Vegas Report: Grace, Grace, and More Grace
What a wild couple of weeks it’s been—from spiritual attack to spiritual high. Only by God’s grace! I love that word—grace. That’s the word God gave me to focus on in the days leading up to Las Vegas, when I would speak for the first time with Women of Faith. The enemy could whisper doubt and fear all he wanted (see “Spiritual Attack? Praise Him!”). I needed to stand firm in God’s armor and get it through my head as never before that His GRACE would more than see me through.
These are just three of the “grace” verses that spoke to me:
“I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge…so that you are not lacking in any gift… (1 Corinthians 1:4-7 NASB).
“…My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed…” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
I can tell you His grace was abounding before and during that conference! Let me count some of the ways:
- Every time I turned around, I had an email, text, tweet, Facebook message, blog post, or phone call filled with prayers and encouragement about the conference. The day I left town, I even had special prayers from my publisher and my pastor.
- The morning after I arrived in Vegas, I opened my Bible and found a surprise letter from my husband, encouraging me about the weekend.
- Three friends who’d been praying with me about Women of Faith since last year flew out to Vegas to attend the conference. God gave us time to pray on our knees in the hotel room before it started.
- Christian rap! Pumping it up in the headphones actually calmed and strengthened me in that hotel room. The focus on Christ and living sold-out for Him was just what I needed.
- God provided an amazing audience in Las Vegas! Those women were ALL IN during worship, the musical concerts, the dramas, and with every speaker.
- Didn’t sleep well Friday night and prayed for big energy to get through the day since I spoke last, at 4:00 PM. God responded. Mandisa gave an awesome concert Saturday afternoon that got us on our feet. Same with the worship team right before I had to speak. I had the inner boost I needed!
- The Women of Faith speakers on “the porch”—Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper, and Karen James—plus singers Mandisa and Natalie Grant, gave loving hugs and encouragement right before I took the stage. Huge!
- I had never been on a stage like Women of Faith, never spoken to thousands of women…but felt comfortable and even had fun. GRACE. Had no notes, but didn’t forget my message. GRACE. Connected with the audience. GRACE. Was told by Women of Faith that it was “fabulous”—and I could’ve fainted. Super-duper, extravagant, exceeding abundant GRACE!!
Thank you to all of you who lifted me up during this time! I’ve thanked God over and over for you. And hey, I’ve got three more in the fall (Denver, Kansas City, and Sacramento), so don’t go anywhere. We’ll be doing this again. :)
P.S. I think we need to call upon God’s extravagant grace every single day!
Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper, and Karen James
Nicole Johnson wrote and performs 4 brilliant new dramas for WOF this year.
On the porch enjoying Mandisa as she closes out the conference!
11 Responses to “Vegas Report: Grace, Grace, and More Grace”
I first have to say it again, you looked absolutely beautiful! I so wish I could have been there to see you in person, but will be looking forward to KC!!
I am so happy and excited for you! God is doing a great thing in and through you! I love that you experienced so much GRACE through this. I can only “Imagine” how big God must have been making your heart feel. WOW! Just reading your blog I was floating on air with you. You made me want to pick up my Bible and worship the Lord for all he does for us. Thanks for sharing those verses! I will be writing them down on my new spiral notecards.
Wow, Kim, I want to say more, but I’m simply at a loss for words. I’m just bursting with joy for you and how this was such an awesome experience for you. It is such a joy to me to be your friend even if it is only through the cyber world at this point! HUGS!!
Kim, WOW!!! is all I can see – the Lord never ceases to amaze me. Thank God for you allowing God to use you and for God’s grace being manifested in your life. I so appreciate your testimoney and thanks for sharing it. I needed this message on grace today. I will take this one with me and meditate – so empowering.
May the Lord continue to shower blessings upon you!!!
Awesome! Wish I would have been there! So proud of you!
yay yay YAY!!!! God is good. Always.
I couldn’t be more thrilled for you. So glad God blessed you with His presence in Vegas.
And, omgosh!!! Mandisa!!!!! Envious, I am …. ;-)
I am so excited for you Kim! God has a way of overflowing us with grace during the times we feel the most powerless in a situation. In Vegas, He had to do all the work changing hearts but he needed someone who would be a vielded vessel. Thank God for women like you and the Women of Faith team who have allowed themselves to be molded by the Potter as beautiful examples of his grace in action. I pray blessing after blessing over you, your ministry and you books!
GRACE so freely bestowed..on ALL who believe..
though sin abounded in my heart..HIS GRACE abounded more!
AMAZING GRACE how sweet the sound..
GRACE so amazing, GRACE undeserved..i will ever praise HIM and joyfully serve..:)
What a blessing to hear about your “GRACE” experience and am anxious to greet you when you come to KC-
Hope to know in plenty of time so I can gather some friends to
be blessed along with me!
Much love
Ms Ella
p.s. Your inspiration has me continuing-got 2 devotions published!
Praise the Lord!
Ella – I don’t know if you will see this message, but I just wanted to let you know that I am a group leader for Women of Faith in Kansas City. I already have seats reserved, and they are great seats. I would love to have you and anyone who wants to join my group. Please feel free to contact me at jmr31@yahoo.com. They will be there November 5-6. If you have never attended a WOF event, it is definitely an experience! Not to mention, of course, Kim will be at this one. How awesome will that be!!!
Kim ~ Hope all is going well and you are continuing to experience God’s amazing GRACE. I still love to go back and read this blog of your as one can’t help but feel the joy and excitement of his grace! HUGS!
quick note
just got out of ICU at barnes here in st. louis..now in step down unit..have blood clots..am better now. why i wrote this note is..while i was in the icu a gentleman came into my room and he said he had a message for me..he said “rest in god’s grace”…and such a sweet spirit filled my room. so this evening i am resgting in god’s grace and will continue to just that. ;)
rebecca
Rebecca Humes ~ saying a special prayer for you tonight! May God’s grace and comfort surround you! God is the mighty healer, lean close to Him! HUG!!
I am SO thankful for ALL of you! Thank you so much for rejoicing with me. I’ve continued to study and meditate on “grace,” and I continue to be awed at what God is able to do. He’s an amazing GOD!!
I’m praying His richest blessings upon all of you as you walk out His will in your lives. May His grace be exceeding abundant!
Rebecca, praying for your quick recovery–such a sweet blessing that you’re able to rest in God’s amazing grace. :)