In this heartfelt message, Kevin Weatherbe shares his transformative journey of faith, illustrating how giving God just an inch can lead to profound changes in life. Through personal stories of loss, healing, and commitment, he emphasizes the importance of faith and the cost of truly following God. His experiences reveal that even small steps of faith can lead to significant spiritual growth and impact.
Welcome to Save the Cowboy. Today, we gather to explore a powerful message about faith and the transformative journey that comes from giving God just an inch of our lives. This message is not just about me; it’s about how God works through our stories to reveal His love and purpose.
Today is going to be different. I’m preaching without notes, which is unusual for me. Normally, I prepare four to six pages of notes, but today, I want to speak from the heart. Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to pray.
If I were to introduce myself beyond the preacher you see, I would tell you about my life as a cowboy. I didn’t finish college because I wanted to pursue a life of cowboying. But today, I want to share my story—not just my story, but His story as it unfolds through my life.
The first inch I gave to God wasn’t during significant life events like marriage or starting a family. It wasn’t even when I began attending church regularly or volunteered in various capacities. The first true inch I gave God was when I accepted the role of full-time pastor after serving as an interim preacher for 90 days. Saying yes to that opportunity marked the beginning of a profound journey of faith.
Saying yes to God came with a cost. It cost me my reputation. I was known in my community for being a fun-loving guy, but once I became a preacher, I faced judgment and scrutiny. I had to prepare sermons every week and open myself up to criticism. This was a significant shift from the life I had known.
In 2008, my father faced a life-threatening medical emergency. The doctors informed us that there was an 80 to 90% chance he would not survive surgery. In that moment, I realized the depth of my faith. I prayed for my father’s healing, not based on our merits but on the sacrifice of Jesus. I surrendered the outcome to God, promising to praise Him regardless of the result.
Miraculously, the doctors found a small portion of my father’s small intestine that was still viable, allowing him to survive. This experience deepened my understanding of God’s love and power. I learned that faith is not merely a feeling; it is trusting God with the outcome.
Fast forward to 2011, I faced another significant loss when my dog Ziggy was accidentally killed. This event was compounded by the earlier loss of a daughter we were set to adopt. In that moment of grief, I made a vow to God that nothing would deter me from my calling. I gave God my word, committing to follow Him despite the pain.
I realized that when you choose to follow God, you inevitably face challenges. I picked a fight with the devil, declaring that no matter what happened, I would continue to proclaim God’s name. This commitment led to the establishment of one of the largest cowboy ministries in the nation, reaching countless lives.
The inches I gave God—my faith, my word, and my willingness to follow Him—have taken me on a journey beyond what I could have imagined. Each inch cost me something significant, but the rewards have been immeasurable. I have witnessed the transformative power of God’s love and grace in my life and the lives of others.
My story is not just mine; it is a testament to what God can do when we give Him even an inch of our lives. Each of us has a unique story, and God has a plan for each of us. It’s essential to understand that while my journey is personal, it can inspire you to take your own steps of faith.
I encourage you to consider what inch you can give to God. It may cost you something, but the journey that follows can lead to profound growth and impact. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about seeking a personal relationship with Jesus.
Let us pray together, asking God to help us take that first step, to give Him an inch, and to trust Him with the journey ahead. Amen.
