Its hard to pick out what I appreciated the most about it but tonight I was really hit by something God showed me in one of my small group sessions.
We were praying and at the end my group leader would always wind up with "Holy Spirit speak to my heart." And so we would stop and listen, then she would look around at each of us and ask "What did He tell you?" Well, this particular time I very distinctly heard "You have the power to love."
Now I have to say I do love... but I don't love. What I mean is, in my heart I do but I have always had trouble showing it, and expressing it to others. I'd always say things like "I'm not a huggy person." Or "I'm not the emotional type." But God so impressed it on me, that He has given me the power to love, and to show it to others. It's always been there. But I was not embracing that power. I was not living in it. (Not saying that go around giving everyone hugs now) Does that make sense?
Since then I've caught myself thinking, I'm not like that. But you know what? By God's grace I can be and will be! I am not bound to what I was or think I am. I have been adopted by the God of the universe and set free by the death of His Son. I have the power! Not in myself. Not in my abilities, talents, or strengths, but by God's grace!
So I want to specifically point out one that I hear lots of people use. "I'm not a talkative person." You aren't? Maybe not. But does God want you to be? Does it stop you from sharing with people and offering encouragement when its needed? If so, that is not God's will for you! You really are believing a lie! Is God's grace not enough? Does He lack in strength? Where God guides, He provides!
And He said unto me "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:10
God showed me something a while back. I was struggling with something, but then it dawned on me. If I did not struggle, I would have no need for His power. That is really what I see in this verse. God stands there with His hand stretched out towards us. Holding in front of us the strength and power we need. But until we reach out in faith, and actually believe that it is enough, we never experience all that God has to offer.
I always thought that I had faith and believed God. But at the conference I actually started looking and even more, expecting God to move. For Him to do what He said He would. Or to grant what we asked. And He really did. He really does. I guess it all comes down to "Do we believe what God says, He will actually do?"
We have the power, if only we have the faith to believe it and do it.
So are you saying that if a non-talkative person doesn't start speaking more than they're not in God's will? That's a pretty bold statement. God's will is different for every person. Maybe their silence is the key to "encouraging" someone. Unless a person is doing something morally wrong you can't say for sure if another person isn't doing God's will, cause you don't actually know since you aren't them.
ReplyDeleteI do believe there are times when God asks us to keep quiet, but I think most of the times we are intimidated by others and what they'll think so we tend to not say anything. You are right, sometimes silence is needed.
ReplyDeleteAmen! That's such a powerful thought! I've found it to be true in my own life too - I'm not exactly a talkative person, but by God's grace I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone to be a blessing to others. Because after all, it's about Him and then others before me. Thanks for sharing, Heather!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather, you don’t really know me but I stumbled across your blog. :) I have a read a few of your posts, and this one does concern me. I would like to gently offer food for thought and some push-back.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, did you write this post to allow your own experience to display what you “learned”, or are you trying to teach others to learn what you learned? Hopefully you understand what I mean by this.
Secondly, who is the “you” that you keep referring to in the sixth paragraph? All of mankind? Does it not seem a bit… um… unwise, to apply your experience to the entirety of humanity? But perhaps you are not doing that. Perhaps you are speaking a very specific person or group of people in this post. Pardon me; I do now see that you are talking to a specific group of people. “Lots of people,” you say, in sentence 1 of paragraph 6. I now understand that you are addressing less talkative people and telling them to become more demonstrative. According to you they believe lies and are not in God’s will because He has given them a less expressive personality than those who are considered outgoing.
I hope this doesn’t come across as rude, but, again, who are the “us” and “we” you mention in your reply comment to On God’s Side?
Maybe you are wondering why I am asking these questions. Let me be right up–front with you. It REALLY bothers my mind and spirit to read, “…that is not God’s will for you!”
God’s will is something that is extremely important to His children and not something be handled lightly. (Certainly, you would agree.) A CORRECT understanding of God’s will is vital to the life of the Believer. Now, if that sounds arrogant, let me be the first to say, I have much to learn and am thankful for what God and others have taught me in regard to God and His will.
Thirdly, God has made all people and has given them their unique personalities and abilities. Correct me if I am wrong, but I hear you saying that non-talkative people should talk more. Do you honestly believe you should be telling the world, as it were, “God wants you to be more effusive!”
……………………
I like what you said here: “I have been adopted by the God of the universe and set free by the death of His Son. I have the power! Not in myself. Not in my abilities, talents, or strengths, but by God's grace!”
As a final note, I would like to see you actually answer the question first put to you in the comment from On God’s Side.
Blessings on your day! May you and I both grow in faith and understanding of God and His will,
~ “Captured by Hope”
P.S. Thumbs up for hugging people more. :) This world needs more hugs!
Wow, I'm not sure where to start. Um I guess I should clarify that I don't mean non-talkative people should simply start talking more but to have the freedom to speak what God shares with them. To speak truth.
DeleteI know it was a problem in my life that I was afraid to speak out, maybe it would offend, maybe people would think I'm strange...and it all came back to the fear of man.
So, I still do think that people who struggle to speak have not fully come to the freedom that God has for each of us. And I'm not saying I'm any better because I do struggle with it too. But when I realize I'm struggling with speaking what God is telling me, I know I'm not running in His strength, but my own. So yes, it is something I've learned in my life, that I want others to see. I want people to come to God's freedom. Honestly the more I learn and repent of in my own life the more God opens my eyes to people around me. I want them to know the freedom that I am finding.
Thank you for being honest and challenging me. Sometimes I struggle in knowing the right way to phrase things. Maybe I'm not being clear enough?
Honestly this is what I believe and what God is showing me. I'm not sure how else to say it.