If you picture yourself sharing for a group of people, nerves probably play a big part in that picture. They do for me! But I’m thankful for God who strengthened me through the body of Christ.
One friend listened to me practice sharing…and I was so glad she did! She encouraged me with the good stuff in the message and helped me see what didn’t make sense. Even telling me I sounded like I was giving a book report. I’m glad for faithful friends!
Another friend wrote me: “I’m praying for you this weekend, for sensitivity, that you can bring joy to everyone, extra general grace in everything, safe travel and peace in your heart.” How neat to see that God did answer that prayer, as I felt peace that whole weekend. Though I was little nervous, God’s peace was evident to me and I was relaxed. Praise God!
And then I’m also deeply grateful for your prayers, as I prepared and shared for the conference. God put a couple songs on my heart early on this year, and gave me opportunity to share them at Circle Church, before singing at the retreat. And God also gave me the desire to go to the retreat, to get to know the ladies more, even before I was asked to speak! I even got to practice sitting in a living room, which is exactly how I shared at the conference.
And, I wasn’t alone in speaking either, four other people spoke that weekend, and God tied it all together with the theme “Looking to Jesus.”
Since then, God is not done teaching me. Twelve ladies from my Florida church are in a short study called “Rooted and Grounded” which is also focusing on Christ! Our Sunday school is studying: “Getting to NO!: How to Break a Stubborn Habit (ie. Sin)” And we just had a 3-day meeting time with my dad speaking on “Ways In Which Believers Become Powerless.” Please pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in my life, and obey quickly, with intention to the truth God reveals!