It's great if you know for sure that God has given you a solo. But what if you don’t know for sure? If you know you are doing what God wants you to do, there is no reason to be timid. But even if you’re not sure what God wants, being timid is probably not going to help. I used today’s verse in the last chapter, but it’s a really good one. God wants us to step ahead sometimes even when we don’t know where we’re going. He wants us to trust Him, and to learn that He is trustworthy.
Knowing that doesn’t make it easier though. We’ve all seen people (or been one ourselves) who embarrass themselves by blurting out the first thought that comes to their mind, who loudly sing out when they were supposed to be silent, or who just go for it and try that new trick on their skateboard – and fall flat on their face. We may have heard of people who were just sure God was leading them a certain way, only to end up making things worse for themselves and others. How can we be courageous with examples like that?
Most of the time when I’ve made a mistake during a piano offertory, no one notices. Not even my mother. When the choir misses an entrance, or forgets to observe a rest, the choir members know. The director knows. But usually the congregation doesn’t. That can help instill confidence in musicians. We are our own worst critics, and our mistakes are usually not as bad as we think they are.
The same is true in life. What seems like a mountain of shame or difficulty to you today will look like a pebble in the road behind you tomorrow. In the end, only God matters. Not the world’s opinion. Not your neighbor’s opinion. Just God. Whatever action you think you should take, check to make sure it’s what you think God wants you to do. Don’t worry about everyone else. Then, using the Spirit’s power, making sure to follow God’s command to love others, just go for it.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7