I was 25 and living in Khartoum, Sudan, in east Africa. My husband Steve was serving as the pastor of the international chapel in Khartoum. The country was in a civil war, and me—I was trying to figure out how to keep a ten-month-old baby safe and clean in a dirty, war-torn country.

One month into our time, we received an invitation from the US Ambassador to Thanksgiving dinner at his home. Steve felt excited; me, not so much! I had nothing to wear. I felt positive I had nothing to talk about other than the fact that my baby wasn’t sleeping through the night.

But Steve wasn’t taking my excuses and RSVP’d “Yes”.

On the way to dinner another driver hit our clunker of a missionary car, and the car promptly died. We walked the last ½ mile in 112 degree heat. While other guests arrived in limos, we arrived dusty, sweaty, frazzled, and a bit late.

We were escorted to a private torch-lit garden and were shown to our seats. Nothing could have prepared me for the shock I felt when Steve was escorted to a different table and I was seated between the US Ambassador and the Vice President of the country of Sudan. I remember whispering, “Oh God, help me not to wet my pants from nerves and not to say anything stupid. “   Seated between those two distinguished men, I heard the Lord whisper, “Becky, I have positioned you for such a time as this. You are appointed and anointed!”

God will most often call you to positions and platforms beyond your natural ability.

Then when Christ is able to use us, we know it is all Him! He delights to use the weak things of this world to confound the wise. That’s the mystery of His kingdom.

Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Tiny seed, huge plant that takes over the garden (Mark 4:30-32). That simple story is a picture of what God wants to do in the world through you! You may feel inadequate and ill-equipped, unqualified and unworthy. Great! You’re just the type of person God delights to use.

This week:

1. Step out of your comfort zone and take a risk on behalf of the kingdom.
2. Dare to believe that God wants to use you!
3. Pray that God will show you specific ways that you can be like the mustard seed in your neighborhood, community, and beyond for His glory!

Where’s Becky? 

I am finishing up at the AWSA conference today, and the Christian Publishing Exposition begins tomorrow. I will be presenting one seminar and doing two book signings.

I return home Tuesday night, and Steve and I begin leading our Reach Beyond home staff retreat in Colorado. We’ll be speaking together on Elijah. Please pray that I can transition well and that the Lord will use us to encourage our staff.

How you can pray:

Please pray that I will be able to encourage the book store owners coming to the CPE conference. Many are discouraged, but we know that God is on the move!

Please pray also for the many connections I will make at the CPE and that many of the bookstores will pick up both How To Listen So People Will Talk and Who Do You Say That I Am?

Big Announcement! 

Steve and I are happy to announce that we have signed a contract with Bethany House publishers to write the book Listen Well, Lead Better!