Welcome once again to Crosstrainers! Our key verse for this class is Luke 9:23.
In keeping with our 2009 Initiative "365 Holy Days" (see Romans 14:5), our starting point this morning is with the holiday we call Groundhog's Day. The focus on Groundhog's Day is on a little furrball that comes out of its burrow and sees, or doesn't see, its own shadow. If it does see its shadow, it retreats into the earth; if it does not see its shadow, then it stays out and mingles. The retreat signals a longer winter, whereas the staying out signals a shorter winter.
With that said, this morning we will focus on shyness. Some of us here reading this are so shy, we're scared of our own shadows!
(Exercise: Questions We "Shy" Away From
In teams, try to answer these three key questions:
- What is shyness?
- What causes shyness?
- What are the effects of shyness?)
Lesson: Now we'll explore how shyness can be overcome.
Chart: Problem, Scripture, Solution
Problem: Speechless? Scripture: Exodus 4:10, 11 Solution: Don't be shy because God speaks through us.
Problem: Scared of Public Opinion? Scripture: John 3:1, 2; 19:38, 39 Solution: Case Study - Nicodemus
Problem: Fear of Rejection? Scripture: John 15:18-27 Solution: No fear if you already know the rejection is coming!
Problem: Ashamed? Scripture: Romans 1:16 Solution: No shame because of God's Power!
Problem: Red-headed stepchild syndrome? Scripture: Romans 8:15 Solution: When we said "yes" to Jesus, we became Christians, and as Christians, we ARE God the Father's adopted children, and He loves us as He loves Christ Jesus Himself!!!
Problem: Paralyzed by fear? Scripture: Second Timothy 1:7 Solution: We have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline!
Life Application: How can we overcome shyness? John 16:33--Jesus IS the Overcomer Supreme!
Final illustration: BluPuR the Ulti-Mutt (stuffed toy dog) will act as the ceremonial groundhog, and show us the difference between seeing one's own shadow in the Light (table lamp) and not seeing, between being shy and being bold.
This is BluPuR. He's a GOOD BOY! (Stay, BluPuR. Stay.)
 |  |
| BluPuR is being shy, shying away from the light. He will see his shadow. Every time. | BluPuR is being bold here by keeping himself facing the light. He will never see his own shadow this way. Problem solved. |
Now go forth and be bold for Christ! Let's pray.