What do you get when you combine God’s Word, 700 women and phenomenal workshops for both writers and speakers? If you guessed the She Speaks Conference, you’re absolutely right!
Last week I packed my bags and drove to North Carolina, not exactly sure what to expect as I stepped out of my car and headed toward the registration desk.
Early in January I had gotten an email from a friend about the conference. A link to the website shared a brief description of workshop sessions in addition to an opportunity to sign up for agent/editor meetings and a speaker’s critique group.
I knew I would be challenged, yet I felt the need to step out in faith and commit to attending. I’m so glad I did.
3 things happened:
1) I met kindred spirits and developed lasting friendships
These ladies ‘got’ me – they were fellow writers and speakers. Although we were from different parts of the country, and hadn’t met before, it didn’t take long to forge meaningful relationships.
Each of us knew God had given us His message to share with others through a verbal platform or the written word. We were able to encourage one another and pray specifically for each other’s ministries.
I was reminded of the fellowship of the early believers:
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Acts 2:46-47a
2) I experienced God’s very real provision
Whether it was during my daily quiet time or one of the workshops, God’s Word addressed the very issues I was struggling with. As I prepared for both the editor/agent meetings and my presentation, fear tried to derail me, but the truth of God’s Word was more powerful and kept me on track:
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13
3) I learned the importance of being obedient one step at a time
Sometimes I struggle with comparison – that person has more subscribers to her website than I do, or that other author already has 2 published books while I’m still working on writing and publishing my first.
Every person is at a different place along the writing/speaking journey. The key is to stay focused on God’s plan for me and move forward at the pace He sets – one day at a time. I need to be faithful to the kingdom assignment He gives me today.
I’m challenged by the lives of so many believers in the Bible who chose to grow during the waiting period rather than to fight against it. People like Abraham, Joseph, and David who grew in character while waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled in their lives.
Let’s hold on to the promise:
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform in until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Your turn
How is God working in your life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for working in my life. Help me to be a friend and an encourager to those You bring across my path. Thank You for Your Word and its power to give me exactly what I need. And thank You for the reminder that You have a specific plan for me. Help me to be obedient to the assignment You have for me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
