Wednesday, December 12, 2012

One Step at a Time...and to be Safe....Make Them Baby Steps

This posting is in response to the Proverbs 31 Bible study on the book Greater by Steve Furtick.

“Awkward social skills.”

When I first read that seemingly insignificant little sentence, I felt a pang of regret for who I am. I am one with awkward social skills.
Although some might not see it…not right away anyway. I can converse well, but once you get to know me, you can see that I am deficient in my social skills.  

Then I realized two things. First, I am not alone. Second, God can still use me regardless.
This helped to bring hope.
I admit though that I am still skeptical.

Just a bit.

The Lord has had me return to a ministry that I had volunteered in for over two years, only to leave just over a year ago. A couple of months ago, I felt His leading me back to serve in this ministry.
Just last week, while at this ministry, I was ready to explode because ‘things’ weren’t going the way I believed they should be going.
I was seconds away from vacating the building when I turned to the Lord for help.
(Now I sometimes wonder, did I turn to Him, or did He get my attention?)
Either way, I suddenly felt this peaceful calm overtake me. I breathed deeply, ashamed of my thoughts; ashamed of how angry I had become.

Much later, the next day, I had opportunity to spend time alone with the Lord, and He spoke to my heart.
He told me that I was placing emphasis on the wrong area….myself. He instructed me to be more like Him. He reminded me of how He, God, came to this earth and made Himself of no reputation.

I am to do likewise.

Until or unless I do, I will not be beneficial for kingdom work.

I must humble myself.

This is my theme. God is not going to let up on this until I get it right.

I suppose my recent master’s degree in ministry has given me license to believe I have certain rights and demands.

God has reminded me otherwise.

He has clearly spoken to me, instructing me to sit in this ministry, and, even if I am to do nothing on any given evening but sit on the sidelines, that is what I must do….and  pleasantly and peacefully…in love.
I must make myself of no reputation. I must let go of any and all ‘thought and feelings’ I may have about anything and everything.   

I am to be a servant.

An obedient servant.

A willing servant.

A happy servant.

A humble servant.

…with no guarantees.

Just follow the Lord….willingly…with a good heart.

Such challenges.

But I do know there is no life any better than the one the Lord has plotted out for me. So, I will obey.
As difficult as I know it will be at times, I will obey.
And to make it easier…I know He will always be with me to help me do the right thing. All I need to do is faithfully turn to Him.

Funny thing…those awkward social skills…they don’t feel as threatening when I know I can simply look to Him for guidance.
Only under His watchful eye, do I know I have nothing to prove, nothing to fear, and, nothing to lose.

Absolutely nothing.
Amen to that!

12 comments:

  1. Judi- what an honest and humbling post. I believe we're all subject to awkward social skills at times. I certainly put my foot in my mouth at inopportune times wishing there were a rewind/do-over button. And when I get nervous in situations sometimes I say the most foolish and inappropriate thing, instead of being comfortable with the peace and quiet or letting the other person lead. You are not alone in this.

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    1. Thanks for your response Jenny. I love your wish for a rewind or do over button. Wouldn't that be awesome, if we could only do that? I am trying lately to say nothing when I am nervous....it works sometimes.
      Have a blessed day!

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  2. Yes, Amen Sister! I am not good with social skills either. I can put on a good act, but only for a little while. I am working on it though!

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  3. Those 'acts' take so much energy, don't they? I find myself drained quickly from them. I am so glad the Lord is working on me in this area now..it certainly is refreshing to be able to simply trust in Him.
    Thanks for your post. It is good for me to know others struggle in this area. I often feel so alone....I pray that you overcome your issues soon!

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  4. Oh I love this... just what I needed! I often need to be reminded to be a humble servant when instead I frequently fill the anger boiling or temper flaring because I don't think things are right. Thank you for the gentle reminder to be humble and listen for God's direction, not my own!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Jen. I am so glad my posting was of help to you.
      Blessings, Judi.

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  5. Thank you for your post. It was truly a blessing. Have a blessed day!!

    -KristyLaird

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    1. You are very welcome! Glad it blessed you. Thanks for letting me know. Blessings on you today as well. Judi.

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing your heart! I am praying that the Lord will guide you and give you the grace to humbly obey. That is what He is speaking to me too.
    ((hugs))
    Jennifer Newsom
    OBS Group Leader.

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    1. Thanks for your prayer Jennifer. I said a prayer for you just now too! Blessings on you today!

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  7. Thank you for this post! I struggle with just sitting back and serving when needed too. I always need this reminder!!!

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    1. Thanks! It is so good to know this post was encouraging to you. Have a great day and blessings to you.

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