That is an estimate of how many mistakes I have made in the sermons I have preached.

Some came from a lack of theology. When I started, I had read the Bible, but I hadn’t connected the dots, so I said things that seemed correct but were mistaken.

Most came from a lack of experience. In my ministry, I have bounced between thinking people are good and thinking people are basically evil with each new season and how I was being treated. There was also a time when I thought I knew all about parenting, and then I had children. In the early years, I was convinced I knew the best Church leadership practices and how I was to conduct myself as a preacher, only to find a better approach later.

With each new year, I have gained more knowledge and life experience that shows me how foolish I was in my youth. When I sat down and counted them up, I have preached on Sunday mornings roughly 1,716 times. Each time I am sure I said at least one stupid thing.

I know one day I will look back at what I say this Sunday and think, “Ugh.”

Yet God chooses to work through my mistakes. He takes what I lack in knowledge and experience and makes up for it with his Holy Spirit. God uses my imperfect words to accomplish his perfect will.

God doesn’t wait for you to be flawless before He uses you. He will use you despite your imperfections. God is bigger than your faults, and his power is made perfect in weakness.