The email was titled 'Am I qualified to be at this conference?' It was from a sweet gal who will be attending She Speaks this year.
She works full time, has a very busy schedule, feels very unprepared to attend and was pleading for some guidance. "I feel ill-prepared," she wrote. "I don't really understand what is expected of me..." And she went on to explain that she wanted me to help her figure out what to do at this point. Whether I thought she should come or not.
I am sure she is not alone.
I was more than happy to reply to her email which was laced with hesitation, fear and doubt...because I had been in a similar place 3 years ago. I had attended the conference with some of my friends looking to improve my speaking skills.
I remember what it was like to step outside of my comfort zone - I was excited yet intimidated...
hopeful yet full of doubt...
eager yet a nervous wreck - all at the same time!
Here are some of the words I used to encourage my email friend. I pray it will be a source of encouragement for you as well, regardless of where you may be on your journey to She Speaks or any other God adventure!
Thank you for your honest and vulnerable email. I completely understand everything you said. Look up Psalm 25:4-5, memorize it and start praying it moment by moment.
After reading your email I feel you are purposed to be at this conference, do not doubt that. He has plans for you physically, mentally and spiritually. Use your remaining few days before the conference intentionally seeking His face. Seek His will. Seek His promises. Seek His heart.
But most importantly, seek Him.
Ask Him to find your words and the meditations of your heart pleasing to Him. He will prepare you in the little time you have left. I pray these few days will be a time of of renewal and preparedness for you spiritually.
Remember, you are coming to learn.
You don't have to have it all together, be extremely put together or completely prepared. Come expecting to experience Him, learn, grow in your calling, and develop the gifts He has blessed you with. The enemy is working overtime right now, so be aware of that and pray for protection.
Also read Psalm 34:4-7.
I have been camping out in the Psalms lately. They are packed with peace, truth, vulnerability and honesty. I have found strength in them these past few months and have discovered rich new revelations.
Your feelings are normal. You are right where He wants you to be...in a place of needing Him. The moment we think we have it all together is the exact moment we take our eyes off of Him.
Be looking expectantly and with hope to July 31, and He will faithfully meet you there!
And know that you ARE prepared my friend - you have a heart that loves Him and wants to serve.
So where are you today? What is your focus? It doesn't really matter how prepared or ill-prepared you are for She Speaks or whatever you may be facing today.
As long as you are pre-prayered.
Please know that our entire team at Proverbs 31 has been faithfully pre-praying for each one of you. Yes, you. We are looking forward to hearing your hearts, reading your words, and gleaning insight from each other.
And all the while we'll be glorifying God in the process ~
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