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Throughout my teen years and into adulthood, an underlying thread of discontent made its way into the tapestry of my life. I loved God and longed to serve Him in a greater capacity.
When Don became pastor of a small church, we started a Sunday School program, but had no one to teach the adult class.
My husband pleaded with me. “Donna, won’t you consider teaching the adult class?”
The thought of teaching adults petrified me. I’d taught Sunday School for years, but up until that point, my oldest students were four-year olds.
As the new pastor’s wife, I wanted to help any way I could, so after praying about it, I agreed. We ordered the material and I opened up my first book. I thought, Oh, no – this can’t be right. The first series of lessons was entitled, “Sex and the Christian.”
I taught the whole book with a red face and perspiring palms. To this day, my students tease me about my obvious discomfort.
And even though I’ve been teaching for twelve years, I learn something every Sunday. Sometimes I feel like a fraud, because I’m sure I get more out of my teaching than my students. I’ve become more disciplined in my own Bible study, and for every minute I spend in the actual classroom setting, I’ve spent many more in preparation.
I want to be the best teacher I can be under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Even though I felt inadequate at first, God honored my effort. I believe He equips us for the tasks He has for us. One example of this is in the Old Testament, when God chose workers to build the Tabernacle.
Exodus 31:1-3 – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.”
Isn't that a wonderful thought? God filled the workers with the Holy Spirit and gave them the skill, ability, and knowledge for their work. My desire is to be filled with that same Spirit to be equipped for the awesome task of sharing His word.
For twelve years, teaching has taught me. I’ve learned that while singing will always be my heart’s cry, my experience as a teacher has been more fulfilling than I ever dreamed.
Teaching God’s Word has been a colorful thread in the tapestry of my life. When my life is laid out before God, I pray it will be a vivid display of submission to His will.
Recently my husband has been trying to talk me into preaching one Sunday. I’m still praying about that one!
By Donna J. Shepherd
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