The Vulnerability of Obedience

I remember Michelle sending out an e-mail about a ladies’ mentoring group that was going to be starting. If I was interested, the email said, I could read about it and see if it was something I could commit to. The program involved reading a book a month, meeting with women (I may or may not know) and growing in my faith. I thought, “This is going to be tough, but I really think this is something I could learn from.” I told my husband I really wanted to do it, and he said, “Push send.” The first night, meeting my mentor and fellow mentees, was intimidating to say the least, but I was ready. I told the Lord I was ready and my YES was on the table.

Move in me, Lord, let me learn and grow like I have never done before.

Y’all, can I tell you that there is nothing sweeter than meeting new ladies you think you have nothing in common with and finding out that all our worlds revolve around the greatest Love ever? Our first meeting at Ms. Wanda's house was full of laughs, tears and just pure joy knowing I was not being judged for my past, but being loved on for my yes to want more in my walk with Christ.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or more are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

Every month we would gather, and I would never stop hearing Matthew 18:20 in my heart as we would begin each meeting. The Lord knew I needed those women then, and I still need those women today. We had amazing fellowship and the best food (if I may say so myself). Each book brought feelings out to the table and more yes's to lay it all out on the table. Vulnerable was the word that was described with every book we read. I can't tell you how many times the Lord would put a new book in front of me, and it was the book I needed at that exact moment. From learning to pray like a powerful woman, to setting healthy boundaries whether you knew you needed them or not, He truly knows everything we need and when we need it. The times we prayed specifically for certain people by name and at certain times when things were going on made the biggest impact in my prayer life.

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,

but also for the interests of others.

Every prayer request shared while sitting around the table together, or on a random Tuesday morning, was covered by some of the most amazing prayer warriors I know. I have reached out to these ladies more times than I can count. We have prayed for upcoming surgery, family members that needed prayer, and just prayer in general because I couldn't pray alone.

I said YES to the Lord giving me a chance to grow and learn more about Him and myself. I thought I was broken and not able to be fixed. If there is one thing I know 100%, it's that the day I chose Jesus, I was no longer broken. It's not always easy but it's always worth it. I can bring everything to Him from finding a good parking spot, to the healing of a relationship. I know now that I just have to listen. I might think the preparation is a wild ride, but in the end, He knows me best and what is best for me.

Prayer Points:

~ Lord, help me to continue to leave my YES on the table.

~ Father, lead me forward and remind me daily of my need for You.

~ Lord, I accept the push when the push seems like too much. Help me to walk the narrow road with You and not with the world.

Lord, thank You for all that You have done in my life. Lord, I pray that my YES’S are always pointing me towards You. Thank You for allowing me to stay close to You even when it feels like I am falling. I pray that each day Your light shines through me even when I am dim. Thank You, Jesus, for your birth, death and resurrection -- not just for me but for all people. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Crystal Reece

Flourish Women's Ministry

Mid-Way Baptist Church