I believe I’ve had an out-of-body experience.
You know what I’m talking about; the kind where you step back from a situation and view it as if from outside yourself. Mine occurred on Saturday, during the prayer conference, as I watched myself worship with 350 other women in my home church…as I watched myself soak in some incredibly simple, yet so profound, principles that will radically change my prayer life…as I watched myself cry as woman after woman made their way past me to pray at the altar.
Saturday was a culmination of a bunch of could-only-be-God moments. It was the outcome of immediate acts of obedience on Debbie Williams‘ part and my own. You see, on April 2, 2008, Debbie was awakened by God and told to get a pad and paper and write down what He told her. By the time she was done with her “divine dictation”, she looked down at a plan to take the principles from her book “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” to every state in the country – free of charge. In order to make sure she was hearing the Lord correctly, she asked Him to confirm it through her blog. Meanwhile, April 2nd found me getting ready to leave on my trip to Hawaii, cleaning my toilet as I readied my house for the couple who was going to house sit. In mid-swish, the Lord very plainly impressed upon me to “go read Debbie’s blog”. So, I did and found myself typing as fast as my fingers could move, that YES, we would love for her to come to Florida (even though I’m NOT on staff and hold NO position of authority in my church!). My email, quickly followed by another from Georgia, was all the confirmation she needed to take the idea to her board, and thus, P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation was born.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not always stellar in the “immediate obedience” department. In fact, when Debbie looked right at me during her talk (eyeball to eyeball, as she would say) and said this,
So, if you’re in the not-so-stellar department as well, I will encourage you to step out, by sharing a few of the comments that we got from the conference. May it spur you on to be used of God!
God has big things planned for all of us sweet friends! May we be “yes men” – right away – when He calls. Oh, and THANK YOU for your prayers! They were felt that day, and they were ANSWERED to be certain!!
I love you all to pieces!
The conference was an AMAZING time with God. I have a fresh outlook and I am so excited about growing closer to HIM in my prayer life!
You did an EXCELLENT job my friend.
Love, Jen
Don’t you just love it when God moves and orchestrates in ways we can’t even begin to comprehend? What an amazing story!Praise God for your weekend! It sounds like lives were changed!
Melinda,
It was such an honor to serve your church. What a wonderful group of ladies you have. And, I’ve told everyone about your Spirit led planning committee. Prayers were answered, my friend. May God’s name continued to be glorified.
Love, Debbie
P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation
http://www.debbiewilliams.com
How awesomely wonderful! It looks like the God-sized vision became a God-sized reality.
Looking forward to more about the conference.
Well done!
Kathleen
I had goosebumps even before I began to comment! This conference had more of an impact on my prayer life than any other. Thank you for your obedience, my friend! You were the perfect vessel! I love you so, mich
Sounds like the Holy Spirit just rained down on that place. Hallelujah!
So good to hear how well the conference went Melinda and the many testimonials.
Obedience seems to be the theme the Lord is leading me in this year. I keep wondering why i’ve put up so much resistance for so long. Very silly
see you soon,
tammy
Melinda,
I do look forward to reading your future posts about this event. You are a mighty tool in God’s toolbox. And thank you for the prayers, my nephew is doing so good now. Praise God!
Love,
Darlene
Praise God for his provision and his presence this weekend. I wish that I could have been with you. I need a good weekend like this. Truly, I do.
peace~elaine
Melinda — the partial obedience line just popped me right between the eyes. I’m all over that partial obedience and justification. Thanks for this post, God is using it to kick me out of my comfort zone and straight into full obedience to Him.
You’re a blessing to me!
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! YAY GOd for what you did here!
I’m so happy for you, for Debbie, for all the women at the event. I pray that all that they learned continue to thrill their hearts and excite them!
Big hugs,
Fran
I get goosebumps from just reading Melinda! You know, anyone can put together a girls’ night but it takes someone special to help orchestrate a God Show. It’s obvious He was all over this place and I appreciate your allowing us the privilege to join with you in prayer over it!
Sounds absolutely incredible!!! Can’t wait to hear more of your God stories!!!
Blessings,
Joy
Yah!!! God!
We knew in our hearts that it would be awesome didn’t we. I am so happy for you and all of the women of GFC who benefited form your submission and obedience.
Blessings my friend! Well Done!
Pat
Thank you, my friend, for all of your hard work! This was a wonderful and invaluable experience. Praise God!