AS I WRITE THIS letter, I’m on a plane home from San Diego’s Outreach Convention. Church conferences are interesting; they’re packed with inspirational people, awesome information, innovative ideas, encouragements, cautions, laughter and, sometimes, even a few tears. I have moments when I get so fired up for the Lord, I actually want to leave the session because I can’t wait to reflect on the revelations and unpack their applications for my life. Then there are the moments when I become completely overwhelmed and feel almost ineffective by comparison. I know these are tactics the enemy uses to instill discouragement, but it still takes me by surprise, especially when I’m feeling so inspired after an event.

On this plane ride, I found an encouraging reminder in Stormie Omartian’s “The Power of a Praying Woman.” Chapter 30 states, “It’s at these very times, when you feel as though you’re not getting anywhere, or you’re missing the future God has for you, that God is actually preparing you for your future. And when the time is right, He has been known to do a very quick work.” Can I get an Amen? The whole rest of the weekend, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, as I kept thinking, “I’m doing fine; I’m in preparation!”

Of course, this is not an excuse to settle for the status quo, but for an overachiever like me, it’s a simple truth of which I occasionally need to be reminded. And maybe you do, too. As you network at our upcoming Church Solutions Conference and Expo this February—or when you read the books of successful Christian leaders—don’t lose sight of your unique calling and ministry journey, no matter how it compares to what you see others doing.

In an earlier chapter, Omartian affirms, “We all want to accomplish something significant with our lives. And we all have the potential to do something great. That’s because we are the Lord’s and His Spirit dwells in us.” She continues, “We just have to remember not to confuse success in the eyes of men as being the same as success in the eyes of God. Men and women of the world glory in their accomplishments. Children of God glory in the Lord.”

May you, too, be encouraged today as you glory in Him and His plans for your life.

God bless, 

Karen Butler 
Group Editor 
kbutler@vpico.com