I'm About To Do Something I’ve Never Done Before
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photo by andrew neelute on unsplash
I’m about to do something I’ve never done before. Tonight and all day tomorrow I will be teaching a four-part series on purpose for my church’s ladies’ retreat.
I’ve been planning and preparing for this for months, and now the day has finally come!
I am excited! And, although I feel pretty well prepared, I have to admit I feel a little nervous too. Not so much about the act of speaking itself. More about whether the women will like what I have to share. Will it resonate? Will they find it engaging and interesting enough to hold their attention? Will it be applicable to their everyday lives? Will I actually accomplish my goal of encouraging and equipping women to walk in purpose?
As I’ve found my thoughts tending toward a bit of worry and second-guessing, I’ve had to reign in those “what ifs” and remind myself of a few important truths:
God is holding my hand. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you’” (NLT). This truth has brought me great comfort in past similar circumstances and it’s bringing me comfort and peace now. I’m so thankful for our God who never asks us to do anything on our own, but is always helping us!
My job is to simply be who I am. This actually something I’m talking about at the retreat. Our purpose, at its most basic, is to simply be who we are. To express what God has put in us. That’s really all He asks. This weekend, I’m offering myself. I’m giving the best of what I know so far about purpose. That’s the best I can do. So that’s what I’m doing. And, with God, it is enough.
It’s really not about me. Yes, as I just said in my second point, I must be willing to share who I am and participate in God’s plan. But ultimately, this is all about Him. As it says in Zechariah 4:6, it’s not by my might, nor by my power, but by God’s spirit that this work will be accomplished. What matters is trusting God and allowing His life to flow through me. It’s not about being perfect or getting my words or PowerPoint just right. Whew! Thank God! I can just relax, knowing that God’s got this! Again, although I do have a role to play, God is the one who will bring about transformation, revelation, purpose, and growth in women’s hearts—not me!
Are you sharing a deep part of yourself—or thinking about doing so? Can you relate to that feeling of nervy excitement and the temptation to doubt? However you’re giving of yourself this weekend or in this season, whether that’s through parenting, teaching, writing, painting, or praying with a co-worker, hold these truths to your heart. Our powerful God is holding your hand. Share who you are, and trust that with Him it is enough!
Well, I’m off to finish my preparations for tonight!
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
With love and affection,
I want to hear from you!
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P.S.
I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!
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