I looked across at the audience as I sat in their midst running through my speech in my head. I had been asked to speak about how you can control the chaos and prioritize the things that matter most. It is the question I get asked more than anything else-”How do I do it all.” The prepared answer is that I have amazing support, that I can be efficient by focusing and making lists. The truth is, I don’t do it all. I had these wonderful seven points I planned to share, things I have learned through the years. The problem? I didn’t think this was an audience that would care at all about prioritizing things or controlling the chaos. Most of us were in a very different phase of life-who was I to give wisdom to those that I usually pull wisdom from? I began to doubt all that I had prepared, and then I remembered. I had prayed over these words. I had prayed while preparing that God give me the right words to speak. I had prayed that this engagement further His purpose, not mine. So, I got up to speak. I didn’t change any words or any plan regardless of my opinion. These were not my words, these were the words God directed me to speak-trust and obey. “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, NIV). His words, not mine. His purpose, not mine.
I stood in front of the crowd with a couple of verse written on notecards and I began to speak from the heart. As I finished, I looked out at the crowd still doubting that most people in the room heard half what I said. I took comfort in knowing that if I reached at least just one person, I did what I was asked to do. And then it happened, as it so often does when God is working in our lives. Affirmation in the most unexpected way. The facilitator proceeded to give out footballs and asking people to share the one thing they would do in 2027. “Be present”, they said. “give myself grace when I don’t finish everything on my list”, they said. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes as I sat in the back of the room understanding what those words meant. They listened, they heard me, they heard God.
I don’t know the ins and outs of how I end up teaching or speaking where and when I do, but I know there is a work in me and I can’t wait to see where it leads. This past weekend, it led to a reminder, and affirmation, that it is not for me to doubt, but to trust God. It is not my wisdom, but His I share. Who am I to doubt?
Today, I pray that when called to share, that you do not hesitate. Maybe you don’t get the immediate affirmation, but trust and believe that God’s hand, God’s words will achieve His purpose, we are but a vessel.
I pray my words speak to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
