I have a fear of public speaking! Many years ago, in a musty church basement with concrete block walls, I taught my first women’s Sunday school lesson. I was so nervous I cried the entire time. I am not talking about just a few tears – I sobbed uncontrollably. I felt humiliated after it was over and thought, “They will never ask me to do that again!” But guess what? They did ask me to teach again. This time I prayed “Lord, please give me control over my emotions. Do not let me weep uncontrollably as I teach.” Would you believe I did not cry at all, but my whole body and voice shook so hard my teeth chattered. Again, I was incredibly embarrassed, yet completely overcome in peace because I had faithfully obeyed God and faced my fear. But I was convinced they would not ask me to teach again. I think you know where I am going with this story. They did ask me to teach again and I could hardly speak because my mouth was as dry as a ten-day old biscuit.
All these years later, I wish I could tell you I am a confident fearless speaker. But that is not so. It is rare that I publicly speak without fighting insecurity. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed that I experience fear. But I would be ashamed if I allowed my fear to keep me from obeying God. He continues to open doors for me to step out in faith and I’ve learned obedience is to be my only response. I can use my fear and insecurity to be the fuel to keep me on my knees begging Him to work through me.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
The clear difference between the three servants in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 is faith versus fear. The Master called the first two servants who had invested their talents “faithful.” “But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.” (Verse 18). Why? He confesses in verse 18, “I was afraid.” Fear kept the servant from investing what the master had entrusted to him.
Have you allowed fear to keep you from being faithful in using your God-given abilities and resources? What is one step you can take right now in obedience in using the Master’s talent?
Copyright©2018, Gloria Stucky
Originally written for Immanuel Baptist Church 2018
Photo by Nathan Shipps on Unsplash