Like A Fat Kid Loves Cake
Earlier this year, I had the honor of standing before one of the greatest churches in the world, Christ Tabernacle. Since I moved back to NYC two and a half years ago, Christ Tabernacle and its leadership have served as both my covering and my second family. Although God has graciously opened up doors for me to minister all over this great country, it is very rare that I accept an invitation that takes me away from here on a Friday night because that is when ”The Aftershock” takes place. (Cryptic, I know…you’ll have to find out for yourself! www.youthexplosion.com)
So, one Friday night I had the fearful task of speaking to hundreds of students about what love really is and how it looks according to the scripture and not the culture. Interestingly enough, on my way to the church I was in a minor car accident. After debating with the police and paramedics I opted not to take the ambulance ride to the hospital but instead rush myself to the church. Of course, God showed up, did what he does and I was ever so grateful. After speaking that night I was headed to a late night gig in Jersey when I got a call from Senior Pastor Durso asking if I would share this message with the entire church the next week. Reluctantly, I agreed. When the day came, I felt fully prepared until just moments before the service when I got a phone call I’d always dreaded. Very shaken, my father explained to me that my mother had been rushed to the hospital and there was no way of knowing what to expect but the situation was not good. I’ve always been the strong one in my family but I’ll confess I fell apart. Although I was absolutely broken, something on the inside of me knew I had to pull together the pieces and stand before the people even in my pain. I heard the Lord saying “Tonight I’m trusting you with my people and I need you to trust me with yours”. This was not a test I wanted to end up retaking and so I did what I pray I always do; I said yes.
Perhaps it’s a coincidence that both times I was to deliver this I was faced with a crisis but more likely, the messenger wasn’t really the target at all but rather the message on the inside of her. Maybe, just maybe, there is some supernatural power that is unlocked when the face of love is unveiled…maybe this power is what the enemy fears most.
The accident didn’t leave a scratch on me. My mother was released from the hospital a day later and is healthy today. And beyond that, I had the chance to prove to the Lord that not only do I trust Him but also that He can trust me. Every place that my words failed, He truly made up the difference and His Word did what it was sent to do in the hearts of the people. I hope as you listen that once again, He makes up the difference…
*This is only a snippet. The entire message is available as a free podcast…simply go to www.christtabernacle.org , click on the podcast icon in the upper right-hand corner and select “Like A Fat Kid Loves Cake”
WOW, so very powerful. I am so impacted. What can I say. Every time I hear Oria . . . . I feel so small yet it pulls from within every part of me a fresh new zeal to stand up and speak out and open my arms to lvoe people like I never have. THANKS, is that the right word? I need it. Don’t ever stop challening me to grow and be what God needs me to be.
I listen to this podcast from time to time and it’s amazing! I can’t thank you enough for this. This message has made a profound impact upon my life! I was actually in the process of going to burn it for a friend and found that it went missing from my itunes so I had to go searching for it again. I’m glad that I stumbled across this site. I’d love to hear more sermons from you!
Let me know!
-B