The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Gifts (of the Spirit or service) (11/22/07)
Dear Carolyn,
I ‘m so excited! Remember after you taught that bible class last year, you told me God had given me the gift of teaching? To be honest, I put it on the back burner, although it stirred something deep within my heart. I didn’t feel qualified or mature enough or, to be honest, not yet as equipped as you.

Yesterday our new women’s director called and asked me to lead a study on the book of Phillipians. I accepted, but am feeling scared, blessed, honored and wish you were here to give me some tips. I need a manual. Where is the manual? I’m in deep water here and where’s the life jacket? PS… I know I need to pray and trust God but still.. HELP!
Love, Marcy


Dear Marcy,
The Holy Spirit is your teacher, and you follow His lead. Don’t even try to be like me or anyone else. Your uniqueness will be what makes you a special teacher like no one else. There is no striving as the growth is slow. No one ever feels ready. You can do this.

Be the wonderfully creative, fun, energetic, loving woman you are, and you will be amazed what God can do through you. Pray a lot for those you will be leading, for yourself and keep in the Word. He will do it through you.
Love in Him,
Carolyn


Dear Carolyn,
I need a makeover. Why is that? I suddenly don’t like my gray hair showing, or the extra weight I am carrying, or the lines in my face. I want a whole new look before I can do this. I can’t afford new clothes, or expensive ones, and my husband is not happy that I’m pressuring him for a new wardrobe.

No matter how much I study or pray, something in me keeps tormenting me that I don’t look like a teacher. Remember when we took tennis lessons and you laughed at me that I wanted to have the perfect tennis clothes and the best racket before we started? What is going on with me? I just feel so inadequate. HELP.
Love,
Marcy ( wish you were here )


Dear Marcy,
Your letter made me smile, because your anxiety, though misplaced is just so normal. The enemy knows which buttons to push to get us uptight and fearful. I would be more concerned if you weren’t in a battle.

We often forget that God’s gift to the church is through us, not because of us, and its not even for us, but for the body of Christ. So we get carnal minded about it and start fretting over things that don’t matter. God doesn’t want your “look” to change to use you or we would all have to quit. That’s the world’s way. You know that, but this is living it out. It happens to all of us.

Just prepare yourself in prayer and study and you are in for a huge blessing. Trust Him friend. You have a treat in store that has to be experienced, not taught.
Love,
Carolyn


Dear Carolyn,
Today I met the women I will be teaching. I asked them to introduce themselves and tell us what they were expecting and needing from this study. I have to tell you I already love them, a love I didn’t know I could have for people I don’t know well. And the needs they have. Oh my. I totally forgot about my own, as I listened and started praying for them already.

I just know God is going to do something good during this time. And guess what? I was okay with my look They seemed to be glad I was leading, and I felt God’s peace. AMAZING! One thing that I was so aware while leading that I was not alone. God was really working through me! I wasted a lot of time stressing over nothing.

Love, Marcy


Dear Marcy,
Ahh… girlfriend. You’re there now. Keep focused. Some amazing work is about to take place in His Kingdom. Don’t forget He is using the gift He gives for others. It’s never about us. Enjoy this time. He is about to show you more of who He is, and how much He loves you and His body. Stay alert, be prepared, and God will get the glory. Please keep me posted. I am praying for all of you.
Love, Your sister,
Carolyn
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1319 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
11/29/07
I really like the back-and-forth of the letters--both women had gifts in evidence!

The word "Bible" should always be capitalized...

Your title is perfect, and you did a wonderful job with portraying the personalities of these two friends through their words.
Laury Hubrich
11/30/07
Very nice title! Love the growth in the MC as the letters, lovingly written from a friend, helped her to fly.
Laury
Christine Dunn
11/30/07
I found Carolyn's words very encouraging, and enjoyed your MC's exploration of her gift.
Barbara Ann Smith
12/02/07
A wonderful uplifting story!
Peter Stone
12/08/07
Cute dialogue that shows a progression of someone coming to terms with their gift of teaching.
David Butler
12/12/07
Very creative and sensitive way of encouraging rookie ministry. That would have a greater impact and value to bible college students than a point-by-point manual. It sounds like you've personally been through it and learned from it.
I'm inclined to think you have a teaching gift yourself. Well done - as always.