My Fervent Prayer

Six months ago I happened upon a place called Landmark Church. Not by accident, (of course,) as nothing happens in the Kingdom of God by accident. I like to call it a Divine Incident. Although I really did not know it then, The Lord was about to answer my most fervent prayer.

I had been praying for some time for a peaceful place to fellowship in a community with Women of God… a place fertile with the Word and free of distractions of any kind. I also prayed for a timely Word, a Word that deals with women today in times such as these!

It all started with me wanting to go to an Avalon concert. The concert was being held at Landmark. I remembered how to step out in faith having just 8 short years prior moved to a town where I knew no one. So feeling completely confident going to the concert alone, I bought a ticket.

The concert was fantastic (I love AVALON!) and on the way out, I saw a sign that read, “Women’s Sunday School Class”. (Divine Incident!) Immediately deposited in my spirit I knew I was supposed to go back to the class.

The very next Sunday morning, on my way to the class, I wondered, what was it that was drawing me there? Why did I feel so calm and comfortable about going? Well I knew part of the WHY was in how a Divine Incident works. The Lord knows EXACTLY what we need and when we need it. HE also knows the plans that he has for us, plans to prosper us and not harm us.

The other part that made me so comfortable was the atmosphere of the drive in! The long curved driveway up towards the sanctuary of Landmark Church was so peaceful! By the time I stepped in the front door of the church, I had already encountered some of my favorite things, park-like trees, a beautiful waterfall fountain, ducks and the most-friendly people.

My spirit was already primed to receive some AWESOME things. Once in the class, I was not disappointed. The class teacher, Marie, immediately impressed me as a Woman of God, who I could tell, had a real passion for women. Not unlike a passion of my own, I felt a kindred spirit. The environment of the class was warm and inclusive and most importantly, Jesus-centric.

One of the first things Marie said in class was how women today can turn to scripture for God’s WORD to live in this season….she was talking about a right–now Word!

Wow! My prayer! The Lord is really in the blessing business when we step out in faith.

Sometimes, well most times, we are not even remotely aware of the magnificent plans HE actually does have for us or just how His answers to our prayers unfold.

Each time I returned to the class, formally called Gifted Women’s Life Class, (GWLC) the Lord revealed a little more to me of why I was there.

Needless to say my time with the GWLC was nothing short of miraculous and actually lined up with so many things the Lord had placed in my spirit.

I have so appreciated my time with the GWLC at Landmark Church. Although I’m saddened that the class will end soon, I am encouraged by the growth at Landmark and the need to add another worship service. And as the Lord would have it, HE did not leave me or forsake me, HE saw fit that the GWLC would go on in a monthly worship service to “ReFuel” me. HE, again, met me at the threshold of my need.

Six months ago, I thought I was just going to a concert, but the Holy Spirit had a different agenda. I was led to the GWLC at Landmark Church and the Lord, through Divine Incident, answered my most fervent prayer.

Women Who Encourage!

“ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thess 5:11

One of the most important things we can do for each other, especially in this season, is to ENCOURAGE one another! Why? Because we have been DISSED! Disenfranchised, Dismayed, Disenchanted, Dispersed, Disengaged, and Dismissed! The only way to reverse the world’s effects, is for WOMEN of GOD to set a standard of encouragement. Being encouraged DAILY gives women the building blocks needed to stay in the right posture as God’s girls! It’s the divine fuel, that keeps us going. Just a few words of encouragement releases us from the world’s toxic grip. When we encourage, God’s power to heal and restore is diffused through us.


What’s Your Favorite Way to Encourage Others?

One of my favorites is to offer praise. Sometimes women need to hear something really good (and true!) about themselves. An outfit that looks good on them, a skill they excel in or a special personality trait they have. I want them to know that I see their significance and I appreciate it!

Here are some other ways to encourage others:

Make celebration a more regular part of your relationships. Celebrate others' victories, large and small-with a note, with coffee together, with a special meal, a congratulatory phone call or just a high-five!

Use encouragement as an outreach. If anyone should be known for being an encourager, it should be the Christian. Write a letter of appreciation to people at work, your apartment manager, your child's teacher or your doctor. Often when we interact with these people, we are asking for their services. Take time just to say thank you!