8/25/24 Being Available
The ministry has started a new Bible study on experiencing life-altering change by being available to God.
I was always one who felt like I wasn’t equipped to make a difference for the Kingdom. I mean, I’m just one person and a shy one at that; what could I possibly do to further God’s kingdom?
The Bible study is opening my eyes more and more on how God isn’t calling me for the abilities I may or may not have, but rather, to be available for Him. My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He has the resources. He just wants me to be willing to serve Him when He calls upon me.
How many of you would say that you are comfortable talking in front of people? I’d be willing to bet that only a few of you raised your hand. Now, how many of you could find a church who is, let’s say, having a chicken supper and need people to serve others who come to eat? Could you serve the Lord by cutting a piece of pie and handing it to someone with a smile on your face? Many hands are going up now. Speaking publicly isn’t for everyone. But, everyone has something that they can bring to the table? Perhaps you have a gift of encouragement through sending greeting cards - that doesn’t require you to talk to anyone at all. Or, perhaps you have a knack for a certain type of craft that you could teach others to do. Your gifts can touch others in ways that you cannot even conceive.
I remember my Grandma Colson who was good at crocheting. She made various afghans and would give them as gifts to new mothers or to someone who was in the nursing home. I wanted to learn how to crochet. The time that she took to teach me was priceless. It is a memory that I will have with me forever. Being available and genuine can make a huge difference in the life of someone who needs that very thing in that very moment. I think that’s why God equips the chosen. He’s probably not going to expect a painfully shy person to stand in front of a crowd and deliver a message - or, He may.
Earlier, I shared with you how shy I was. I would never have thought of talking in front of a group. In fact, I was so painfully shy that when I was taking my college speech class, I had such anxiety that I had to present my speech to the instructor alone. I just could not deliver even a brief talk to a small group of people. As I got older and began working as a speech-language pathologist, however, I would have to present trainings to hospital or nursing home staff. It got to the point that it wasn’t so difficult. Then I moved into a role where I was required to train teams of rehab professionals on documentation. That pushed me to increase my confidence in talking to people. Now, God has called me to lead Bible studies, provide messages when pastors are away and complete weddings and funerals.
When I was 20, there would have been no way that I could have done what I am doing now. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that He wanted me to teach so he implemented baby steps to progress me along to finally get to the point where I am now.
I don’t know what this will look like in another ten years, but I am available and eager to serve my Father. You can be assured that I will be so very blessed. But, I first need to make myself available.
Eyes on the Prize,
Kynda
