A perfect message at the perfect time
Even though I see God working in my everyday life and the lives of others, I continue to be amazed every time it happens. This week has been a whirlwind with the writing conference. By the time the day is done I am inspired and encouraged and EXHAUSTED! Our worship leaders are unmatched and their personal story is nothing short of inspiring. The classes have provided affirmation on God’s path for me as well as opened doors to follow on projects. I miss my family and I rarely take time to do something for just me-this was the week. Today I scheduled my pitch to the one publisher I selected out of the many available. You have 15 minutes to pitch your project in order to spark enough interest that they want to see more. I selected this publisher by looking at their faculty website, I had not met the editor/representative prior to this conference. At the conference, you select courses that interest you and the “How to write a transformational Bible Study” intrigued me. I have previously shared how my relationship with God grew through my teaching of our neighborhood and church Bible studies. I danced around the idea of maybe writing my own Bible Study one day, so I signed up. The instructor was the same individual that I would be pitching later in the week. I have officially become a “bible nerd”. This class continued to drive me to want to dig deeper into the word and to share the passion for God’s word to others. Wow-I could not wait to get to this class everyday. As the days passed, I knew I wanted to work with her on my first book project.
Rob called me right before my scheduled appointment and I ran through my pitch. He gave me words of encouragement after some candid feedback and then he prayed. I felt ready, but anxious. In everything else I do, I feel confident from years of experience, but this is a new path for me. Self doubt is a constant. And then it happened, as I stood in the hallway waiting to enter, my phone gave me a notification. I received a message on LinkedIn from a spouse of one of my deployed soldiers. She shared that she heard my speech at their Yellow Ribbon event (event for families and soldiers prior to their mobilization on mission) and was thankful for my words, my testimony, my sharing the love of God with others, and my prayers. The reason I knew it was an immediate answer to prayers? That ceremony happened last fall. What are the odds she would send this message in that exact moment, minutes before my pitch? Godwink. Isn’t God amazing? You never know when your actions are the answers to prayers. God is active in all our lives and orchestrates connections that defy understanding.
At the conference this week, I had countless encounters that I know were not coincidental. I had a wonderful lunch across from someone who has a ministry with addiction. She shared that the minute she says that word, many turn away. I did not- her ministry saves lives. It gives hope to many who have lost all hope. I met a wonderful couple who focus their ministry on the homeless and in growing community to support each other. As we continued to chat we found so many parallels in our lives-did I mention the conference had over 600 people? Not a coincidence, Godwink.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:5-7, NIV). All this week has been for His glory. These connections and perfectly timed messages of encouragement continue to build our community of follower so that together we may glorify God. Love those Godwinks!
Today, I pray that you listen to those nudges. You never know how a timely message will impact the recipient. I pray that you grow your community of Christ followers so we can continue to glorify Him with one voice.
I pray you find these words encouraging, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
