you to see firsthand, that God can use your gifts and
talents to bless your home. He has never
wanted to be a mega pastor or see his name in lights, but God is doing that
thing. Why? Because he has been faithful! From the moment that I met Byron, he has been
faithful to using the gifts that God gave him.
He is a dynamic preacher, teacher and orator! Though sometimes appearing
argumentative, his style, skill and technique of speaking a word into your life
will simply draw you in. After talking
with him, you will begin to believe God for the impossible in your life. Byron believes God for you and encourages you
to see and experience the riches and fullness of God for yourself.
When you are true to yourself and to what God has called you to
be, He alone will begin to make room for you.
There is no room for “copy-cats”, ONLY originals here! I encourage you to stop and perform a
self-evaluation, as you walk into the things that God has for you.
·
Recognize the gifts that God has given you. Be thankful for the little nuances that he
placed inside of you that distinguish you from others!
·
Never compare your success to the success of
others, because none of us actually knows what they had to sacrifice to get
there.
·
Be confident that whatever God has placed inside
of you can grow and be developed until He is ready to unleash you on the world.
·
Don’t rush God, be patient!
·
Take pleasure in your platform now and be ready
to move into the next arena when God opens the door.
·
Did I say…stop comparing yourself to others?????
(It’s pointless.)
·
Be faithful to the work that God has placed in
your hand.
·
Be careful not to despise small beginnings.
·
Embrace where you are right now.
·
Be true to yourself.
I know that God has something in store for you for your faithfulness,
just like I am confident that God will continue to open doors for Byron as he
walks in his calling. It’s amazing to
see God begin to open doors that he never even had a desire to go through.
Let me encourage you to “stir up the gifts” that are inside
of you and be faithful to whatever assignment God has given you. I Corinthian 2:9 says, “Eyes haven’t seen,
nor ears heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of men the things that God
has prepared for those who love Him”.
Now embrace your gifting and walk it out…
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