Does God want me to preach?

Whenever I say the words "should women preach in the church" people cringe, not wanting to discuss what is a sensitive issue for many people. Don't worry, this is not going to be a theological argument for women preaching in church. I've already been there and done that, concluding that this is a difficult issue and there is no clear solution that will satisfy everyone.

However, now that I am living in Tanzania, I face a unique dilemma in regards to this issue that never occurred in Canada. I have been asked to preach in a church Sunday morning on more than one occasion. The first time I was asked, I politely turned down the request as it was late Saturday night and I had no time to prepare. As well I felt that my Swahili was simply not up the task. Then about two weeks ago, a respected pastor who has a real heart for seeing the Bible translated into his language, asked me if I would preach in his church on Sunday, October 5. That gave me lots of time to prepare and my confidence in speaking Swahili had grown (even if my actual skills haven't improved). I looked at this face of this friend and knew I could not turn him down so I told him I would preach.

Looking back on that moment of decision I can see lots of reasons why I said yes. After getting some experience in teaching, I remembered how much I loved it and wanted the challenge of preaching God's word as well. I knew that preaching would be a great way to continue to improve my Swahili and also to continue to build my relationship with this pastor and the people at his church. I have only attended that church once before but enjoyed it.

However now as I am preparing my sermon and the nerves are starting to hit, I have begun second guessing my decision. Am I qualified to stand up in front of those people and preach God's word to them? What if I teach them them something wrong or what if my Swahili fails me while I am up there? I guess the real question is, does God really want me to preach this Sunday?

As I ponder that question I look back on how God has led me to this point. He spent many years preparing me in Canada, from my years at Bible school where I learned to teach and preach to last few years where I had practical experience teaching. During that time He gave me a passion to teach his word and to see it change people's lives. While I have been in Tanzania, He has continued that process and during this last month in particular has given me opportunities to teach and to preach in chapel. God has given me the skills to preach, the desire and the opportunity. I didn't ask for it but here it is and so I must conclude that this is where God is leading me. Therefore the answer to my question is yes, He does want me to preach this Sunday.

So I will put aside my doubts and fears and walk forward in confidence that God has everything under control and He will enable me to do what He has called me to do.