Just a human.

Like you, I’m just a human.”– Peter (Acts 10:26)This fall will mark 8 years since the first service at Embrace. Time flies. And over the last five years in particular, God has moved in ways I never dreamed of. Honestly, my hope at the beginning was that God would change a few lives … and that we’d grow to a size where we could simply be self-sustaining … maybe 200 people … and 300 would be crazy! Fast forward to today. On any given Sunday, we have 2,000+ people joining us from all over the world. And we continue to grow and grow … and Lord willing we’ll grow some more. Only God.Here’s what is crazy.To this day, there are still Sundays where I feel the same way I did the first year. I’ll wonder if anyone is coming. Each and every week, I still worry. By Wednesday I’m often a basket case, worrying I won’t have words to share on Sunday. Most days I feel inadequate to lead anyone, not to mention a church. Also, I realize my need for Jesus more than any other time in my life. Trust me, I do.All the while …I’m being praised, looked to, thanked, sought after and recognized (and also … criticized, examined and so on). And although I’m completely humbled, encouraged and grateful for all the kindness shown to me, the attention that comes with leading a church like Embrace makes me uncomfortable. Sometimes it feels like the pedestal I stand on gets taller by the week while I continue to climb down from it.Why? Because like Peter, I know the truth. Just like you, I’m just a human.With that, here are a few random thoughts to share:

• Anytime we put someone else on a pedestal we’re bound to be let down.
• When we begin to see the imperfections of someone we look up to … especially if they’re a follower of Christ …  instead of letting it question our faith … let it strengthen our faith. Every last one of us is in need of Jesus.
• Think you’re invincible? Think you’ve got everything figured out in life? Writing news stories about yourself? Just give it some time … and maybe put on some knee and elbow pads. Falling off the pedestal can hurt … especially one that’s tall … and eventually you will. There’s only one Jesus.

What about you? Are you human as well?