I know that many of you are joining me today from Encouragement for Today. I’m so glad you are here! What you might not know is that we are in the midst of a free online study over Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads.
Christy Pearce is a #ComeWithMe study leader for one of the many online groups. She’s a blogger and speaker and her heart is BIG for the Lord. Today she shares how Jesus’ invitation led her to say yes to investing in the lives of young women.
But first she had to overcome her fear of being chosen.
I had the privilege of Skyping in to one of their meetings held in Christy’s home. It was easy to see that not only had she conquered fear, she was absolutely the right person for the job. Do you struggle with being “chosen?” Read Christy’s story and then share your own. ~ Suzie
You Don’t Mean Me, Do You?
They won’t come, so why even bother?
Maybe, maybe not. Leave that to Me.
But you can ask.
Seven weeks ago, God was nudging me down deep to come with Him. It was simple, but hard. I was compelled to invite some young ladies to study the life-giving message of the Bible sprinkled throughout the mind-changing lines of Suzie Eller’s new book, Come With Me.
I ARGUED with God as the idea hatched.
I TOLD God exactly why it would never work.
I was SKEPTICAL every step of the way as I continually asked the Lord, “You don’t mean me, do you?”
All I could think is that “These things happen in the lives of others—not mine.” Other people get to gather around His word and teach hungry spirits. Other people get to encourage seeking hearts.
NOT ME.
I assumed it was just some scheme my mind concocted cloaked with pride and polluted motives. The prodding continued. I was left asking, “You don’t really mean me do you, Lord?”
I decided there was no way God was whispering to me. I knew God could do whatever He wanted, as long as I wasn’t a part of the equation. (NOT.)
Inevitably I’d say or do something wrong.
Except, I have been equipped to minister—and ever since I placed my trust in Jesus I’ve had a gushing desire to lead people to drink from the streams of truth.
And God gave that to me by His Spirit.
So, just as He powerfully stirred me to start the study in the first place, God squashed the arguments. It didn’t matter if I thought it wouldn’t work.
And it dawned on me, “I can ask. I really can. And who cares if they say ‘No’?”
God took my skeptical attitude and turned it into a spectacle for His glory.
My little became much when I obeyed Him. More than I even knew.
Those girls I felt compelled to ask?
All of them said yes.
Then He led me to ask a few more. Two of the three began to come to the study too—to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him together. But nothing prepared me for that first night of study. When we shared our hearts together, the same testimony echoed through the room: “This is exactly what I was hoping and praying for.”
In a moment, it all became clear.
He did mean me—and each of them.
He knew it all along.
In Come With Me, it says, “God didn’t choose me to fix anyone; that’s His job. He just asked me to show up and allow Him to do His work because he loves them.”
That’s our invitation as well.
Christy
Join us
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If you want to be in a small group, let us know in the comments and we’ll connect you!
Download a free chapter or buy the book.
Just for you!
Today we are offering a book of prayers — excerpted from those I wrote when I was going through my own Come With Me journey, long before it became a book. Download it for free.
Giveaway
We are also giving away one copy of Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads. Just leave a comment below.
Suzie
Thank you this study helps me a lot. I got this thirst in me to Know more about the Lord.
Lord, thank you for Elizabeth. Fan the flame inside of her, in Jesus’ name.
From a very early age I have felt unworthy and unwanted. I was one of those girls that was silent in the corner…not seen and not smart. These have been the struggles of my life growing up. The whispers that grew deep-rooted insecurities. God placed a little seed several years ago into my heart to reach out and encourage other women with words. How could that be? I am an uneducated 48 year old women. What do I know about writing and encouraging? Do you not know me God? Through the heavenly rain flowing down into my soul, the Holy Spirit nourishes the seed within me. Last weekend I attended She Speaks for the first time, two years after the seed was planted. I witnessed and soaked in beautiful, His beauty. God’s girls beauty. Women who said YES! After two years of promoting, praying and obeying my blog released a month ago. In amazement, I read back my blog postings and I know those words are not my own. God is so good. He took a skinny, short-haired unwanted little girl and bloomed her into His creation. I am so grateful.
Praise God, Michele! He is good, always. Congratulations on your blog launch!
Your courage is inspiring!
Thank you, Suzie. Loving your book. Your words ring true and is a beautiful reminder of God’s calling for us.
Thank you for this study and for obeying God. For years I’ve had a strong hunger for spiritual warfare and was so confused as to why. I didn’t know what to do with the information or how to go about asking. Then one day a beautiful friend of mine was praying and God told her to tell me that I’m one of Gods powerful warriors. This answered a lot of questions for me but at the same time I became more confused then ever. I simply did not know what to do with this information. For now, I will open myself up more to God and pray for him to lead me in the right direction. I too am learning to be more sensitive when God is speaking to me.
Two of the best books on this are: Fervent and Armor of God, both written by Priscilla Shirer.
I have felt the Lord speaking to me to go to Honduras on a mission trip. I do not want to go to a foreign country but I feel the Lord tugging at me. My husband and mom do not think I should go for certain reasons. I would love to have this book to encourage me in my prayer about this. if you have any comments that would help me in this matter or can pray for me I would greatly appreciate it. I am torn up about this and do not know what to do.
Abby, I understand being torn. We can often be very convinced/passionate/compelled to do something and it feels like there are so many obstacles. Keep praying. If this is what God has in mind for you IT WILL happen. No one will thwart His plans. I felt like I should attend something very costly and knew for sure my husband would not support it. I prayed for guidance and laid it at the Lord’s feet. I said, “Lord whatever the answer is, I trust you to lead me through my husband. And that will be it.”
Then when I asked my hubby, he answered so out of character. Normally, he would say “We need to look at the finances. I’ll get back with you.” Instead he looked down for a minute then lifted his head, (after a VERY long pause. lol) and said, “We will make it work.” I was floored.
Other times, he has said “No.” I pray you won’t have to wait long for your answer! <3
I am very excited to follow along with the OBS being offered…The first video resonated deeply with what God is doing in my life. Looking forward to whispering “yes” to Him….even though the steps, path and destination are obscure.
One step at a time, sis. I’m so glad you are pushing into the depths of trust. What a beautiful place to be. It’s where we grow. It’s where we discover His character. It’s where we strip away the definition of success to find the truth of “daily walking with Him.”
I hear your excitement and love it! Praying with you today.
I have always wanted to know God deeply, but could never get past the fear that He didn’t choose me to know Him….
Chase that desire to know Him! It is God who gives faith and if you are walking in faith, you ARE chosen!
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
1Pe 2:2-6 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
For some great teaching to grow you in truth download the First 5 app! https://first5.org/ 🙂
He chooses you, sis. He chose you from the beginning. Receive that gift. Open it. Enjoy it.
The Bible is the blue print for our lives. Thank you for writing this study.
Thank you for this devotion. Discerning when and if God is speaking to me is something I struggle with.
Me too, Kathy! And most of the time I am uncertain until after I do/say (Or don’t do/say) what I feel I need to. You can never go wrong when what you feel prompted to do brings Him honor! <3 More and more I'm stepping forward in confidence that He will use my "little" to make much of HIM! 🙂
I’ve always struggled with my identity. But with and in God, I know He chose me.
Amen!
That’s a wonderful story. I think we always meed reminders that God just might be talking to us. No matter how we rationalize it. He’s talking to us. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.
Agreed Karla! Sometimes I second guess if God is nudging or if it is me. But my measuring stick is this: “Is what I feel compelled to do/say show He is important?” Then I can’t go wrong! <3
This study is such a blessing.
Thank you, Tonya!
Oh Christy, I feel like you got into my head!! I struggle with ME REALLY? I seem to think there is someone better for the assignment BUT GOD. Having just come back from She Speaks, a women’s conference on Writing, Speaking and Leading I am ready to say “Yes, He really wants to use me!” Where he leads I will follow!!
Amen, Nancy! 🙂
Thank you for the reminder that God can use me whether it be in a big or small way, and I’m never to discount the small. That one small act may change someone’s life, eventually bringing them to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
I love your writing. I really need to take this to heart. I would love to read your book!
Love your transparency, Christy! What a beautiful reminder that we are HIS!
Thank-you for this word. Still feel ill equipped for my call as a mom and my oldest is 13! He will wirk through me for his glory if I let him.
Thank you for your encouragement today Christy. I recognize those same conversations with the Lord.
Christy, how wonderful that your heart stayed open to His calling. Even though in your human nature; had those doubts, you never completely squashed His voice. Look at how He used you to answer the prayers of many. Look at how He used you to speak to the hearts of these hungry women. He does equip the ones He calls, we just have to get out of His way sometimes in order for Him to do just that.
Amen, Charlotte!!
Beautiful encouragement, Christy!
💗
that was me ^^^ Julie! Lol
My heart says yes…
Yay!
Thank you Suzie for writing this book and offering this bible. This is just what I need. Thank you.
I am so glad to be a part of this study. I have not been able to get the book yet. I hope to get it soon though. Thank you for doing this study.
Gale, I have a few ARC copies (the early reader copies) and can send you one if you’ll share your address with me.
Such a great testimony. I pray God will give me the grace to hear His whispers and the strength to follow. I would love to have a second copy of the book to share with a friend.
I was asked one time to “lead” a bible study, and I said “I’m not a leader!”, so I said I would “facilitate” the study. And I asked everyone to interact, participate, read scripture, etc. And it worked! God helped that little group become good friends and women who had a heart for Jesus! Thank you for this study. I’m trying hard to get to Day 1 of your posts, Suzanne, busyness abounds, as always!!! I would love to have the free book to give to a friend so she can do this with me!
You just described a leader, Dori. Someone who encourages people to interact, participate, and dig deeper!
I would love to learn how to follow Him and trust that He knows what he is doing if He should ask me to do something. To be honest I have a hard time knowing if it is Him who is asking or satan trying to get me to look foolish. I would love to do this study, but not able to purchase a book due to being a women who lives from paycheck to paycheck. If it is God’s will for me to join this study He will make it possible. Thank you for leading women to know Him better.
I’m so ready yet so scared…reading your book…participating in this study…it’s time to step out in FAITH…to TRUST…to BELIEVE…to find enCOURAGEment He sends…thank you for your words, your guidance, your example, your willingness to lead…I’m in…I’m ready!
Oh Trish, let that fear turn to excitement as we do this together!
I just realized while reading this, that I have been waiting for others to fix me, instead of letting God fix what is broken inside of me! With tears streaming down my face , I ask you God to fix my brokenness, to help me to run to You and to confess all that is holding me back . So that I can serve where You lead me. In Jesus’ name I pray , Amen.
Lord, we stand with Dee and believe with her, in Jesus’ name.
Thank you Suzie for your prayers.
Amen to listening to Him and to filling your heart with love and obedience. I love it. Great read!
Just this week I felt ill-equipped to answer God’s call. If He’d truly called me, I thought I would feel more ready for the assignment. Thank you, Christy, for the encouragement to say “yes” to His call and trust Him with the results.
I am really enjoying your book!! I have felt for some time that God is trying to lead me “somewhere” but Im just not getting what He is telling me. I continue to pray and seek. I am hoping your book will help me look deeper & wider to go where the Lord wants to use me. Thank you for being a blessing Suzie
Thank you, Terri. I love that you are enjoying it. I pray that there are challenges and beautiful aha moments all along the way.
My thoughts exactly. Thank you for speaking my mind.
Thank you for your encouraging words!! This study has already been such a blessing to me! I am very much a planner, organizer, need to have everything ready ahead of time person. I have two little kids, so those tendencies have been lessened over time, but now I truly see that some (maybe not all) of the planning and organizing is a lack of trust in God’s plan! I don’t need to know all of the details, as long as I know I am following Jesus! My anxiety melts away as I trust in where Jesus is leading – as I follow and walk beside him. I may not think it will work – I may be thinking Who ME? You can’t mean ME? But I’m not ready, or prepared!?!? But like Suzie says, “It’s where I Grew through mistakes. It’s where I discovered the power of offering grace to myself (Can I say YAY!! I am always my toughest critic…) and starting again.” What great and encouraging words!!
I have always struggled with being good enough. Now that I am basically homebound I really struggle with how God could possibly use me. Trying to look to God for everything and believe that He can and will use me, but still a struggle.
Holly, I share your same struggle as I am also mostly homebound because of being in chronic pain for many years now and I often wonder what my purpose is or how God could even use me. My life feels like it has been put on hold. It’s certainly discouraging and frustrating. Though I often don’t see it happening in my life, I’m trying to remember that God’s power can be displayed in our weaknesses. Although my life doesn’t seem to be making much of an impact on others or in the physical realm from my perspective, I hope and pray that it is making some sort of positive impact in the spiritual realm. I’m praying that God will encourage and uplift both of us and make us aware of how He is using us or can use us dear sister.
I am so glad you are doing this study. I did the P31OBS Mended Heart. It was such a healing experience for some of the hurts in my life. As soon as your book came out, I was hoping to see an online study to participate in. I was finishing up Wendy Blight’s study, Living So That. God has been moving in my life in ways bigger than I have really ever seen before. And, when that happens, we sometimes get to a next step that will take us to waters so deep, we feel we might not be able to get through it. This was all the things I was praying for, but I did not realize a few steps I would have to take to reach that answered prayer. I became afraid to pray. Afraid He would answer & it would get even harder. Your book had arrived, and kept laying on the desk with the title glaring at me, Come With Me. You guys all started on Monday, & it took me until Wednesday to say, “Alright, Alright God. I signed up, so I will do it.” As soon as I started to read Chapter One, I realized that God had completely intended for this study to happen in this moment in my life. It was another movement by Him that fell into place. I am so grateful for your work & obedience to get this book out where I could have it waiting on my desk. I have a lot to go through in the next couple of months, I don’t know where God is taking me & why I have to do it in a way that feels like the hard way, but I clearly understood that His expectation of me is to say, “But if you say so.” I think before this is over, God will ask me to share the details of this life altering time in my life; but until then, please know how grateful I am to be a part of this study. Oh, and Chapter One did get me back on track with praying and working on Bible study, I am not letting going into deeper water frighten me to the point I pull back anymore. Satan would love that, but I want to Come With Jesus.
I would like to know more about the study and what it entails and the small groups online. Can you still follow and understand the study if you don’t have the book? How do you sign up?
I love the way Suzie gently leads us along with her beautiful honest prayers. These prayers bring about the beauty of reality and the great love our Lord has for each one of us. Each of us is unique and perfectly known by our Savior. That brings great hope, strength and courage. Thank you, Suzie, for allowing us to download the “13 Prayers”. God bless you.
Love love and love this!!
I am so excited about this book!
I appreciate your book so much and Suzie, I so enjoy your enthusiasm!!! 🙂 I would like a copy to give to a dear friend that is going through a separation leading to a divorce. She has 2 little boys, 2 & 5, that are caught in the middle with their father’s verbal, mental, emotional and almost physical abuse. She is a Christian and knows God is in control but she is in a very hard place right now and I know she would appreciate your book. Thanks for your encouragement.
Articles like these put the consumer in the driver seat-very imnratopt.