For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
For years I struggled with a lack of confidence in ministry. I had this passion to teach but never felt I was able to do so. With each lesson plan laid on the altar and covered in prayer (add a dash of mercy pleading) I would stand before the class doubtful. No matter toddler or teen, I’d have misgivings that I could meet the challenge. This apprehension attempted to grow into a reluctance for involvement.
Under-girded by memorized verses and encouragement from fellow-members, I’d step out into the territory of the uncomfortable to volunteer.
Class after class, lesson after lesson, God proved faithful. I trusted Him more and more, for I knew I could. After awhile He’d take me off the written plan and guide me into the unfamiliar ad-lib zone. Providing ideas, examples, stories, and verses to meet the need of listeners and questioners alike. Bursting with thanks and jaw-dropping awe, I’d give Him praise with each success.
As I have studied, grown in the faith, and gained more experience, He has given me victory by conquering that insecurity. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there are times I get a bit nervous with a new experience, but I know He’s there providing to meet my every need to complete His assignment.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
[1 Pt 4:10-12 emph added]
I knew not to trust in my own abilities then. I still do. Which leads me to my point for this Transference post. If I want Jesus to be greater as to be seen in my ministry, I must make a transference from my inability to God’s ability. United with God and reliant upon Him, I can rest in Him. As I trust the Holy Spirit to empower and enable I can be assured of God's provision.
Corrie ten Boom simply, yet profoundly, stated; “It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.” I read what God taught in His word and responded; giving thanks that I could count on Him.
Early on I stopped trying to serve the church in my own strength. I learned that if I was going to minister in His Name it could only be done by His grace. Building myself up with the truth that it is the Lord who makes the impossible possible.
Several years ago God led me to write a Bible Study for a group at church. It thrilled me beyond words. A few poems followed. Words of encouragement always my preferred ministry. Private prayer journals and journals of thanksgiving gave me the taste of praise words on paper. Gradually He drew me in. Over two years ago I started wrestling with this whole blog-thing. (That’s another long story.) For months I refused and excused! Fact is, I am the least likely to do such a thing. That lack of confidence dominated once again. Then I remembered God in the equation. I remembered all He had already done. I realized I had to step out in faith. I knew I would have to completely rely upon Him in this uncharted realm. I did. And I do. Here I am, a year-and-a-half later, blindly pounding these keys; amazed at the end result. Praising God, knowing it is all Him.
Let's reason together that if God has
• provided the Sacrificial Lamb (Gen 22; Jn 1:29)
• provided the resources and craftsmen to build a grand Temple (1 Chron 29:16)
• fed Elijah in famine and drought (1 Kg 17)
• daily provides food for the raven (Jb 38:41) and the sparrow (Mt 6:26)
then He can and will provide the means for my service. If even a donkey can be used to serve Jesus, then who am I to shrink back? (Mt 21:1-7).
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[Heb 13:20-21]
Boldly pray the prayer of this saint and expect answers. Exchange serving by human means for serving in the Spirit (
Rm 7:6). Passions are ignited, drudgery is defeated, God is glorified, and others are blessed by the touch of His grace through the least likely of vessels.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
[2 Tm 3:17]
We are equipped through His all-encompassing, authoritative, and powerful Word. Transfer training camps from the mentality of self-reliance to that of God-reliance. My ability (or lack thereof) for His. He equips for service -- and battle. The Sovereign Master and Teacher beneficently provides the capability for His followers to serve.
I use teaching as one personal example, but this principle can be applied to every ministry. Even expanded into our relationships, labor, and parenting.
Take it from ordinary-folk like me. I am no more able to minister to others than I am able to count the stars. But, by God’s working through me, I can do as He provides – faithfully.
Jehovah-Jireh; You are The LORD That Provides. Make Jesus bigger in every act of ministry you lay before me. Keep humility and reliance as my compass with confidence in Your willingness to enable as my guide. As the Lord gifts and assigns and completes may You be praised. For Jesus Name, Amen.
2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"
