By: Kacie Starr Long
In the past I used to pride myself on my ability to get things done and to make things happen. I've never wanted to depend on others for things that I've needed, I would much rather receive them by my own strength or efforts, however God doesn't work that way.
As Christians, we are part of the family of God and we each have strengths, gifts and talents that can serve as a blessing to one another.
Years ago God gave me an idea to host a banquet that would honor those in the family of faith who are utilizing their talents, and gifts to glorify God's kingdom. I have had this dream for over ten years now, and later this year, this dream will materialize.
I am hosting the Sew Hope Awards Luncheon, which is a fundraising event that will not only support the great work that we do at Sew Hope, but it will also acknowledge and highlight individuals and ministries who sew and sow into the community.
Planning a luncheon requires a lot of work, intention and money. I knew this at the beginning of planning the event, but I didn't realize how much work and how the spirit of rejection would try to rear its ugly head and block my progress.
Truthfully, I should be much further with this event, but I've allowed the whispers of doubt and negativity to prevent me from doing the things and organizer should do when promoting an event. I'm sharing this with you, because, well....you all are my people, and I also believe God wants me to transparently share where I am at...and how I am going to move forward.
Where am I? I've been stuck in doubt. The whispers of how there is no way I can put on a successful luncheon where hundreds of people will attend and support the event. I've been stuck in a place of fear, procrastination, worry, anxiety coupled with busyness (the kind of busyness that says, "Let me do everything except what I need to do concerning the luncheon....")
Has God ever placed a dream in your heart, and you knew it was Him, but then doubt, unbelief or the fear of rejection began to rear its ugly hear?
For me, the fear of rejection sounds like:
"No one is going to attend your luncheon. You should cancel."
"Who do you think you are putting on an event like this? You should just do something else."
"No one is going to purchase a ticket. No one is interested. You/your ministry are a failure."
Sounds harsh, right?
I've been around enough to know that Satan is ruthless, and if I am not careful - discerning and alert, I will become so transfixed on what he is saying, instead of what my God is saying.
I'm reminded of heroes in the Bible that were attacked by a spirit of fear and/or spirit of rejection.
There was Moses, who God called to speak and lead the Israelites out of bondage, however Moses battled with insecurity, inferiority and even the spirit of rejection. He didn't believe he was eloquent enough, and didn't believe that the Israelites would listen to him.
There's also Esther, who initially didn't believe that she could go before the king and speak on behalf of the Jewish people. She was initially hesistant and doubtful.
Then there was Joshua, Moses' successor, who God had to tell several times to be strong and courageous, and God later assured him, that wherever Joshua stepped his foot, God would give him victory.
Maybe you aren't planning a fundraising luncheon for your organization, and you've been called to another God mission. Perhaps God is calling you to enter politics and use your voice, to become a spokesperson for Him, and you are afraid if you will be liked or accepted by people.
Perhaps, there is a hard conversation you need to have with your spouse, or a friend, and you are worried that you will be rejected, or your ideas/thoughts discarded.
Or maybe God is calling you to take a step of faith, and you want to take this step of faith, but you are afraid and because of this fear, you find yourself procrastinating and doing everything else except what God has called you to do.
As I write this article, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me that there is a method to Satan's madness. The reason why the attack against me to work diligently on this event is because the enemy knows that if this event is a success, then Sew Hope will be able to soar and help many people. And not only my ministry, but also the individuals and ministries that will be honored at this luncheon event.
You should ask yourself, Why is Satan fighting you so hard in this particular area? What does God have on the other side of my obedience that is so great, that Satan doesn't want me to materialize, and is doing everything he can to bring fear, rejection, doubt and insecurity my way?
The good news is that I have recognized and discerned the spirit behind my procrastination and disobedience concerning effectively planning for this fundraising event. God has given me a strategy to move forward, and with prayer, faith and action, I intend to do so. I am also reaching out to prayer partners, to pray with me for the success of this luncheon event, because the spiritual attack has been so great.
Finally, I want to share that I have come to realize that when we move forward in the plans and programs of God, it is always bigger than we can imagine. I know many people plan fundraising events or luncheons, but this is so much more. God has breathed this event and He is going to be glorified.
The conversation God is leading you to have, the faith step He is calling you to....it's much bigger than a conversation and it's much bigger than taking a normal step. Because it is a GOD thing, the attack is great - but God is greater.
So how do you kick the spirit of rejection in the teeth?
I'm learning to beat back the spirit of rejection by renewing my mind with God's word. Satan may have a lot to say, but my God has something to say too, and His words are full of truth, love, compassion, strength and power. I'm listening to God and I encourage you to listen too!
PS: If you haven't heard, my latest book "Inspired: 40 ish Devotions for the Woman who Enjoys Laughter, Strength and Encouragement is now available for purchase You can learn more by clicking here.
Come out to the Sew Hope Awards Luncheon on Saturday, May 11th at the beautiful Orlando Gardens Event Center. This fundraising luncheon will raise funds to support the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room and also honor individuals and organizations who sew and sow into the community. Purchase your tickets by clicking here
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. I'm in recovery from compulsive overeating and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.