We were newlyweds, and as a newcomer to the church my husband was already attending, I was encouraged to postpone volunteering in any capacity for three months. As I waited and got acquainted with my community, I assumed I’d serve as a vocalist. After all, throughout my churched life, I’d always found my place in the choir and praise team. The pastor even assured my husband that I’d have a much coveted spot on the praise team once the three months was up.
But during my three months of sitting quietly, I kept hearing Holy Spirit say one thing: prayer team!
What’s a prayer team? I wondered. I knew what prayer was, but I had never heard of a prayer team. I tried to imagine what it might look like and what it did. Was it like a football team or maybe a dance team? I honestly had no idea what a prayer team was, but I was certain I was to be a part of it.
Nervously, I turned to my husband to share my thoughts and reluctantly pushed the words through my lips, “I want to be on the prayer team.” I could tell he was thrown off. I had deviated from the expectation that I’d want to be on the praise team, and now we sat in awkward silence. To break the tension, I asked him if the church had a prayer team, and he led the way for us to find out.
An administrator for the church confirmed that there indeed was a prayer team, but before we could ask her any further questions, she said, “But you can’t simply join the prayer team — you must be invited!” She ripped the corner from a piece of paper, wrote a name and phone number on it, and passed it to me. “Here’s Ms. Pat’s number. She leads the prayer team. Perhaps you can ask her about the process for being on the team,” she offered.
At that point, learning that joining the prayer team required an invitation left me feeling confused and misdirected. Inwardly, I shrugged it off with “Oh well God, I tried!” My husband and I thanked the administrator and walked away, down the corridor toward the exit. Suddenly, a woman walking from the opposite direction stepped into our path and stopped us. She greeted us with a wide smile, extended open arms, and a voice overflowing with joy and the certainty of God’s embrace. I had never met her, but in that moment, I felt as though we knew each other.
“Hi! I’m Ms. Pat!,” she exclaimed. She focused her gaze on me and with confidence and certainty announced, “God told me that you are going to be on my prayer team!”
Overwhelmed, I exhaled a chuckle and showed Ms. Pat her name and number on the piece of paper I’d just been handed moments before. She let out an encouraging laugh and proceeded to instruct me on where and when to join the prayer team. I was in awe of her audacity. Though still unclear about what I was being invited to join, I was certain that she had welcomed me to my new home.
Whenever I feel disoriented or unsettled by circumstances, I reflect on this chapter of my life. While on the prayer team, I not only experienced immeasurable growth, but I also saw how God meticulously repositioned me in order to more fully live into my purpose.
Repositioning isn’t like relocating or getting a promotion. It invites us to experience a significant shift — one in which we ultimately alter how we perceive ourselves. I learned that repositioning isn’t always obvious or comfortable, nor is the path obvious or logical. And because the process is dynamic and complex, repositioning can be disconcerting.
In marriage, I was uprooted. I remember feeling dislodged, knocked from my path of assurance. As a newcomer to a church, I was forced to pause, and in that stillness, I was given instructions that seemed unconventional. I was fearful of the unfamiliar. But by faith, I moved forward. And in grace, I was embraced by the assurance and belonging of purpose.
Perhaps during the pandemic, you’ve felt uprooted or detached from your “normal.” Or maybe you feel disoriented by constantly shifting circumstances. Perhaps, like me, you are desperate for the familiarity of a daily and weekly rhythm. Or maybe the thought of moving forward into an unknown future feels more intimidating than a forced pause. Consider that you are being invited to divinely reposition yourself.
Think of Abraham, whose move uprooted him from his family home and repositioned him in order to become Father of a nation (Genesis 12:1-9). And consider Joseph, who was sold into slavery and was promoted second-in-command to Pharoah in order to save nations (Genesis 37-41). Repositioning invites you to participate in unfamiliar, uncommon, and sometimes awkward movements to expand you into purpose.
Though you may feel uncertain, I pray you move forward, confidently knowing that God is with you every step of the unconventional way.
Leave a Comment
Pam Harris-Williams says
Amen amen and amen!! Thank you for sharing!!
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Pam!
Thank you for reading!
Be encouraged!
Shalom
LCB
Karen says
Reminding this reminded me about Ruth following Naomi to a place that she had never been, but God had different plans… A new Life waited for her in this New Land & Her Boaz was just around the corner. She would soon become the Great GrandMother of Jesus !
Lucretia Berry says
Karen!
Yes. The Bible is rich with stories about unconventional paths unfolding before ordinary people!
Thank you for reading, sharing, and encouraging!
Shalom
LCB
Ros says
This meant a lot to me today. Thank you! ‘For He knows the plans He has for you…’ (us!)
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Ros.
Thank you for reading.
Aren’t we grateful to know that He has and knows the plans for us!
Shalom to you.
LCB
Denise says
This gives me comfort and guidance today as I have been struggling with a hard decision regarding my job.
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Denise.
I pray that you experience clarity, peace, and guidance during your decision making process.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom
LCB
Beth Williams says
Denise,
Asking God to send you guidance regarding your job situation. May He show you clearly what He wants for you. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not to harm. To give you a hope & a future.” Asking for Him to make known those plans to you so you have clarity.
Blessings 🙂
Ann Hesson says
While this is an amazing story of repositioning and how your life shifted. And through grace, you were embraced by the assurance and belonging of purpose. What I don’t understand is how you were forced to pause from volunteering – that seems rather odd that a church would force that upon someone.
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Ann!
Thank you for reading.
It was the church’s policy for all new-comers to get acquainted with the church before volunteering. Perhaps it’s a vetting period to be sure that newcomers have the ‘right motivation.’ Honestly, I don’t remember. I will ask my husband if he remembers the reason for the policy.
Shalom
LCB
Teresa says
Lucretia, thank you for this post♥️!! As a writer, I’m about to make the unconventional move of disconnecting from social media. It’s scary and I keep questioning myself.
These words: “ Repositioning invites you to participate in unfamiliar, uncommon, and sometimes awkward movements to expand you into purpose.” are my hope – I pray that as I make this awkward move, God will clarify my purpose. Thanks for the encouragement!!
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Teresa!
Thank you for reading.
Disconnecting from social media sounds so peaceful and loving
May each unconventional step pull you further into the fullness of purpose.
Shalom to you my writing friend.
LCB
Donna says
Can’t you take a break by disengaging for awhile as a test to confirm?
Teresa says
Hi Donna!
I’ve done several month- long breaks. And they always end up being so refreshing. I’m currently thinking of doing a one year break. It seems like a long time. But a year flies by so fast!
Thanks for your thought!
Irene says
Thank you, Lucretia! I’m going to be more watchful for these opportunities.
Lucretia Berry says
Irene!
YES! May we be fully aware of repositioning. Where we may be overwhelmed with uncertainty, may we know peace and comfort instead.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you.
LCB
Renee Dezigned Robinson says
Not sure what’s happening in my life right now but it is truly unconventional. I needed this article. However, I think I have a problem with patiently waiting for the next move. Pray for me. I know there is more to come and I’m being directed into something unfamiliar and uncomfortable but what, when and how is left up to God. Getting off of social media for awhile has also been a challenge but I believe that I’m being called to do that too.
Thank you much Lucretia as I seek clarity for His will.
Beth Williams says
Renee Dezigned Robinson,
Praying for you sweet sister. Waiting is never easy. God’s timing is not ours. Asking God to send clarity & guidance to you heart mind & soul. May you know His perfect will for your life.
Blessings 🙂
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Renee!
I pray that you experience clarity, peace, and guidance during this process. During such times, even though it can feel like an abandonment, I have learned to focus on how I’m being nourished.
May your ‘more to come’ invite you further into the fullness of purpose.
Shalom
LCB
Pamela says
Yes, yes, yes. This IS how God moves His people. Oh joy, thank you for re-membering my being to this delight. And of the boldness of Ms. Pat. Thank you for listening.
Lucretia Berry says
Pamela!
I love your expressed re-connection: “re-membering my being to this delight.” YES!!!
May we daily be re-minded of/to our true identity in the Devine.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom
LCB
Carolyn says
Thank You!
I love those words- “This IS how God moves His people. Oh joy, thank you for re-membering my being to this delight”! Those are the times, spiritual markers, our invitation, an encounter with God to live according to His purposes! As we reflect on how faithful He has been in our lives, it strengthens our faith. God is so Good!
I very much appreciate this blog and am encouraged by all of the comments. I am always amazed how God uses us, as a means, to speak life and remind us of our purpose.
Lucretia Berry says
Carolyn,
I agree. Thank you for reading and encouraging.
Shalom to you
LCB
Kath Trout says
I love this! We moved to another state from the one we had lived in our entire lives just shy of 3 months ago. We know this is where we know God wants us but due to the pandemic, we haven’t been able to connect with a church. Many emotions. Thank you for sharing this. It is encouragement. <3
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Kath.
Moving is challenging, emotionally and socially. As you are somewhat isolated due to the pandemic, may you be surrounded by peace and assurance. May purpose and position be clear.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you
LCB
Andree Hidalgo says
Hi Lucretia,
Totally off topic, though I enjoyed your devo today…I love your hair, the curls and sass! This is coming from one with fine, straight blonde hair. Love the way you rock it so well in your photo.
Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Andree
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Andree!
Thank you for the compliment about my hair. In Christ, I have the freedom to allow my hair to be herself…lol. She is truly a crown in expression of God.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you
LCB
Lillian says
Thank you. This was definitely needed. I have been in the wilderness for a few months; planning, undergoing and healing from a surgery that changed who I thought I was created to be. I have been searching for the words, a scripture, or a sermon to succinctly characterize this season. Today’s entry was right on time. Again, thank you for heeding God’s call. Be blessed.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lillian,
If it helps…I was sidelined by six major surgeries in six years. I was literally not able to walk for months. God whispered to me to go back to my love of writing and start blogging. I follwed His lead. Through my blog, I got to know a young Christian man in a Middle Eastern country. Fast forward eight years and we have a Christian school for orphans and impoverished children (80 students strong) in the Gospel’s last frontier. You just never know what God has in store. Ask and lean into Him. He’ll use you – no matter what shape you’re in!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Lillian,
I know all too well the lived-experience of spending years in an identity-altering wilderness. Though abiding in the wilderness is painful, deep, powerful, and necessary transformation occurs. May you emerge afresh and anew.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you
LCB
Loretta says
If I have learned anything it is that we just have to take that first step and God will lead us the rest of the way as long as we are willing to stop, look and listen. All he asks of us is to trust and obey. When I first learned to trust Him, I truly was flying blind. I knew I didn’t have the answers so I decided to allow God to lead me. It’s been quite a journey, but I can honestly say, He has never failed me!!
In a story the wonderful Rev. E. V. Hill related about a precious sister that lost both of her only sons, as he attempted to console her she replied, “oh Pastor, me and the Lord been walking together too long for me to start doubting Him now.”
I agree!!!
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Loretta!
Isn’t that truth! Growing up, we sang these lyrics:
‘We’ve come this far by faith leaning on the Lord — Trusting in his Holy Word, He’s never failed me yet! Can’t turn around — we’ve come this far by faith.’
When faith has carried us this far, it would not be wise for us, at this point, begin to try to move forward on our on, or try to turn around and go backwards. God is FAITHFUL!
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you
LCB
FANNETTA H GORE says
Thank you for these inspiring and beautiful words. God has a plan and purpose for each of us. We need to trust Him fully and wait for His direction to guide and direct us.
Lucretia Berry says
Hi mom!
It means so much to me that you take time out of your busy day to read my stories!
I love you.
Thank you for reading.
Shalom to you
LCB
Indiane says
I love this! My heart is still smiling!! Moms…. <3
Beth Williams says
Denise,
Asking God to send you guidance regarding your job situation. May He show you clearly what He wants for you. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not to harm. To give you a hope & a future.” Asking for Him to make known those plans to you so you have clarity.
Blessings 🙂
Lucretia Berry says
YES!!!!
Amen.
Beth, I love that you encourage us!
Thank you so much.
Shalom to you
LCB
Beth Williams says
Lucretia,
God ways have always been unconventional. Look at how walls of Jericho fell. After walking around the walls 7 times a great big shout & inward they fell. Gideon fought Midianites with 300 men, trumpets, jars & torches. Think about David & how he willing fought Goliath with just a slingshot & 1 stone. All unconventional ways to win battles. The one thing they have in common is God. He was in the midst of all three struggles & gave them the victory. The same can be said for us. God often asks us to do things out of our comfort zone. Like Joseph He may completely change your life for a while. Take heart He is with you every single step of the way. For the story of Joseph ends with him being second in charge of Egypt & saving his family & Israel. While you may not understand what God is doing in your life. Simply obey & follow His leading. He will bring you to a victory.
Blessings 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lucretia,
I’d say you were invited to join the prayer team…you were invited by God! I know, over my lifetime, God has gotten me outside my comfort zone purely for the reason that He knew I’d have to rely on Him and not my own confidence or self-sufficiency. There’s nothing like experiencing the divine equipping by God. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Bev.
Yes! The invitation to the praying team was an invitation for me to expand into my purpose. I learned how to move more purposefully in my spiritual gift!
Thank you for reading and encouraging.
Shalom to you.
LCB
Feli says
Great insight. Thanks for the testimony. God bless your ministry.
Lucretia Berry says
Hi Feli!
You’re welcome.
Thank you for reading and encouraging.
Shalom to you.
LCB
Lucretia Berry says
Beth!
You wrote, “Like Joseph He may completely change your life for a while.”
Isn’t that the truth! There was a time in my life that I went from feeling like God’s favorite to feeling like God’s forgotten. During that time, Joseph’s story spoke loudly to me! I think that may be why Joseph’s is my favorite story — with the exception of Jesus’ story.
God’s unconventional ways require us to trust and walk by faith. The walk isn’t always simple, logical, or easy, but it is secured by God’s presence.
Thank you for reading and encouraging.
Shalom to you.
LCB