Joanne was a worker in...
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Joanne was a worker in the church. Whenever anything needed to be done, people would turn to Joanne and she was always glad to do whatever she could.
The women's Bible study was studying Philippians when they happened upon the verse "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (4:13). A lively discussion followed. Joanne questioned whether or not that was true since she felt she could never speak in front of people, not even her own church. She claimed she might say the wrong thing. The other women tried to assure her that if the opportunity ever presented itself she would do fine, because she would be among friends.
Joanne thought and prayed about this verse and ensuing discussion. Could she really do all things even when it made her feel uncomfortable and uneasy?
Several months later, the women's group was looking for someone to speak on Mother's Day. One of the women suggested that Joanne speak. After what seemed like prolonged silence, Joanne agreed, repeating that verse from Philippians.
On Mother's Day, Joanne spoke about what it means to be a mother. The people in the congregation were gracious to her, telling her what a good job she did. That day, as she overcame a major fear, Joanne realized that God was with her as she spoke. She told the pastor that if she ever needed someone to speak, she would be more than willing. Joanne discovered the truth in that verse, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The women's Bible study was studying Philippians when they happened upon the verse "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (4:13). A lively discussion followed. Joanne questioned whether or not that was true since she felt she could never speak in front of people, not even her own church. She claimed she might say the wrong thing. The other women tried to assure her that if the opportunity ever presented itself she would do fine, because she would be among friends.
Joanne thought and prayed about this verse and ensuing discussion. Could she really do all things even when it made her feel uncomfortable and uneasy?
Several months later, the women's group was looking for someone to speak on Mother's Day. One of the women suggested that Joanne speak. After what seemed like prolonged silence, Joanne agreed, repeating that verse from Philippians.
On Mother's Day, Joanne spoke about what it means to be a mother. The people in the congregation were gracious to her, telling her what a good job she did. That day, as she overcame a major fear, Joanne realized that God was with her as she spoke. She told the pastor that if she ever needed someone to speak, she would be more than willing. Joanne discovered the truth in that verse, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
