You Gotta Offer

Sometimes I wonder.

Why did God choose me?

Of all the women in our area, why me to serve Him by beginning a women’s ministry that is one-of-a-kind?

I’m not qualified. I’m not experienced. I am the least of these.

I often think of scripture that talks about God’s glory and power being able to shine through when He uses those ill equipped. Well, in that case, who better to pick than me!

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” II Corinthians 12:9

But, I know that there’s another reason God is using me.

I offered.

Ten or so years ago, I distinctly remember being on my knees in my living room. I don’t remember what prompted me, but I remember saying “I am willing to do whatever you want. I will go wherever you want. I want to serve you.”

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

At the time, I didn’t realize the changes; but they say hindsight is 20/20. Little by little, He gave me the desires of my heart. To serve women. To build them up. To provide resources. To provide opportunities to come together and love, laugh and learn.

Because I offered. Because I was willing. Wonderful things are happening through The Connection. And I know there’s much more in store.

A couple of days ago, God put on my heart to share this story with you. To encourage you to be brave and make that offer. The offer to be willing, to go wherever, to serve however. The day after God prompted me to write this, I opened up a journal that I hadn’t written in for a year. I was amused at how God weaves everything together. Here’s what I wrote last year…

“We are at Engedi Estates, Emmitsburg. This house was built in 1750. This makes me think of the many previous generations that have been on this very spot.

“We are just a small part of it all. And yet – each of us matters and has our own piece of history to make.

“If we don’t do our part, how does that change history? How does it affect others? If I don’t do my part, is someone else left hanging?”

We tend to think that there is too much to be done to make a difference or someone else is more qualified or that we don’t have anything to offer. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

God has a plan for each of us. He wants to use you. You are not too young or too old or too busy or too inexperienced. There may be baby steps along the way. You may need to go through a “training” period to acquire skills or maturity. But you must be open and willing to do what He asks of you.

I urge you.  Make the offer. Be willing. God has a plan for you and will use you. He is waiting.

You won’t regret it.

Mandy

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Mandy is a board member and executive director of The Connection. She loves to facilitate women connecting with each other and helping them grow in their faith.

Mandy and her husband have been married for 38 years and have 2 adult children, 2 in-law children and 3 grandchildren.