Enjoying my taxi ride to speak with Pastors in New York
The most amazing thing happened to me this weekend during my recent trip to New York. I promise not to rant about my Brooklyn taxi excursion; although I would have appreciated a forewarning that taking a taxi in NY was comparable to riding an overpriced rollercoaster ride at Six Flags. Nevertheless, I survived my NY taxi experience and still managed to have an encounter with God along the way.
In and out. That was my plan. I was in New York as a guest lecturer for the Global Christian Event Network Awards Gala and Expo and as soon as I was done, I would fly home to enjoy the rest of the weekend with my girls. But God had other plans. As I entered the room to prepare for my presentation I noticed that many of the guests looked like me, but when they opened their mouths to speak no one sounded like me. I immediately began to pray, “Ok, Lord, there are no Americans in this room. I am gonna need you to show up real fast and start speaking through me. God, you know I am from Savannah and I talk real fast. Lord, please make the message relevant. Lord, please help them to understand me.”
My dreams of impacting nations were before me, yet I felt unprepared. The audience consisted of 90% Nigerians, 8% other (Indian, Asian, Hispanic) and 2% American (including me). I wish I had known more about their culture, their native language, something—I needed some common ground for which I could base my dialogue with them. And then God answered. “Janice, it’s not about you. It’s about Me. They don’t have to relate to you, they need only to relate to me. If they don’t get Me, they won’t get you.” My fear was overshadowed by God’s soothing peace.
Needless to say, the lecture went exceptionally well. I felt like I was at home. I actually didn’t want to leave but God had an answer. Just as I was leaving for the airport I was blessed with two round trip tickets to Africa. I felt God whisper, “Janice, you are ready. Now, it’s time.” Amazed and perplexed, I wept.
I shared my testimony with you today to encourage you. God sees all and He knows all and it gives Him great pleasure to amaze you and perplex you along your expansion journey. Pray bold prayers and God will provide bold responses—rather than be surprised be expectant!
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