What is the right answer?

Today's guest blog was written by Leslie Hudson, a veteran of girls' ministry. Get more info about her at www.lesliehudsonspeaks.com. 

I’ve been involved in official (and unofficial!) girls' ministry since before I knew it even had a name. I love the girls inside my church and I cherish the relationships I’ve had with them.

You’d think after leading and teaching girls for ump-teen years I’d have all the answers. Turns out, though, that not having the answers was really the answer.

A few months ago, a girl I disciple came up to me with a what-do-I-do-this-is-a-disaster-I-must-have-help-now problem. My natural instinct was to immediately give her ideas and advice. But I couldn’t think of anything. I drew a complete blank. (For the record, this was perhaps the first time in all of history that I have found myself speechless.) I told her, “I’m just going to have to pray and go to God’s Word, honey. I’ll call you soon.”

I got in the car and asked God, “What in the world happened there? She needed me!” Without a moment of hesitation, I felt the Holy Spirit answer like only He can, “No; she needed Me.” I realized that I had been depending on my own understanding and strength to love these girls; I hadn’t given God the lead or the glory. I didn’t call her back until I knew the wisdom He alone could give.

Now I don’t give any direction without going to God first. It helps me depend more on Him and listen much more closely. But, as a bonus, it helps my girls see me depend on Him. And I pray they will remember that long after my advice is forgotten.