Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: The power of prayer --- and yes, there are NO coincidences!.......

Thank you so much and praise God for HIS WORD! Yes, I've been told I have the gifts (from God, nothing of myself) of encouragement and teaching - would you say that's the same thing you're talking about? Or are you talking about preaching? I've also been told I have the gift of hospitality. Encouragement and Hospitality and Teaching have been confirmed by my local church body and others. (For non-Christians who may not know what we're talking about, these are "spiritual gifts" that God gives - and He gives gifts to ALL believers in Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building up and encouraging the body of Christ - so that they, in turn, can serve Him and others - to be His "hands and feet" in the world. God says that He is no respecter of persons - in other words, we're to have no pride about the gifts God has given us - all the gifts have value, and we're all to exercise our gifts in a spirit of humility and servanthood, with Christ as our model. Hope I didn't just make this "clear as mud"!). And it seems that the Lord is always putting people in my path to pray for - gives me a chance to give the gospel as we go to the Throne! (Had the awesome opportunity to witness tonight, to the gentleman who cuts our grass! Pray for someone to water the seed!).

It's so easy for me to slide into delivering God's Word - sometimes in prayer, sometimes in emails, sometimes in conversation - I just always pray that I'll be using His Words and His message for His purpose and that I won't have a hidden agenda. (It's "easy" in the sense of "being on the tip of my tongue" - not a "talent" - just a joy and a privilege. Sometimes, it just spills out - that's why I asked if I ever sounded "preachy").

A few months ago, I spoke at our women's retreat.....and it came straight from Scripture....but by two days before the event, I was nearly ill with fear that I was absolutely unworthy to do this -- too full of sin, you know.....but thank God, I had a prayer team and the Lord reminded me that I can do ALL things through Christ, and that if HE had called me to this, HE would enable me....and you can't imagine what the enemy threw at me (like a middle-of-the-night ER visit with my mom just hours before my talk!). I believed that He had called me to give this talk, on this topic, and I also knew that if I backed out on some flimsy excuse, I would be like Jonah when he refused to go to Nineveh! I figured, just get up there and open my mouth and see what the Lord would do!! I was literally shaking when I went up there - and had no idea if I'd be able to deliver what I'd prepared - but through Him, I was - and I even ad-libbed! It was such a faith-builder.....and I was blessed for my obedience...my faith is stronger....other women were touched by God....He can use the little that we offer and make much out of it! HE is amazing! Every good gift comes for Him! I know that there is no righteousness in me apart from Christ! I'm a sinner saved by Grace and so, so, humble and thankful!

All that said, my deepest desire is to be able to go to Bible college and then seminary -- I have no money, and just a few quarters of college --- but I'm holding on to that dream.....there's always distance learning! I'd love to study thru Moody Bible Institute or Taylor University in Indiana -- lots of others I like, too. Maybe someday....! BTW, one of the sins I struggle with is pride -- it seems that the enemy tries to bring it up in me whenever someone gives me encouragement or affirmation - but I now know that while God doesn't want me to be prideful, He DOES want me to be joyful! I could only have written this openly to you because you've let me know where you stand with the Lord. Couldn't have shared this "unvarnished" report with just anyone.

Your replies and posts have likewise been a blessing to me - and to others, I'm sure! Thanks so much for your interest in me -- what are YOUR gifts and the desires of YOUR heart?

Blessings,
Kaybee C - who thanks her God upon every remembrance of you!

Edited by KaybeeC (09/09/03 07:29 PM)

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