An unwelcome tremor raced through my knees as I climbed the carved mahogany steps to the suspended pulpit.
I’d joined a ministry that required their staff to raise their funds. I’d told God I was willing to talk to every person in my church—individually—but not all at once. I dreaded public speaking, especially here.
With the date to leave for my Boston assignment only two weeks away, I’d raised only half the financial support I needed and was out of options. Desperate, I uttered a silent prayer: Lord, show me what to do. I’ll do anything You say.
I returned home that afternoon to a note, “Call Reverend…” My stomach flipped as I remembered my morning prayer. When I called, sure enough, my minister wanted me to speak in the Sunday morning service.
I attended a formal church that talked little about a personal relationship with Christ. News I’d be sharing my story zipped through the grapevine. My sister, who hadn’t yet committed her life to the Lord, let me know how weird my peers thought I was. Ironically, her words infused courage.
Because our historical church building was under renovation, our church met in a neighboring ornate Jewish synagogue. I’m not sure what I said, but I didn’t faint—and God rewarded me.
The next week, people called me wanting to help. Even people who had previously turned me away called back to join my team. In just eight days I received all I needed to leave for my assignment.
God picked me to serve Him from my weakness. Click To Tweet
Sometimes, He brings us face to face with our worst dread and so that “from weakness [we can be] made strong” (Heb. 11:34).
When my minister invited me into his pulpit, he blessed me more than either of us could have imagined. Today when I sense the Lord leading me into a dreaded situation, after I make sure it is His will, I remember His faithfulness in the past. God’s grace rises up to help us triumph when we face our fears.
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Pro. 28:1, NIV)
Pushing through my fears does not always bring the measurable or immediate reward speaking in my church did. But I’m never sorry when I follow God’s leading.
Question: When has God picked you to serve from weakness?
You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Blessings,
Deborah W. Wilson
Linking to : Live Free , Five Minute Friday
Lion photo by: Eva Smith
Synagogue photo by: Lawrie Cate
Great encouragement to step out of the boat and keep our eyes fixed
on Jesus – the Lion of Judah. M.C.
Debbie, someone said “do the thing you fear and that will be the end of fear itself.” I’ve found that to be true.
Hap
Great quote, Hap. That seems to usually happen. Except maybe childbirth! 🙂
As always, Deborah beautiful. And so true! The thing that came to mind immediately was 35 years ago when I was working as a secretary for a spice company (Durkee Foods). It was a quiet office, I’d been there 5 years and was bored. God put in my mind and on my heart to apply for legal secretarial jobs even though I had no experience. I was hired to work for one of the partners of the firm. He was a difficult man to work for and the job was challenging in so many ways but I made friends with one of the other girls who then asked me to be in her wedding. My partner ended up being my husband – so those 5 years of stepping out and facing the fear of not having the experience or being able to deal with a difficult person on a daily basis paid off in spades.
What a great story, Ann! And it illustrates that the reward may not be immediate, but what a reward! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Praise God that His perfect love casts out all fear! May He give us the peace that passes all understanding and the boldness to carry out the mission He has chosen for us. Great post! Linked up with you at Live Free Thursday — hope you’ll stop by Saved by Grace for a visit!
Thanks, Laurie. I sure will. Great to connect.
This is so true! I have experienced it in my life as well.
I thought of it more as “when I am weak, He is strong”, but I really liked your insight into those situations when you said, “Sometimes God brings us face to face with our worst dread. When we bravely trust Him—regardless of our fears—we’re blessed.”
Your words bring great courage in the Lord. 🙂
Thank you, Karen. And your quote is one of my favorites!
“Sometimes God brings us face to face with our worst dread.” I think that is happening to me right now. Thank you for the encouragement. Visiting from Five Minute Friday.
Miz, thank you for reading. We are super conquerors through Christ! May that be your experience today.
Do you always leave questions at the end of your posts? What a great idea. God rewards me by a sure sense of peace when I’m obedient. Thank-you for your post, I’m a visiting FMF friend.
Gabriele, thanks so much for dropping by. I usually end with a question. Not sure I do every time.
Beautiful blog… coming from the friday word prompt site.
Thank you, Sharon. I’m so glad you stopped by to read and comment.
I love this, “Pushing through my fears does not always bring the measurable or immediate reward speaking in my church did. But I’m never sorry when I follow God’s leading.” Today we often want immediate results, but that is not always possible. You are right, we should never be sorry when following where the Lord leads. #LiveFreeThursday
Dana, thanks so much. Blessings to you.