How should I share God’s Word? That is a question I struggled with for many months. During that time, I just stopped altogether. Yup, I did.

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (ESV)

In the context of facilitating a bible study, I heard a passive (maybe a little aggressive) comment about giving too much information and how it could confuse people. I realize that not all studies are deep dives and a facilitator should stick with the intended depth of study and spiritual understanding of participants. People don’t like surprises, and I might have missed that. But, seriously, we’re only talking about a few handouts, here.

A side note on handouts: This additional information can be tossed, filed for reference, read, or maybe used as a coaster. Hopefully, not but you get what I mean. People can take it or leave it. But when they take it, the information can lead to more questions, study, and a greater understanding of God’s word. Those not ready for a deeper dive can leave it.

That comment was, for me, like the icing on an I’m stuck cake. A long season of work woes left me very sensitive and insecure, so I received that comment as a personal criticism. It knocked me for a loop. Oh, yes! I can dial up criticism. I can dial it up until I’m all ceased up. I can view it as crushing personal rejection, and I did. That was the enemy enjoying a win for a little while. But I’m working hard on that now, and I’m winning for a change.

Proverbs 19:20-21 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Over those months of silence, I sought excellent counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21). I was guided in spiritual discipleship, studied the Spiritual Gifts, and learned that not everything is about me.

It is about Christ.

I discovered my ministry gift (Ephesians 4:11-16), and guess what? I’m a teacher. At last, I was unstuck!  And what a relief, finally understanding how I’m wired made all the difference in my perspective. Listen, friend, it’s worth taking the time to work on this.

Teachers want to deliver the truth, so we study to ensure correctness. We are creative in our delivery, and we might even create handouts to deliver His message.

How should we share God’s word?

First, don’t let little things stop you. Second, we operate best in our spiritual gift, so find out what yours is and share the good news in the way God designed you. Finally, trust God to prepare the receiver’s heart (Ezekiel 36:25-28).

Learn more about Spiritual Gifts here. 

You can also find me here this week: 
Five Minute Friday writing prompt link-up, hosted by Kate Motaung. Here we write for just five minutes (fair warning, that’s a struggle for me) to a one-word writing prompt. The writing prompt this week is HOW.
Faith on Fire, Lyli Dunbars link-up.
Grace and Truth Link-Up, hosted by Lauren Sparks
Inspire Me Monday link-up, hosted by Anita Ojeda

Please be sure to visit and read the great work of other authors.