I knew I wanted to tell you about this, but I hardly know where to begin. 

Last weekend I was privileged to attend the first ever Mamas Write mini conference!  We were treated to some excellent tips from local blogging mamas who know their stuff!  I learned so much that I hope to put into practice. 

In addition to all the wonderful blogging advice, we were welcomed by a powerful word from God through Crystal Sparks.  Her words resonated with my soul and, quite honestly, spoke to many of the fears and insecurities I’ve had with regard to blogging. 

I could go on and on trying to adequately condense what Crystal said, but I think the best way to share the blessing with you is to post my notes from her talk.  This is longer than my usual posts, but I hope you will allow yourself time to steep in the truth of her words today. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Crystal spoke to us from I Samuel 17, focusing in on verses 33-39.  

Background: God has called and anointed David to be the next king of Israel, but it is not yet his time to assume the throne.  He is still working in the field, tending sheep, and has been asked by his father Jesse to take supplies to the battlefront and report back about how his brothers are doing. 

David hears Goliath’s taunting words and accepts his challenge, volunteering to fight the giant. 

34But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

When Saul offers David his armor – the king’s armor, no less - David tries it on but takes it back off and refuses to wear it to battle.  “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.”  (I love how the NASB says, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them”.)

In the end, David defeats the giant Goliath with his slingshot and five smooth stones, and God receives the glory. 

Crystal’s inspired words: 

• When God calls, the enemy will begin speaking disqualification.  If he can silence you, you can’t impact anyone. 
• God calls us through our obedience, not qualification or experience.  Others aren’t anointed to do what you’re called to do.  Don’t compare, just be obedient.
• God’s calling trumps your talent (or lack). 
• Our job is to move.  His job is to bring the results. 
• We over-manage the details.  He wants us to radically pursue Him.
• Living a limitless life means giving up the “right” to understand everything and feel confident that you can handle it.  HE will do it. 
• God will call you to a place where you are over your head so He can work through you. 
• We often clothe ourselves in others’ expectations and opinions.  We need to take them off.  David wasn’t called to be Saul; he was called to be David. 
• Sometimes anointing happens in heaven before it is recognized on earth.  When in doubt, heaven’s anointing wins. 
• Don’t tell the Potter what you are! Your job is to be the clay.  Let the Potter shape and mold you according to His design. 
• Be aware of your motives.  “If I’m not ready, Lord, keep me in this field and bring more lions and bears to prepare me to do your work.”  You are ready when it’s about making HIM famous, not yourself. 
• You should be walking YOUR path, the one God gave YOU.  Our greatest frustration and sense of failure comes from trying to walk someone else’s path. 
• God needs a VOICE, not an echo.  Be the original that He calls you to be, just like John the Baptist. 
• God will give you the influence to do what He wants done.  Burn for Him in private so He can do great things through you publicly. 
• God FIRST tells us who we are, THEN what He wants us to do.  He tells us we are His, and calls us from the field at the proper time. 
• What field are you hiding in?  He will elevate you to your calling in His time. (Galatians 6:9)
• God is obligated to fulfil His promises, but He can’t fulfil your potential. 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

God is calling you, and He has anointed you for your calling.  He knows you are in over your head; set aside the voice of the enemy that speaks disqualification to your soul.  Stay true to your calling and resist the urge to do what’s comfortable or popular.  Draw your strength from Him, so you may be ready to step out in faith at the proper time. 

Be a VOICE for Him, not an echo. 

~  ~  ~  ~  ~ 

For more on Crystal’s message, hop over to Heather’s blog, God Centered Mom, to read her fabulous post about it:  {http://godcenteredmom.com/2011/08/30/calling-trumps-talent/#comments}

Update: Click here to read about the impact Crystal’s words are having!