It is revival meeting time and the Spirit is moving mightily in your church. The evangelist asks if you would be willing to do whatever the Lord called you to do or go where He wanted you to go. You all say yes.
The Ladies Retreat you are at has a similar challenge. How many of you are willing to be used of the Lord in whatever way He has planned? You all raise your hands.
Then it’s time to go home.
A month later someone calls you up and asks if you would be willing to teach the Ladies Sunday School class. Or you get an email asking you to come speak at a conference. Or the principal asks if you’d be willing to teach the high school girls a class on modesty and decorum.
How about this one? You feel the Spirit prompting you to go talk to someone whom you may have offended or who may have offended you.
Is your hand still raised? Where is that whispered “yes”?
Excuses can flow like water once the rubber of the Gospel meets the road of real life. The excitement of the moment in revival meetings is over and we’re faced with a choice to accept or decline the calling God has sent our way.
We’ve all heard them:
- I simply could never do that
- I’m too private of a person to share like that
- that is not my spiritual gift
- Sister Gifted can do it much better than me – there is no way I could measure up to her
- I’m not smart enough
- the dog ate my notes! (ok, I just had to put that in here somewhere)
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Kelley says
So encouraging and convicting! Only when we get ourSELVES out of the way can God use us for His purpose.
Anonymous says
Thanks a lot Kendra – it is so true. God bless you!
Kathy
Gina says
So very true! I’ve been right there! Especially on number four. Often I’m the one who is supposed to learn some things when I’m asked to teach or share on a topic.
And it is also true that it gets easier. I FINALLY after a couple years, can teach the women’s class without my hands shaking so hard that I can hardly look up a verse.
Gina
Rebecca says
Very challenging…but true! Especially #2…”it’s not about you- it’s all about Him.” I think pride and fear (lack of trust in God) is often what hinders the work He wants to do in my life.
This is something I have been battling with in my life:)Usually, when I have a hard time saying “yes” to God,it’s because pride or my own agenda is getting in the way. I have my own ideas of what I want for my life and what I think I am capable of. We often under-estimate God and what He wants to accomplish in our life. Not what we are capable of, but of what He is capable of through us when we allow Him to use us in whatever way He chooses. Easier said than done sometimes..:)
Reminds me of a quote I read that went something like this… “I know God doesn’t give me more than I can handle…but sometimes I wish He didn’t have so much faith in me!” 🙂
Kendra Graber says
You ladies are such an encouragement to me! To know I’m not the only one who has had to learn a few things the hard way.
Let’s keep on doing what we know pleases God, ladies!