You’re Equipped and Empowered to Serve!

  Before I left teaching with Bible Study Fellowship, one of my leaders said, “Maybe God will use you in speaking at women’s retreats and conferences.” I responded: “Why would I want to do that?”Later, the Holy Spirit convicted me of taking charge of my life rather than offering it to God for His purposes. Repenting of my “I’ll do what I want” attitude, I asked God to forgive me for ever telling Him what I would or would not do. Now that I can look back at what God had in mind, including speaking to international medical students at this conference in Sydney, Australia, I’m really glad I had a change of heart and attitude!As women who God wants to use to bless others, He promises He will make us capable. Here are three truths I hold on to whenever I feel out of my depth:

• We’re equipped to serve by our gifting from the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Romans 12:5

• We’re empowered to serve by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 3:16-21

• We’re expected to serve and bear fruit that glorifies our Father: John 15:1-8

 Q: What challenges are you facing from the Lord?My prayer is that these powerful promises encourage you to keep saying, “YES!” to all God calls you to do and be. Blessings,   Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive!   Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.