GC Women's Ministries Newsletter                                      February 2000

Editorial. . .Iris Stovall Administrative Secretary General Conference Womens Ministries
Do Something Wonderful with Your Life!

I'd sure like to do something wonderful with my life, you've said. And you meant it, too. So, you prayed earnestly for God to guide you. You truly wanted Him to use you. Eventually, the answer(s) came, and now you're headed in the direction you feel God has called you.

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? God has a plan for your life and voila, you know what it is. Sometimes, however, the answer doesn't come the way you expect, or it's not the answer you really want, or it doesn't come at all. Then what? You still want to do something for God (and God still can use you), but, you're just not quite sure where, or when, or how. That's when you really have to listen (even more) so you can hear God's voice.

I think listening is essentially being completely tuned in to the signs and signals that God sends that point us in a certain direction. It's seeing what's in plain view as well as envisioning what may be hidden from our sight. It's being perceptive. It's observing. It's being eager to learn new skills and polish old ones. It means being willing to be lead. And ultimately it means obeying. Only then, we have truly listened to the voice of God and are ready to be used in His service.

Sometimes it is difficult to accept that God really does want to use us, or wants to use us in a specific area. You've got to be kidding, Lord! I'm too timid. I don't have enough education. I've never done this before. This isn't what I had in mind. Certainly there is someone more capable!  Our list of excuses goes on and on. Meanwhile, others do the work God originally called us to do.

In the past year I have felt strongly that God wanted me to do more. I just wasn't sure more of what. I've prayed about it, kept busy doing what I feel I am already called to do, and waited for the answer. It seemed there wasn't one. Okay, Lord, in Your time, I thought.

Then several months ago, my co-worker, Louise, received a phone call from someone wanting a woman to speak at a WM event. Louise asked if I knew of anyone, then added, "Well, you could do it, you know. You've spoken before." I bucked the idea (but felt a little guilty for not even considering it). Inwardly, though, I kicked myself for not saying yes. I had been thinking about the possibility of doing this type of thing but was scared to take the first step.

That same day, I received a phone call from a friend who worked in the building who was looking for a woman to speak for a woman's day worship service. Did I know of anyone? I told her I'd check on it and get back to her. She reminded me that I had spoken for our General Conference worships before, and sang too, adding that she knew I could do it. I'd never spoken at anyone else's church before and was feeling incompetent, but I kept my insecurities to myself and assured her I'd ask around. I felt very guilty for not at least offering to consider the possibility.  The next day I called her back and got more information. I still didn't feel equipped, and didn't volunteer.

That same day, a woman who worked in the building came directly to my desk and asked me to reserve a weekend for a prayer banquet at her church. I pulled out my planner to check my schedule. Even before I could confirm my availability, she asked  me to be the guest speaker. I paused (stalling for time, and still in shock). God, what are you trying to tell me, I thought. This is three times in less than three days! Fear set in. I can't do it, I told myself and God! Yes, you can, I heard another voice saying. Guilt set in as I thought about refusing yet another opportunity. The woman stood nearby,patiently waiting for my answer. Lord, help me, I prayed.    I flipped through my planner nervously. Here goes, Lord. "Ummm. Yes, I'm free. Sure," I said, "I'll do it."And I did. I also gave the vespers thought for the WM group (the first request Louise mentioned). And, I preached three evenings in Cancun last summer for my church's young adult mission trip, spoke at another WM prayer banquet (I volunteered!), and again for the worship service at my own church.

Louise and I laugh now and then about all of this. God gave signs, allowed opportunities, guided, put others in my path to invite, inspire, or encourage, and even held my hand. I was so terribly anxious about exactly what God wanted me to do and how I was going to do it, I didn't notice.   Not right away. Finally I realized He was leading and accepted the challenges. Will I ever feel worthy, ready, or able? Probably not. But God will use me anyway. So, when the next call comes in, I'll hesitate before saying "Yes." and praise God that when He asks, He equips. So I know He will take my smallest efforts, my biggest dreams, my grandest aspirations and do the impossible in my life. He can do the same for you.

Queen Esther petitioned the king on behalf of her people. Deborah, a mighty judge, also led a general into battle. Rahab spoke out and sheltered spies at the risk of her own life. Jochebed wisely saved her own son by creative thinking. Huldah, a woman of authority, boldly spoke up and delivered an important message. There are many women in the Bible who (though they might have felt unsure of themselves at times) served the Lord willingly. They allowed God to use them. But first they had to hear His voice, obey His command, and follow His leading.

Do you have the desire to start a singing ministry, open a day care in your neighborhood, start a Bible School, lead a Christian drama group, host a small Bible study group in your home, be a seminar presenter, begin Women's Ministries at your church? As this new millennium is getting into full swing, why not let Him do something wonderful with your life, maybe even something "impossible."

Iris L. Stovall is an administrative secretary in the Department of Women's Ministries and is also assistant editor of this newsletter.

Quote:

South American Div:
In Cochabamba, Bolivia, the Women's Ministries decided to hold a Secret Prayer Friends month. Names were written on paper, placed in a basket, and then drawn out for a secret prayer friend.

In the basket were the names of a mother and daughter-in-law who did not speak to each other; in fact, they hated each other. God directed in such a way that each of these two women drew the name of the other. The Holy Spirit touched their hearts. On the day that the secret prayer friends were revealed, they both discovered that they had been praying for each other. Touched by emotion, they embraced and forgave. God is good.