Weak, Fearful, & Trembling

1 Corinthians 2:3 (NKJV) “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.”

Sometimes, we think we have to be all polished up and completely, perfectly ready to share Jesus’ love with someone; so we decide not to share at all since really, when are we ever perfectly polished up? But the Bible is clear: God will use us as we are!

When Paul came to the Corinthians, he came with the sole purpose of preaching Jesus, and Him crucified. He didn’t come trying to impress them with his worldly wisdom. He didn’t reach out to them with some man-made philosophy. Paul wasn’t intimidated by the various ideas and beliefs that were swirling around during that time. Instead, he was weak, fearful, and trembling much. He was far from what we might think is the perfect vessel for delivery... or maybe he was the perfect vessel: completely surrendered to the Spirit!

It’s good to remember. It’s a great model for ministry through our lives. Jesus alone gets all the attention; all the glory; all the focus. The spotlight must remain on him.

Even though there is temptation to elevate a man or a ministry, it needs to be resisted. God does use humans in a wonderful way, but we can never be too attached to the instrument. Only Jesus is preached. Only Jesus is worshipped. Only Jesus is worthy of our lives!

In His Love,
Pastor Ed



Response:
A SALVATION STORY: I had been living in California and was as about as far away from Jesus as a person could get. My husband was abusive and I was desperately lonely. My boss, who was a believer, suggested that I might try one of the local churches - just as a way to "meet some people." Taking his advice, I went to a nearby Presbyterian church and found a seat in the back of the sanctuary. A young woman sat beside me, but I didn't give her much thought. When the pastor told everyone to greet each other, this woman spoke to me and even asked for my phone number. I never expected to actually hear from her, but sure enough she called me during the week just to see how I was. She continued to call and met me at church whenever I came. Over time, this woman gave me two special gifts: her friendship and she led me to Christ. You never know the influence you might have on that person who sits next to you in church...I'm certainly a testimony of that.