Gò0dNews for Life
Obey
S
by Rachel Smith
everal months ago, I had a dream that I was having a
The night before the retreat, I woke up around 2:00 a.m.,
Women’s retreat. In this dream, I saw many women
and I heard the words in my spirit, “Here am I.” This is not
on the floor worshiping the Lord, praying in the
how I would speak, so I knew it was the Lord. I immediately
Spirit, and being delivered from strongholds. I knew God
looked on my phone and read the Scripture that says, “And
was leading me to host a retreat like I had the previous year,
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send,
but little did I know just how difficult obeying God in the
and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I; send me”
middle of a pandemic would be.
(Isaiah 6:8). I pray that in this new year and in the years to
Once I announced what God was calling me to do, I had many women signed up and excited, but then COVID-19
come, you will let that be your attitude. Don’t talk yourself out of it, and don’t disqualify yourself; just do it!
began to get worse and the obstacles began to increase. First, I got the call that the retreat center hosting us had decided it was best to not to take overnight accommodations, so I had to quickly book a cabin in the mountains. Then I had a friend make the comment, “If you host this event and someone gets COVID and dies, this could be the end of your ministry.” Wow, those words hit hard! And if that weren’t enough, on Christmas day, I lost my taste and smell and was diagnosed the following day with COVID-19 and flu. During my quarantine, I spent my time in prayer and worship asking God if His mind had changed about the retreat. His answer was no! Through all the years I have served God and through my most recent experience, I have learned that
When it was all said and done, the retreat was a huge
when God calls you to do something, you have to stand
success, and everything I saw in my dream came to pass.
on that word no matter what! Sometimes, your family,
Not one person from my event got COVID-19, but 39
your friends, or even other Christians won’t understand
women had their lives forever changed, five women got
it. Sometimes saying yes to God will make others think
baptized, two women quit smoking cigarettes, and the One
you’re crazy. But no matter what, you have to listen and
true God was glorified. I could have said no, I could have let
obey. God is looking for the ones who are willing to take a
the circumstances, the sickness, and negative comments stop
risk for Him. He is looking for the ones who are bold and
me, but I made the decision to obey, and I have no regrets. I
courageous. He is looking for the ones who will say not
hope you make the same decision, and I promise that your
my will but yours be done, God. Are the choices you’re
life will never be the same.
fear of man? Have you received the revelation that you were created to serve Him and do His will?
20 // March 2021
About The Author
making today based on what the Lord is saying or on the Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts several events throughout the year to help strengthen marriages and equip women for their calling. She has ministered all over the United States, and is involved in mission’s work overseas. She has been married to her husband Richard Smith for thirteen years and they have three children together. www.transformedwife.com
