Remember, your preaching/teaching tomorrow is just the tip of the iceberg. Supporting that event are four vital elements:

First: Your calling.

• It is the fact that God, in His sovereignty determined to put you in into the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12) which gives you the right to stand up tomorrow and share what God has given you “for such a time as this.”  If you are certain you are called you will make a difference.  If you are uncertain about your calling then there will be little power and boldness.

Second: God’s Word.

• Just as the prophets of old, the only thing you have to say – that matters – is “Thus says the Lord.”  The moment you drift away from the preaching/teaching the Bible what you have to say becomes irrelevant (1 Corinthians 1:27).  It may contain worldly wisdom but it will be an insult to the God of all wisdom for whom you speak and it will be of no lasting benefit to those counting on you to deliver the “Thus says the Lord” word to them tomorrow.  Brothers and sisters – “Preach/teach the Word!” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Third: Prayer.

• Prayer is the foundation upon which your ministry is built.  You do not pray for the sake of praying – it is a means to an end.  Jesus sums it up well: But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6 NKJV).  I have learned (the hard way) that your preaching/teaching will be no better than your prayer life.

Fourth: Anointing (unction)

• What I have in mind here is different from the anointing that comes with being called.  There is a special anointing for a special moment that God gives.  I’m not talking necessarily about a “feeling” but rather an assurance.  Sometimes you hear a preacher/teacher say something like this: “Everything changes when the anointing kicks in.”  What they mean is that they sense the supernatural touch of God that allows ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things for the glory of God and the benefit of His people.  Dear brothers and sisters, if you will stand in your calling, preach/teach the Word and saturate it all in prayer – trust me – God, in His grace, will send His Holy Spirit tomorrow to equip you and that will make all the difference.  Step into your place tomorrow with that assurance.  All the people will see is the tip of the iceberg (your preaching/teaching), but you will know the real story.