Being an overcomer in Christ Jesus feels like the theme of my life. Most people at church see me as that happy-go-lucky person — always smiling, offering a kind word, trying to encourage others. And while that’s true, it’s also something I choose to do every day.
Putting on joy is a deliberate act for me — like putting on a piece of spiritual clothing. I know how important it is to uplift others on Sundays and throughout the week, wherever God places me. But believe me, it doesn’t always come naturally. There are many times my soul just wants to sit back, be lazy, and leave “God’s work in the Kingdom” to someone else.
That’s why women’s retreats have always been both a blessing and a challenge for me. You might be surprised to hear that. My very first retreat was about 15 years ago, and let’s just say I brought my “security blanket” — my good friend, who doesn’t even attend Grace Church, but who I needed there so I wouldn’t feel alone in a crowd.
Of course, I loved that first retreat. I came home refreshed and ready to go again the next year. But every year since, there always seems to be some little challenge I have to overcome.
I remember one year walking up to the sign-up table, knowing the Lord was prompting me to go. When they asked what cabin I wanted to be in, I suddenly froze. I didn’t see anyone I knew in any of the open rooms. My anxiety kicked in, and instead of signing up, I quietly turned around and walked away mid-conversation. Poor Lisa Black, who was running the table, must have thought I’d lost it!
That week, God gently put His finger on my heart. He showed me that I had let the enemy win that day. I was allowing insecurity to rob me of a blessing. He reminded me that I’m that kind of person who can get to know someone’s life story in a two-hour car ride — so why was I letting fear stop me?
And if there’s one thing I really dislike, it’s realizing I’ve let Satan win. There’s something inside me that rises up and says, “Oh no — not today, Satan! Get behind me. You are not in charge of my destiny.”
So the next Sunday, I walked up to that women’s retreat table with determination — and maybe a little laughter at myself. I figured if I didn’t know where I’d land, I might as well spin the “cabin roulette wheel” and see what God had in store! 
I signed up, took a deep breath, and let the Lord decide who I’d be bunking with.
And oh, what an incredible retreat it was!
That weekend, I met the most amazing woman. We spent hours talking, laughing, and sharing our hearts. She opened up about her son, who had recently taken his own life, and I was able to comfort and minister to her in that deep place of sorrow. God truly met us both there.
We’ve stayed friends ever since, even though she’s moved away. I still pray for her and her family often.
All of that happened because God helped me overcome my insecurities — because I chose to obey instead of letting fear decide for me.
Like my friend Krishelle said recently at church, “I’ve never left a retreat thinking, I wish I hadn’t gone.”
So if you’re on the fence about going, let me encourage you: God has something special waiting for you that weekend. Don’t miss it. Give Him your “yes,” and He will meet you there.
You’ve already been covered in prayer.
And when we pray — it everything changes.
❤️Melissa
