Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Best She Speaks Moment

If you asked me what my favorite She Speaks 2008 moment was, I'd have to say praying for Wendy. And it almost didn't happen.

On Saturday evening during the main session, I was meeting with my publisher for my book "God's Purpose for Every Woman." We didn't intend to meet during the session, but her schedule was running late so it turned out that way. After a terrific time talking in the restaurant over some hot spinach and artichoke dip, it felt very late to me as I rode with her in the elevator up to the floor where she was retiring for the evening.

I was ready to chill alone in my own room for the first time all day when I noticed it was only a little after 9:oo PM. I checked my schedule and saw the main session was still going on. Caught up in enjoyable conversation, I'd forgotten about it - and I was suppose to be up front at the cross to pray with the women.

After a moment of consideration, I hustled to the ballroom. As I carefully entered the back of the dim room, I could see P31 team members had gone up front minutes before, as planned, and women were starting to come forward to the crosses. Multiple team members were already at each of the crosses. Plus, I'd missed the message and wasn't quite feeling "in the groove" of what was happening, so I thought briefly about sitting this one out.

But I knew I'd been specifically assigned to be at one of the crosses and I'm not one to shirk my assignments. I couldn't remember which cross I was to go to, so I just headed to one. I prayed with several women while there, and it was truly my honor and blessing to do so. I was very glad at that point that I'd come.

Next, a woman came to me from the other side of the room and asked if I was Rachel. I indicated yes. She hardly got a few words out before she was overcome with tears. I'm going to let her tell you the rest of the story of what God did for her. Pop over to her blog here to read the rest of the story from her perspective. Please do that before you finish reading my post.


Reading Wendy's post moves my heart. But I don't want you to walk away from this post thinking, "That Rachel is so super spiritual. When she prayed, major things happened." Because it's not about me at all. When Wendy told me she felt God telling her to have me pray for her, I honestly didn't understand why. She doesn't remember exactly what I prayed (I did pray for a long time), but I remember what my first words were: "Lord, I don't know why it's important that I be the one to pray for Wendy but You do. So give me the words, and have Your way." I just went on from there.

My point is, God often creates "divine appointments" for us and we just have to be sensitive to His leading and willing to go along when He calls. Living under the power of the Holy Spirit is an adventure like no other.

For some reason, I was allowed to stand in the middle of this encounter with Wendy and the God who loves her. I got to see how obedient hearts, surrendered to Him, bring about great breakthroughs. I got to experience God lifting her up, and feel the moment that strongholds were broken and God reigned down over her. And I'm grateful.

Maybe Wendy is the unknown-to-me-at-the-time reason that I fasted the week before. Or maybe God allowed me to be the one to witness this encounter just to encourage me. Or perhaps, it was so that I could encourage you today with her story. I don't know all the reasons or repercussions, but I know that I'm grateful to have stood in that moment in eternity, praying for a sister in Christ.

So that's why this moment - despite all the fun moments I had, despite all the well-known people I met, despite all the talented speakers I heard, and despite all the influential publishers I talked with - was my absolute favorite She Speaks moment of 2008.

17 comments:

  1. Beautiful story Rachel. Thanks for sharing and being obedient to God's call on your life.

    Blessings,
    Pearls

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  2. What a beautiful post. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to help someone else. For years I felt so unworthy and did not feel there was anything I could do for my Heavenly Father, then He pointed me to a card ministry through my church which I did for 6 years. I had back surgery in May of 2007 and it has taken a very long time to recover, but I lost the passion for the card ministry. I'm not a writer but God always gave me something along with a picture to make my own cards using an inspirtational card progam. I was at a crossroads when one day I read your devotion and you were planning a bible study so I clicked on it and it has been such a blessing. I kept looking at other peoples blogs and felt that God wanted me to at least try doing one. It is totally dedicated to Him and He gives me what I use which has turned out to be some of the things that I used in the card ministry. When I read people's comments and they have a need something always pops into my heart that might help and I have gained a new set of friends. I'm by myself most of the time, do not drive anymore because of all the surgeries I've had so this has truly been a blessing to me and it's my heart's desire to be able to bless others with God's help. If you get a chance I hope you will take a look. Thanks to you Rachel, God has given me something to do that is worthwhile rather than sitting here playing games all day and that is what I did most days. You are truly called of God to do what your doing.
    Blessings,
    AliceE.

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  3. Okay, so I'm crying...again. Rachel you will always hold a precious place in my heart, because you were so willing to just be there in that moment with me. To listen, cry, and feel Christ's embrace. Funny how those almost missed moments can change your life forever. Thank you for coming back downstairs!

    Love ya!

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  4. Rachel,
    You just do not know how much God used your words to confirm things to me about His working in my life. You are such a precious servant and precious woman of God. I am so glad I was in your group.

    I am so glad for this other story you posted about too. It is nice to know that we are an encouragement to others but I believe we encourage far more than we realize with those divine appointments.

    Praying for you and your family. You are a blessing. I cannot wait to see what God does with that book.
    Much love,
    Angela Parsley

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  5. Wow...that's a Holy bumps story. How very endearing for you both to be able to experience SUCH a God-moment. To be in His presence like that is more than enough to call this moment the favorite. Stars, and glitz, and glamour mean nothing compared to such God-inspired moments. It is just overwhelming at times to hear of His marvelous works and how He orchestrates such things to happen. Just like Joy's story from Joy's Ponderings...only God could orchestrate this fearful women to encounter her grade-school friend, whom she's only seen a handful of times in 30 years, at the airport...and then, and THEN, Lorie's seat was changed by the airline and low and behold where was she now sitting...next to Joy. ONLY, ONLY, ONLY, God can do that!!!!
    Thanks Rachel!
    Paula

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  6. AnonymousJune 26, 2008

    Rachel,

    I was Wendy's roommate at She Speaks. When we first met, I had no idea of her struggle. She had a very strong face on, and my own life was pretty topsy turvy due to a death in the family. I cannot tell you what a privilege it was to watch her deliverance unfold with Saturday night being the culmination of all God had done the whole weekend. Thank you so much for listening to that still, small voice. God used you as an instrument to change one of my newest, but dearest friend's life!

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  7. i am doing the bible study
    " living beyond yourself " by beth moore this summer with a few girlfriends and guess what i read lastnight?????


    Romans 8:26-27

    26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

    WOW!!! I love when God does this!
    i read this last night and then you telling this story on your blog. i love when scriptures come to life right in front of me.

    thank you Jesus that your words are alive for all to see!

    blessings to you rachel!

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  8. Rachel
    I know that if you went onto everyones blog or posting you would never have time to reach out to us or even write your book. About 8 weeks ago or less I wrote about my experience at a retreat I had in April of 05. I too had the same experience happen to me. God led me to a girl I had known forever, yet I never knew her...the Lord told me to pray for her, I didn't want to because I always felt she had a high and mightly attitude about herself. Well I would love for all of you to go online to my blog and read what I experienced. The posting is called Retreat of 05.

    The Lord had it all planned. She was wanting a baby so badly and just couldn't get pregnant. She had no tears left, yet God kept pulling me to her. I too don't remember the prayer because it wasn't from me...I just remember after it was over she said to me, "The only reason I never came to you to pray for me was I really thought you had it together with all your children and why would God bless me with nothing"! It broke my heart..this woman was aching for a child and just needed someone to pray and not see her faults, but see what the Lord could do for her through another woman. I was so refreshed that weekend, just like you, it brings so many memories back.

    Reading this and Wendy's blog just makes me feel like we are all being used by God and we have to have patience for the end result. The Lord has me where I need to be right now, reaching out to anyone that will read what I have to write. I know I have had a lot of words for many woman in the past few months, I know I have talent with my art and sewing and I have to dwell in His presence for whatever else He wants from me. Praise God! I too am humble with everything He does...

    Donna

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  9. What a Sovereign GOD we serve! Blessings to you Rachel. HE has used you to draw people to delve into HIS holy word with anticipation. HE has used you to draw women of GOD all across the world together, encouraging one another and building friendships. HE has used you to inspire others to run on and grab hold onto your destiny, whatever it may be. May HE smile upon you and your family.
    I Thank GOD I was led to this bible study. I will never forget it, it has truly changed my life. LaTonya

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  10. AnonymousJune 27, 2008

    Your recent posts, the blogs, and responses have confirmed for me what I trust God to be at all times—nothing is too small or too great that HE will not show HIS love towards us. And so, we, too, must be listening to God and obedient to HIS commands in every small and great way that HE asks of us. It’s not about me, but for the Glory of God! Thank you, Lord.

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  11. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I have really loved reading all about the conference! I am sure that God's blessings will continue to grow for each of the attendees of the conference.

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  12. What a beautiful story! And you were just going to sit that one out huh!! I think it was for the both of you! The Lord is so good... I have got to go wash my face now, makeup running crazy. I will read this again.

    Thank you Rachel, I am so blessed to have found your site, and all the learning, and teaching i have recieved from you and everyone.

    Have a blessed weekend you and your family
    Sharon

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  13. Rachel,
    Wow, God moved in you and Wendy beautifully. You have blessed me more than I can express as the leader/evaluator of my speaking group. I came home "rich" with your input, the wonderful messages from our group. I love your blog and I will be here often. You are a "ready pen" for our Lord.

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  14. This was a wonderful God moment! It is always to sweet to see how God has everything orchestrated so beautifully and perfectly. We just need to listen and follow, as you did. thank you for sharing. God also touched my life in an amazing way on Friday evening. If you would like to read about it the post it: http://razn6.blogspot.com/2008/06/she-speaks-part-3.html

    To God be the glory, great things He has done!

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  15. Thank you for sharing this story. It was an encouragement when I needed one. Eight days have passed since the conference and the "feel good" emotions are slipping away but I will never forget the memories.

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  16. AnonymousJune 30, 2008

    Thank you for sharing this story. It is incredible how God works things out for HIS glory.

    In Him,
    Amy

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  17. Rachel,
    What a wonderful story. You are right about the adventure of living our lives guided by the Holy Spirit. It is an awesome way to live, not always easy; but always fulfilling.
    I am so glad you were obedient to be used by Him.
    Thanks,
    Charlene

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