Wow. I look at what God is calling me to do monthly in our ministries and it makes me laugh because the things He is having me do are things I have always said I would NEVER ever do – things that I strongly disliked and didn’t feel I was “gifted” with or “equipped” for. Boy was I wrong! He most definitely gifted me and equipped me for the things He has been calling me do.
Last month in Zimbabwe, we were told that each of us would take turns going to different churches and preaching a sermon or message to the church.
What!? Who!? ME!? No, God…I am not gifted in preaching!! I cannot get in front of the body and share your word! What if I present something wrong?! This is HUGE because this is YOUR WORD! I cannot fail at this! Ahhh! Please help me! Teach me! Show me what to say! was my “fleshly” response.
He then instantly reminded me of this verse that He gave me during my last Sunday at my church when I spoke about traveling for the year.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7-8
I was so incredibly nervous that day at Kinoole having to speak in front of the church at BOTH services. When I opened my bible, He led me directly to 2 Timothy. This book is so encouraging to me because Paul leaves some astounding nuggets for Timothy to grab hold of! Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful and not to be ashamed of Christ. He urges Timothy to stay true to his calling and to continue to teach others as well. And more than anything else, he is to preach the Word. Not only is Paul speaking to Timothy alone, but to each of us! I find great comfort, encouragement and challenges in Paul’s letters. They speak volumes to me, especially in the areas of ministry I struggle with.
So, as the butterflies were forming in my stomach at the mere thought of having to prepare a 45 minute message in front of the church (~100 people), God began to prepare me for the following Sunday. I began reading, writing and preparing God’s message that I was to deliver to His people that weekend. He gave me great peace and confidence. Shockingly, I was not at all nervous throughout the rest of the week – not even when the “big” day came! I stood in front of the church as God’s vessel and allowed His words to flow from my lips in confidence and in boldness. Only through Him could I physically get enough courage to stand in front of a church and share His word and His truth to those who were hungry for more of Him. PRAISE GOD!
Let’s fast forward to today. July 14, 2009. I am currently in Manzini, Swaziland working at an orphanage/rehabilitation center for children, youth and a small group of adults. We have basically planned out a 2 week VBS (Vacation Bible School) type of schedule for our time here.
Today I found myself in a classroom filled with orphans teaching! Who would have thought I would be teaching?! Not me! I strongly dislike teaching and never have the right words to speak when I am trying to explain things. Oh but how God has equipped me and called me to do this specifically!
As I was standing in front of the class today, I had visions and memories of my Dad (who has taught for 30+ years) flash in my head. As I looked at the older kids who sat quietly and worked diligently, I finally realized why my Dad always told me he loved teaching the older children better than the really little ones. I have always been more drawn to the 2-3 yr olds…the adorable little ones!! But as far as teaching, I would have to agree with my Dad on this one. There is too much chaos going on and more babysitting taking place with the really little ones!
I stood in front of the class with Rocio Doyle (team Koinonia) and we taught crafts based on the Bible story of the day. It was fun – even with our limited resources! I realized that even though I still do not like, or rather desire teaching, God can and will equip and prepare me for those whom He instructs me to teach. Only through Him was I able to gain enough patience, wisdom and guidance for the day to run smoothly and effectively in the classroom.
PRAISE HIM for equipping me to do the things I never thought possible!
