She Speaks
Well, I actually got on the plane and flew to Charlotte for the “She Speaks” conference after the Lord took my fear. I said I would give you an attitude update when I returned (Fear of Man). Psalm 9:10 says “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.Before I left last week I was seeking the Lord A LOT! I kept asking for confidence and grace. I was asking Him to use me at the conference to minister to others and He gave me those opportunities. He did NOT forsake me just as He promised. His ways are higher than our ways.
The Bible clearly tells us to trust God, not to lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). If I had relied on my own understanding I would have been overtaken by the fear of man, or more specifically in this case, the fear of young, thin, pretty, and probably southern women. They really are sweet! (Sweet is not a word anyone has ever used to describe me).
As it turned out, this particular group of women base their ministry on sharing what they have, of imparting the wisdom God has given them to others who want to do the same thing. This was not about competition — it was about equipping and preparing women to do ministry: speaking, writing, and ministering to the women in their churches for the glory of God and to advance His Kingdom. It was a gift.
From the time that God pursued me to convict me of my sin so He could save me I have recognized Him as the Hound of Heaven. If you are His child He will bring you to the places, the circumstances, the relationships, and the service that He has for you. He might make it a little uncomfortable if you resist but He desires to make His will for you known. And yet, He’s a Gentleman. He will not force you or me to respond.
Over the last few weeks He has sent many people to encourage me, reminding me that if He arranged the details then it really didn’t matter who else was going to be there and that I would be glad I went. Well, glad I went is exactly where I am today.
The results of what I have learned remain to be seen. I came away with many plans but must remember; “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9), and “A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?” (Proverbs 20:24). I will wait on the Lord for clear direction rather than leaning on my own understanding (that was getting very uncomfortable).
If God makes it one of my steps the “She Speaks” conference will see me again next year. It’s for speakers, writers, and women’s ministry leaders. You can check it out at http://www.proverbs31.org/ and look for “She Speaks”.
Psalm 100 says
A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!
For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.
Is the Hound of Heaven after you to take a step of faith and DO something? If you and I will follow His plans and not lean on our own understanding we will be entering His presence with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. When we let the Lord establish our steps we experience His steadfast love as well as His faithfulness! What more could a Child of the King ask for?