If Someone Told Me My Biggest Fear Would Glorify God

If someone had told me years ago that my biggest fear—my stutter—would one day be used to glorify God, I would have laughed in disbelief.  Back then, my stutter felt like a prison.  It was the reason I avoided raising my hand in class, dodged conversations, and dreaded public speaking.  I saw it as an unshakable flaw, a constant reminder of my inadequacy.

But God had other plans.  Today, I’m living proof that what we see as weakness, God sees as an opportunity for His strength to shine.

The Fear That Held Me Captive

My stutter wasn’t just a speech problem; it was a source of deep shame.  Every stumble over a word felt like a spotlight on my brokenness.  I replayed awkward conversations and rehearsed future ones, always fearing judgment or pity.  My prayers often sounded desperate: Lord, why me? Why did You give me this?

In my early teens, I stumbled upon what felt like a solution: alcohol.  When I drank, the stutter disappeared.  Words flowed effortlessly, and I felt “normal” for the first time.  That temporary confidence became addictive.  I began relying on alcohol—not just to speak but to feel accepted.  What started as a quick fix turned into a drinking problem that left me feeling even more trapped.

It was only when I hit rock bottom that I realized something had to change.  God wasn’t going to let me run anymore.  He completely removed my obsession with alcohol and has given me 53 plus years of uninterrupted sobriety.

A Divine Whisper of Hope

One day, someone shared the story of Moses with me. In Exodus 4, when God called Moses to lead the Israelites, Moses hesitated:
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.”

I felt an instant connection to Moses.  Here was a man chosen by God, yet plagued by the same insecurities I had.  But God’s response shook me:
“Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

It was as if God was whispering to me, I see your fear, but I also see your potential.  Trust Me.

That moment marked the beginning of my journey to let go of my crutches and trust God to use me—stutter and all.

Taking the First Step of Faith

Not long after, a friend invited me to share my story at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.  The thought of speaking in front of people terrified me, but something inside me said, Say yes.

When the day came, my hands were shaking, my voice was unsteady, and my words didn’t come out perfectly.  But something surprising happened.  Instead of pity or discomfort, I saw compassion in people’s eyes.  My vulnerability didn’t repel them—it connected us.

Afterward, people came up to thank me.  One person said, “Hearing you gave me the courage to face my own fears.”  That moment was a revelation.  God doesn’t need perfect words to work through us; He needs our willingness to show up, imperfections and all.

Turning Fear Into Ministry

God didn’t stop there.  Over time, He opened doors I never thought possible.  I worked at a large company where public speaking was unavoidable.  I led community presentations, counseled employees through personal challenges, and facilitated important meetings.

At first, I felt completely unqualified.  But as I leaned on God, I realized that my stutter wasn’t a barrier; it was a bridge.   People saw my struggles and found encouragement in my openness.  They weren’t looking for a polished speaker—they were looking for someone real, someone who understood what it meant to face challenges with faith.

In sharing my story, I began to see how God was using my weakness for His glory.  My stutter wasn’t a flaw—it was a testimony of His strength.

The Beauty of Surrender

Over time, I’ve spoken in churches, schools, hospitals, and other venues.  Each time, I remind myself: it’s not about my ability; it’s about God’s power working through me.  Vulnerability has become my greatest asset, because it allows God’s grace to shine through the cracks.

Looking back, I’m grateful for my stutter.  It’s taught me that God’s plans aren’t limited by our perceived shortcomings.  In fact, He often uses those very weaknesses to draw people closer to Him.

Encouragement for You

If you’re feeling held back by fear, shame, or a sense of inadequacy, let me tell you this: God isn’t asking for your perfection—He’s asking for your trust.  Whether it’s a fear of failure, a personal struggle, or something else entirely, God can use it to transform your life and inspire others.

Think of the stories of David, Peter, or even Moses.  Their greatness wasn’t in their abilities but in their willingness to trust God.  And the same can be true for you.

Your Next Step

What fear is holding you back?  What weakness are you hiding?  Today, I encourage you to bring it to God and ask, How can You use this, Lord?

Then take one step of faith.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It doesn’t even have to be big.  Just show up and trust that God will meet you there.

Because here’s the truth: the parts of your story that you think disqualify you might be the very things God uses to reveal His power and glory.

So, don’t let fear have the final say.  Let God write the rest of your story, and watch how He transforms your greatest struggles into your most powerful testimony.