A Tony Romo Day

I've found a new phrase that describes something that happens in my life and ministry. I named it after the quarterback of my favorite pro football team. I've been a fan of the Cowboys since I was in junior high--that's a long time!

Sunday was one of those days that comes along every once in awhile. I woke up feeling, I don't know--disconnected. Just didn't feel or sense God's presence and power that morning. There wasn't any reason I could identify. I prayed that despite my feelings, God would anoint me and His word and message. But still, I felt kind of disconnected.

Then in the first service, my mic was not right and I got distracted and forgot what I was saying. I ended up just stopping my message and asking the guys in the back to do what they could while I just chatted with the folks. Finally they got it to the acceptable range and off I went again--but, I just didn't feel like I was connecting.

In the second service, the sound was better but somebody's head was filled with snot and they kept blowing their nose so loud it sounded like an impatient driver on the freeway honking his brains out. I struggled there too.

In the third service, somebody's phone went off. The ring tone was a baby crying--a baby crying! They didn't turn it off. Finally I said, "Is that a baby or a phone?" Nobody moved. I lost my place again. It was horrible.

I didn't feel like I did a very good job. Our attendance was off what I expected by about 10-15%. Not very many people went to the prayer room for prayer afterwards. Very few came to the Next Step room to meet me afterwards. I was on Suicide Watch the rest of the day. A few things happened that afternoon to make it worse.

And then I watched the Cowboys get beat by the New York Giants. Tony Romo, the quarterback had some great moments and some not-so-great moments and the latter cost them the game. That's when I thought, "You know, everybody struggles with consistency. Can't have your A-game all the time."

I had a Tony Romo day, Sunday. But God was good. He reminded me the next morning that He was still on the throne; that His word does accomplishes what He sends it out to do; that some of His best work is done in the secret places. So, here I go again. My hope is in God!