Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Words to Stand On - You've Got the Power!



I've written before regarding the words to stand on when you feel paralyzed by fear, especially for physical safety. What if your fears are of a different nature?  What if you are afraid that you can't do something you've been asked to do? 


I recently experienced this very thing.  At the current time, our church is without a music leader, so another lady and I have been taking turns leading worship.  I have to say that I have no training musically and it is a real stretch for me sing in front of a congregation.  There are so many things to think about - am I starting out in the right key, do I have the right tempo, am I picking out songs that people know and will sing with me?


I am totally out of my comfort zone.  I don't mind speaking in front of people, but singing?  That's a whole 'nother story!


This past Sunday evening was the worst yet. The worship team and I had practiced two hours on Saturday.  I felt good about the order of service. However, when Sunday night came, I began feeling shaky. 


Just so you know, when the choir, worship team or song leader is ministering and they look out in the congregation, if they see people entering in and worshipping, it really helps them.  But if they see bored people, or people frowning, it really quenches the spirit of the meeting.


As I looked out in the audience, I began to wonder ... "why am I doing this? I'm not qualified to be leading worship!"  


I've learned in order to hit high notes, I have to sing loud and give it all I got. When I get nervous, I start losing my breath and then I can barely sing.


Somehow I made it through the worship service and then we had prayer time.  I was asking God if He really wanted me to keep leading worship.


God spoke this scripture to me clearly:


For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV


I also like this version:


For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV


When I feel scared, that feeling is not coming from God!  He doesn't make us feel afraid, He makes us feel powerful, confident that we can do what we need to do.


He doesn't call us to do something He knows we can't do.  When you hear someone telling you that you aren't capable of a job you know God has led you to do, remember 2 Timothy 1:7, and realize that it is the Enemy trying to steal your confidence.


Then think about Hebrews 13:20-21:


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.


Also, ponder this:


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 Timothy 3:16-17


Don't let the enemy make you timid. If you are in the Word, then you will have the power to do anything God has called you to do!



2 comments:

  1. Oh, you are talking to me, girl...

    "What if you are afraid that you can't do something you've been asked to do?"

    Shyness is my middle name, so I come up against this all the time...thanks for the encouraging reminders of doing all things through Christ that strengthens us....

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  2. I think God may have just used YOU to speak to ME! I have been praying on whether I should teach my first adult Sunday School class... because I don't FEEL ready to do it! But perhaps I am...

    Anyway... I stopped by because another friend just gave me a tip (un-asked for) for getting rust stains out of cotton -- she swears by it! Lemon juice mixed with SALT. Spread it on and then lay the garment (or quilt) out in the sun to dry. Maybe you could try it on a small spot and SEE if it works? Anyway... when she said it, I thought of you! :)

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