Who’s a Fraidy-Cat?
This year, our Summer Sampler theme dovetails with our mentoring endeavors. As you know, by design is dedicated to fostering healthy spiritual mentoring relationships among the generations. As we seek to learn from each other, one concept that comes up frequently is the desire to learn from those before us and pass on our experience to those coming after. In this series, we will learn the hard-won lessons from women who have been walking with the Lord and have some wisdom to share. We hope that you’re blessed and enriched by their stories.
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Who’s a Fraidy-Cat?
By Meredith Russell
Were you a fraidy-cat like me?
As a young Christian woman, I was an introvert with very little confidence, to the point of being timid and afraid of my own shadow – it was truly pitiful. You miss out on so much of life, and most importantly, you miss out on the joy of fulfilling what God prepared in advance for you to do.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
Through the years, as my relationship grew with Christ, I began to see how He supported me in all my endeavors. The more He gave me the confidence and power to serve Him in capacities I never dreamt I could fulfill, the more my confidence grew.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7
The stronger my relationship grew with Him, the more I knew He wanted me to be sharing His love and His rescue plan for those who don’t know Him. I prayed for Him to give me His love for the lost. He did! As I grew in my love for those who don’t know Jesus, I realized how much compassion Jesus had for them because they were lost and confused. They didn’t have a Shepherd to guide them like I had. I had the answer to life through Christ, and I was passionate to let those who don’t yet know hear the truth.
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
He will give us the power through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses and be able to tell people everywhere.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31
I’d like to say I always have the boldness and confidence moving forward; however, I do know without any doubt that I have the resources through Christ always when I look to Him for all! I fully trust Him in all that He asks of me.
“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Our roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” Ephesians 3:16-17
The key is to keep close to Him every year, month, day, hour, minute and second so that our roots grow so deep and strong that nothing can stop us. We stand firm in our faith and trust in Him alone. We know that He provides all the power, love and self-discipline we will ever need.
“You always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”
– Glinda the good witch, from the Wizard of Oz
Meredith Russell is a widow, mother of four, and grandmother of four living her best life in her sunny paradise in Ruskin, FL. Her mission is to share Jesus with everyone she meets. She spends her days serving as a district consulting coordinator for Stonecroft Ministries, hosting “outreach events” and following up to encourage people to enter Bible studies. She is passionate about meeting people where they are in their spiritual journey. It’s all about praying for and encouraging people to get into the Word so they find the truth and experience the life-changing power of Jesus. Also, supporting and equipping others to do the same.