This is incredible! Well, actually, it is credible and amazing! You see, God is working in my heart and life in a very visible way! I am humbled and encouraged. I've been praying with a Brother about how we fit into the Body of Christ (what our role is in the Church), and I feel like God is leading me to grow in my faith (which I've also been praying for).
Last night, one of our Bible Life administrators/ministers asked me to consider substitute teaching a class for a couple of weeks until they resume their regular curriculum. I told him that I would pray about it and discuss it with my wife. Well, I talked to my wife (who knows how little extra time I have), and she wanted to make sure that I wasn't just adding another "good" thing to my plate. I realize that accepting this responsibility may require that I reevaluate my schedule. We prayed about it, and I specifically asked God to clearly confirm His leading to me somehow. Well, I got my answer:
1 Timothy 41 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
I don't know if it gets any clearer! You see, the timing here is awesome. God prompted me along in His timing so that all of these "serendipitous" events would line up just before I read 1 Timothy 4. Furthermore, I see this as a leading of God for the following reasons:
1. It will humble me because I will observe that I can do nothing good on my own; it is ultimately the Holy Spirit that moves people's hearts.
2. It will cause me to draw near to God because I need Him and I want to know Him more to be able to share Him with others.
3. It will cause me to grow in my faith because I will be forced to study Scripture more thoroughly and articulate the context and message.
4. It will benefit the Church because there is a need for a teacher in our local church, and God has given me the ability, desire, opportunity, and prompting to help this need.
5. It will produce eternal fruit - the refinement of my life and others into a closer resemblance of Christ.
I'm sure I could think of other reasons, but I need to get some work done today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being real in my life. Thank you for speaking to me personally through your Scriptures. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow in my faith. Lord, please humble me so that I follow you precisely and give you all the glory for anything good. Spirit, please teach me so that I can teach others, and I pray that you will bless the teaching of your WORD. Lord, please glorify yourself in my life, and refine me into the image of Jesus Christ. I pray this in His powerful name. Amen.
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