Sound sucks + God showing up = greatness
Sound working great + God showing up = more greatness
Sound working great + God not showing up = terrible
Sound sucks + God not showing up = even more terrible

Summation:  Take “Sound” out of the equation and the constant remains.  Namely … God.

How true is that?  This conversation started with me (and my limited thinking) saying, “man I gotta get ready for my talk, it’s gotta be good!”  My friend and co-worker gently reminded me of this basic algebraic equation.  If God doesn’t show up when I’m speaking; if the Holy Spirit doesn’t move in the hearts of the teens I’m speaking to…it doesn’t matter how great my talk is.

now, this doesn’t give us youth pastors an excuse not to prep.  My statement still stands that “I need to prepare.” But my goodness, all too often I forget to get on my face and beg God to show up through my words.

Proverbs 21:31 – The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.