He Speaks

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8, KJV.

When God speaks I want to listen to Him. Don’t you? Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you knew the Lord was calling you to do something, but you had no clear indication of what? If you answered yes, then you understand what I experienced when I ventured from my home state to attend an annual writers and speakers conference.

I understood the Lord placed the conference on my heart and that I should go, but it puzzled me. Why this conference? Why now?

Move Out

I sensed a nudge to move out in ministry, but fear of failing as I followed the call held me back. I wanted details. What does the Lord desire of me?

Should I focus on speaking?

Should I focus on writing?

Or should I focus on local ministry through my church?

These questions held me captive. I needed answers. Which direction should I take?

I headed to the conference desperate to hear God’s voice. Traveling alone left my friends and family mystified and marveling at my bravery.

“You don’t know anybody there?” My husband asked.

“No, I don’t,” I replied, “but I will.”

When I arrived, the conference center’s staff and volunteers were bustling about double checking to make sure everything was in place. They were ready to receive their week-long guests. I watched as the women moved into the conference room with faces beaming and a hope-filled desire to make their dreams come true. Soon, the seats were full, and God once again assured my fearful heart.

Even though time was short, and I was busy with writing sessions and publishing appointments, I was alone. My anxiety grew as that familiar on-the-outside-looking-in sensation swept over me. Emotions of self-doubt and sadness were welling up inside.

“I need some alone time with my heavenly Father,” I thought, “before I give up and run home.” It was important that I pray. Discouraged and wanting to seek God, I found a chance to steal away.

God’s Presence

God’s presence overwhelmed me as soon as I entered the prayer room prepared by the staff so we could spend time with God. His wondrous love swept over me. I sat weeping as a young woman came over and asked to pray with me. I welcomed her concern and we prayed. After our amens and goodbyes I lingered there for a moment, thanking God for His graciousness and her obedience.

As I was preparing to leave, I saw a communion table placed at the front of the room. I walked up to it still affected by His love expressed through this young woman’s prayers. I stood by the table wiping away the tears rolling down my cheeks. What may I offer you, Lord, in gratitude?

At that moment He spoke, “She prayed for you, now you pray for others.”

It was then I noticed the names of God written on cards and placed on the tables around this Communion table. Attached to each card were small slips of paper bearing the names of each conferee. I moved my eyes from one slip of paper to another praying for each person by name.

God Most High

I was thankful for the powerful way God answers our prayers. As I continued reading names and praying, I saw my name. It laid beside the card which read “El Elyon: God Most High.” El Elyon is the name proclaimed to Abraham when he defeated his enemies!

“And blessed be God Most High [El Elyon], Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And [Abraham] gave him a tithe of all (Genesis 14:20, NKJV).

My tears began to fall once again with thanksgiving.

I understood whatever takes place in my life and in the lives of those I pray for, God is God Most High. Our God is in control. He has a wonderful plan in store for us. The plans He has for each of us, though unique in design, work together to fulfill His one grand master plan. Though we serve by ourselves we do not serve alone. Though no one sees us we are not unseen by Him. We are part of a plan that is bigger than us. As we follow His lead, trusting and thanking Him, He will reveal our next steps.

He Speaks to Us

He speaks to us. He calls us.

I gained a new resolve when I left the prayer room that day. I sowed for others the seeds of prayer sown for me.

Whether I met someone in the banquet hall, or waiting in line for the bathroom, or having coffee in the connections room, I asked them for their business card, then I asked them for one prayer request. I promised to pray as I wrote their prayer request on the back of their card.

Godly Women

During my daring trip out of state, I met many beautiful, godly women from across the country. Each one was seeking to find and do the will of God.

— an Air Force wife from Albuquerque, constantly moving from place to place, carrying God’s word and God’s love with her.

— a mother of 10, desiring to live God’s will and love her family.

–a ministry leader from Illinois, who is working hard to share God’s message of hope with women everywhere.

–a pastor’s wife from New Jersey, faced with discouragement in ministry, she is leaning on Jesus for wisdom in how to proceed.

–a seeker from South Carolina, waiting on the Lord, like me, to open doors for her ministry.

God’s Women

We are God’s women. We are “the called according to His purpose.” We are part of His plan to share His word and His love.

Writer? Speaker? Ministry leader?

We are all of the above. God called us to communicate His love and goodness demonstrated by Jesus, who died for us.

He speaks to and through us. God gave us a message worth sharing.

I choose to respond Yes, Lord, here am I.

I choose to open my heart and go where the Lord leads. A life lived for Him is worth any risk. He is my confidence.

I choose to operate in faith for His glory and namesake.

Be Thankful and Follow Him

To each of you who dare to hear His call, be thankful and follow His lead. I am thankful I followed His lead to attend that conference. There, He spoke loud and clear. As women in ministry, let’s lock arms together and go forth in Jesus’ Name, sharing His message wherever He leads and whenever He speaks.

Oh, and don’t forget, if I have your business card, I’m praying for you by name.