Even Better Than I Knew

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Ps. 34:8 (NIV)

Recently after a season of praying and seeking the Lord for direction, I had a nudge in my spirit to plan a retreat.  It was not a mandate from God.  Or at least I don't think so.  More, it was a divine "want to."

As I prayed about it, many questions of how to proceed plagued my mind.   Where would the finances come from?  How could I afford to advertise?  Where should I have it? How could I afford a meeting room?  (Many were upwards of $400 a day.)  I had no budget.  Just a "want to."

As I stepped out in faith (over my head really!) I was both excited and terrified.  I met challenges.  Frustrations.  Roadblocks and uncertainty.  The location was difficult to find.  The attendees were slow in committing. The t-shirts were way undersized, there was a question if my worship leader would be able to attend all sessions, etc., etc...

When the day arrived, I looked about,  in wordless wonder.  It had all come together!  The room turned out beautiful.  There were nice (free) giveaways for the ladies.  My worship leader had a green light to attend.  My room was packed full of beautiful ladies.   God even went so far as to ordain an artist to show up at the last second to put up the frivolous tulle that I had my heart set on using!

As the room filled, and the giggling and game playing commenced, all I wanted to do was stand and weep.  He was so much better than I even knew.  As the weekend went on, He showed up with ever-increasing glory and sweet presence.  My mind and heart were stunned.  He was so much better than I even knew.  I have loved Him, my whole life.  I have known of His goodness, provision, and love.  But in that moment- and even now, in the afterglow of it all- I realize...after trying  Him...  trusting Him... stretching me... I can  attest with all conviction.  He is better than I even knew.  To Him be the glory!

Lord, I have tasted and seen that you are good.  Even more so than I  can fathom.  But it has only whetted my appetite to taste more.  Thank you.  "My soul does magnify the Lord!"

I pray for the readers today  to be encouraged by this first-hand testimony of Your awesome faithfulness!  Let them discover their own testimony, even today!  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 © Sherri Evans 2015.  All rights reserved.  "When God Whispers Over Your Life."