Lisa's story
Hearing God
At the beginning of Jenny's last sermon series we were encouraged to ask our own hard questions. My question was, "If God has something to tell me, how can I hear Him?" It's not like we can just go have a cup of coffee and discuss His answer. I can't just call Him. I knew I was at a crossroads and desperately wanted (still want) His guidance but still - if He wanted to tell me something, how can I hear Him?
Now I need to back up a little. I've always had a burning desire to help people - to make a difference. I tried to satisfy that desire while in a work environment where I worked for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong. I worked hard and did take care of my co-workers, customers, etc. but I felt my primary focus needed to be on raising my children. I intentionally accepted jobs that afforded me the opportunity to stay home with my children should they be sick, etc.
Unfortunately that focus was so strong that I forgot to take care of myself, my husband and my marriage. Fast forward to a few years ago. My sons were on their own, I was enjoying my relationship with my loving husband, I was taking care of myself and I loved my work but my father-in-law and mother were not doing so well. Both of them moved in with my husband and I and they spent their last years with us. I stopped work to take care of them. I was gifted that honor.
Now some of you know I was raised Catholic. We stopped going to church when my parents were excommunicated as a result of their divorce. As an adult I tried attending a number of churches and faiths but I just didn't fit in - it all just didn't feel right. It wasn't until my mother moved in with us that we came here. Mom was raised Methodist and well... this was the closest church.
So... back to my hard question. I'm not working... not taking care of parents and have way too much time to think. Now is my time to do what I want to do but what does God want me to do. Where should I focus my attention - how can I help? I know I'm ready for more. With the help of my husband I've started a new business but it doesn't fill my time or my needs. I wanted God to tell me how I can really make a difference but this time for real!
I got involved a little at church. People started to get to know me and invite me to participate. I wanted to contribute. I just couldn't take that next step. Then Jenny sent out an invitation to attend the Global Leadership Summit (GLS). It sounded interesting so my husband and I said yes. Honestly... we both kept thinking and telling each other that Jenny has plans for us.
While attending GLS I heard wonderful powerful leaders speak. There were a couple, specifically Danielle Strickland, John C. Maxwell and Bill Hybels who seemed to be speaking directly to me. I kept hearing them tell me God wanted me to get moving. He wanted me to get involved. Doug and I went home for lunch both days and on the last day I specifically remember telling him I didn't feel like I deserved to be accepted at church. I wasn't good enough. Danielle Strickland spoke after lunch. She mentioned something about not feeling good enough. I swear I couldn't breathe for a moment. Again, someone was doing the talking but it was really God. While writing this I went back to the notes I wrote after her speech and found this, "I've not been satisfied with anything but good is coming. God is opening my heart even with I didn't deserve it to be opened and now He is opening doors. I only have to walk with Him. I hear God shouting!"
My hard question was being answered and God was telling me where he wanted me to go. Ok... I still don't have answers to other questions but I'm learning that I have to be patient. God has plans for me. I just need to let Him show me the way and listen to him give me answers - even when the words come out of someone else's mouth.
At the beginning of Jenny's last sermon series we were encouraged to ask our own hard questions. My question was, "If God has something to tell me, how can I hear Him?" It's not like we can just go have a cup of coffee and discuss His answer. I can't just call Him. I knew I was at a crossroads and desperately wanted (still want) His guidance but still - if He wanted to tell me something, how can I hear Him?
Now I need to back up a little. I've always had a burning desire to help people - to make a difference. I tried to satisfy that desire while in a work environment where I worked for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong. I worked hard and did take care of my co-workers, customers, etc. but I felt my primary focus needed to be on raising my children. I intentionally accepted jobs that afforded me the opportunity to stay home with my children should they be sick, etc.
Unfortunately that focus was so strong that I forgot to take care of myself, my husband and my marriage. Fast forward to a few years ago. My sons were on their own, I was enjoying my relationship with my loving husband, I was taking care of myself and I loved my work but my father-in-law and mother were not doing so well. Both of them moved in with my husband and I and they spent their last years with us. I stopped work to take care of them. I was gifted that honor.
Now some of you know I was raised Catholic. We stopped going to church when my parents were excommunicated as a result of their divorce. As an adult I tried attending a number of churches and faiths but I just didn't fit in - it all just didn't feel right. It wasn't until my mother moved in with us that we came here. Mom was raised Methodist and well... this was the closest church.
So... back to my hard question. I'm not working... not taking care of parents and have way too much time to think. Now is my time to do what I want to do but what does God want me to do. Where should I focus my attention - how can I help? I know I'm ready for more. With the help of my husband I've started a new business but it doesn't fill my time or my needs. I wanted God to tell me how I can really make a difference but this time for real!
I got involved a little at church. People started to get to know me and invite me to participate. I wanted to contribute. I just couldn't take that next step. Then Jenny sent out an invitation to attend the Global Leadership Summit (GLS). It sounded interesting so my husband and I said yes. Honestly... we both kept thinking and telling each other that Jenny has plans for us.
While attending GLS I heard wonderful powerful leaders speak. There were a couple, specifically Danielle Strickland, John C. Maxwell and Bill Hybels who seemed to be speaking directly to me. I kept hearing them tell me God wanted me to get moving. He wanted me to get involved. Doug and I went home for lunch both days and on the last day I specifically remember telling him I didn't feel like I deserved to be accepted at church. I wasn't good enough. Danielle Strickland spoke after lunch. She mentioned something about not feeling good enough. I swear I couldn't breathe for a moment. Again, someone was doing the talking but it was really God. While writing this I went back to the notes I wrote after her speech and found this, "I've not been satisfied with anything but good is coming. God is opening my heart even with I didn't deserve it to be opened and now He is opening doors. I only have to walk with Him. I hear God shouting!"
My hard question was being answered and God was telling me where he wanted me to go. Ok... I still don't have answers to other questions but I'm learning that I have to be patient. God has plans for me. I just need to let Him show me the way and listen to him give me answers - even when the words come out of someone else's mouth.