grow - tim haggar

21st February 2011 by MORE

My name is Tim, and I'm an introvert. I struggle to talk to new people, and I certainly have no love for crowds and/or public speaking. But ever since Gospel Arts Camp 2010, God has been preparing me to face these obstacles in the way of his ministry.

All of the older campers were up in the Chapel having a worship time. I was playing guitar, and feeling safe behind my instrument when I was suddenly launched out of my comfort zone. A strong conviction entered me that I needed to stand up and share. It was an absolutely terrifying notion that had me sweating. My legs felt physically incapable of standing up, my throat was constricted and dry. Yet up I stood, and spoke. It was short, and I was terrified but was told later that I spoke confidently and clearly. What a surprise it was to hear that!

One week later, the youth of our church were talking about our experiences of Gospel Arts Camp to the church. I was now faced with a bigger task and a bigger fear to face: I had to speak with a microphone to a full church hall.

But once more, God provided what I did not have and I once again I was told that I spoke confidently and clearly. It was this time that I realised I am actually quite good at public speaking, despite being scared to death of it!

Since this new experience, I have attended a "Design For Life" weekend. This amazing opportunity revealed to me much of what God is doing in my life at the moment. From that one moment of my weakness, God is building a purpose and a ministry in his strength. And all it took was a small surrender.

Whatever our fears, faith can always overcome.

Comments

Abe

March 07, 2011 at 2:21pm

Hey Tim,

Thanks for sharing. It is so good to hear what God is doing in your life and what sort of power he can give us when we just surrender to Him.

Thanks.

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Philip Grant Farthing

March 11, 2011 at 12:29pm

Whoo! Good form Tim. your a wise man

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