When What You Preach Tests You

Yesterday’s blog was titled Praise Is for Messy Mondays Too.

And ironically — or maybe perfectly timed — it turned out to be one of those messy Mondays for me.

The day started off great. I met with a couple of pastors for an early breakfast to talk about church multiplication, then swung by the house to grab my suitcase. I was headed to Orlando to be with several Tennessee church planting teams at their training, plus some strategy meetings with other Church Plant Directors.

That’s when things got interesting.

On my way to the airport, I got a text saying my flight had been canceled. They’d try to rebook. So I turned around and headed to the office. Shortly after, I got another message — I was rebooked for later that afternoon. No big deal. I had plenty to do and was still in good spirits. After all, I had already preached to myself that morning, right?

But then... a delay. Then lunch. Then teriyaki chicken spilled on my cream-colored jacket. Someone had a Tide pen (thank the Lord), so again — no big deal. My flight moved back to “on time.” I checked in, sat down, and just when I started to relax... another delay. And this one pushed the arrival so late that I started to wonder if I’d even make it there at all.

It was tempting to get frustrated. Honestly, a few years ago, I probably would have.

I walked up to the ticket agent and said, “Hey, just wondering what my options are.” She immediately looked tense, probably bracing for another complaint. So I added, “I know this isn’t your fault. I’m not upset. Just trying to figure out what I can do.”

You could see the relief in her eyes. Not because I was so happy about the situation, but because for once, someone wasn’t adding more pressure to her already chaotic day.

I ended up canceling the trip altogether. But I got to sleep in my own bed. And maybe, just maybe, the reminder wasn’t for everyone else. It was for me.

Because praise doesn’t belong only in a Sunday service. It belongs in the middle of your real, messy, regular life.

It's one thing to teach something. It's another to live it.

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” That verse isn’t about performance. It’s about integrity — letting the truth we preach become the truth we live, especially when plans fall apart.

Yesterday reminded me that faith isn't just for the platform — it's for the airport delays, the stained jackets, and the changed plans.

And honestly? I'm grateful.

A Prayer for Today
Lord, help me not just to hear Your Word but to live it. Remind me that praise isn't limited to perfect circumstances. Teach me to trust You when things shift, to respond with grace when plans unravel, and to walk in faith, even when the outcome changes. Thank You for being steady when life feels unstable. Amen.