As I pause this morning with my cup of coffee in one hand and the other hand pressing into an open Bible, I reflect. My heart is full, so full after a weekend at #shespeaks16. Words can’t express the depth. No value can be placed on such an experience.
My eyes fall on the pages of scripture and the verses underlined before, I read…
Psalm 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. ESV
And verse 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. ESV
Heading off to the She Speaks conference last Thursday I thought I would come back with a few writing tips. A list of things to improve on. Honestly, I didn’t have much hope and expectation. Satan’s lies had been pouring into my mind. Before even setting one foot on the conference floors I felt defeated.
Do you know what I mean? Have you been there? Feeling called, following God’s leading yet the attack very present, real. The enemy trying to steal your joy, your hope. Targeting the good. Targeting your faithfulness to the Lord. Your faithfulness to follow.
Yes, I know you have been there. In a position of enemy fire. However, despite the battle, we walk on. We walk on because our Defender is with us. He is stronger. He has given us an armour (Ephesians 6:10-20). He has already won.
Back at the conference. What God had for me was more than I could have imagined. While I planned to gain a little knowledge God gave me the gift of relationship, spiritual encouragement, and peace. Gifts far greater than I planned. Sisters, I am still unpacking these gifts and probably will for months.
You see, God has amazing things in mind for you and me. More than we can see or imagine.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” NKJV
God has more for you than those words of failure spoken. God has more for you than the abuse you experienced. God has more for you than the relationship that left you with a broken heart. God has more. God is more!
I entered the conference last week with the uncertainty of the calling. As I drove home, reflecting on the days’ events, I left certain of His calling. Certain that I was right where He wanted me to be in those moments.
There is nothing like being in a room of 800 women who love Je
sus! You can’t enter a room like that and leave with a couple of notes about writing. No! You can only leave such a room changed. Changed by the love and power of God.
Even when doubts arise, stand up and walk, my friends…walk…follow God’s leading. You won’t be disappointed.
To read more stories and testimonies from She Speaks 2016 check out the links to other blogs below.
And BE ENCOURAGED!
loved this post Melissa!! so honest and inspiring.
So, beautifully said. My dear, dear friend. Thank you for the reminder. How quickly Satan restarts his chant “Not good enough”. I truly needed this reminder of all that happened last week and the great pleasure of meeting you as well.
What an honest post, Melissa! Thank you for revealing your doubts and your struggles. Those difficulties, those attacks from the enemy, are where our testimonies are birthed. When we tell our stories, of how God spoke to us, or changed us, or healed us, then we encourage others who are experiencing the same thing but are afraid to say so. Your words were brave and transparent. Thank you for letting God speak through you.
1 Cor. 2:9 I have experience many blessings from God when I have listened and obeyed His call. But I’m sure that I have missed many more blessings because of fear to step out and trust my Lord and Savior. Thanks for the encouragement to stop listening to the lies of Satan and focus on the truth of who God is.
Love this!
God is more!