I remember the first time I attended a Stonecroft women’s breakfast. I heard the Speaker say we have to die to live. This talk was so new to me and immediately I became fearful. I remembered attending funerals with my family in my earlier years. So much zeal and happiness of life was suddenly struck with sadness and silence. During those times, no one talked about anything other than to offer some choked-back condolences. Then it was over. Relief came, and we returned to our world of happiness.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
– John 14:27
The Stonecroft Speaker went on to explain what it means to die to live. What she described was nothing like the silence surrounding death that I experienced in my early years. She shared God’s beautiful love story of Jesus’ sacrificial death and His miraculous resurrection. She told how we, too, must die daily to worldly temptations. She said we must die to have peace in our hearts through our God-given Helper – the Holy Spirit – and to receive the eternal life God promises us.
The Speaker’s words that day changed my life forever.
Imagine how the New Testament woman named Martha responded when Jesus spoke these words to her:
“ ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’ ”
– John 11:25-27, NIV
Martha and other New Testament women, as well as the Stonecroft Speaker, I, and many others have all encountered Jesus, the only One who gives fearless assurance of life. He offers us this gift and asks only in return that we share the Good News with others. This is the pathway to real zeal and happiness.
Father in Heaven, I give you my fears. Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue me. Holy Spirit, help me each day to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with women, wherever You lead me. Amen.
Michelle Cartwright
Mountain Field Director
Inspirational