In the past couple of years, as I've had opportunities to speak to local women's groups, I've learned first hand that Satan is alive and well. He didn't like Jesus, and he certainly doesn't like those who are filled with Christ's Spirt. The more opportunities I had to speak, the harder he came against my marriage and my children. I asked a group of close friends to pray for me. And the miraculous result has absolutely amazed me.

I am dumbfounded, and humbled that my faithful prayer warriors have served me so lovingly. In the midst of opposition and attack, in my little boat tossed by waves, I have truly experienced God calming the sea. By the power of God answering their prayers I have even been led from the boat, a time or two, and given the chance to walk on water.

And yet the flesh is weak, isn't it so? Like Peter I can forget God's power in all circumstances and start to sink again. One such time, in the midst of preparing a lesson, and writing and rehearsing monologues, I took my eyes off of Jesus and onto the waves that seemed to overwhelm me. "No, this is too hard! I'm not strong enough to stand against the evil one and his arrows."

I told one of my dear, prayerful encouragers "I don't want to speak to women's groups anymore." She responded, "I'll pray, but I'm not going to pray for that."

I know how she has been praying, however, not because she told me that she was, but because God has calmed the storm again. I am dry and encouraged by His side, within the vessel. The sky is clear. And He has set a course ahead for many more speaking engagements.

Thank you, to the ladies who have been so faithful to me through prayer. Please, don't stop now.