elainemcooper
Lisa Lickel
A Vessel for Him
Posted by elainemcooper on May 25, 2012
Posted by Elaine Marie Cooper
Staring at the suitcase on my bed, an audible sigh escaped. Fighting back tears, I turned to my constant companion, Jesus.
Lord, I just want to go home.
I had just arrived at the conference center after a long day of traveling by planes and automobiles (but no trains, unless you count the underground subway at the airport). It had been a month fraught with family concerns as well as travel and my inner resources had depleted to the point of exhaustion.
Why did I come?
I did not know anyone there except through online friendships. Would I even recognize anybody? I felt even more awkward when I realized how many people there had lovely southern accents. Certain that my Massachusetts/California/Iowa accent would sound harsh, I wondered if I would stick out like a dissonant note in a melodious orchestra of voices.
Am I supposed to be here?
There were many conferences available throughout the year but I truly felt the Holy Spirit drawing me to this time and place. Clinging to that thought for reassurance, I refreshed myself as best I could and trudged to the first dinner and meeting.
I prayed that God would strengthen my exhausted body and guide me in the next few days to follow His purpose for why I was there.
When we all gathered together for praise and worship time, we were led by a wonderful composer named Lynn DeShazo. She is the author of “Ancient Words” which happens to be one of my favorite songs.
The lyrics melted my heart because I knew that I was not here at this time and place for me. I was here for HIM—to be a vessel of use for His work here on earth and to praise Him with all of my being.
Holy Words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God’s own heart.
O let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope,
Give us strength, help us cope.
In this world, where e’er we roam,
Ancient words will guide us home.
Singing with hundreds of other voices of fellow writers, submitting myself to Him in praise and humble worship, I experienced just a little taste of heaven.
I am so blessed that I got to see a glimpse.
While I have come away from this conference with a heart full of new friends that I cherish, it is the ancient words found in God’s Holy Bible that will forever be the most treasured memory of my obedience to Him.
Ancient words ever true,
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts,
O let the ancient words impart.
5 Responses to “A Vessel for Him”
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Janet Grunst said
As in introvert, I can truly identify with your pre-conference anxiety. I love that song and know the peace it brings. It changes our focus to the One it’s really all about. Thanks.
elainemcooper said
You’re so welcome, Janet. At times it is such a struggle to reach out to others, yet when I do, God always blesses me and shows me that others struggle with the same insecurities. And yes, it truly is about Him. Thanks so much for your comment!
Lisa Lickel said
Okay, now I’m switching in my head from “No storm can shake my inmost calm” to “ancient words, long preserved…” and that’s okay. I really wanted to come…badly…and of course the money showed up a couple days ago. Let’s plan better next year. And, no, I’m NOT telling you about the conference in Cedar Falls next month.
elainemcooper said
*SIGH* I just found out about that conference…so sad I cannot go. I’m sure you’ll be there and now I’ll miss connecting with you again…
I guess it was not in God’s plan for you to go to Blue Ridge since the money arrived afterwards. I have to keep focusing on “God’s ways are not ours.”
Hope your spirit is basking in “Ancient Words!”
Angela D. Meyer said
God is so faithful when we step out in obedience to Him! Thanks for the reminder.