home stephanies story GEMS ministry stephanie speaks contact testimonials

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

On Holy Ground

It was 11:00 p.m. Friday night. As I rode the elevator back up to my hotel room at the She Speaks conference, my eyes threatened to close. But sleep wouldn't come anytime soon. Images of book proposals and publisher interviews danced in my head as I slid the slender hotel key card into the door. The green light flickered, and I tumbled into the living room of my suite, exhausted.

Before me sat my two beautiful roommates, Hester Christensen and Shelby Howard.


They looked up at me with smiling eyes. Instantly my heart skipped a beat. These women were prayer warriors.

I dropped my red leather bag on the floor and plopped down on the couch next to them. I asked them to lay their hands on me and pray for strength. There was so much to do before tomorrow. And tomorrow was only 8 hours away.

Together we passionately petitioned our Savior, and as we exited the throne room of God, peace enveloped my soul like a river. I swung my red leather bag back over my shoulder and headed down to the lobby to write. I needed to make finishing touches on my book proposal for my publisher interviews the following day.

As I turned the corner in the lobby, I heard the still, small voice of God. "Go the prayer room, Stephanie." For a brief second my flesh argued, "Lord, I don't have time. It's almost midnight. There's still so much to do before morning!" Again the Holy Spirit beckoned me with His quiet voice. Without hesitation I obeyed.

On the way, I passed Luann Prater, my speaker evaluation leader for the weekend and the She Speaks team member overseeing the prayer room.
 
She smiled warmly and asked where I was headed. "To the prayer room," I answered. She nodded knowingly. She and her team had prayed believing that when each of the 608 conference attendees entered that room they'd be standing on holy ground.

And holy ground it was. Soothing music echoed off the walls intermingled with the soft sniffles of women's cries. Beautifully decorated tables displayed the names of God. Upon each name of God rested the names of several conference women, with every name prayed over before being carefully placed.

I excitedly searched the table for my name. I scarcely believed my eyes when I found it. My name lay on El, the name of God meaning "the Strong One." Underneath I found this simple definition. "He is more powerful than any false god. God will overcome all obstacles. I can depend on God."

Hot tears stung the back of my eyes as I marveled at God's sovereignty. Jesus wooed me to the prayer room to confirm He had heard the cries of His girls in Room 609 just moments earlier. To remind me that He could overcome any obstacle. To encourage my dependence on Him and Him alone.

I left the prayer room energized. No longer was I weary. As I opened my laptop to polish my proposal, I imagined Jesus sitting right beside me. He was smiling. Steadied. Strong.

It only took an hour to finish my work. God's power truly was made perfect in my weakness. His grace was sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Maybe today you  feel weary. Beaten down. Broken.

Run to God's throne room and find rest for your soul. Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Won't you trade in your burden for His?

8 comments:

Luann Prater said...

Wow! Stephanie, God has given you a gift. Fun to see Him pour through you!!!

Love you bunches,
Luann

Carrie Turansky said...

I loved reading this part of the story. : ) Thanks for sharing! How are you doing with those revisions on the proposal?
Blessings,
Carrie

Hester's Heart said...

Bless you Stephanie. Well stated sweet sister. Continue to fan into flame the gift God has given. Love you, Hester

Stephanie Garneau said...

Thanks ladies for your encouraging words! Luann, it is so fun to be poured through. God is so gracious to use a broken vessel like me. Thanks again for letting God pour through you as well into all our lives at She Speaks. Carrie, I'm still working and WAITing. God used you as instrument in my life to deliver His message and by His grace I am heeding it. Hester, my sweet sister, may you do the same. I love you and treasure your friendship. I'll never forget our time at She Speaks the past two years!

Holli Ratcliffe said...

God is so good to speak to us and to guide with his Holy Spirit. What a great encouragement you got simply by obeying...

Amy Sullivan said...

Bounced over after reading your Thin Place story.

So nice to meet you!

Stephanie Garneau said...

Thanks Amy! It's great to meet you too. I hope you become a regular visitor! :)

Stephanie Garneau said...

Thanks for swinging by Karen! :)

Post a Comment