How do I plan to do this? Well, I've been wanting to come back to this for a while, but I didn't really know which direction I wanted to take it in. But God has a time for it all, and I just had to wait. That waiting ended when my best friend gave me a book, Daily Devotions for Women by Jewell Johnson, when we met to exchange gifts just after Christmas. "This isn't included in your Christmas presents," she stated while I sat there looking confused. She went on to explain that she had had it for a while and meant to give it to me during one of the few times we got to see each other in the past three or four months, but forgot to bring it every time. In my opinion, it was the best Christmas present she gave me, whether she intended it for Christmas or not.
I just read DAY 1 about an hour ago, and lo and behold, it spoke right to me. First, there is a line of Scripture:
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
~Psalm 124:8 (NIV)
After this is a short but true story. Today's story is about a woman named Gladys Aylward who, in 1932, wanted to be a missionary in China, but the mission board director told her she was under-qualified and that the Chinese language would be too difficult for her to learn. But that didn't keep Gladys from giving up on the plan God had for her. Instead, she paid her own way to China and ended up being appointed by the governor, or mandarin, of the Central Government to inspect women's feet--it was at this time that the government decided that foot-binding needed to stop--and he said that she was the only qualified woman because she had "big feet." She traveled to villages all over and did her job, but after hours, she told the Chinese people about Jesus and his love... in Chinese! Yes, she learned to speak Chinese. And not only that, she learned SIX different dialects! Talk about God paving a way!
At the end of the excerpt (a quick read since it's just one page), a question was posed:
What difficult task are you called to do? Like Gladys Aylward, God may be asking you to learn a skill that seems beyond your ability. The One who made heaven and earth is your Helper. With Him, you will accomplish the impossible.
Yes, there is a task that I know deep down in my heart God has been calling me to do. And yes, it's going to be very difficult. I'm going to have to learn at least a few skills that I am almost clueless about: business, leadership... being decisive. But God called me. He chose me to do it--I may not be the first one, the last one, or the only one to do it, but I know that He will show me step-by-step how succeed for His glory. On my own, I can't, but with God, I can do anything: I will have the ability to run a business, lead a team, guide those in need of guidance, and make decisions with my team through prayer based on the Word of God.
God, I trust that You will show me the path You want me to take. You will put the right people into my life; people who will believe in every aspect of this dream and be able to contribute their own strengths where I am lacking. You will provide a place to build (or rebuild); a place where You are needed, and where this idea will work to bring You glory.
Dear God, I am so excited about this, and it just feels so right. It might be a change in the direction I've been taking, but it isn't a far cry from what I thought I would be doing.
And I tell you, ask and ye shall receive! As I was thinking about what else I wanted to write, I checked my email and read one from a business-type site I'm subscribed to. One of their articles was Five Resolutions for Aspiring Leaders. Coincidence? I think not.
Many leaders of the baby boomer generation have failed in their responsibilities by placing their self-interest ahead of their organizations. In so doing, they have failed to serve society's best interests. As a result, more young leaders from Gen X and the Millennials are being asked to take on major leadership responsibilities. To be prepared for the challenges you will face, we propose the following resolutions this New Year's:
* Find a trustworthy mentor
* Form a leadership development group
* Volunteer in a civic or service organization
* Work in or travel to one new country
* Ask more questions than you answer
The final line of the article said, "There's no better time to get started than the coming year." I agree. :) I feel like I've been putting this off for too long.
I know that God works in His own time, but goodness, this is just amazing! Thank you, God! I trust You and I know that whatever happens, You will make it work for good. I will trust You and follow You, God. I love You! Dear Heavenly Father God, please guide me each and every day, please bless me with the abilities I need like discernment and good decision-making skills, please give me the words I need to say at the times they need to be said, and please bless my family and friends with everything that they need so that we may be a blessing to others. And I pray for the best for everyone: blessings for everyone in Christ, revelation for those without, guidance for our leaders, and safety for our troops. May you all have a healthy, prosperous, safe, blessed, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! In Jesus' precious name, Amen!
Love and God Bless,
M.C.
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