~ Oswald Chambers ~
“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!†And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.†~ Luke 17:5-6 (ESV)
Have I ever told you my story about leading Bible study? It might be buried somewhere in my archives, so I thought that I’d share it with you today…
I used to really enjoy attending Bible study. I loved learning His Word. You see, I had a lot of catching up to do…but that is a story for another time.
About 7 years ago, I was attending a study on the Book of Acts. That was the most profound Bible study for me personally. I just didn’t want to learn, but I also felt compelled to lead a study. I prayed, I spoke with my Bible study leader, we prayed…
I approached my pastor to feel out if he would be okay with me leading a study at church. He was surprised that I stepped forward, but also glad that I wanted to lead. I ordered the material for 8 people (it was the same study material on the Book of Acts—didn’t want to start on something I didn’t feel comfortable with). I continued to pray. I told the Lord “If You are with me, I know You will send the people to attend the studyâ€.
I thought that ordering 8 sets was reaching high. I thought–well you always can return the unused units and get credit. The study was announced at church—I continued to pray. Believe it or not, but I had to order additional units.
As the day approached, I got really nervous. I almost canceled the study, because I was sick to my stomach. On my way to church I wasn’t sure if I was prepared enough to actually lead. As I went up the stairs, my knees almost buckled. I thought “Lord, I love You, but I am afraid. I don’t know if I can do thisâ€.
Let me tell you, I don’t remember anything about the first session. I don’t remember how I made it through the 1 ½ hours. I do know it was not I who spoke in front of the class. I was just His vessel.
Leading the Bible study was my first big leap of faith. I have gotten bolder since than. Although at times I am still afraid of stepping out in faith, but I know if I don’t know what to say or do, I know that He will guide me.
I have to agree with Oswald Chambers. I don’t know where my faith leads me, but I know that my love for Him and His Word is greater than my fear of failing. With Him in the cheering section, how can I be afraid? My sweet sisters—don’t be afraid if He calls you out of your comfort zone. He will give you His Spirit to see you through…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. I boldly come before You and ask You to increase our faith. Help us to step out of our comfort zone. With Your help we can lead Bible studies; we can encourage others to have a closer walk with You. Lord, help us to be confident that You cheer us on in what ever we do in Your name. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Blessings on your day and as always…
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Great post Iris, and so very true.
God has plans for us and they;re often not ours!! Thanks for hosting, friend!
Faith almost always leads us out of comfort zone at some point. Isn’t it wonderful as He proves Himself faithful! Thank you for sharing.
I have also had the experience of speaking, but knowing that the words were not mine. Very powerful sharing of your experience, Iris. Thanks.
My post is published. It was a difficult one to write.
Your story sounds so similar to mine the first time I led one. I remember the weeks up to it just being sick to my stomach! 3 years later, it is still a very hard thing for me to do. Being in front of a group of women and talking and teaching is way out of my comfort zone. BTW, the first one I led was Believing God by Beth Moore.
Very inspiring post! Thank you for sharing…
I wrote of being led out of our comfort zone too… I have needed to relearn this lesson about a gazillion times ~
Thank you for sharing. What a great testimony.
Thanks for sharing about how you stepped out of your comfort zone Iris. It’s such an amazing feeling to do God’s work and share his word with others.
I love this quote!!!!
What a great first experience as you led that Bible Study…..
And now, you lead us daily…..through cyberspace! I am thankful you are willing to lead faithfully!
Diane
“my love for Him and His word is greater than any fear of failing” AMEN GIRL! I am crazy about our King, aren’t you? 🙂 You picked a wonderful quote to share with us. Have a blessed day!
I had to smile at your description of your feelings before the Bible study. I have felt just the same way. And it seems like any time I step out into any kind of leadership role, I battle that nervous, sick-to-my-stomach feeling, even if things are going well, even knowing that all of is of the Lord. So many times in the midst of those feelings I have told myself I’m not ever going to do this again! Yet when I finally get into it and see the Lord working — it’s like nothing else in life to be a useful vessel in His hands.
This was a great quote Iris! I’m glad you picked it,…I’m also glad you had the faith to lead that first Bible Study!
Dear Iris,
Wonderful post and so true faith leads us out of comfort zone . Thanks so much for hosting , and sharing.
Angel ():)
I love how God provides when we “follow” His leading! Great posting!
I love the quote….totally spoke to my heart 🙂
As the song says…..”Where He leads me….I will follow”….
Have a blessed day!
This is such an awesome post….what a powerful testimoney to God’s work in you!
Thanks for sharing it…..Praying for you today!
Hugs
Hi Iris,
Thanks for sharing! When we’re following God, we often get out of our comfort zone and wonder how we ended up there. I’m happy for you and proud that you didn’t cave into the sick feeling.
Keep it up!
Peace,
Dee
This is totally how I feel when I lead studies at my church. I can’t speak in complete sentences without HIM!
Thanks for hosting!!!
In HIM –
Mindy
Way to go, Iris! Sometimes I wonder if feeling inadequate gives the Holy Spirit room to work.
Thanks for a great quote!
Thank you for sharing that. I’m in a similar situation, though on a much smaller scale. Apparently, the Lord needs me ministering one-on-one to my close friend…and she is all kinds of confused right now. I feel so inadequate, and I have NO IDEA what the next step is, but I also know that “if I acknowledge Him, he will direct my paths.” I don’t even know where to start praying just yet, but I’ll be praying nonetheless.
Thank you for the encouragement today.
Great post. Thanks so much for the encouaging words today!
Blessings!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us today, dear sister. And thank you for hosting us this week…you’re precious!
Hugs,
Cynthia Robin
I love your post Iris. I can sure identify with the way you felt. It is so encouraging to hear how the Lord provided for you. It just grows our faith.
Neat story! You make me smile. Praise God for your faithfulness in stepping out to lead your first Bible study. :~)
I sooooo love Oswald Chambers. I didn’t have time to post on this but what a great post you wrote. Those times of stretching by God can be very uncomfortable. Like my first time teaching at this conference—-my face turned red my mouth felt like a dessert. Now it is easier and I am more concerned that He speak through me than what my face looks like.
My how timely this was. A word I needed to hear. The Lord has been calling me to lead a one night Bible Study here in my home with some dear family and friends and I have been putting it off. I have a few last minute tweaks but this was confirmation for me. Thanks so much for sharing!
I LOVE this post, Iris because I would have felt the same way! I love that you still went through with it despite having doubts. I would love to be in your Bible study!
Iris,
Things have been so busy and crazy that I absolutely forgot to even begin this let alone write one, yet this spoke to me profoundly. AND it is right where I am. I may still get one up, just because.
HE IS THE ROAD, HE HAS THE DIRESCTION…
Iris, I like your post very much, it encourage me to believe his leading for me though I still do not know my direction clearly, I know that he is faithful from the beginning to the end….no…to the forever..
Thanks for hosting today. Sorry I couldn’t play. 🙁 I had to take Nathaniel swimming this afternoon. It was so hot, and my friend has a pool at her condo.