The time draws near for Declare Conference. Next month, I am going again, for the umpteenth time. This year I find that I am getting nudges, hints, and still small voice messages from many different sources regarding the conference. I have questioned my attendance for the past three years since I’ve found myself writing less and less and my blog is languishing out there in the blogosphere for lack of a better description. I have wondered if anything I think, write or say is relevant in this world we live in right now. I have struggled to understand the “void” in the writing. It comes in spurts or not at all. It’s not a block or avoidance. There are just not very many words and so I wonder if I should go to a conference where it’s all about writing.
Only, it’s not.
All. About. Writing.
I return year after year because I realize that I’m starved for the fellowship and the freedom in Christ that I find packed into those 3 days.
Several times this year the theme word “Warrior” has crept up in conversations, in prayers- not mine- or in something I’m reading or something I hear on the radio. Just 2 weeks ago our Bible Study Leader mentioned it in her closing prayer: “prepare these women, Lord, make them warriors for you”. That one gave me goosebumps. I am supposed to be there.
This week, comments about our Calling were aimed right at me. Yep, couldn’t avoid it, dodge it or claim it wasn’t for me. I mean, how can I not see my name written on this love note?
“Obedience is an act of worship. God never demands us to do what He does not first empower us to do. It’s a challenge to obey God, it’s risky out there. He does not show us the outcome; faith is required. God always fulfills His Word and His plans are never thwarted. Are you called to something? Living faith always leads to action. His presence will go with you. Find your strength and courage in His Word. God keeps His promises. So do what He tells you to do and then tell Your Story. God uses our stories to show our faith and to draw whole generations unto Himself.”
Perhaps you are puzzled, in the waiting room, looking for clarification and direction, for your calling. Wondering. I wonder, too. And this year, as I prepare for this conference and then attend I will be listening for how He wants me to express this calling. Because my calling is right up there in that paragraph.
It’s that last sentence:
“God uses our stories to show our faith and to draw whole generations unto Himself.”
There are 10 grandchildren in my family. They are the next generation, my calling.
If you find your mind wandering away from this page, perhaps this story is not meant for you. That’s ok. My prayer for you is that you would Know Him and grasp with strong hands the thing He has called you to do. Find your strength and courage in His Word for “we can’t obey what we don’t know.”
This calling? It’s a risky business, but oh the the stories we will tell!
“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Nancy – thanks for your honesty. I tend to struggle, as well, in my seasons as a “writer,” but like you God keeps telling me we need to share what we’ve gone through and how we’ve made it there! I know I met you at Declare (because I have your card!), but I really don’t remember. Please keep going – God will direct your words to who He wants.
Thank you Linda for stopping by and reading. I appreciate your kind words. I will keep writing, I’m not sure I could stop. Looking forward to seeing you again at Declare. N
I know exactly what you are saying….I have struggled with the same thing. I’m glad I went to Declare this past year. I needed a little spark to keep on. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad I got to visit with you a little bit! Looking forward to seeing what God has planned for your writing and your life with your grandchildren. Blessings!
Beverly, somehow I missed replying to your sweet note- I’ve been in a season of waiting and watching instead of writing. it’s going to take me some time to get back into the routine and to actually know where the writing is supposed to take me!