November Blog - Women's Ministry

STOP, PRAY, WAIT AND LISTEN

Eleven years ago, I was sitting at my desk, doing my work, shuffling papers, working on my computer, and answering my desk phone when it rang – the normal rhythm of daily ministry.

I watched a friend stroll across the office to approach my desk. I was always warmed when she stopped by; it was a greeting and a hug I looked forward to. After our initial warm greeting, she stopped, looked me thoughtfully in the eyes, and asked a question I was not expecting.

I thought for a few seconds, and knew my answer was "no" without much consideration or prayer. A year later, my friend was in the office and tapped me on the shoulder and asked the same question – I said no under the same consideration. Year three … she came to my desk an asked if I would at least pray about this question. I said I would.

And I did. I prayed many times, over and over. God gave me an answer, but I was sure it was a mistake. He couldn’t have meant me. So, I prayed more, I talked with God audibly, I sought a different answer. God pursued me consistently – I wanted to hide from this answer.

He was asking me to do something I was not comfortable with; it seemed the ask was way outside of His gifting in me. I was certain, at least in my mind, that I was undeserving. I was nervous about what He was asking me to do, and trying to convince the Creator, I told Him that He must have the wrong girl.

He perused me for three years, ladies. He sent me three dreams, a double rainbow as a sign and a truth revealed in a Walmart checkout line.

Not only did he pursue me in each of those ways, but when I went to work one morning and shared a most recent dream that had me stumped with friends at work. A thoughtful co-worker looked at me and asked a simple question, “Are you running from God?” Whoosh … silence fell on my lips and overtook my body, piercing my soul and heart. My shoulders, heavy with holding on to my own will, dropped, sagging with acknowledgment. “Yes,” I said, "I think you right. I am."

Humbled, I went to my friend, who had asked me the same question for three years. I processed the paperwork I needed to and was thankful for God’s immense patience with me. (Anyone hearing a similar story in your life here?)

I have a sweet friend who I had lunch with recently. By the way, she is a great cook and made an amazing lunch for the two of us in her warm and inviting home. She shared a story that inspired this blog.

My friend spent many years working in women’s ministry, leading others to study the Word, praying, speaking, coming along side people and seeking the LORD together. In her personal seeking, the LORD began to turn her heart toward another area of ministry: children’s ministry. This was not where she felt her passion or giftings were, but she kept her heart open to what the Lord might be saying. She stopped, prayed and listened and he answered.

What is God up to in these asks, pursuing, convincing, patiently leading us to a space He is calling us to? In ministry, I appreciate, and I absolutely love when I see or hear of God “calling” someone into His work, in a specific place. Sometimes a place they never asked for or could ever imagine He could use them. But when we, stop, pray, wait and listen, as David did, God answers. He is unwavering.

If you wondered, where was I called to? It was women’s ministry, where I serve with with a delighted heart and enjoy it immensely.

Where was my friend, Gail, called to? My friend has now been working in children’s ministry for over a year. She delights in building foundations of faith with our future generations. She also takes delight in seeing the Lord show up in an area in her life that doesn’t feel like her natural gifting. She keeps seeking, and God keeps showing up.

We don’t always know where God is going to call us to serve, but when we stop to pray, wait, and listen, He will surely answer those prayers. As we go into a season of opportunity to serve, would you be praying now where God will want you? And as we look forward to our second Ministry Fair in January, will you sit with the LORD, ask him where He wants you to serve, and if it’s someplace outside of your comfort zone, a place you don’t think you’re gifting is in, would you consider to stop, pray, wait, and listen to Him?

- Traci Hollingsworth