My growth group (like a bible study group) has been working on starting a 20 something group at our church. Some of us, myself included are at a spot that doesn’t “fit” with other groups in the church. I am too old for college, too young for 30 somethings, too unlike most of the woman in a women’s group, so I just don’t fit or relate at this point.
Val, our amazing growth group leader has such a heart for our age group and has also had a passion to start something more at our church. At first we are just working to grow our growth groups. Once we are around 50 to 100 people we are looking to start a weekly service. I am hoping we get together for a “coffee shop” type of service with awesome current worship music and sermons centered around and given by 20 Somethings.
As we began to have discussions about getting everything together I could feel my insides start to retreat. It is so hard to think of trying to bring other people to Christ or help them get involved when I know I am far from perfect.
I have strayed outside of that path and made mistakes, and although I am forgiven in Heaven, people know that I am far from perfect. A lot of the reasons that people have moved farther and farther away from God is because of human error. We are imperfect, hurt each other, are hypocritical and sometimes more judgmental than those who know the Lord.
I know God used people who were prostitutes, outsiders, had speech impediments, ect. but sometimes it is so hard to believe that I am called to reach out to others my age and help them get involved in a growth group and hopefully church.
I don’t feel like I am equipped to do things. I feel like even with the best intentions I step on people’s toes or say things wrong. I care too much and take things to heart when I shouldn’t.
I just pray that above all my imperfections someone can come to the Lord. It has been the biggest struggle in my life to witness to those who know me, because along with knowing I am a Christian, they also know I am a sinner. It is hard to show them the holiness I desire for them to see but I know that they are certainly grasping my need for grace and forgiveness.
You're an amazing Christian who God is working through. Don't let your fears and doubts let you miss out on all that God has in store. Praying for your strength to be obedient.
ReplyDelete"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you will say to this mountain 'move from here to there' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
What I have learned is that God is more than able to use those willing to serve. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we all feel "not equipped!" Great post my friend!
ReplyDeleteNone of us are 'equipped'; and that's the beauty of it! WE don't have to be equipped ... it's not about us. Jesus is who it's all about; all we have to do is listen to Him and be obedient to His Word. :-)
ReplyDeleteGod always works from our place of surrender.
ReplyDeleteI love your willingness to serve!