I have had an interest in the Bible ever since I was a pre-teen. While other kids my age were out doing group things, I was often in my room reading the Word and studying daily references through the publication “Forward Day by Day.” Much later I learned these were the “Daily Office” or assigned Scriptures for the day. As an adult, I was interested in study groups and furthering my understanding of Scripture. Through Women’s Aglow, an international women’s group, I understood the Lord’s call for me to be an intercessor and teach His word.

As I prepared to teach Bible study lessons using various Women’s Aglow publications I often had the thought that I was in no way qualified to teach. Yes, I completed one year of college and had a good command of the English language, some writing skills and made use of several different kinds of Scripture reference books. However, I had no formal Bible training or chaplain schooling. As these thoughts became more troublesome I began to hear “How can you assume to teach this? You are not qualified in any way, shape or form!” I knew I needed help to learn how to answer such an attack from the enemy of my soul.

I found some methods from the words of Jesus to help with the taunts. In John 5:19, 30 Jesus says “The Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. By myself, I can do nothing.” Most Americans have been taught so strongly to be self-sufficient that we hardly ever entertain this idea of dependency. Yet the Lord insists He is dependent upon the Father for all things He does. Can we say the same?

In order for my attempt to push back the accusations to work, I had to commit to teaching as my Lord Jesus and the Father of Lights showed me. Invariably, during the preparation of each lesson there would come a point where the Lord would ask me, “Molly, how are you doing with this concept in your own life?” And I would stop for some honest self-examination before I could presume to bring the lesson to others. Often, my best teaching examples came from my own time of examination, confession, and determination to renew my life in accord with my Lord.

In Matthew 5:25 Jesus taught “Come to terms quickly with your adversary.” The King James Version says “Agree with thine adversary quickly.” I began to do just that. “You are right. I cannot be a Bible teacher in my own strength, but I have committed my teaching to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide and direct me. So if you do not like how I am teaching, take it up with Jesus! He is in charge here.” Then I would go on, confident that the Christ was my rear guard. (Isa. 52:12)

Is there an area in your walk where you are not strong or courageous. A place where you feel alone? In Joshua 1:5-6 God says to Joshua “ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).

In what area of your life are you barraged with discouragement? Will you ask for God’s help?

He is no respecter of persons. If we humble ourselves He will give us help.  Can you agree with your Adversary quickly and then commit to follow whatever the Lord requires of you?

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and my willingness to yield to whatever He showed me, I was able to teach and was given strength and wisdom beyond my own self.

Molly Dutina and her husband, Bob, call The Crossing home. She is a writer and a member of a number of teams at The Crossing including The Crossing Blog Team.