One More Voice

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV) Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Do you ever struggle with speaking up? Were you one of those students who dreaded that teacher might call on you to answer the question because you were afraid you might give the wrong answer? Do you find yourself quiet in groups or dreading public speaking because you are not sure anyone will actually want to hear what you have to say? If so, you are not alone.

Thirteen years ago I began the adventure of serving as a lead pastor. There was much to look forward to about that role: getting to know and love people, reaching a community, growing a church that was making a difference, and preaching God’s Word to people on a weekly basis. I also had a desire to do something more: to begin my goal of writing by sending out a devotional email a few times a week. As I read through the Bible for my own devotionals, I could write thoughts I felt inspired to share with others and send them out to anyone who was interested. I started those a few months later and decided to call them PowerWords based on Hebrews 4:12 – “The Word of God is living and active…" God’s Word is powerful. God’s message had changed my life. Could I help others grasp it in a way that could change theirs?

As I wrestled with the decision to write and send out PowerWords, the thought came to me: “There are so many other great devotional writers out there from Oswald Chambers to Max Lucado. What can I offer? Wouldn’t my writing be just one more voice among many? What could I say that has not already been said? Aren’t these others far more qualified than I am?”

In reading Luke 1:1-4, I wonder if Luke had similar thoughts. Notice how he points out how many others sought to write the story of Jesus. Some of these were actual eyewitnesses. Did Luke struggle with what he could offer? Did he ask, “Am I just one more voice?”

Whether he struggled or not, Luke thought it good to research and write to help his friend Theophilus, and all of us, have certainty concerning the things we have been taught. How many millions throughout history have had their faith strengthened through Luke’s words? How much poorer would we be without Luke’s contribution? There would be no shepherds at Christmas, no manger or inn, no story of Mary and Martha or the boy Jesus at the temple. We would lack the Good Samaritan and so much more. Luke wrote, and it was good. He was one more voice, and it was a voice we needed.

We, too, each have a voice. With that voice comes an opportunity to make an important and unique contribution to the life-changing message of Jesus going out to the world. You have a unique perspective that no one else has. You have a unique network of people who will listen to you who may not listen to others. If you do not speak, some may not hear. Your voice matters.

I sent out PowerWords for almost three years. In that time, the subscriptions grew across the country and around the world. I received good feedback from a wide variety of people. However, the busyness of starting my doctoral program while pastoring a growing church and raising teenagers led me to put PowerWords on hold. I always intended to start them back up again, but life never seemed to calm down. With a new transition in my life, now is as good a time as I am every likely to have, so I am writing again. As I started this morning, I felt the same doubt: “What good is it for me to write? I am just one more voice.” Today as I opened His Word, God’s voice rang clear again: Write, because you are one more voice!