DO NOT OVERTHINK

by Neema Joshua | 26 June 2020 08:46 pm06

One of the weaknesses Satan loves to exploit in a person is overthinking.
Overthinking drains courage and can even weaken faith.

For example, if you plan to meet someone, but you spend too much time imagining “What will happen when we meet? What will I say? How will they react?”—fear can easily creep in, and you may lose the focus of what you originally intended to do or say.

The same applies in the life of faith. There are small but crucial matters to keep in mind—if ignored, you will find yourself constantly losing confidence and inner peace, making it harder to serve God.
The Holy Spirit works in peace and calmness (Isaiah 30:15).

Jesus’ Teaching
The Lord Jesus gave this instruction to His disciples:

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.
Beware of men; for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues;
and you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you will speak, for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.”
(Matthew 10:16–19, NKJV)

Jesus was speaking about moments when believers would be brought before accusers and authorities. He commanded them not to be anxious or to start plotting how to defend themselves, but instead to remain calm—because the Holy Spirit would give them the words at the very moment they were needed (Luke 12:11–12).

The Same Principle in Preaching
This applies not only in times of trial but also in ministry—especially in preaching.
When the Holy Spirit sends you to proclaim God’s Word, it is not the time to overthink:

“What exactly will I say?”

“Can I preach for the whole time allotted?”

“What if I forget my words midway?”

“What if there is someone more knowledgeable than me listening?”

Overthinking like this hinders the free flow of the Holy Spirit.

Instead, after preparing your message—receiving the revelation God has placed in your spirit through His Word or His servant—simply have a few key Scriptures ready. Then spend the remaining time in prayer, waiting for the moment to speak. When the time comes, start speaking, and the Holy Spirit will join you, causing the message to flow in a way that may even surprise you.

Avoid Fear-Based Self-Comparison
If you begin thinking:

“That pastor knows more than me.”

“What if I make a mistake?”

“My voice isn’t strong enough.”

—you will only invite hesitation. Remember, Jesus promised:

“…for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
(Luke 12:12)

When the preaching is over, you may return to your normal self and wonder, “How did I manage to speak so clearly? How did the time pass so quickly?” That is a sign the Holy Spirit was at work—you were simply the vessel.

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The power of the Spirit in a believer can fill and then ebb, but it does not leave (John 14:16–17). During ordinary activities or sleep, the manifestation may seem “low,” but in moments of need, it surges.
For example:

When you stand to preach, courage suddenly comes.

When you are brought before a court without knowing what to say, wisdom is suddenly given.

Paul experienced this and testified:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Biblical Examples
Samson — He was not always physically strong; the Spirit’s power would come upon him at specific moments (Judges 14:6; 15:14–15).

King Saul — When Israel faced battle, the Spirit of God would come upon him powerfully, filling him with unusual courage (1 Samuel 11:6).

Final Encouragement
From today, do not overthink when it comes to doing God’s work—or even other tasks—if you have surrendered your life to Christ. Since your path is committed to Him (Proverbs 3:5–6), He will be with you:

To give you words to speak.

To grant you wisdom and understanding.

To fight for you and guide you.

Do not measure your capacity by your present strength or intellect; wait until you are in the moment, and you will see God’s hand.

“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
(Exodus 14:14)

And as God told Moses:

“Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.”
(Exodus 14:15)

Go forward—don’t look to the left or the right. The Lord is with you.

 

 

 

 

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/06/26/do-not-overthink/

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