March 8, 2015

The Shepherd's Corner

One of my favorite Bible teachers is Chuck Swindoll. Little did I know that growing up he was in fact a stutterer—something that I can personally identify with because I, too, am a stutterer.  If he had not shared that information in his book, I wouldn’t have been able to tell.  Because, not only does he expound the Bible accurately, clearly, and relevantly, he also preaches so eloquently.One of my favorite Bible teachers is Chuck Swindoll. Little did I know that growing up he was in fact a stutterer—something that I can personally identify with because I, too, am a stutterer.  If he had not shared that information in his book, I wouldn’t have been able to tell.  Because, not only does he expound the Bible accurately, clearly, and relevantly, he also preaches so eloquently.

The fact that today he no longer stutters is because of what someone did to him while he was in high school.  He recalls out of the blue his drama teacher asked him to be in a school play.  Of course he right away declined the offer with reason, how could he be in a drama if he could not even speak without stuttering?

Well, this drama teacher didn’t give up.  He challenged Chuck Swindoll to at least try.  He promised, if Chuck was willing to try, he would personally help him overcome his stuttering.  Chuck finally agreed and joined the drama team.  He also met with this teacher who trained him to speak clearly and uninterruptedly.  The outcome is what we can hear today: no trace of stuttering, only words clearly spoken and delivered with passion and conviction.

There are a couple of things I learned from this story.  First, help today can be a great blessing for tomorrow.  You see, this teacher had no idea that this stuttering student would eventually become a Bible teacher used by God so effectively.  But, because he took the time to help, thousands of people are now blessed by Chuck’s ministry.  Secondly, problem today can go tomorrow.  Problem does not always stay with us.  Tomorrow God can solve the problem we face today.  So, do not give up and do not lose hope.  God is not done today; tomorrow He will resume His work.

Pastor Paul
The fact that today he no longer stutters is because of what someone did to him while he was in high school.  He recalls out of the blue his drama teacher asked him to be in a school play.  Of course he right away declined the offer with reason, how could he be in a drama if he could not even speak without stuttering?

Well, this drama teacher didn’t give up.  He challenged Chuck Swindoll to at least try.  He promised, if Chuck was willing to try, he would personally help him overcome his stuttering.  Chuck finally agreed and joined the drama team.  He also met with this teacher who trained him to speak clearly and uninterruptedly.  The outcome is what we can hear today: no trace of stuttering, only words clearly spoken and delivered with passion and conviction.

There are a couple of things I learned from this story.  First, help today can be a great blessing for tomorrow.  You see, this teacher had no idea that this stuttering student would eventually become a Bible teacher used by God so effectively.  But, because he took the time to help, thousands of people are now blessed by Chuck’s ministry.  Secondly, problem today can go tomorrow.  Problem does not always stay with us.  Tomorrow God can solve the problem we face today.  So, do not give up and do not lose hope.  God is not done today; tomorrow He will resume His work.

Pastor Paul

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