Worth the Wait

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

It doesn’t seem like five years have gone by; well actually, six if you count the planning.

Let me take you back to the beginning…

It started with a calling that my dear friend, Mandy Hood, had. I remember her approaching me after a ladies church retreat and saying how wonderful the retreat was; “I believe God is calling me to do more of this as a community-based initiative (paraphrasing), “Would you be interested?”

And that was how The Connection began.

Fast forward a couple of months to a meeting with a consultant to mentor four of us that loved the Lord but needed some guidance. We contacted Lori Wriston to mentor us through the process of starting a women’s ministry and becoming a non-profit.  As we sorted through the information on what we needed to do and how much it was going to cost, I remember feeling overwhelmed and thought, “What have I gotten myself into?”  But God seemed to be nudging me to take this walk with Him. It meant many hours of meetings, sharing ideas, creating plans and waiting.

Our consultant informed us that the foundation for the ministry had to be a dedicated prayer team. We were able to invite 17 ladies to join our initiative (they all said yes), and began to pray for God’s will over our plans, direction and visions. There is no doubt in my mind that was and is still the guiding foundation for our ministry. Our prayer warriors do battle for us every day with their dedication to praying for our needs, God’s plans, and giving endless praise for the many blessings He has given us.

We have witnessed over and over again the blessings that God has given this ministry and our ladies. Many times, God has shown me just how much He can do, especially when I don’t think it will be possible yet. God is not limited by any constraints, He does not see roadblocks in doing His work. He is always just and fair in what He will do for us. He is a limitless provider.

There have been times when He rerouted us from our plans because He knows what we need when we need it. I am often struck by how obvious it is that God is leading us. In our humanness, we think we know what is best for us, but He always redirects us when we need to go in the path that He chooses for us – which is often more wonderful than we ever imagined.

I am used to hearing and using the phrase “in God’s time”. Looking back over the last five years, I have a better understanding of how important this phrase is.

In every aspect of our lives, God is fully aware of what our needs are as individuals, as groups, as couples, and in life.  If you believe and trust in Him, He will guide you in seeking and obtaining your goals in His time and if it brings glory to Him. When you put your faith and trust in Him He will do immeasurably more than you ever imagined.

I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing ministry. I have seen women grow in their faith exponentially. I have seen miracles of healing and prayers answered over and over again. I have seen a tribe of women become the hands and feet of Jesus when there are needs to be met in the community and with our ladies at The Connection. I have seen material things multiply when there are needs, and I have witnessed the gifts that God has given to our ladies being used over and over again to show the love of Christ through teaching the word, praying with each other, worshiping together, making our space a home, and giving tirelessly hours and hours of volunteer time to honor God and bring Him to this community.

If you wonder if God is listening to your cries, believe me He is. God will answer them in His time and in the way that is best for you. And yes, believe me it is worth the wait.

TT Williford

Celebrating 5 years of ministry: Join us on Tuesday, October 19 at Zigbone Farm Retreat in Sabillasville for our biennial “Celebration & Vision Fundraising Event”. God has richly blessed The Connection and its ladies. We want to celebrate our 5th birthday and share our vision for the future. Limited seating. More details and registration HERE.