Believe In Your Possibilities!

Wow! I had such an encouraging weekend attending the IF:Gathering (webcast) this weekend! I am not sure if I have the words to describe how blessed I feel from such a gathering! I feel like the Lord came down and hugged me! Affirmed me! Confirmed to me the path of writing and art!

The funny thing is, I was more on the side of dreading that I decided to attend, instead of excited.

I even tried to discourage my friends, that I asked to attend with me, not to go. I thought if they decided not to attend, then it would give me an excuse to not go.

Mostly, because I wondered if the two days would be worth it? Wondering if it would be a conference full of fluff? Would it be pertinent to where I am in my life right now? Thinking of all the other things I should be doing at home (the long list of cleaning I needed to do and unfinished projects to complete).

Ever so grateful my friends wanted to go! At the time, I thought at least it would give me time to spend with my “besties”. Not realizing how much the Lord had in store for me.

I think of Gideon in Judges 6 from the Bible. Over and over the Lord encouraged Gideon for what He called Gideon to do. When Gideon had questions, the Lord answered Him. He even waited on Gideon, when Gideon asked Him to wait (vs.18). He equipped and prepared Gideon. The Lord was ever present with Gideon. Every concern Gideon had the Lord helped Gideon. The Lord was gentle and wanted Gideon to know He would be there to fulfill whatever He called Gideon to do.

Now, I am not a Bible scholar, but I can identify with Gideon’s humanity and the love the Lord showered on Gideon. I know I serve the same God today (Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8).

I love that! I can see that the enemy wanted me to forfeit the blessing the Lord had prepared for me. I am so grateful the Lord got me there! So grateful for all the women local and in Austin, Texas that gave of their time to prepare for IF: Gathering. What a gift!

Every message spoke to my heart. The women empowered all of us to have courage and to unleash the calling the Lord has placed on each of our hearts. To answer the question, “what would you do if you had the courage to do it?” To throw off any sin and snares holding us back (Hebrews 12:1-2). To not grow stale. To risk. To lean into the Lord. To walk in freedom (Galatians 5:1). To be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).

I spent some time repenting, rebuking and renouncing thoughts that surfaced. I could not doing anything about them coming, but I could tell them they could not stay! I did not allow them to camp out and quickly sent them on their ugly way!

The speakers encouraged us to know what we were made for and to be doing it. Author, Rebekah Lyons said, “we fade when we don’t know who we are.” She went on to say we have a birthright gift and that “our calling is when our talents and burdens collide.” Her words spoke such peace over me when she said, “God has enough room for calling. We do not need to look to the right or left–God is so creative, He has enough room for everyone.”

I needed to hear those words! They spoke life to me! God has enough room for ALL our callings. How could I have made God so small! How did I miss the GREATNESS of God in His ability to fulfill the plans He has for me! I was unaware of the root of doubt and chains that come with that that were taking up residency in this area of my life, my heart. Lord, I am so sorry I put you in a teeny tiny box! Thank you Lord for your abounding forgiveness! Thank you for showing me a better way!

I am not sure of everything the Lord is calling me to do. I want my heart to stay close to His by abiding in Him (John 15:5). To be open to His leading. Faithful to do right now what He has given me enough light to see to do (Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105).

I am open. Thank you Jesus…I believe in my possibilities!

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:22-24