If you’re reading this, you most likely have met Jesus and asked Him to be the leader of your life. If you haven’t, it’s way okay, because you are here for a reason. I can assure you of that. I encourage you to read on to know you have value and worth no matter what anyone says, including yourself.
I was recently at a large shopping mall with a friend to buy some gifts. We were looking for several stores but didn’t know their location. We didn’t want to waste time walking all over looking for them, so we immediately found the directory kiosk, you know the one where you look for the big red dot or something like it that says “You Are Here.”
We were happy to find the kiosk because we wanted to plan and strategize our time at other places in the mall in addition to visiting the stores. We planned to start with our priorities, we also needed to find a Starbucks, and discover what food places were available because it would be lunch time while we were there. It didn’t make sense to backtrack. Besides, coffee and food make everything go better, right?
It feels so good to help others out!
In the middle of our mall errands, we saw a woman whose child was not happy at all. We stopped and shared with her that we went through the same thing with our children, encouraging her with how it gets better. When we asked if we could pray with her, her shoulders dropped and said, “Yes, please.” Her child just stopped in shock, watching us. As we parted, the mother couldn’t stop thanking us, saying how much it helped her. While in line at a store, another woman asked us where we found the serving plates we were buying. She thought they were beautiful. We shared with her their location. She was so excited, thanking us for our help as she hurried off to find them.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
– Deuteronomy 31:8
Over lunch, my friend and I talked openly about how the directory kiosk helped us This led us to discuss life – where we’d been, how we found ourselves backtracking at times, what we were looking for, and how we got to where we are today because of God’s direction in every bit of our busy lives.
God has used Stonecroft as a helpful resource, “a directory kiosk” of sorts, to guide women to know our value and worth. It teaches skills in reading the Bible, praying, and recognizing our gifts and talents and how to use them. It also guides us on planning and strategizing our lives even when curve balls are thrown at us. It especially teaches us to gather women to help, mentor and guide them on how to share their faith and the Good News of Jesus with others.
My friend and I experienced all of this. We have felt and have seen how God went ahead of us and paved the way. We are forever thankful.
Where are you? We’d love for you to be here with us at Stonecroft.
Jesus, thank you for making impossible things possible. Amen
Michelle Cartwright
Mountain Divisional Field Director
Inspiration