New Look #2

The Lord tends to give us multiple factors to confirm His plan. My makeover adventure is an excellent example of the process.

In my career quest the conference theme “Becoming the Best Possible You Inside and Out” drew me to attend. The opening session was presented by an image coach.

It was titled “Simply Beautiful” which didn’t speak to me at all. Click To Tweet

But within the first five minutes, my ears were alerted to her message. Maybe it was her testimony about overcoming a serious birth defect. Or it could have been her expertise at offering countless tips through dramatic humor.

But within the first five minutes, my ears were alerted to her message. Maybe it was her testimony about overcoming a serious birth defect. Or it could have been her expertise at offering countless tips through dramatic humor.

Whatever it was I found myself enthralled, making mental notes about her makeup suggestions and laughing over how similar my wardrobe was to the needy character she portrayed.

Attention to a few key elements transformed Edna from a dull female into a dynamic woman. My heart started to pound. It was the perfect illustration of what my career needed.

Weeks of research, soul searching, and prayer followed.

At some point I found the courage to contact Jill Swanson. Emails back and forth were encouraging. Her communication was clear and her tone was supportive, but it was my decision to make.

More prayer, earnest prayer for guidance to take this massive step.

My Father responded in a way I could not ignore His open door. He gave me the confidence that he would handle all the details and I made the commitment. I simply needed to take my Savior’s hand and walk along beside Him. And so I told Jill I was all in and started making plans.

We set the date within a couple of weeks or so and there was a lot for me to do. I don’t know how I added so much activity to my days. In hindsight I realize the delay in receiving the review of my manuscript was one of the factors that provided leeway in my calendar. Let’s just say life was hectic for a bit.

I’ll share more about the process next time. Today I want to close with the answer to the question hanging in the air. “How did you manage to put one foot in front of the other?”

Yes. You’re right. There were a lot of unknowns. Some aspects were down right scary. At times doubt hounded me. For thirty years people held onto the thought that since I was a pastor’s wife I must have been given an extra measure of courage or strength or something to keep going. Not so.

But I did and do have what some might consider a secret weapon. Click To Tweet

You see, 2 Timothy 1:7 is true. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” It’s the Spirit that takes up residence in the heart of everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Simply put, Holy Spirit carried me.

I was / am convinced of God’s call to refresh my career. He was laying out His path by opening the way for the makeover in a manner I could never contrive. He was teaching me about Himself, giving me the option to follow Him. How could I possibly turn back?

And through His empowering He’s been granting me the desires of my heart.

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:10-12

God understands my pursuit. After all, He embedded it in me. Click To Tweet

He understands you and your pursuit too.
Have you talked with Him about it?
Have you asked Him to make His call clear?
Have you heard it and need His equipping? He’s listening.

May the One who is able, enfold you in His will.
with faith in His enduring love,
Sandra