I have been reflecting on my last year and a half. I go through an ongoing process with the Lord where I remember His miracles, His moves, etc. They are my “stones of remembrance” to constantly remind myself and to praise Him for His faithfulness.

This coming November would have been 2 years of our local ministry for girls and women if the studio had remained open. I sat with the Lord with my usual..”Lord, can I ask you a question?” “Why did your work stop?” I asked. Then I asked, “Did I hear you wrong?” It seems so many of my heart’s burdens died all at once. He had stirred in my heart several things for a very long time. As quickly as I saw them coming to life…I watched them die before my eyes.

To those who may not know the Lord or are in a new relationship with Him, I am sure it seems God withheld His blessing or that maybe I had just another crazy idea:) Yet this is not true. You see, we measure success by length and vastness of ministries, numbers of attendees, public recognition and support, etc. Yet, He rejoices over one little one who has seen Him afresh or one saint who simply decided to believe Him for the miraculous. He has sent me clear across the country before for one little 15 year old girl with devastating anxiety. This is the love that held Him to the cross for each of us.

A few weeks ago I was speaking at an event where many of our little girls we loved on at the studio attend church. The beauty of watching them run into my arms and tell me how much they missed and loved me was priceless. But not near as much as when I watched 2 of them stand on stage and sing their hearts out. Both such beauties inside and out..Christ had become real to them.

The younger one stood and sang Lead Me to The Cross with more passion than I have seen from most adults. She was doing more than performing a song or singing words that had little meaning….it was pouring from her heart. At that moment I knew the Lord was showing me the fruit of our labor. As she finished she ran to the back where I was seated and whispered in my ear over the back of my chair, ” You told me to follow my dreams with Jesus…so I am.”  My dear friend, Misty Black was sitting next to me who had to grab my hand as I buried my head and sobbed.  I thought I would never get myself together again to speak. I could have gone home then….for it was why He sent me. That night was not about me delivering a message to them. It was about Him delivering a message to me.

The enemy will try to cover you with lies of failure. He will tell you that your gifts, talents, and your calling is finished. He will do all he can to make you quit.

But remember this: He is not finished with you. Do not fold your tent. While one season finishes.. another begins. While something dies.. a new thing is birthed. We do not get to declare the timing of His work. After all, it is His work. We no longer live…but Christ who lives in us.

 

When the vision dies do not lose heart

For brewing is another start

A work afresh is at your door

For He is always birthing more.

Handle loosely all you see

For It is His to do as He pleased

He Never wastes a shortened road

Oh,He does more with less you know.

Oh help us die to self again!

Not take for mine what’s yours sweet friend.

I humbly lay it down again

and let both arms  fully extend.

Oh take my left hand, then take my right

I cross my feet with prayerful mind

Again I give my heart to thee

And whisper “Lord please crucify me.”

–Shelly Wilson