Last weekend I attended a women's retreat with the ladies in our church. I really enjoyed the speaker who was inspirational, knowledgeable, understandable, humorous, witty and personable.
By the end of the weekend I kept getting this nudge in my heart and head, "I think I'd like to do that." It's been a couple years out of ministry due to health reasons and now I'm beginning to consider how I can serve God in a way that works with my own limitations.
Of course, after awhile of actually considering being a women's conference speaker, I stopped myself short. WHAT AM I THINKING? Every single women's speaker I've heard seems to have a life full of tragedy. Not your everyday-broke-a-nail kind of "tragedy", but pretty much catastrophic-change-your-life tragedy. Apparently, that is what makes these women so interesting to listen to. We sit amazed, in awe of how they rely on the Lord through each devastation. Why in the world would I want a job with such a prerequisite?!
I doubt my minor trials, although they always seem devastating to me each time, would qualify me to teach hundreds of women how to grow closer to the Lord. I think I'll leave that to the experts and plan on going back to teaching our women's Bible study. The Lord opened the door for me to get back in to that in the fall and that seems to be the perfect fit for the gifts He has granted to me.
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever!
During the retreat we were asked to write a prayer based on scripture. Here is mine in a pattern of Psalm 136.
Give thanks to the LORD.
His love endures forever.
The Creator of the universe.
His love endures forever.
The Giver of all life.
His love endures forever.
Who promised a Savior in the garden
His love endures forever.
Who rescued Noah from the flood.
His love endures forever.
Who blessed Abraham with His Seed.
His love endures forever.
The Son of David who delivered me.
His love endures forever.
The Holy Spirit who called me.
His love endures forever.
The Father who continues to love me.
His love endures forever.
All praise to the great I AM.
His love endures forever.
To Christ the Word.
His love endures forever.
To the Spirit who comforts.
His love endures forever.
To the LORD who heals.
His love endures forever.
Who sustains me through each trial.
His love endures forever.
Who calms the storm within my spirit.
His love endures forever.
And quiets the raging waters all around me.
His love endures forever.
LORD grant me peace.
His love endures forever.
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3 comments:
Now don't you go selling yourself short! You don't have to have major suffering to serve the Lord. And besides, you HAVE overcome a LOT. But still. Don't think you have to have suffered great tragedy to be a speaker for the Lord.
I agree that you would have plenty to share. That's great that you can help with the bible study though! Just remember to say "Yes" when public speaking engagements arise from small to big and you will be surprised what doors open up! God Bless!
I don't think its big tragedies that make someone a great speaker. It think its someone who has a heart for God and relies on Him in the big and little challenges of life. I think its being transparent when sharing God's word with others. Don't sell yourself short, pray about it and see where God leads.
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