This year I decided that I was going to say yes to any and all opportunities that God brought my way. I was going to say yes to even the things that scared me and I didn’t want to do, while keeping my priorities and current responsibilities in tact. God has brought so many speaking opportunities and I’m regretting that choice! Haha. Seriously though, I’ve been learning to be brave and admit that fear doesn’t mean I need to stop. I’ve been learning to speak truth over my weaknesses and see them as areas for God’s power to show up. I’ve realized that God created me for specific assignments and what I would label as a weakness He calls intentional and beneficial for my calling.
For example, as I prepare the lessons for the study in Ephesians I’m teaching I have a fear and anxiety that I’m too simple. My material isn’t deep enough and it’s too basic. I feel pressure to find some truth or message that is catchy or impressive to the audience. I’ve really been digging into this and realizing how flawed this thinking is. God has created me to present simple and easy to understand messages from His word and I’ve incorrectly labeled that as negative. I can speak to someone who doesn’t need or want deep, complicated theological messages. They want something they can grasp and understand and therefore apply right into where they are right now.
Another example is the fear of not being qualified. Who am I to teach this class? I’ve been a stay at home mom for the past 10+ years and now I’m just going to jump into this whole teaching/coaching/leading thing? I’ve realized how selfish and ungrateful this perspective is. God has given me the gift of speaking and He’s bringing me opportunities (like I asked him to no less!) to share His word. How could I say I’m not good enough! I am qualified because God always equips us for the purposes He has for us. Ephesians 2:10 God created us for good works in Jesus. My experience as a mom and wife and church volunteer have uniquely prepared me for this role.
Friend, if you’re right in the thick of this challenge like I am, I’d challenge you to pause. Think about what you have labeled as a weakness and let’s work through if it’s actually a weakness. Is it actually a unique gift that God has given you and is asking you to steward? Have you been holding back from stepping into God’s calling for this season of life because you’ve labeled weaknesses incorrectly? Or let weaknesses speak louder than God’s voice in your heart? I have written a few phrases that I speak over myself whenever I’m feeling pressure or anxiety in this area. I’ve shared one below, but I’d challenge you to write out your own. Let’s engage in the kingdom work that God is doing all around us, in freedom and confidence knowing that God has created us for this!
This week on Instagram I posted a reel about living in fear. I offered a question for reflection to think through how fear might be holding you back. I have been thinking a lot about fear lately, because God has brought me several opportunities to teach. Public speaking is not something I’m comfortable with and I’ve been working through it. As I’ve processed and walked through each opportunity to speak, I’ve had a phrase I’ve used to calm my heart and my body. Nerves are not a sign that God doesn’t want me to stay in this space, they are just a reflection of my lack of experience. I offering this phrase if you find yourself in a similar situation, of serving not in denial of fear but through fear.
“All shame and pressure is off because it’s not up to me. Jesus is the hero of this story.”
A script I’m using to help my heart be brave.
Abigail Denton 