I wasn’t born in time to hear Billy Graham at his peak. I attended my first crusade in my mid-twenties, here in Nashville, while serving as one of the hundreds of counselors trusted with follow-up at the event. Rev. Graham was past his peak by then and, well, mediocre at best.
He spoke slowly, his rate and volume rarely varying, his body language muted by old age’s limitations on his mobility. His outline was barely discernable. His thoughts didn’t always follow logically from one to the next. His verbage was outdated and his illustrations far from contemporary as well. The nuts and bolts of his oratory skill had obviously rusted since his sharp and firey younger years.
When he concluded his message with an invitation to leave the stands and come to the field below, I didn’t expect much. I told Becky, who was counseling that day as well, that there’d probably be more of us counselors than converts on the grass that day.
But instead, thousands streamed down the dozens of aisles and onto the field, submitted their lives sincerely to God, believed on Jesus and had their hearts changed by Him forever.
I remember being on that field and smiling – literally laughing – at my arrogance, at my previous assumption that God couldn’t do great things without a great performance.
I remember the sting of that lesson and the excitement that followed it – realizing that our excellence is fine and good but it often unintentionally robs God of credit. But, oh, when great things happen through the ho-hum, the average, even the poorly executed? There’s no explanation but “God was here.” And isn’t that what we crave deep down: proof?
My most persistent struggle in life is doubt. And I’ve found no greater cure than the nonsensical miraculous fruit God produces from our so-often mediocre efforts.
I’m speaking at a lot of festivals this Summer on behalf of Compassion International – 10 at last count – and I’m downright mediocre at it so far. I’m more at ease in front of the small concert crowds I’ve practiced on for a decade now. Festivals are another animal altogether – a rabid animal hopped up on funnel cakes and Mountain Dew.
Imagine tens of thousands of people stretching, talking, eating, making one last trip to the restroom before their favorite artist takes the stage. Imagine the buzz of so many doing so many things at once. Now imagine you’re handed the microphone. You – not the artist they’ve waited all day and paid money to see. You’re a living commercial interruption.
And you’re given ten to fifteen minutes to make these bees shush, make them care about children living in poverty, about the power of the local church to meet the needs of the poor, about the importance of sharing our wealth and our faith. Imagine you have ten to fifteen minutes to convince thousands to love strangers as if they’re family (1 John 4), as if they’re Jesus (Matthew 25), to give up their seats and walk to a Compassion tent and fill out paperwork.
Ten to fifteen minutes to make miracles happen.
I can’t do it.
Truth is, I’ve never done it – not at one of my concerts over the last ten years. Not even at my most comfortable and most excellent. I’ve never opened a heart or a wallet to the will of God. Not once.
I’m getting better at this festival speaking thing every weekend. And in time – a lot of time – maybe I’ll even become excellent. But for now, I’m thankful I’m mediocre. And thankful God is here. And thankful that my mediocrity makes His power and presence obvious.
Zach says:
Historical accounts say that when Jonathan Edwards preached his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” he did so in almost complete monotone and reading from his notes that were inches from his face. It brought millions to their knees and changed the destiny of a nation. The gospel and overall message of our sovereign God is just that powerful.
N.A. Winter says:
Loved the reminder that what God does, does not depend on the qualifications or the performance of those He calls. We just must be faithful to do what He says despite our own doubts. Such a “Moses” lesson.
Lindsey Nobles says:
Thanks Shaun! I needed to hear this. I have been nervous about the blogger trip. About not having words the gift to share what I see, about not being moved, about not being big enough for the challenge. So nice to be reminded that I don’t have to be, that I believe in a God of surprises, that I am just a vessel.
Patsy says:
Lindsey, your response made me laugh. Mostly at myself, but also at this relationship you and I have. A relationship you are most certainly unaware of. Your blog was the last push I needed to begin my blogger trip. The simplicity and sincerity in which you share yourself gave me the encouragement I needed. So two nights ago, I published my first entry. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m going. And that’s just it. It’s not about the grandeur of our performance. It’s about our obedience to God, our performance because of Him, and our call to bring Him glory. Thank you, Shaun, and thank you, Lindsey!
Lindsey Nobles says:
Patsy, very cool! Thanks for sharing.
chris says:
That was a powerful post! Thanks for being so honest.
also, your ‘COMMENTS’ icon, where it looks like it was drawn with pencil, thats really cool.
Jenni Hypes says:
…which is exactly why God wants me to be a Compassion Blogger… I’m VERY mediocre! ;-D Seriously though… I’m very pumped about any potential that might be there some day. Thank you for posting this post. Would love to share with you sometime more of what’s on my heart.
patricia says:
God uses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise. =] i always hold on to that verse when insecurities hit me about not “being enough”
im sure you’ll do a great job getting people to give to compassion.
Robin Vestal says:
The quote I’m taking to heart on this subject is from Phileema Huertz “I am not God, God is God, I am not in control. God is in control”
I feel helpless and hopeless whenever I think it’s up to me. Luckily it’s not.
Emily says:
This is hitting me at an interesting time. I’m feeling a little mediocre today myself – and pretty sad about it! And I swore as a young energetic go-getter that I would never settle for mediocre.
Earlier today I posed the question to a friend, “Why do so many people with crazy, over-the-top talent so often get wacked out?” it’s almost like possessing freakish talent takes something away – like the utter dependence on Divine strength or the inability to be a transparent communication vessel. The attention easily turns toward the communicator and not the message.
Lord help us not make communication about us! But about submitting ourselves – such as we are – to YOU.
Jeff Jensen says:
Exactly why there is hope for ALL of us
JessicaBowman says:
” Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. … For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 !
Nikki says:
So true. And I noticed the SAME thing about Billy Graham when I was a counselor at his crusade here in MN in the late 90s. I love how God works through such “mediocrity”! Shame on us for thinking it’s all about us!
owlhaven says:
Thanks for this. Encouraging, esp on days when I am feeling like a less than adequate parent.
Mary, mom to many
CardsFan says:
Maybe my take on this is somewhat of a tangent, but this morning I met with another man to discuss part of Sacred Parenting (Thomas). In that chapter, it is very clear that we will never be “enough” for our children. It hit both of us between the eyes to think of our arrogance in assuming we could be. Only God is sufficient, and children, public speaking, or any other part of our life should continue to remind us of that very fact. Thanks for the reminder of our inadequacy and God’s ability to use our inadequacy for His glory!!
Shari says:
Thank you. Your post made me smile… and take a deep breath… and feel encouraged to be boldly imperfect and inadequate. As others have commented and you said so well, none of us have the ability to open a heart to God – we just show up and do what He gives us to do. He does the rest.
BeckyB says:
Thank you Shaun. This is for me – I need to hear it over and over. I’m reading The Saving Life of Christ right now and Thomas’ message of “any bush will do” is the same as yours here – it’s not about me. He chooses the weak to show off His strength! Why is this so difficult to learn? Thanks for your always great perspective and honest self-disclosure. May God multiply the harvest for Compassion!
themama says:
Heard you at FishFest before Toby Mac came on (I came late and I asked my daughter who was talking/singing for compassion — she said “some guy”). I know of you because a blogger friend that I know as “My Hat is older than you” once wrote of meeting you. Since then I have heard you sing on the radio and in concert. What you see as mediocre isn’t always what others see or hear. Thank fully the Lord looks at the heart. Thank you for this reminder.
Meredith Dunn says:
And we are so grateful that YOU are the one representing Compassion. None of us, even here in the office, are anymore qualified. But what makes YOU so right for this particular role, at this particular time, is that you are real, transparent, and unapologetic about being imperfect. And being imperfect makes God look that much bigger and that much better. And that’s the point.
jen says:
Great post – thanks for the reminder.