Jesus vs. Elmer

So there's this guy named Elmer. I've never met him, but apparently he has his own brand of glue. He kinda looks like a bullish creature (see copyrighted image which I stole off Google). 


Elmer's glue does a pretty good job of holding some things together. Fabrics, popsicle sticks, googly eyes,cotton balls, and other items that really aren't worth much on their own (I'm not a big fan of crapfts). 


But when you bring all the supplies together, and situate them in such a way as to create something meaningful, Elmer's is the glue that hold the pieces together so that everything doesn't just fall apart.


Sometimes kids will use Elmer's glue to make a craft in school, and the glue may seem kind of runny upon first applying it. But in time the glue dries, and the finished product is strong.


Jesus is my Elmer's of life. He revealed Himself in a huge way this weekend. It was my first Sunday on my own as the new tech director at a local large church. My church has the stage, the lights, the screens, the sound system, the band, the drama sketches, and an incredible pastor and community. 


Weeks of thought and creativity had gone into this (and every) Sunday's morning church services. Hours of preparation and rehearsal and energy from dozens of people had gone into Sunday's services. However, when Sunday morning came I soon felt like it would be a miracle if everything came together and was executed well. On top of it being my first week directing a new team of people, this week was more choppy than usual.


Admittedly, upon trying to help others understand many of the last minute changes to lights, screens, etc. I didn't figure Jesus into the equation. 


Always figure Jesus into the equation.


Minutes before we started I asked the lighting crew if all the changes had been properly saved. The response I got: "Let's hope so." Not very reassuring, but there was no time for checking anything else. Doors were opening.


JESUS. SHOWED. UP.


Like Elmer's glue on a kid's craft project, Jesus held all the pieces together and allowed for a smooth service. He completely blew me away. He reminded me that I'm nothing but someone who He allows to play a role in His story.


The great thing is that when people told me "good job" afterwards Jesus just got glorified more because I could redirect that straight up to Him.


His strength shines in my weakness.


So obviously it always feel better beforehand to feel 100% confident about a service before starting it. But in a strange way I like even more seeing Christ show up and blow me away with His bonding power.


Elmer's glue might be pretty good stuff for crafts, but Jesus is so much stronger and much more applicable!