I just accepted an invitation to speak to a gathering of 10,000 college students this fall. Like almost all of the invitations I receive, I have a mixture of emotions. I'm excited and nervous. In my experience, those two emotions are kissing cousins.
Just thought I'd take this opportunity to process how I deal with nerves because I feel like I've experienced a break through in recent months. For most of us, the "bigger the opportunity" the more excited and more nervous we get. I think getting nervous is normal and natural. If we don't get nervous, maybe we aren't taking the opportunity as seriously as we should. I also think it keeps us on our knees in raw dependence upon God. But the problem is that for many speakers, nerves cause them to lose their personality, lose their energy, and quite literally, lose their nerve. The fundamental problem is this: we care far too much about what people think of us. In a sense, we're more focused on ourselves than the people we're speaking too!
I know this might come across as a Jedi mind trick, but it's more than that. Here are a couple of the things that have really helped me steward the opportunities the Lord provides. First of all, my prayer mantra before I speak is this: Lord, help me help people. I really try to focus on what people need to hear not what I want to say. It takes the focus off of me. Here are a few practical ideas. First, if I'm praying for people before I speak I think the message comes across as genuine. Second, I don't hide out in green rooms. I love meeting people and listening to other speakers. It helps me keep a pulse.
Here is a second breakthrough I've experienced recently. At times, I don't feel like I'm ready or I'm qualified for the opportunity the Lord presents. It seems bigger than me. And it always is. But here is what the Spirit put in my spirit recently: I am not bigger than this moment but God in me is bigger than this moment. That simple truth has set me free. It puts everything in perspective. My excitement about who God is and what God is doing overwhelms my human nerves and helps me speak with Spirit-filled energy and confidence.
Thanks for letting me process. Hope that helps someone.
Just thought I'd take this opportunity to process how I deal with nerves because I feel like I've experienced a break through in recent months. For most of us, the "bigger the opportunity" the more excited and more nervous we get. I think getting nervous is normal and natural. If we don't get nervous, maybe we aren't taking the opportunity as seriously as we should. I also think it keeps us on our knees in raw dependence upon God. But the problem is that for many speakers, nerves cause them to lose their personality, lose their energy, and quite literally, lose their nerve. The fundamental problem is this: we care far too much about what people think of us. In a sense, we're more focused on ourselves than the people we're speaking too!
I know this might come across as a Jedi mind trick, but it's more than that. Here are a couple of the things that have really helped me steward the opportunities the Lord provides. First of all, my prayer mantra before I speak is this: Lord, help me help people. I really try to focus on what people need to hear not what I want to say. It takes the focus off of me. Here are a few practical ideas. First, if I'm praying for people before I speak I think the message comes across as genuine. Second, I don't hide out in green rooms. I love meeting people and listening to other speakers. It helps me keep a pulse.
Here is a second breakthrough I've experienced recently. At times, I don't feel like I'm ready or I'm qualified for the opportunity the Lord presents. It seems bigger than me. And it always is. But here is what the Spirit put in my spirit recently: I am not bigger than this moment but God in me is bigger than this moment. That simple truth has set me free. It puts everything in perspective. My excitement about who God is and what God is doing overwhelms my human nerves and helps me speak with Spirit-filled energy and confidence.
Thanks for letting me process. Hope that helps someone.
9 Comments:
Mark, this is great! I'm going to link to it from my blog today!
You're always so encouraging and practical!
Have a great week!
Thanks Mark. I was asked to go back to my high school and speak at convocation. My first thought was I have nothing to say. My second thought was what if they make fun of me (thats you do at an all guys school).
If I can reach one person though...
This is great stuff, Mark. I spoke at Liberty a few years ago to a large crowd and threw up about, oh, 9 times before walking onto stage. Wish I would have had this advice then! :)
some good thoughts, mark. thx!
G'day Mark,
I'm 24 and experience a bundle of nerves when I get up to preach. Have preached 8 times in my life and nerves are a big part of my experience. I agree that it shows I am taking it seriously.
But I know that even just on Sunday, my nerves got the better of me in the fact that I lost my personality. I don't want that! I think my personality adds a lot to the presentation and engagement with the listeners.
Also, I am training to be a counsellor. My nerves get in the way a lot. I appreciate your thoughts on nerves and how to handle them. I do often forget that God's with me, even when I am about to talk about Him! Will need to do some thinking about nerves and what you wrote.
Cheers.
Dave Clark (Adelaide, Australia)
Mark, I introduced myself as a missionary when you were in Issaquah last month and am looking forward to hearing you speak tomorrow night at our network conference in Pasco. As a missionary to University students your speaking to 10,000 university students grabbed my attention. Hope, I can say hello tomorrow.
I have recently been overwhelmed by what God has put on my plate.
Thanks for this post, you helped me remember that God is the one doing all the work. I keep thinking I am only dust, when I should not be concerned with me, but with God and who HE is and what He is gonna do.
I need to be a thankful witness, and let God use this ole clay pot.
Mark,Thanks, I needed this too! I will be speaking at our church for the first time this weekend. Our God IS HUGE! Press on!
Mark, im guessing this speaking engagement will take place at Liberty U. I attend there. I know you will be awesome and now i cant wait to be there when you get here! Thanks for all of the challenges and practicality from your books. they changed my life.
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