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Another new beginning…

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Today, I’m rejoicing at another new beginning. I just got back from speaking at a Women’s Conference in SC and God continues to bring new things to me. Each one is stretching and growing me. However, growth is not that comfortable.

Upon arrival at the Women’s Conference, I found the whole place decorated in the colors of my book. Blue table clothes adorned with yellow sunflowers hand made out of tissue paper as the center pieces. The event was big and beautiful. It overwhelmed me, but not in a good way.

The conference was much larger than I had imagined and is the largest event I have spoken at thus far. Realizing this, I was immediately filled with fear, even though I have been speaking regularly since the book came out last March. With my heart racing and my breath shortening, I began having a little freak out inside myself.
Retreating to the bathroom, I tried to regain my composure by texting a friend, “Pray for me, this is the real deal.” I stood there, staring at myself in the mirror, and thought, “I can’t do this. I’m not ready.” Instantly, I remembered the words of my mentor, “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.” I took a deep breath and felt the fear being replaced by peace.
I know God has called me to do this. I realize God gave me this story and gave me the book. I get to choose to participate by sharing it, often in spite of myself. When I do, God grows me.
2 Corinthians 12:10 says; “When I am weak, then I am strong.” The “I am” part of the verse reminds me of God. It is only God in me that makes me anything at all. God is the reason I can stand up in front of a crowd and tell my story. God is the reason I even have a story to share.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says God’s grace is all I need. God’s power works best in my weakness. It’s almost as if God is saying, “Step aside, I got this.” These moments remind me how very weak I am and how much I need God. They are painful but they are necessary.

Ironically, the name of the church where I spoke is New Beginnings UMC. It reminded me of a blog I wrote one year ago this very week, entitled, “A new book and a new beginning.” I went back to reread it and was amazed at how incredibly scared I was at that time. But I can see, even back then, God was growing me. Yet I sense I am still at the beginning of this thing. But with each new beginning, no matter how fearful I am, God is with me. God will never leave me nor forsake me.

That goes for you too. I don’t know what new beginning you are facing, but God knows. And God is with you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says; “the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid ; do not be discouraged.” 
If you are facing something new, and filled with fear like me, remember, God may be growing you to do the very thing He has called you to do. So take a deep breath and feel God’s peace replace that fear and just do it. Then you can rejoice in all the amazing things you get to participate in right here on Earth.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let us pray; Father God, we praise you because you are the great I Am. We thank you because you grow us through our weaknesses. Make us more like You in everything we do. Help us to overcome our fears and become the people you have called us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M

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