Today was a special day, and in so many ways.

I had the opportunity to be a part of a Ladies’ Retreat with a wonderful group of women from my Mom’s church. There were games, a devotional, a time for singing, a tea party that I helped to lead, and – of course – a lot of delicious food.

But most importantly, there was fellowship.

Each of the ladies involved in the Retreat contributed their special gifts to help make it the refreshing and memorable event that it was. My Mom and several other ladies helped with the decorations and the food (hopefully I will have pictures soon). The pastor’s wife led the games, singing, and devotional. I was blessed to be able to conduct the tea party. And there was another lovely lady who brought beautiful jars of a natural body scrub that she handmade.

It truly was a time of renewal.

I was convicted deeply by the devotional that the Pastor’s wife gave. It really opened my eyes to see areas in my life that I need to surrender to God – and I am grateful for this. I had tears running down my face; happy tears, because I knew that the Lord was working in my heart, and He was helping me to change and to grow.

The conversation around the tables was encouraging. The ladies had been praying for me for months leading up to the party. They knew that I struggled with anxiety and that conducting a tea party was difficult for me. So they had been lifting me up in prayer, and continued to do so as the event unfolded. Come to find, I would really need it.

I was attacked by the enemy fiercely during this party. I fought lies and doubts and fears in my mind that threatened to make me give up. I really felt like there was a battle going on inside of my head.

But God was faithful. I talked to the Pastor’s wife, and she encouraged me – and I made it through the party. All of the ladies said that they had a nice time, and for this I am grateful.

As I try to condense the things that I learned today, it seems to come back to this: God has a purpose and a plan for my life. The doubts and fears come in like a flood seeking to destroy; but He is stronger. What He has called me to do, He will enable me to accomplish. And I need to continue to surrender myself to His leading, no matter how difficult it becomes.

I pray that if you are reading this and are struggling in some area of life, you will be encouraged to know that God will carry you through those difficulties. Foes may threaten from without and within – but they are not stronger than the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He WILL have His way; and we can rest securely in His loving hands. ❤

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Photo Credit: Aaron Burden

Edited By: Crystal Knauss