Fear Of Using Your Gifts "The Wrong Way"
Are you scared to use your gifts because you think you will do it the “wrong way?”
I remember the first time I taught at a women’s retreat. I was so eager to please Jesus and make Him proud that I wanted to do everything perfectly. After I finished teaching the second night, and women were praying and weeping in their small groups, Satan immediately attacked me. He convinced me that I had failed God, and I was horrified in my spirit! I went to the leadership and told them what happened and asked them to pray for me. No matter how much they tried to convince me otherwise, I believed I had let God down and was utterly devastated.
After returning home a few days later, I fell to my knees, sobbing and apologizing profusely to Jesus for failing Him so badly. I will never forget His words at that moment because they radiated through my being. He said, “I am not proud of you because you did it ‘perfectly.’ I am proud of you because you were faithful.’”
We all face fears in the “perfectionist department.” Some of us are afraid of messing up or doing something wrong that we never get ourselves to the starting line. Others of us second-guess our gifts after using them and criticize ourselves for failures that never occurred.
To combat these types of self-sabotages, here are three things we should always remember:
Jesus is Perfect.
He ministers through us as we use our gifts. It is never about our perfection – it is about His.
Jesus Does Not Need “Perfect” Vessels.
He looks for yielded vessels to work through – ones who are obedient, not perfect.
Jesus Is Not Limited by Imperfection.
He works despite our mishaps or “oops” moments. If we make a mistake or do something “the wrong way,” He still accomplishes what He desires despite it.
Is fear paralyzing you from stepping out by faith to be used by God? Has Satan convinced you that you are a failure, and God is disappointed with you?