04 Sep Before God Speaks, Say Yes!

Proverbs 16:9 says “Even when you cannot see the way forward, God is already preparing the path. He will light your steps and guide your heart”.

World Changers…..2011…..theme for the week: “God, show me Your will for my life TODAY”. Do you have trouble knowing God’s will? Hearing this theme pivoted me into asking God that prayer often. Fair warning…..be careful what you ask God for!

Fast forward to 2026. I have been retired from a 39 year teaching career for a little over 2 years and life is already crazy busy (in a good way). I am Memaw to four grandchildren who I happily help with, have a couple of small part time jobs, keep up my house and yard, am a deacon and praise band member, try to travel as much as I can, and have just enough time to relax a little (after all I am RETIRED!)

Then, one day I received a call from Vicki Violette asking if I would consider being her replacement at church. She said God had laid my name on her heart……ME??

I immediately got a burning feeling (conviction) in my heart–but thought to myself how can I possibly add anything else to my plate? I tell you the questioning of Moses or Sarah had nothing on me….I just kept thinking how can I possibly have enough time to do this job properly?

I started praying and asking my friends to pray as well. It was suggested that I might gain insight into the Lord’s will by my daily devotions. One of my current quiet time readings is by Rick Warren entitled “Daily Hope: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace and Promise”. See for yourself how God spoke to me by looking at a few of the titles and brief content I read that week:

“Before God Speaks, Decide to Say Yes”- God speaks to people who decide they’re going to do what he tells them to do, even before he tells them.

“Four things to Remember When God Changes Your Plans” -when plans don’t turn out the way you want, God is still working in his wisdom for good. Trust his goodness and he will show you the way forward.

“God Won’t Let Go of Your Hand”-when you put your life in God’s hands, he promises he’ll hold on to you forever.
“Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks”-so go ahead, take big risks and have bold faith because God says to you “I can take your biggest dream—and top it!”

After a week of devotions like these combined with lots of prayer, I said “YES Lord, I hear you loud and clear!” I called Vicki back and the rest is history. The saying I currently have hanging on my refrigerator is: God will use anybody who will trust him and expect to be used by him—not because of who you are, but because it brings him glory.

My prayer is that each member of FBC will pray “God, show me Your will for my life TODAY”. Next, listen for God’s call, obey, then buckle up for the ride and hold on tight to his hand!–Teresa