Weakness,Fear and Trembling
I Corinthians 2:1, 3 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in trembling.
A few weeks ago a sermon was being preached from I Cor 2:1-5 but it was verses one and three that caught my undivided attention. This is Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church. Paul was the bold, brash, and opinionated missionary. But these words do not reflect the person I have always seen him as.
He clearly states here he is not a good speaker, not full of wisdom (though he is a Jew of Jews) and he went to Corinth weak, fearful, and with trembling. He was getting a dose of the medicine he dished out to the early Jewish converts. This Paul, I can relate too. Often, I have been asked to speak on multiple occasions and I am no Dale Carnegie graduate. Also, I was no straight A student, and I am certainly not a Jewish/Biblical scholar. Furthermore, I can only declare what the Lord has done in my life. When I agree to speak, trust me when I say, I do so with weak knees, fear and trembling. I do not eat a bite before I speak!
Mere Mortal
Paul was a man: Mere mortal. He loved Christ and was willing to go where he was sent and spoke of his experience and from what he knew of the Torah, Prophets, and of his encounter with the risen Lord. Is this not what we are asked to do in the Great Commission? Go, wherever you are sent, tell others what Christ did in your life, and let the life of Christ change you one day at a time from who you were to who He created you to be.
Evangelism- have faith and step out
Evangelism is not some lofty undertaking. It is a bit of opening your mouth when you really don’t know what to say, how to say it, or even who to say it to. It is doing what you are afraid to do.
Journal
It is a bit like writing this each day. I don’t call myself a writer but I am because I am created in the image of God who wrote His love letter through many another frightened soul. It is not knowing who will read it, how it will be received, or if it will even make a difference in someone’s life. For example, I, and my fellow writers, simply write the words the Lord places in my heart and speaks through my fingers as I peck out prose on a page. A letter of sorts just like Paul wrote.
Write
You may never publish a word, speak a word before an audience, or participate in any other traditional form of evangelism but can I urge you to WRITE. Journal your thoughts for they are God’s thoughts as you focus on Him. You will be amazed at what you write down and you will have a record of growth.
Transparency
In conclusion, I have a newfound admiration for this man who is often seen as arrogant and proud. Paul, thank you for your candor. A man of your position, education, and experience is not often humble enough to admit your weakness. Your honesty lifted this weary traveler when it was needed most to get me back in the saddle after being thrown headlong into icy waters recently. Your transparency was refreshing as I rested and regained my bearings. I am ready to ride again. Your words are still finding their way into weary hearts.
Red Letters by Crowder Vemo https://youtu.be/1Q6M5IpSMhQ
Heavenly Father,
As I endeavor to follow Your command, guide me. Show me how to tell the good, good news of Jesus’ love to the world. Also, I ask for my own weakness, fear and trembling to be submitted to Your authority and power. Help me to overcome and give me the words, wisdom, and wherewithal to do it anyway. Amen
Further Reading
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2018/08/30/treasures-from-the-storehouse/
