“So will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” – Zechariah 8:13b
photo by Aysha Schurman
Though this verse is part of a passage that speaks of promised blessings to Jerusalem, it leapt off the page and reminded me that He who calls us, will keep us and use us to be a blessing, when we are willing. We do not need to fear, and He will be our strength.
Today, this is my hope and my prayer as I go forth in obedience to the new and totally terrifying. On Thursday afternoon, I received a call from my pastor, asking if I would be willing to be one of three, whom he would interview as a part of today’s sermon about “Sharing Our Stories”. As my heart sank to my stomach and settled there, I told him that I was terrified, but willing. Normally, my immediate response would have been an emphatic “NO!” However, He has been whispering to my heart that a time is coming that He will be asking me to use my voice, and not just my pen…
So, after time with trusted friends yesterday, and the covering of all who care to pray, I am up and ready to trust Him to use my story to bless those who need to hear. I am nervous, but I know He is bigger than my crippling fears, and that He will be with me, holding my hand and heart in His, supplying the words He has for me to speak. I am so glad that He is not finished with me yet…
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You save us from ourselves, and that You use us, despite our brokenness, to bless others and draw Your
photo by Bryn Blankinship
created unto Yourself. Father, please keep fear far from us, and supply our hearts and hands with Your strength. May our stories speak volumes of Your goodness and grace, and may we be used to turn hearts toward You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Revelations In Writing 
Amen, and Lord of all peace and confidence, we thank You for blessing Shannon’s story, as she shares a wonderful ‘living testament’ for Your glory!
Thank you so much for your prayers Sue! I was beyond nervous, but He was with me and I survived it. 🙂
I read this with Great Excitement, Shannon! Since whatever date I began reading your blog, I have prayed for you daily (along with my other blog family members)–so I’m thrilled to feel I’m a small part of this adventure of yours. I have complete confidence that God will use you powerfully, that there are people just waiting to hear what you impart from God for them. Very, very exciting!! I send up more prayers of blessing, and much love to you–your sis Caddo
Thanks so much, Caddo! Your ongoing encouragement and prayer has been instrumental in my continuing to be obedient to all He is asking of me. I am challenged and charged as I partake in the posts of others, and feel supported in this space. Today went well, despite my being extremely nervous, as He was faithful show me His presence through His provision of the words to speak. ❤ shannon
YES!! Great report!! PTL!
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Many blessings Shannon!
Thank you! It is certainly a space of weakness with plenty of need and room for His strength. 🙂 Blessings to you also!
I’m glad you made it through Shannon! I read gift/glory first and was thinking about you being a speaker….then to read this and see you do not “feel” a speaker. His thoughts are much higher and He does prepare us for all the steps. Thank you Lord for the courage You have given Shannon and the faith that You will see her through all that You bring her way!
Thank you so much, Judi! That is such an encouragement to me, as actually using my voice is not at all a comfortable space. I know that He is stretching me in new ways, and it will be “interesting” to see what He does next… I love the gift He has given you and what a treasure that He has placed you in a space to share it! Blessings to you today and always!
– Shannon 🙂
How I have enjoyed reading your blog. Even in my silence I have managed to continue to include your ministry of writing in my life. Thank you. I wish I could have heard you share your story. The way God uses your writing so mightily in my life – and many others I am sure – I have no doubt that He used your willingness to speak out in testimony of His goodness through your life’s story in a powerful way.
Stay in the race!
D
Thanks so much Darren!
If you wish to hear it, it can be accessed at http://www.gcfw.org if you click on media, then Sunday messages, it is from 9/30. 🙂
What an incredible blessing to know that He would use my willing availability to meet Him each morning in an intentional way, to encourage the heart of another.
Blessings to you as you continue to seek Him with your whole heart!
Shannon