Before the Memorial Day observance the other day at the local city park, some locals were talking about rain, since that day’s forecast had called for it. Someone jokingly stated that it was part of my responsibility to make sure that it waited to come until the event was finished since I had the connection with God, who controls the weather.
The great news was that the rain waited until right after the event was finished — not just because of my prayers, but the prayers and concern of others as well.
What is amusing to me is that there are people who actually believe that we pastors have a connection with God that others can’t have. I have done several outside weddings in which there was a threat of rain, and the wedding party said to me, in all sincerity, “Well, we don’t worry about rain because that’s one of the reason’s we have you here — you have the connections.”
In all the outside weddings I have conducted over the years, I can think of only one in which any rain fell on us, and that was because they didn’t take my advice to wait 10 minutes to get started. I am sure that the Lord was hearing from more than just me.
 The truth that many misunderstand is that we pastors are not the only ones who can have an audience with God. Every believer has this privilege. Hebrews 4:16 states “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Yes, if you need some advice or counsel, we are available to assist you. If you need someone to come along beside you and help you pray about a certain matter, we are glad to do so. But the truth is you have the authority and invitation to go directly to a loving heavenly Father with your concerns and needs. We are to be examples and lead you to the practice of prayer, not do it all for you.
God wants to use you to help change this world. He’s waiting to hear from you.