She didn’t know why she was there… but God did

heartOne of the biggest blessings God has allowed me to enjoy in my life is the privilege of speaking at church women’s events and retreats  and meeting women from all over the country through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I never cease to be amazed at the God-stories women share with me, and how God has orchestrated miracles, interactions and interventions in divine ways.

Although I always share my messages with an entire audience, God never fails to guide me to those whom He specifically wants me to meet personally. It’s always those one-on-one interactions with sweet women who are hungry for God that really remind why I do what I do. And why I am so blessed by it.

In late April of this year, I met Monica at a women’s retreat in Capon Springs, West Virginia.  Our idle chit chat soon turned a little more personal, as she confessed that she never goes to ladies events, and had no idea why she had attended this one – until God spoke to her heart and made it crystal clear why she was there.

Below is a note from Monika that she agreed to share about how Proverbs 31 Ministries has made an impact on her life just this year:
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Proverbs 31 speaker and author Tracie Miles spoke at a retreat I attended. I never heard of Tracie and vaguely knew of Proverbs 31 ministries. So, there were no expectations of the speaker or the weekend. Little did I know, God had plans to blow my mind through this amazing ministry.

I came to the retreat feeling disconnected from God. I remember crying out to Him that Saturday afternoon…“What’s going on? I feel so disconnected from You. I need to feel your presence. I need you to speak directly to me.”  Tracie’s message that evening was about Mary and Martha and the ONE thing we should be concerned about…Jesus. I was so compelled by her message and began to feel re-connected to the ONE I should be concerned about. My passion for speaking was also being stirred.

The next morning I journaled about my desire to fulfill my call of speaking, but had no idea how God wanted me to move forward. During her message that morning, Jumping Overboard with Your Faith, I kept hearing God say “finish the book.” I started writing a book about a month prior, but had no clue what to do with it; after all I am passionate about speaking not writing.

To conclude her message, Tracie asked each woman there to write what God was telling you to do and place it in a box at the altar. After writing the word “finish the book”, I dropped my card in the box, and picked up the gift prepared for each woman  — a small organza bag with a ceramic heart and scripture inside.

There were nearly 100 of these bags. I approached the table desperately praying; “God any scripture can speak to me, it’s your Word, but I need a scripture that is Your specific message to me.” I picked up a bag with an orange heart in it. After I read the scripture, it was as if someone poured a bucket of water in my tear ducts. I couldn’t stop crying. The scripture read:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19.

WHAT!?! REALLY!?! He answered my prayer! He spoke directly to me!

Nobody knew my favorite color is orange, and nobody guided me to a particular bag or told me what scripture was in them. Nobody knew the wilderness I had been in for almost 3 years.  But, God did. He knows the wilderness He led me to nearly 3 years ago. He knows my favorite color is orange. He knew that bag would be positioned where I would see it. He knew while they were being assembled that bag was for me. Like He practically wrote my name was on it!

After the session, I chatted with Tracie and she told me about She Speaks. I knew God wanted me at this conference. I also knew I could not afford it. But, God had just given me a personal word and I hung my faith on verse 19- I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. He wanted me to jump overboard with my faith, just as Tracie had talked about and encouraged us to do.

So, I jumped and He caught me. I registered for She Speaks and paid less than $100 out of pocket because God provided the financial means for me to get there in miraculous ways!  At the She Speaks conference, God confirmed that my dreams of speaking and writing are in His plans for me, and His confirmation was just what I needed.

Those involved in Proverbs 31 ministry are participating in God’s plan to change the world and I am a part of that change. I pray every woman has a chance to experience the love of God through this ministry. I am glad I did and am eternally grateful.
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Monica’s story is unique and inspiring and obviously divinely designed, and hers is one of the many testimonies that everyone at Proverbs 31 is blessed to hear every day, through emails, Facebook messages, our prayer line and personal interactions from women in America, but also as far as away as Africa and India.  Nothing brings more joy to see God at work, and lives being touched internationally for Christ.

Today I want to invite you to be a part of reaching women all over the world to partner with Proverbs 31 and help us continue to be a voice to women in need of encouragement and a Savior.

Your donation helps us continue to do what we love to do most – ministering to women through our devotions which reach over 700,000 people a day, our online bible studies which is currently leading over 24,000 women from around the world in a study, and through our radio programs which reach hundreds of thousands of ears every day. Each interaction is a divine appointment, and every comment from those who were touched are the biggest blessings of all.

Please take a moment to watch this brief video below by clicking on the Partner with Us Today link, and if after praying, you feel led to be a part of what God is doing through Proverbs 31, the link to the giving page is below the video.  Your donation, no matter the amount, allows Proverbs 31 to continue reaching the world for Christ. and helps women around the world have divine appointments with God.

Partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries

 

meandmonika

A picture of me and my new sister in Christ and friend, Monica.

5 Comments

  1. Kelly Williams Hale on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Wow! What an extraordinary story – proof positive that if we seek God with all our heart, we WILL find Him 🙂 Thank you Tracie for sharing. And thank you Monika for listening to God and sharing your testimony!! Looking forward to reading your book!!! xoxo By His Grace, Kelly



  2. Anna on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11:57 am

    Thank you Tracie. and Thank you Monika for sharing your story. I still have goose bumps. Praying for God to keep giving you strength through this journey, I’m excited for you. I as well will be waiting and excited to read your book.
    God Bless
    Anna



  3. Rachelle on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    Thank you, Monica for sharing what God is doing! I love the scripture from Isaiah, it has been a favorite of mine for a long time beginning with another journey in my life. You inspire me as I watch your journey go forward!!



  4. Paige on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Oh how I live divine appointments! Thank you so much for sharing this story. I thank God for this ministry and pray He will continue to bless it and all the special women involved.
    Paige



  5. Nekiwa on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Wow!!! This is exactly what I’m going through. My oldest is off to his first year of MS and my baby is off to Pre-K:( This post really encouraged me. God bless you!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

Tracie's Books