05 13 08 God Didn’t Stutter

“God didn't give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NIrV)

Earthquakes…tornadoes…floods…financial woes…illnesses…there is a lot to fear today. However, as believers, we have no reason to be apprehensive, dreading, or in awe of anything or anyone but God. We must realize God has all things in His control!

Paul has no woe is me attitude when it comes to his abilities to minister for the Lord, but he is nonetheless keenly aware the situation around him. Despite what he faced, he knew his strength came from God. The work of God is not carried out by people who are in themselves adequate for such a calling. But as Paul instructs Timothy, we must remember the gift of God that was given to each of us and the purpose for which God had saved us all. Like Timothy, we have the Spirit of God, the people of God, and the Word of God as our allies. When we get into the heat of battle, as Timothy was, we tend to forget what is central and, therefore, move away from the most important things.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
(2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

Reading the Word, meditation upon it both privately and as a group, and making proper application is the key to success in personal and public ministry. Another key to growth and confidence in ministry is continually reviewing how God has provided throughout the years, for us and for others. Finally, one must know the gift God has endowed upon them and the specific area to work.

So how do we know our gift? How do we know our passion? How do we know where God has called us? Again, it comes from specific and guided prayer, counsel, and discipline. GOD DIDN’T STUTTER in His word to us. He didn’t send His Son to suffer and die for no reason. It was for our salvation and for our service for Him. He redeemed us. His Spirit seals and equips us. His Word instructs us! We have one another for encouragement.

That’s confidence, not fear! GOD DIDN’T STUTTER then and He is still God!