Gaining the Proper Perspective

I knew from previous experience that attending a Women of Faith conference would be inspiring, but what a joy it was to receive inspiration plus so much more! The week leading up to the conference was a bit taxing to say the least.

On Monday, I was told that someone else had been selected for a job that was all but promised to me

On Tuesday, a friend shared that a door had been opened for her and though I was happy for the favor she had been shown, I was still disappointed in the news I had received just the day before

On Wednesday, my doctor informed me that I have a worsening health condition and will require surgery

By Thursday, I was really struggling to see the good in my situation and beginning to have a woe is me moment wondering why God was allowing me to go through all of this alone without the aid of a supportive husband by my side

After a pretty trying week, I was exhausted but somehow still made my way to the Women of Faith Conference on Friday. I arrived at the auditorium and found a seat, still not quite sure why I had even bothered to come.

Shortly thereafter a little dynamo named Patsy Clairmont graced the stage and began speaking truths that really resonated with me. She said things like, “I would never try to counsel the Lord, I just have a few suggestions.” or “Though I would prefer it if God would just fix me during the night while I’m sleeping so I can wake up righteous, He seems to want me to be an active participant in the process.”

As she continued to share, she highlighted the fact that God uses that which I would prefer to hide to bless and encourage others and takes that which breaks my heart to help heal the hearts of others. She then challenged us by sharing that our excuses are actually hindrances to our growth. She clarified by pointing out that saying things like “I’m high maintenance” simply means I’m a little girl who chooses not to take the necessary steps required to grow up.

Next up was Andy Andrews who ran practically all over the auditorium proclaiming that life is not fair. However, he added, what really matters is not how you feel about that fact but rather how you respond to it. By now, I’ve perked up and believe God is most certainly using these people to speak to me!

This went on for the remainder of the day as well as the next day. Every person who graced the stage from Lisa Whelchel to Brenda Warner to Sandi Patty to Mandisa to Amy Grant to Marilyn Meberg and Katherine Everette, all had incredible testimonies and a message just for me. I walked away with numerous lessons and practical steps I can apply to my life but the biggest lesson of all was a change in perspective.

I arrived at Women of Faith, thinking only of me, myself and my problems. However I left Women of Faith not only thinking of others, but also aware of new ways to bless the lives of others and not to mention a whole new perspective on my situation.

My heart has longed to work in full-time ministry for quite some time now. However, one thing that I realized about every person who shared the platform at Women Of Faith is that they have all endured incredible hardships in order to have a story to share. I recognized that though I want the opportunity they now have to be used by God in great and mighty ways, I would prefer not to endure any of the pain they endured to arrive at where they are now.

All of sudden that job opportunity I was looked over for is only an indication that God has something better in store for me, that door opened for my friend is just a reminder that if God can do it for her, He can do it for me; after all He is no respecter of persons. I also know my health condition (which is not life threatening) is neither a surprise nor an obstacle for God and my single status is only temporary, but in the interim I will use it to bring Him glory.

As I bring this to a close, let me ask you a question that was posed at the conference and that is “When did you stop paying attention to the goodness of God’s grace and only to your mess?” Lord forgive us for neglecting to see your goodness and allowing our circumstances to cloud our perception of how much you love us. Despite what it feels or looks like, we know that our circumstances do not determine your love for us. For God we know that you are not saying no to our dreams, but yes to an even better dream that we cannot yet see. God you are enough, and I thank you that I am enough for you. I trust that your plan for my life is better than anything I can even imagine so have your way and do what is required to mold me and get what you need out of me.

Even though your road to marriage seems to be the road less traveled (believe me, I understand), know that God has a purpose and a plan. As Francesca Battistelli so eloquently states in her song, This is the Stuff…

Remember that God is for you, He only wants what’s best for you and He is preparing you for great blessings ahead.

My thanks to Women Of Faith for properly realigning my perspective and getting me back on track. If you have not yet had an opportunity to attend a Women Of Faith conference, please take the opportunity to do so. I can’t explain how sitting in an auditorium for two days brings about so much connection and transformation, I just know that it does. (Note: You don't have to understand how somethng works to benefit from it.) I also can’t explain how an airplane flies through the air, I just know that it does and I am grateful.

Take the opportunity to find a Women Of Faith conference in your area and attend, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Great things happen here!

If you have any specific questions about Women Of Faith, send me an email via the contact form. If you have attended a Women Of Faith conference I would love to discuss it with you here.

Thanks Women of Faith for an Over the Top experience!