Don’t Give In

I have a confession to make. I’m quite nervous to make it, especially on a blog about the Speak Up Conference. But, in a world full of fake, I feel compelled to be fully transparent. So, here goes—conferences do not encourage me; conferences intimidate me and make me feel insecure in my ministry. 

Now you know my weirdness. 

Most will leave the conference feeling empowered, equipped, and encouraged. Most will have fun spending time with other like-minded folks who want to write and speak for our Mighty God. Most will be sad to leave the conference and go back to “real life” because it felt good to focus on their dreams, gather information, and develop ideas for a couple of days. 

I, on the other hand, will withdraw further and further into myself until I can no longer hear the calling God put on my life. I will be amazed at the people I meet and wonder why God would call me into writing and speaking when there are so many others who are doing the job better than me. 

I begin to think God didn’t call me at all. Perhaps my own ego concocted the idea to write a book or help people understand God’s Word. With all the other people at the conference, I start feeling like God doesn’t need me. 

It’s a lie. I beg you to fight against the lie that God doesn’t need your contribution. 

A wise person once told me that, like Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun. If you listen to the lie, then you feel like what God called you to do has already been done. And it has. 

However, it hasn’t been done by you. 

• Consider the variety of backgrounds and personalities in this world. God needs many people to do the same things in different ways, from different perspectives. My wise mentor told me that someone needed to study the Gospel of John alongside Kim Erickson, which was an assignment that only Kim Erickson could fill. 

• God has already identified and planned for the people you will reach with your message. Your message is different from my message, even if we are speaking or writing on the same subject. Our God is one of great variety and creativity – and so are His people. If God put it on your heart to write or speak for His glory, He already has people in mind for you to reach. 

• You have an assignment that only you can complete. God has work He wants to accomplish through you, for a specific person or audience. You have to decide if you’re willing to grab His hand and walk forward in His calling. 

Here’s your part:

A great step towards answering the call God has placed on your heart is coming to the Speak Up Conference. If you’ve been hesitating to sign up, this is your confirmation that Speak Up is for you. You will start (or keep) learning how the work of writing and speaking for God gets done in our world. At Speak Up you will gather new information, fresh ideas, and meet people who are further along in their ministry calling. 

As intimidating as this could be, you are holding the hand of Almighty God, the Ancient of Days, and He has a plan for you and you alone. 

Once you take that first step and register, be aware of the stumbling blocks that will surely follow. The enemy will do everything in his limited power to stop you. You may be suddenly overcome by insecurity (like me), or perhaps family issues, sickness, or work challenges will  present themselves in an effort to stop you from coming to the Speak Up Conference. 

Don’t give in. The people God created you to minister to are waiting – and they need you. 

Question:  As you think attending the Speak Up Conference, what specific fear are you facing? 

Be courageous and name at least one here.  Once you name it, we can work through it together—that’s how the Speak Up community works!