For many years now, I believe that I have pursued my calling to reach out to women on a personal level in church, the marketplace, or wherever I found myself face to face with someone eager for a Holy Spirit encounter. After all, it is all about the Spirit of God and where He leads. I have valued these encounters as they have taught me much about myself, and have deepened my relationship with God. I include my relationship with the Lord because nothing that is done for Him is done without Him.
Whatever our personal calling happens to be, and wherever it happens to take us is all about God’s perfect timing. For seven years I drove past a common gathering place in my neighborhood where women were meeting every Wednesday for Bible study. Often as I drove by the building, seeing the many cars, I inquired of the Lord as to why I was not attending. I never knew exactly why I was not lead to attend back then, but I did know I was not to attend. The Holy Spirit would have me pray for the women and their study, even as He told me to keep driving.
Our calling and our gifts do not work separately, but in tandem with each other. Truly, we are our gifts and talents. When I meet someone for the first time I expect that person to clearly see my passion for God, my endearing love of women, and my desire to walk in the fullness of my salvation. Equally important, I want my words to carry a powerful witness of the Holy Spirit that is living within me.
A little over a year ago I joined the Bible study in my neighborhood. I knew that the Holy Spirit gave me the release to join, and so I did! It has been an honor to study with these exceptional women.
I know that for all those years when the Lord had me with women who were seeking a greater understanding of their heavenly Father, there was not a moment that was wasted. Likewise, each time I helped a woman to look beyond her circumstances and see God, it was helping me to get aquatinted with my personal gifts.
God will always make room for our gifts at the table, and we will never be disappointed in the seat He has chosen for us. He will truly take us to places we may have never imagined possible!
Proverbs 22:29 CSB Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.