Earlier this month, I attended a conference in Tennessee that allowed me to lean into some deeper understanding of my development as a believer. There were a few workshop sessions that focused on topics of interest. My first one was with Constance Rhodes and it was presented as “Humble versus Hiding.”
I entered the room with a friend and we found our seats at a round table with some other image-bearers. Constance got underway with her subject and invited us to focus on a dream that God has laid on our hearts. For me, I know He has trained me up to teach and to lead in a kingdom purpose mentality. However, I still vacillate in what this should look like in my day to day practices. Such timidity can cause one to wonder if they are very effective in their calling. When Constance’s slides showed, “It is one thing to be hidden in Christ, but it is another thing to hide,” I had to ask myself the hard question. Do I hide?
As the workshop went on, Mrs. Rhodes asked if there was anyone willing to come up and lead the room in a verse of “Amazing Grace.” Not having any qualms about this proposition, my hand shot up immediately as I thought others would. I was surprised when mine was alone for a beat before being joined by other volunteers. Constance called me up to start us off in the familiar melody. She then had me remain as she called on someone else who felt like they should have raised their hand but did not. A sweet, young lady admitted shyly and joined us at the front of the large room. She also lead us in the verse with an equally beautiful showing.
Then Constance asked the question of me, “What made you raise your hand so quickly?” After a moment I replied, “I would probably say experience.” Looking at the two of us with her she said, “You don’t really know that you have more experience. So what was it that had your hand up while the others were still considering?” I can’t recall my exact words, but it was to the effect that I have been put in the situation to lead others in worship enough times that it really has become a second nature to me now. While I first thought of it as experience, I find that it is actually the product of discipline.
For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:11-13.
Like the young lady experienced who came after me to lead, there are times when what we are asked to do seems too uncomfortable to see through. Yet, the Lord knows what we are capable of and what we need to exercise to build that endurance for our calling. Each time we answer with “Yes Lord,” and go through with that next thing before us, we are submitting to the discipline and gaining strength for when the opportunity comes again.
There is a caveat however, your being disciplined may not remain in one field of expertise. Once you have shown your proficiency in submitting to His leading, He will likely have a new area of opportunity for you. In my case, after this workshop and my reflection on growing in discipline, there was another spotlight in the journey. The Lord, knowing my ability to be unwavering in leading a group in singing worship, spoke into my spirit, “Well done. Now, you see that person over there that you do not know? I need you to go and pray the prophetic word over them that I will give to you.”
Obviously having room for improvement, my reply, “Excuse me, Lord? You want me to do what? They will think I’m crazy.”
He was ready for my hesitance, “Would you deny someone what I have for them because you don’t want to feel uncomfortable?” A stunned moment is followed by a sigh as I say my Yes Lord, and get up to see what the Lord is working out in the situation.
Just like we have those people in our lives who we know can be called on and they are quick to help us, the Lord knows those who are willing to submit to His prompting. How ready is your Yes Lord? Is there an area where He is trying to lead you in discipline for what’s ahead? Personally, I hope to be more experienced in allowing Him to draw me out in His action plan for me. I hope you will consider this an encouragement to do the same.
Apply you heart to discipline, And your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12
Author Dellaca Ferraiz Reynolds 