A note from Chris Adams: Today’s guest writer is Kara Kemp, summer intern with women’s ministry training at Lifeway Christian Resources. This is the sweetest way she could have ended her time with us! And I believe she gives you some insight into those of us who serve at Lifeway — we are women just like you serving in the church or other ministries, seeking to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading even at times in “fear and trembling.” Isn’t it a joy to serve Him?
By Kara Kemp
Upon entering my internship this summer, I couldn’t have anticipated exactly what was in store for me. I learned so many lessons, but mostly I was incredibly blessed by the people I met. Among those were some wonderful leaders in women’s ministry.
I’m always interested in how people got to where they are and I was blessed to hear many stories from these leaders. I expected to hear clean-cut stories of how they had always dreamed of growing up to minister to women, but that is not exactly what I got.
They readily admitted that they really weren’t fully prepared for the roles that they are now in. I didn’t speak to a single person who told me that she is doing exactly what she planned on doing with her life. And yet, they all rejoice in the fact that they are exactly where they are supposed to be.
Through my conversations with these women and observing them in action, I began to notice a common theme: a raw dependence on God. One moment that really struck me was hearing a leader involved with a major event admit that she had been struggling with feeling unsure of her ability to live up to what God had called her to do. In that moment, it clicked for me: these are just normal women. They have the same struggles that I do. Sometimes they are afraid. Sometimes they are weak. But they also serve the same God I do.
This verse was written beside my desk this summer because I also struggle with feeling that I’m not enough: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 HCSB).
Have you been there? Are you afraid to take that next step? Have you been so aware of your failures that you feel unworthy? Maybe you’re approaching a situation much bigger than yourself and are starting to shrink back in fear. You may not be enough. In fact, you aren’t. But He is. And He says, “Don’t be afraid! I am with you.”
Will you trust Him today? Trust His strength. Trust His ability to save to the uttermost. Trust His promise to complete us and not to leave us.
He is so good, sisters.
Kara Kemp served as a women’s ministry training intern at Lifeway in Nashville, Tenn., this summer. She is assisted Chris Adams and Mary Margaret Collingsworth prepare for events, such as YOU Lead and the Women’s Leadership Forum. Kara has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies at Dallas Baptist University, and now teaches Bible and coaches volleyball at the high school level. She enjoys coffee, running, and traveling to new places.
