12 replies to this topic

[Lori Smith]

This morning while reading my Bible, the Lord showed me the scene where 5000 hungry people stood about (See Mark 6:35-43). The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people to the surrounding villages so they could find food. However, the Lord replied, "You give them something to eat" (6:37). Of course this confused the disciples, but the Lord saved the day by multiplying what they had and feeding everyone.

The Lord then said to me, "If I had asked you to feed them, instead of depending on Me and the gifts I have given you, you would have wanted to call a caterer." What He was saying is that my lack of confidence disqualifies me from doing what He is asking me to do (He also has quite a sense of humor ). I then think this is humility, but it isn't. It isn't humility to think God can't use us. Thus, I have to be open to more opportunities that might come my way.

I write this in case there are any others out there that the Lord might be speaking to. Perhaps you think that God could never use you, but He can. Indeed, we depend on His resources and gifts. Thus, we shouldn't bury them, we need to use them!

Shalom!

[chipped china]

So true because when we think we are doing those things for God He is actually doing them through us. We just have to be an empty vessel with our feet moving. While we are on the subject I closed my eyes tonight to listen for anything the
Lord might be wanting to tell me. Well apparently He was busy so I'll try again later. My sister can close her eyes and
pray and see things like a treasure chest or Christ's out reached hands with the holes in them. I hope I'm not burying
mine. I've got to get some sleep I'm starting to get silly. Thank you Lord for Lori and a sense of humor.

[Lori Smith]

Betsy,

I was a nurse for years, I was always afraid. But, God designed me to work with people one-on-one. I just can't stand it when people aren't 100% pleased with me all the time. Then I decide I'll just stop altogether. Well God is telling me to get back up on that horse and try again (in a slightly different means).

I'm so glad that God keeps after me and doesn't give up on me. Actually, sending me out on the road also gives me the desire of my heart--I get to spend so much time with God. Plus I get lots of alone time. That fits my introverted personality.

I'm babbling so you won't feel condemned by anything I wrote. I actually wrote it before He gave me the whole picture. The caterer represents a church. Everything comes prepared in a big building and there I can pretty much ignore my true calling which is being on the road and ministering one-on-one. It's easier to go where everything is all put together. It's harder to rely on God each second of the day. But when I don't depend upon Jesus each second, I miss Him so much. He knows our hearts and He plans things for us that fit us perfectly. Each one of us are so important to Him.

[chipped china]

I just realized I didn't really answer your original question. Let's see,am I confident? This is a difficult question.
My parents were upper middle class with my dad and grandfather being at the top of their fields. So I've always had a worldly sense that I was OK. However I didn't do well in school because I'm dyslexic and years ago they didn't diagnosis that learning disability. I also learned pretty young that whatever my parents accomplished, were not mine. Though 25 years of working for city government I did build confidence and identity. But nothing compares to the identity I have in Christ. He has made me equal with everyone. That is; we are all created by Him. We are all equally loved by Him. So why not be confident? Just as long as we own our shortcoming and mistakes we can stand up to anyone when it is done in the righteousness of the Lord. And it swings the other way too, we should be able to love the unlovable.
Confident in the Lord? Yes, Confident in myself, not really, I'm still kind of a mess from my 22 yr marriage.. This last couple years I've been able to just run the farm and horse breeding. I do a little volunteering at the Food Bank. The rest of the time I'm in discipleship with the Lord. I've really been coming out of the world, and I find it somewhat shocking. I'm ready for the Lord to come back. You know I say that and people especially with kids think I'm nuts. Well, it keeps me from going insane. Blessings to you sweet sister, bets

[Lori Smith]

Betsy,

It is obvious that God has had His hand upon you. You have such a beautiful spirit. I'm glad God sent you toward these message boards. You are truly a blessing.

Love in Jesus and blessings back to you,
Lori

[chipped china]

Thank you Lori, I feel the same way about you.. Our spirits touched the first time we communicated. You've steered me towards a lot of teaching that have helped me grow. I really love the people on this site, we truly are part of His Church. More than once I have felt the Lord Holiness here.

[Lori Smith]

I love this site too! Indeed we are a church family.

[landonmark]

Lori,

Sorry for the late entry into this discussion....I read with interest the exchange between you and Betsy, and I agree, that this site is most helpful for the edifying and building up of those in this "church family".

Confidence has always been an issue with me. I have always had a (God-given) ability to see and hear things that others simply do not. When I was younger, this frightened me very much because I though it made me different in a weird sort of way. Now that I understand the gift, though, my lifelong lack of confidence has sometimes kept me from counseling someone when I probably should have.

I appreciate the question, though. I am an introvert as well, and have never been terribly comfortable in social, large crowd environments. My training for the ministry will obviously have to come to terms with this at some point, yet I am confident that God will light the path that takes me through this.

Blessings to you (and to you, too, Betsy!),
Mark

[Lori Smith]

Blessings Mark!

I'm sure the Lord will place people in your path that will reap much from your discernment. What a wonderful gift; you will be used by God to counsel and edify many!

Lori

P. S. I'd say that A. W. Tozer was an introvert also (he also had the gift of discernment). He avoided crowds but preached to many! In addition, his sermons and books continue to teach us. The Lord can use all kinds with various personalities in an assortment of ways. He is not boring!

[chipped china]

Greetings brother Mark,

Thanks for coming into this topic. I look forward to hearing more from you! Glory be to our loving God, Betsy

[Simon Ayun]

I had a vision last night I think and it came to me right now. I saw baskets and someone that had long hair and I saw a boy . I want to know what the dream meant .

[chipped china]

Welcome Simon,

You might need Daniel for that one! Blessing Betsy

[Lori Smith]

Simon,

God will give you the exact revelation if you ask Him.

I can say that it struck me; not because your vision was about me, but because the Holy Spirit used your words to remind me of something. He reminded me about the loaves and fishes and the little boy. God multiplies whatever we will place in His hands ... it doesn't have to be food. It can be anything we bring Him. I used to like to imagine myself alone with Him in Galilean Hills in the morning as I opened my Bible. Then I took a basket of notepads to write down what He said. However, lately I've been thinking that He wants to fill other baskets that will feed others, and for me to bring the little (believe me it IS little) I have to a local congregation. Then when everyone in the congregation brings what little they have, the Lord fills baskets and feeds a city.

Again, I know that the vision wasn't about me; but, I thank you for putting it out there, because the Lord really used your words to encourage me!

Blessings,
Lori