It’s time to answer another reader’s question. Edwina, thank you for waiting so patiently! Here’s Edwina’s question,
“Perhaps you’ve done a blog about how to get speaking engagements and I didn’t see the blog. If you haven’t, I would really appreciate a blog (or series of blogs) on how to get speaking engagements. I truly believe I have a message God wants me to share but I don’t know how to obtain speaking engagements. Do I just wait for God or is there something I can be doing now?”
I’m so glad for the opportunity to introduce anyone new to the blog to one of our most amazing resources. Tracie Miles, my friend and Proverbs 31 Ministries sister, wrote a fabulous series on Marketing Your Message. Clicking on the series title will take you right to it. Don’t miss out on it while it’s still free, because I keep telling Tracie to publish it as an ebook. It’s that good!
I want to answer the second part of your question by telling you my story. For me, I believed I heard God’s call to speak long before I ever spoke. I say “I believed”, because I wasn’t completely sure until God started opening doors for me to speak.
For about 2 years, each event came about in surprising and unrelated ways. While I was sure that I needed word of mouth, God was sure that he needed to give His control freak daughter a lesson in trusting the work of His hand. I’m so grateful for that time period. Not only did I learn to trust God with the ministry He gave me, but I gained confidence from having my calling so sweetly confirmed. He also gave me opportunities that allowed me to grow slowly. I’m thankful for no trials by fire early on!
On the other hand, God’s calling always demands leaps of faith that usually involve work on our part. Think of the Israelites trip into the Promised Land. Although God had given the land to them, they had to cross the Jordan and fight seemingly unbeatable enemies. Speakers are like that. We have the most amazing partnership with God. He promises to fill our mouths (Psalm 81:10), but we have to commit to open it for His glory (Col. 3: 17, 23-24).
Lysa TerKeurst says it this way, “I do all that I can do and trust God to do what only He can do.” Love that!
Keep the questions coming, friends! We’ll answer at least one a month. Coming soon: Glynnis Whitwer shares organizational tips for speakers.
Amanda M says
January 13, 2012 at 4:10 pmWhat a great post today Amy! I really wanted to know the answer to this question as well. As many others have stated, I feel called into the speaking and writing ministry too. Sometimes it’s tough to wait on God’s plan for our lives. I especially appreciate the part where you said “God was sure that he needed to give His control freak daughter a lesson in trusting the work of His hand.” That is SO me. At 24, I feel the call but I also feel God telling me to WAIT on His timing. I feel like he’s using this time to prepare me for what’s next. It’s hard to wait for the future, but it’s also exciting to think about. Thanks again Amy!
Youschka Heintz says
January 12, 2012 at 7:22 amI feel that the Lord has called me into writing and speaking ministry……yet, I know, I have to be patient and trust in His timing and His providence. In His time He makes ALL things beautiful!!! If I’d try to push it……I’d be out of His will for me. He appoints and annoints – I will wait patiently for the nudges of the Holy Spirit!!! Praise God!!! Thank you for your post today – it did reaffirm what I believe the Holy Spirit is telling me.