I have a frequent thought after preaching that goes something like this. “I wish they could have heard that sermon from the One who first preached it to me.”
My comfort comes in knowing the Lord often uses weak vessels; even ones like myself. So I trust that God’s Word and His Holy Spirit can do wonderful things with even feeble efforts like mine. If He showed me the truth during my study, He will do the same for others during the delivery. Mine is to be faithful in the preparation and proclamation of the Word, and let Him handle changing hearts.
The changing of even a single heart is a work I can never do, regardless of my skill in speaking or even my accuracy of interpretation. Thus, the preacher sets out on a task every week to do what he knows he can never do. What a mighty and wise God we serve. He knows how to keep both the pulpit and the pew dependent on Him while presenting the Truth to both.
May we never forego the real and sustaining joy of dependence upon God for a deceptive sense of independence in ourselves. May our failures and inabilities send us always to the Throne of Grace. May all praise, honor, and glory go to the One from whom all blessings flow. Keep studying, keep preaching, strive to love God above all other things (including your ministry), and He will use your efforts to be a blessing to others and to glorify Himself.