Saying “Yes” to God Even When We Are Scared
By: Laura Bailey
“I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-4 NIV
“I don’t know if I can teach this small group.”
“Are you sure you want me to be a leader? I am not as well-studied as some other ladies in our church.”
“What? Me? I stumble over my words in conversation, share Scripture with a group of my peers; I think there’s someone else better suited.”
Without fail, every time I ask women in our church to share a devotion, lead a small group, teach a Bible study, or even just share what God has been doing in her life, I receive one of these remarks. These women, whose hearts desire to honor the Lord and serve His people, have been in Scripture for most of their lives.
If I were to ask them to volunteer in the nursery, feed the local football team, or visit the shut-ins, they would be the first ones to say, “Yes!” But, their confidence wanes when the conversation turns to teaching God’s Word, and doubt takes over.
We should approach the teaching of the saints with reverence and humility and seek to responsibly deliver the timeless Truths of Scripture. However, we fool ourselves if we think we aren’t capable or intelligent enough or fill in the blanks to share the good news.
When I approach someone about leading a group, I’ve prayed over them. I’ve prayed to the Lord, asking Him to lay on my heart Who He desires to step up and lead His people. Saying yes to an opportunity, whether it’s being a leader in a retreat or leading your neighbor as you walk through reading the Bible together, will require some prep work. We must pray, read our Bibles, study the text and commentaries, and perhaps even enlist insight from a pastor or trusted friend. We will need to invest time to handle God’s Word adequately.
But the good news is, it’s not about us!
When we worry about how people will receive the Bible or avoid opportunities to teach the Scriptures because we fear what people will think of us, we are making it about us and not God. In our key verse, Paul reminds the Corinthians that he wasn’t sent there to gain approval or a pat on the back for how eloquently he preached the Gospel. Paul’s goal was to tell others about Jesus; he knew he wasn’t the best speaker or the most presentable, and he likely wouldn’t get the award for most memorable. But that was okay because Paul didn’t want the Corinthians to be focused on him. Instead, he tried to highlight the power of Christ through him.
Paul goes on to share that he was scared, yet, in his weakness, he could show Christ at work in his life. Paul’s mission wasn’t self-focused; everything he did was to point others to Christ. Even at the expense of his comfort, Paul walked faithfully and obediently in what God called him to do.
There will be many times in life when we feel God calling us to do something that makes us scared. But that’s where faith comes in. We have faith that the God who has called us will sustain us. We don’t have to have all the right words, use fancy techniques to entertain and engage, or have our lives together for God to use us.
It’s not about what we can do but what God can do through us. God is in the business of using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. So, next time you want to say “no” to an opportunity God has placed in your life because you are scared, remember that we have the power of the Holy Spirit working to bring God glory, and His purpose will prevail.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
As we think about Paul’s life, we see his dedication to sharing the gospel at all costs, even though he was an unlikely candidate. Many of us in the Western world live relatively comfortable lives with little opposition to sharing our faith, yet we hold back out of fear, nervousness, or worry. Take some time today to pray that the Lord will open your eyes and heart to opportunities in your sphere of influence to teach others about the Lord. Ask your pastor or women’s leader about future opportunities to share, train, or show at your church if you feel led.
Further Reading:
How to Prepare to Teach Bible Study
2 Timothy 1:7
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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