Spiritual Gift of Teaching

It has occurred to me in this past year that God has been preparing me all my life for teaching my Truth 101 Career Adult Fellowship class at church. That may sound a lot more astounding and significant than I intend it to; but, in an unassuming practical way, I have found it to be true. Firstly, He has repeatedly affirmed my spiritual gift of Teaching. It's been challenged several times, particularly when faced with the questions of whether or not women should teach. However, every time I have served as a teacher or facilitator in a class, a fellowship group, a mentoring situation, or in a Bible Study; I've seen how God has used me effectively through it. It is something I enjoy doing; and it comes naturally to me. So, I've actually been teaching and leading studies in some form or another, now for about 20 years. All the experience I've gained is now being used as I teach. I needed that background and experience, in order to have given me the confidence necessary to be willing to start this new class in the first place. Also, I realized that the lessons I learned, from teaching groups all these past years, about letting the Spirit work and not worrying about numbers or visible results; helped me to persevere through the first year we struggled to get Truth 101 off the ground. Now, it is a strong, healthy, solid group of people who love to study the Word and fellowship with each other. Praise God! I also had long wondered why God allowed me to be interested in so many areas related to marriage, family, relationships, and psychology; and to have listened for so many years to Focus on the Family, and read so many books on these topics. I was especially baffled as the years went by, and I remained single. I thought I wouldn't have a chance to put any of this into practice; until I started teaching this class. As a teacher, I have found that I am often put in situations where I may need to offer advice in areas that I may not have any personal experience. While I have been able to use what I've learned in the past, I see clearly now, that as a teacher in a new growing church, it is especially helpful. Another area of my life that I had struggled with, and now see it as part of God's plan for me to be the teacher in the Truth 101 class is that related to Psalm 73. For years, I did wonder why the wicked seemed to prosper and whether it was in vain that I kept my heart pure. I knew that it was good to seek holiness and to live in obedience; but, when I looked around me and saw other people seemingly having more "fun", I wondered if I was being to stringent. However, I now truly appreciate that I have tried to walk the narrow path as closely as possible, since teachers often serve as examples and are "held to a higher standard." This is not to say that those who have a "colored" past couldn't be a good teacher. In fact, many can draw on their negative experiences to have an extremely powerful message. However, I do think that God would want teachers who have tried to live a pure and holy life, and can be an example to those they teach. So here am I, pleased to find that I am well-suited for this position God has placed me in. Even as I am developing leadership skills in my professional life, I am able to apply some of those skills to being a teacher in my class. I'm able to incorporate things I've learned through the Apologetics program and the Truth Project. I love being able to be used by God to help others grow in knowledge of HIM.