To be a great teacher…

Just recently, I’ve learned that I have an affinity and gift for encouraging and teaching. I wouldn’t call myself a good teacher. But when God called to me start a small bible study during college, I had to take up the task. It was burdensome because I wanted to move spirits and inspire souls- but my teachings seemed dead. They were un-engaging and I felt like everybody left with nothing to remember.

This verse carried me on. I’ve learned that teaching is not about me and how I teach. It is all about them, those who learn. And I can trust in the Lord that when I have done my best to facilitate His word, He will do the rest and there will be fruit.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

Yesterday, after months of not meeting with my disciples, we had our first bible study video call in a long time. And I felt the same feeling I had felt during my college years when we were just starting off our bible study group… I was not able to teach effectively. Perhaps, this is how God nurtures our gifts. Frustration and a sense of humility enough to bow my head in prayer and ask for help, and a desire to do better for the sake of their joy, God’s and mine.

I had a desire to be great teacher. And Jesus himself modeled how. He said,

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-27 NIV

As I recall how Jesus taught his disciples, he simply spent time with them which brought up more opportunities to experience life together and to see how Jesus lived, and talked, and learn from him. Jesus wasn’t swayed by the pressures of the crowd, the doubts and pride of his disciples, or the misunderstandings and arguments caused by his teachings… he let it happen, stuck to whatever the Father has him to say (John 12:49-50) and set himself as an example. His compassion to those who boldly come to him for help, his forgiveness to his disciples short comings, his time with the Father when the crowd sought his healing, and his love for us.

How can I teach like Jesus and not fall into the trap of reading off of a powerpoint presentation? How can I get them to start asking questions and seek Christ?

I must look to Christ and follow his example, and be disciplined to live out His teachings in order to protect my testimony (1 Cor 9:27).

When I fall, I shall stand again in His grace and work out my faith with fear and trembling!

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Phil 2:12 NIV

Today’s setback in leading the Life group

[3:21PM] Bible study starts at 2pm…

Yesterday, Tala and Dani joined the LG bible study but my net wasn’t working well. So we moved it for the day after. Today, Justine was the only one responding, and the moment I called, her Wi-Fi got cut off. So she bought load. But it didn’t last long after a few minutes into talking until the connection got lost again. So I decided to eat while waiting. Then Bern called, but I wasn’t done eating and she was about to get low-batt as well. While I was on call with Bern, Tine was trying to reach me. So her call failed of course.

Man, things are just not going smoothly today. But I decided not to let that discourage me and not to give up.

Hebrews 10:25 Do not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hopefully matuloy (it will push through) this evening. But if not, I would have to adjust. We all do. I need counsel though.

[4:09PM]

I hate having to be that annoying girl who messages people and remind them to join the Bible study. I worry they might get annoyed. But should I be worried about that? God wants to reach them through me. Should I be so insecure and forget that God is with me?

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“

LG Group chat
Me: We'll have our LG by 6pm, makakasama kayo? (will you guys be able to join?)
Friend-1: Yes ako makakasama :) (I can join)

That reply brought me hope. To be honest, it’s common that I’d get no replies. If you’re a leader of any support group or bible study group, you’d have this experience at some point in time. It can be discouraging but just keep going and try to think of other ways to reach out. I have a friend who passes free load to his LG (life group) members just so that they could join in and not miss out on God’s word.

LG Group Chat
Friend-2: Try ko sumali pero baka makinig lang me, if ever kaya ng net (I'll try to join but I might just listen, if ever I don't lose connection)

The situation (in our case: the Wi-Fi connection and communication) may not always be the best, but we’ll take what we can get.

[7:40PM] Kakatapos lang nung LG namin at nakasama sila Bern, Shai and Tine (our LG just ended and Bern, Shai and Tine were able to join). It wasn’t the best. There were connection problems, awkward silences to difficult questions, and more… but God guided me through them all. And though it feels like I wasn’t effective in reaching out, engaging or inspiring, I’ve learned from God that His word will never return to Him empty. It will always bear Him fruit. He’ll make sure of that (Isaiah 55:11).

The devil really tried to discourage me from continuing the LG, but we pushed through! Thank you Lord!