A Brand New Creation
Blog / Produced by The High Calling
For some members of the human family, the fear of speaking in front of a live audience rates close to the fear of dying. Trembling, dry mouth, perspiration, and various hues of pigment are but a few manifestations of this dreaded activity.
College students often enroll in public speaking courses at the end of their studies. If forced to take the course to graduate, they do so with great hesitation. During the first week of class, it is not unusual to hear commentary laden with fear and negativity. The more they speak of public speaking as an immobilizing situation, the more paralyzed they become. How does one overcome fear of this nature? What happens when we don't measure up? Why even try to be excellent when we know failure possibly awaits?
"We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone," Nelson Mandela said in his 1994 inaugural speech. When we try our best to burn bright the divine spark in each of us, there is no failure . . . and we have nothing to fear.
Be heartened by God's promise: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). What a blessed assurance!
Questions for discussion:
• Scripture assures us that we all have talents. Have you identified and celebrated yours?
• How are you using your gifts to "manifest the glory of God"?
• How will you help others recognize their unique gifts?
College students often enroll in public speaking courses at the end of their studies. If forced to take the course to graduate, they do so with great hesitation. During the first week of class, it is not unusual to hear commentary laden with fear and negativity. The more they speak of public speaking as an immobilizing situation, the more paralyzed they become. How does one overcome fear of this nature? What happens when we don't measure up? Why even try to be excellent when we know failure possibly awaits?
"We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone," Nelson Mandela said in his 1994 inaugural speech. When we try our best to burn bright the divine spark in each of us, there is no failure . . . and we have nothing to fear.
Be heartened by God's promise: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). What a blessed assurance!
Our Father, enable us to feed our faith and starve our fears. You made us in your image . . . Hallelujah! May we always remember that the tasks ahead of us are never as great as the power of your presence within us.
We love you, God…and we thank you.
Questions for discussion:
• Scripture assures us that we all have talents. Have you identified and celebrated yours?
• How are you using your gifts to "manifest the glory of God"?
• How will you help others recognize their unique gifts?
