Trusting God With Your Journey

This is the last Bible Study in Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When Women Trust God. Please join us today as we study Trusting God With Your Journey.



Abraham's journey has taught me so much about what evolving trust looks like. It helps me see how patient and loving God is with us as we learn. It's unlikely that many of us in the next year will be asked to pick up everything we own and transfer across the country or across the world, but there are other kinds of pilgrimages. If we could shift our perspective to view each day as a spiritual pilgrimage, how would that change our lives?

What would it look like for you to get up every morning with the heart of a traveler? I understand that you have commitments and responsibilities, but those do not have to be the loudest voice in your day. Each morning when I get up, I pray, "Lord,, I don't know where you are going today but, wherever it is, I'm coming with you."

On any regular day I know that I'll get up, make coffee, and have some quiet time with Christ before i wake my son and take him to school. Then I'll come home, go to the gym, come home, take a shower and do whatever is on the agenda for the day. But I do it with the heart of a pilgrim who asks, "Let me see with your eyes, let me hear with your ears, don't let me miss a moment with you on this journey home." In blue jeans or a ball gown, I am a pilgrim going home.

FIND ~ God told Abram: "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." ~ Genesis 12:1 MSG How would you respond if that instruction were given to you?

Now, I would do as God asks because my faith is so much stronger than where it was before so if God said Go, who I am to question His intent and reasons.

What would make someone like Abraham follow those instructions?

Because Abraham was a great the only person in the Bible called God's friend. (2 Chronicles 20:7). So because of any relationship you have with your friends, if any of them called and asked for a favor from you, you would generally go with them.

Read John 1:35-51 When Jesus called the first disciples, they followed without delay. Why are we so reluctant to follow Christ the way the first disciples did?

I think it's because we may have grown too far away from God and too close to the world and the way of the "ME". We want to do what we want, when we want to. It's hard when it may be an inconvenience to us.

Jesus said, "Follow me." What did he mean by this command?

To literally leave everything and go where He went. Take nothing and just pack it up. The ultimate road trip.

How does his call to believers today compare to that call?

It doesn't really except that we don't have the physical Jesus here to follow, so we are suppose to do what Jesus would be doing if He were here on Earth today. Not putting ourselves first but to be willing to spend our lives serving those that don't deserve it so that by our works and not our words will they be won over to Jesus Christ.

FEEL ~ We know that God created us, and according to Jeremiah 29:11, has a plan for our lives. How do you feel about turning over management of your life to God?

Since it would make my life so much easier knowing which direction I should be going and walking with God, doesn't it make sense to walk with the creator of my life than walk ahead on my own. Isn't that how children get lost? When we gain overconfidence and do things our own way? I'd rather stay on the right path.

The early disciples left behind their homes, professions, and possibly their families to follow Jesus. In other words, their faith was their first priority. If someone followed you for a week, what would she conclude is your first priority?

Hopefully they would see, first is Jesus, it's how I start off my mornings, then devote time to my family and then others before finding time for myself. I think that is how God has designed it.

How do you feel about that being your priority in life?

I am completely content and wouldn't want anything else to have that priority but God.

What is something you think God might be asking you to do?

I think God wants me to share more of what's going on in my life with others and start to share the gospel more with this next generation. It's like passing the torch onto the next generation. If there is no one here to educate them, then what? We need more lights in this dark world.

In consideration of that matter, respond to the following questions: Is God telling me to do this, or am I just imagining that because of my own wants?

I am still waiting on this to be confirmed by God, if it's something He wishes me to pursue, let my home be filled with teens that need to hear the message He wants me to share.

What if I get this wrong?

Then God will find me, since He knows where I am, and bring me back to do what He wants me to do.

If it is God speaking here and I don't follow what I hear, will I miss his best for me?

I think we will miss out on the blessing and lesson He had in store for us, but He ultimately knows what our answer will be. He will just find another person willing to do His will for now.

God had been preparing Abraham for his journey. What is God doing in your life to prepare you for his plans for you?

I am sharing my mornings in prayer before my day begins and making sure that I am equipping myself in His spiritual armor He provided. He created it for me to protect me from the enemy but He can't put it on for me, it's my choice to do so. When I do, my days are so much more spiritual. The more I can keep God in my mind and praying as much as possible it really changes the outcome of your day. Problems literally flow off your back like water on a duck. I've finally learned how to actually put the armor on. Now I am ready to face my spiritual warfare for the day, prepared for battle and hoping that the enemy is trembling that I woke up.

Every place Abraham went he built an altar as a reminder of God's promises. What reminds you of God's promises to you?

My blog as it has served as my journal for my walk of faith in the last 2 years. It's easy to look back and see how far I have come, when I didn't think I would ever pass through those storms that I find myself in. Now I want in a closer relationship with Him. It really does impact all your relationships after giving Him priority in your day.

FOLLOW ~ It's hard to follow an unknown path. But it is possible if we trust the guide. God wants to guide us on a path to an unbelievable future. A future that is built upon his promises to us and his power over our circumstances. Is that the kind of life you want?

Who wouldn't! It's the path anyone should want. We have to remember however it doesn't mean our path won't have obstacles in them but we do have the ultimate power accompanying us on our journey who can handle anything.

What is keeping you from accepting God's offer?

Sometimes I think it's our own stubbornness. When things come crashing down, God is our first response, yet when things are going along smoothly, we take off running without Him. He needs to be with us, every single step every single day. As our first response everyday.

Summarize the instructions of John 1:43 by completing the following statement:

Because Jesus said Follow Me

I will go where He calls and follow Him!

Now write a prayer restating your commitment to follow Christ. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as a reminder that because God created you, he has the best possible plan for you.

Abba Father, You know the plans that you have for me, plans to prosper and not harm me. You've known who I am since before I was born and I surrender my life and everything in it to you. May I continue to walk alongside you in every day I remain here, doing Your Will and Glorifying You. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN

Trusting God When You Have A Lot To Lose

In almost coming to the conclusion of our 12 week Bible Study on "Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God" by Shelia Walsh, we pick up this week on # 11, Trusting God When You Have A Lot To Lose. Won't you join me in this study today?

I want you to imagine a scenario where you are interviewing a large group of women who have no involvement in the church. Your question to them is this, "When you hear the word Christian, what images come to your mind?" What kind of responses do you think you might receive? The answers might vary some by location. But if you took a slice out of all the responses you received, I'm sure you would hear a few of the same words:

• Judgmental

• Hypocritical

• Legalistic

• Out of Touch

A long list of what we are "against".

It is a sad indictment when we are defined by what we stand against. What if we were instead known for the same passionate love that compelled God to send Christ to a broken world, a world beyond repair apart from him? I think at times we have lost the heart of the gospel, which is the love of God, and held on to what we perceive to be correct behavior.

I used a hairdresser for almost a year before he acknowledged that he had known from day one who I was. "I know that you were on Christian television, and I assumed I wouldn't like you. But you're not what I expected." I asked him what he expected. "Someone who judged me," he answered quickly. "But you accept me, you make me laugh." I took that as a compliment.

When Christ stepped into Nicodemus' world he was not what Nicodemus expected. It shook every preconceived idea that he had. Wouldn't it be a glorious challenge to step into our world today and not be what a watching world expects?

FIND ~ There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it." ~ John 3:1-2 MSG

What are some things you see happen that you know are the result of God's work in the world?

We are still seeing people giving their lives in altar calls all over the world, missionaries are still being called to spread the gospel of Jesus, and lives that were once shattered are now be healed and made complete again.
Read John 3: 1-17

John 3

Born from Above

^1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it."

³Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to—to God's kingdom."

⁴"How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this 'born-from-above' talk?"

^5-6Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.

^7-8"So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."

⁹Nicodemus asked, "What do you mean by this? How does this happen?"

^10-12Jesus said, "You're a respected teacher of Israel and you don't know these basics? Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?

^13-15"No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.

^16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus spoke the most famous verse in the Bible. Why did Nicodemus need to hear those words?

Because I believe that he was expecting something different than what Jesus was. Even though Jesus was performing all kinds of signs and miracles and do all kinds of things in love, he still didn't know it was him.

Why do we need to hear those words?

Because so many of us are just like Nicodemus. We read the word but how likely would we recognize Jesus if he were to appear just like he did 2000 years ago. Would we be expecting something more?

The people in Nicodemus' time had strong ideas about what the Messiah would look like and do. What are people looking for today?

I believe they are looking for someone to come down and completely solve all of life's problems and provide world wide peace. They are looking for suffering to come to a halt and for life to suddenly be heaven-like.

What is your responsibility when it comes to delivering the Messiah to the world?

I personally believe that we have to let the light of what God's been doing in our lives to mirror Jesus dwelling within. We need to live our lives as representatives of the work he has done and will continue to do in our lives. The fruit we bear is the sign of what is going on within us.

FEEL ~ Jesus told Nicodemus that a person must be born again to see the kingdom of God. How did you feel when you were first born again?

I personally felt like everything I had ever done wrong in my life was gone. I finally felt at peace and loved unconditionally. Just like a new creation!

How has that feeling changed through the years?

The feeling really hasn't changed much but as I have grown in my spiritual maturity, I have never lost sight of God, but there have been times, I have walked away, content to handle life on my own for awhile. It's taken some rough roads to travel on, but I have noticed some growth in my life as well. I realize when I walk with God, the road is easier and when I walk on my own, the challenges are more than I can bear alone.

The first followers of Jesus had to give up everything and follow him. Today, many people view their faith as an add-on to an already busy life. What is the difference between giving up everything and viewing faith as another activity. Which description bets fits you?

Faith is not just another activity. Like I stated previously above. My life is easier to handle when I am walking in faith with God, the day to day things go much smoother, my stress is easier to manage. It's like being with a friend or your hubby everyday and having to deal with the challenges of life, is so much easier when you have someone to help you with it. Jesus is our someone to help us bear the burden and share the load. What are impossible challenges to us, become possible with His help.

The people of the first century had specific expectations of the Messiah. What do you expect the Messiah to do in your life?

I would say, I wouldn't expect God to make my life any easier and remove all my sufferings and storms, but rather to strengthen me through them and help me to grow so that I can become a better person, a reflection if you will of Jesus working through me.

Have you ever been in a place where you knew you needed to speak up for Jesus? How did you feel and how did you respond?

This happens almost daily. My new first response is a quick prayer, seeking Jesus' guidance and words to speak. My intentions are only to speak the truth in love and kindness and do seek the will of God. In doing so, I feel that I can give God the glory and not me personally.

The earthy followers of Jesus were criticized and threatened because of their faith. How would persecution affect your faith? Would it be stronger or weaker as a result?

Jesus told us in His word that we as believers would all face possible persecution. So if I were to find myself faced with that challenge, I would like to think I would stand true in the face of it. Being joyful because I would know I am doing something worthy for God and thus my faith would be increased because of it. I know Jesus will be with me in all things and He will never ever let me go through anything alone. The word also states that He will never put us through any circumstance that we are not prepared to handle. So if I am in the middle of something, I trust God will bring me through it, not abandon me in it.

FOLLOW ~ Nicodemus and Joseph had to leave behind everything they knew to start again in a new city, but they were starting with the experience of having seen Jesus with their own eyes and knowing Him as the risen Son of God. What if you were called to follow God, too, leaving behind everything you have - but the call was your first introduction to the truth that God is real and personal? Would you start to trust him when you have no history with him? Why or why not?

In my baby beginnings as a Christian, I would say I would be more likely to give it all up and follow because I remember that strong flame of knowing God and wanting to do everything and anything for him. Now, I know that nothing I own belongs to me but is blessed and given to me by God, so losing it would be nothing. It all belongs to him anyway. He can take it back any time He wants as well as increasing what I already have. You have to willing to lose it all and take up your cross and follow him. That is the sign of spiritual growth in your life, when you realize that everything we own belongs to God anyway.

If you were certain your life would reach its full potential if you gave total control to Christ, would you be willing to give him control? Why or why not?

Its not so much expecting anything, its realizing that everything we have right now, our homes, cars, jobs, families, material possessions, everything belongs to God. We are nothing without Him, and once we can come to terms with that, we can truly know what it is to serve God and love Him unconditionally.

Summarize the instructions of John 3:16, by completing the following statement:

Because Jesus said, whosoever believes in Him shall not have perish but have everlasting life... I will, believe in Jesus that He is who He said He is, and is the Son of God, and believe that He came here to save us all so that we can have eternal life.

Now write a prayer asking God to continue to remind you of your commitment to him and his promise of eternal life. Use this prayer as a part of your daily time with God and as a reminder that the most meaningful life you can live is the life lived for God and His purposes.

Abba Father, I truly place all my faith and trust in You and Your Word. I believe that whosoever believes in You shall not perish but have everlasting life. Everything I have belongs to You. I want everything I do and say each day to reflect the life of You living within me and to surrender my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength to You and let everything glorify Your Name. Please use me in whatever way You need me to further Your kingdom and to do Your will. I am willing! In Jesus' Mighty Name ~ AMEN

Is It Ever Too Late To Start Again?

In keeping with my Monday theme for the next three weeks we are going through the final Bible Study from Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God. We pick up today with study # 10 called, Is It Ever Too Late To Start Again?

I would imagine for most women reading this book this chapter may appear to have the least connection to their lives. Think about it, if you have seriously messed up your life with one poor choice after another, it's not very likely that you would pick up a book with the title, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God. But for those who might have, let me say this. If you sit right now with the reality of a stream of bad choices and you did pick up this book, then I think you are beginning to grasp the truth that with God it is never too late to start back on the good path. If there is one breath left in your body and you cry out to God, he will hear and receive you. Just ask the criminal executed beside Christ (Luke 22:43).

What about those you may have given up on? It could be a child who has walked away from everything you have taught them and shows no sign of ever wanting to turn his heart back towards God. It's easy to despair in those moments, but trust asks us to keep bringing that person to the throne of grace. Whether it's one bad choice or a lifetime of bad choices, the Shepherd waits to lead us all home.

FIND ~ And Samson cried out to God: "Master, God! Oh, please, look on me again. Oh, please, give strength yet once more, God!" ~ Judges 16:28 MSG

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-17, "¹⁴For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

¹⁶So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~NIV

How does God's evaluation of us compare to the way the world judges people?

When we seek forgiveness from God, He is just to forgive us as though it never happened, whereas the world condemns us and will never allow us to forget or forgive us for what we have done. It is never as though it never happened with the world.

Read Judges 13:1-24, " ¹And then the People of Israel were back at it again, doing what was evil in God's sight. God put them under the domination of the Philistines for forty years.

^2-5 At that time there was a man named Manoah from Zorah from the tribe of Dan. His wife was barren and childless. The angel of God appeared to her and told her, "I know that you are barren and childless, but you're going to become pregnant and bear a son. But take much care: Drink no wine or beer; eat nothing ritually unclean. You are, in fact, pregnant right now, carrying a son. No razor will touch his head—the boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of his birth. He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression."

^6-7 The woman went to her husband and said, "A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God—terror laced with glory! I didn't ask him where he was from and he didn't tell me his name, but he told me, 'You're pregnant. You're going to give birth to a son. Don't drink any wine or beer and eat nothing ritually unclean. The boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death.'"

⁸ Manoah prayed to God: "Master, let the man of God you sent come to us again and teach us how to raise this boy who is to be born."

^9-10 God listened to Manoah. God's angel came again to the woman. She was sitting in the field; her husband Manoah wasn't there with her. She jumped to her feet and ran and told her husband: "He's back! The man who came to me that day!"

¹¹ Manoah got up and, following his wife, came to the man. He said to him, "Are you the man who spoke to my wife?"

He said, "I am."

¹² Manoah said, "So. When what you say comes true, what do you have to tell us about this boy and his work?"

^13-14 The angel of God said to Manoah, "Keep in mind everything I told the woman. Eat nothing that comes from the vine: Drink no wine or beer; eat no ritually unclean foods. She's to observe everything I commanded her."

¹⁵ Manoah said to the angel of God, "Please, stay with us a little longer; we'll prepare a meal for you—a young goat."

¹⁶ God's angel said to Manoah, "Even if I stay, I won't eat your food. But if you want to prepare a Whole-Burnt-Offering for God, go ahead—offer it!" Manoah had no idea that he was talking to the angel of God.

¹⁷ Then Manoah asked the angel of God, "What's your name? When your words come true, we'd like to honor you."

¹⁸ The angel of God said, "What's this? You ask for my name? You wouldn't understand—it's sheer wonder."

^19-21 So Manoah took the kid and the Grain-Offering and sacrificed them on a rock altar to God who works wonders. As the flames leapt up from the altar to heaven, God's angel also ascended in the altar flames. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground. Manoah and his wife never saw the angel of God again.

^21-22 Only then did Manoah realize that this was God's angel. He said to his wife, "We're as good as dead! We've looked on God!"

²³ But his wife said, "If God were planning to kill us, he wouldn't have accepted our Whole-Burnt-Offering and Grain-Offering, or revealed all these things to us—given us this birth announcement."

^24-25 The woman gave birth to a son. They named him Samson. The boy grew and God blessed him. The Spirit of God began working in him while he was staying at a Danite camp between Zorah and Eshtaol." ~ MSG

What does this story teach about God's ability and willingness to offer second chances?

God has always been searching for a way to reunite us once again in a great and close relationship with us. In this case, it will be through the birth of Samson. In the New Testament it will be with Jesus once and for all.

In what ways do you see doubt expressed by Manoah?

He wasn't sure that the person his wife was speaking with was sent from God because at first he hadn't seen him personally only his wife had.

Describe your need for a fresh start. In what area of life do you need a God-sized do-over?

Since my surgery, I have placed all my responsibilities on my husband, now that I am almost fully recovered, I need to transition back into the wife and mother I was before, and get my time management back on schedule including getting back to a healthier version of my former self.

If you had a fresh start today, how would you live differently?

I would probably start off my day with God as a bigger priority and keeping Him in the forefront of my daily as it progresses throughout. Thanking God and talking to Him when my world isn't falling apart is something I need to manage better.

FEEL ~ Samson was born with a promise that would protect him throughout his life if he only lived up to the terms of the agreement. What are the terms of the agreement God makes with those who seek him?

To seek Him daily, prayer for His will in our daily lives, walk according to His will and have faith in Him.

How does it make you feel to disappoint someone?

It makes me feel like I failed them, especially if it came with a promise from me. Yet, sometimes life happens and I can only hope people understand where priorities come and how difficult we can all be stretched at times.

How do you feel when you disappoint God?

The same way as I feel when I disappoint someone, yet the nice thing is that I can seek forgiveness from God and I am forgiven. There is no longer a need to feel guilty.

How do you think God feels when you disappoint him? Why?

God understands our human and sin-filled nature. Yet like any parent, I would think that it hurts Him deeply when we disappoint Him and is over-joyed when we realize this and come running for His forgiveness.

Samson made the mistake of trusting himself instead of trusting God. His mistake cost him. Have you ever made this mistake? If so, what did it cost you?

Everyday I make the mistake of not trusting God and thinking I can handle life without seeking Him first, and everytime I fall short. Yet when I begin my day with God's will in mind, my days go so much better and I maintain a great attitude no matter what comes us.

FOLLOW~ Samson never intended for things to end up the way they did. It was the result of a series of bad choices. What guidance does God provide that will help us make wise choices?

This is easy, He has provided us with His word, The Bible as a series of instructions to help us get through whatever situation we find ourselves faced with, along with seeking His will each day through prayer. We just need to be OK with whatever answer He provides us and not try to do it according to our will.

How passionate are you about making wise decisions?

I am getting better at this than in the past. I seek God before I even get out of bed, and surrender my life to him and commit myself to doing His will and giving Him glory in everything I do or say, each day.

How did God reveal himself and show his power through Samson?

God revealed himself through the Phillistines not being able to conquer Samson's physical strength. As long as Samson did what God wanted him to do, he was unstoppable.

Samson's continual source of problems was his affection for women. What is the constant source of sin or temptation in your life?

My inability to manage my time wisely at this stage in my life.

God offers us the opportunity to start over. Spend a few moments talking to God about your need for a fresh start and asking Him to overwhelm your life with His presence. Write out your commitment to God.

I will seek you first thing in the morning and surrender my life and everything in it to accomplish Your will and glorify you in my actions and words all throughout the day. I will see things through your eyes and judge no one.

Summarize the instructions of 2 Corinthians 5:17 by completing the following statement:

Because the Bible says...we should live our lives for Christ...

I will...seek to do His will in my life everyday.

Now write a prayer asking God to continue to renew you every day. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as a reminder that you are a new creation with a new purpose and destiny.

Abba Father,

Thank you for the wonderful Father you are to me. That I can seek Your face and do Your will everyday that I breath. Please renew me every morning upon my waking up and let me surrender my heart, my mind, my soul and spirit and my strength to You today, that I may glorify You and do Your will Lord, not mine. Let all my words and actions be a reflection of the light of Your salvation in me that others will see You when they look at me or hear my words. Give me Your eyes to see others as You see them and let my words be an encouragement to others and provide You all the glory. In Jesus' Name I pray ~ AMEN

Trusting God WIth Your Dreams # 9

In continuing with our weekly Bible Study from Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God, we pick up on study # 9, entitled, Trusting God With Your Dreams.

The biggest question I have had to face in the last few years is this: Do I believe that God is in control? God is either sovereign all the time or he is not sovereign at all. If he is, and I believe he is, that means that nothing that happens to me is random but has passed through his hands of mercy and grace.


That doesn't mean I believe God orchestrates evil to see how we will respond. God is love, and there is no evil in him at all. We live, however, in a fallen world where evil exists. But God has promised that no matter what we face, he will work for our good in the midst of it.

Joseph saw that. It was clear that his brothers hated him in the beginning and feared him in the end. Hatred and fear are both powerful weapons in the hands of an enemy but our God is bigger than our enemy.

I believe that the greatest gift we can give our Father is to keep our focus on him even when the road becomes very dark. If you are a child of God, you are not a helpless victim. Like Joseph, you can face betrayal. But in God's perfect time your dream will be brought into the light.
FIND ~ Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. ~ Genesis 37:5 MSG God is more interested in what he is doing in you than through you. Why is this true?

Because God can use anyone to accomplish his purposes, when he works on doing things in you, it is to help you grow spiritually. It makes you a better person and helps to work on the areas in our life where we need some help from God.
What God-size dream is alive deep within you?

I would really like to see Steve in a job that brings him a level of contentment and happiness. Where people see the strong ethics and level of quality work that is missing in so many people these days. We are praying for this even now and are hopeful that God will once again come through for us. Honestly, I would love to see Steve in some level of the church.

Read Genesis 37:2-8, "This is the family history of Jacob: Joseph was a young man, seventeen years old. He and his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives, cared for the flocks. Joseph gave his father bad reports about his brothers. Since Joseph was born when his father Israel was old, Israel loved him more than his other sons. He made Joseph a special robe with long sleeves. When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than he loved them, they hated their brother and could not speak to him politely.
One time Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him even more. Joseph said, "Listen to the dream I had. We were in the field tying bundles of wheat together. My bundle stood up, and your bundles of wheat gathered around it and bowed down to it." His brothers said, "Do you really think you will be king over us? Do you truly think you will rule over us?" His brothers hated him even more because of his dreams and what he had said.

How would you have felt toward Joseph if you had been one of his brothers?

I think I too would have been a little jealous of Joseph since not only did he have his father's love and favoritism, but now he is having dreams where he is better than his brothers. It would be hard not to judge Joseph on this one.

After Joseph interpreted his dream, why did his brothers respond so harshly?
Again similar to the answer about. I am not sure it was wise for Joseph to share this with his brothers. He already knew that they weren't too happy with how he was already favored by their father and now he was telling them this.
It is easy to doubt a dream and even begin to thin the dream means nothing. How do you know the dream inside you was planted by God?

I am not sure, but because it falls in line with the things of God, we are hopeful it is something that He may bring to happen for us.

FEEL~ Joseph was eventually thrown into a pit by his brothers. Have you even been thrown into a pit? If so, by what?

I would have to say working in a non Christian environment years ago, it was difficult to not conform to the way some people were doing things. When I stood up for what I believed in at the time, I was seriously retaliated by my peers for "rocking the boat" and not being a "team player." I created a really harsh environment for years after that and nothing was every really the same between me and my boss and peers.

How did you feel while in that pit?

I felt alone and stressed wondering if I had done the right thing or if I should have said nothing. I felt like I had no friends and no support whenever I had to show up for work. It was the worst thing I faced each day.
To who did you turn to be rescued from the pit?
God and my family.

Joseph made his way to Egypt and experienced a series of highs and lows that led to his being put in charge of all of th grain in the land. His brothers, suffering the effects of the famine, approached him asking for food. If you would have been Joseph in that situation, how would you have responded to your brothers? Why?

I would like to say like Joseph especially being the person I am today. I try to let things go and leave the judging of people up to God as well as any punishment and wrong doing to Him as well. Nothing good would come from holding my brothers accountable for their actions.

Consider the following questions and respond to them honestly. I say I trust God, but do I?
Most of the time. There are some times when the enemy tries to get in there and say things to make me doubt, but I try and hold those thoughts captive and lay them at God's feet and pray about whatever it is that is bothering me and keeping me from trusting him 100%.
I say God is in control, but will I let it go?

More so now than before! I realize when we hold onto things that need to be given to God, it causes so much stress and worry which really wear you down, much like carrying a heavy load that you don't have to. Now I lay all that down and pray about these things to God.

I say God is my deliverer, but will I allow him to vindicate me?

Absolutely! I try not to take matters into my own hands and let God be the judge of people who would try to hurt me.

I say God is my defender, but do I still want to speak up for myself?

I try to remember the saying, If you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all. It keeps me from having to ask for forgiveness for saying something I shouldn't. If I need to say anything at all, I try and speak it in love and think along the lines of dealing with the act not the person who hurt me. It keeps me from hurting their feelings.

Joseph had every right to seek revenge, but he offered his brothers forgiveness. What Joseph's actions reveal about God's attitude toward us?

God could seek revenge on all of us, but when we sincerely come to him with a humble heart and a repent spirit seeking forgiveness, God gives it gladly.

FOLLOW ~ Think about your own life right now. Perhaps you started out with a dream of what you believed God would do with your life. Then life itself got in the way. Maybe even at this moment, you sit wounded and broken, wondering where God is. God is here. He is right here with you. He never left you but at every turn in the road longs to show you what is inside your heart and set you free. You are not a victim of the whims of others, no matter how true that may feel. You are a beloved daughter of the King who is making you into a greater and greater beauty as you learn to leave your dreams in his care. How can you reclaim your dream and get back on the path to being the woman God created you to be?
Put all my faith and trust in God every day. Pray about things to Him everyday even if I have to pray the same prayer everyday. God is faithful and will bring me through whatever life hands me and I will come out of it a much stronger person in my faith and spiritual walk.
Now write a prayer expressing your desire to let the dream God planted in you to be reborn in your life. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as an expression of your desire to pursue God's best for your life.
Abba Father, You never leave your precious children alone in this life, just like I would never leave my children. Thank you for the constant reminder that just like I am parenting with my children, you are also with me every step of the way, in joys and sorrows, hills and valleys. I face nothing alone. My faith is strong in knowing that You will bring me through whatever life hands me. Nothing is impossible for You. I wil rise above this turbulent waters and once again sit with you as a child of God, filled with the love of my wonderful Father and move forward in faith one step at a time. In Jesus name ~ AMEN

Trusting God With Your Fear # 8

In part 8 of our continuing Bible Study from Beautiful Things Happen When Women Trust in God from Shelia Walsh, we pick up at study 8, Trusting God With Your Fear.



One of the most transforming truths I have embraced on my journey thus far is that whatever God calls me to do, he has already equipped me to do it. That sounds so obvious, so simple, and yet I believe we struggle to live that way.

We live in a culture that quantifies giftedness, beauty, leadership by its own set of rules. In the kingdom of God our culture's rules don't apply. Our culture looks at what appears to be true but God sees what is true.

When God looks at a man or woman he sees who we are to becoming in Him. So God looks at Gideon cowering in the wine press and called him a mighty warrior. Jesus looked at Peter and said, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build me church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".(Matthew 16:18 ESV).

This was before Peter denied even knowing Christ. This was before Peter disappeared into the night and left Christ to die. When Jesus looks into the heart of a man or woman he sees all of who we are and all of who we will become in him by trusting and taking the next step. So if God says move, I move. I trust who He knows me more than who I see myself as.

FIND ~ One day the angel of God came and sat down under the oak in Oprah that belong to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites. The angel of God appeared to him and said, "God is with you, O mighty warrior!" Gideon replied, "With me, my master? If God is with us, why has all this happened to us?" ~ Judges 6:11-13 MSG

Read Judges 6:7-10.

7-10 One time when the People of Israel had cried out to God because of Midian, God sent them a prophet with this message: "God, the God of Israel, says,
I delivered you from Egypt,
I freed you from a life of slavery;
I rescued you from Egypt's brutality
and then from every oppressor;
I pushed them out of your way
and gave you their land.

"And I said to you, 'I am God, your God. Don't for a minute be afraid of the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living.' But you didn't listen to me."

God reminded the Israelites of his goodness to them. If that passage had been written to you, what are some of the things God has done that he would have called for you to remember?

Oh this one really hit home for me and is a constant reminder even now whenever fear creeps us. I am reminded how childish my fears are when God has been present in so many situations and brought me through it all. Remember when you had pain no one could diagnose and I led you to a perfect doctor who would listen. Remember when you thought you would have to live with that pain forever yet, I have brought you through a surgery to eliminate that pain; Remember when you thought you would lose everything because your husband lost his job and when you turned everything over to me and became faithful to my ways once more, I not only brought you through it all but I restored it all to you once more.

The Israelites had seen God do some incredible things, yet they still rebelled against Him and failed to trust Him. Describe a time when you have been rebellious against God or refused to trust Him. Why did you respond the way you did?

When Steve had to go out on disability due to a work injury and then subsequently got laid off when he returned, I couldn't believe that God would allow that to happen to us. We were faithful in attending church and trying to live up to His ways for a Godly life, but I think I rebelled because when we prayed, it seemed like nothing happened. Like God was too busy to help us. We wanted answers in our time and not in His.

Read Proverbs 3:5-7.(MSG)

5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.
Rewrite these verses in your own words and then commit these verses to memory.

The only thing I would changed because these still ring true would be to add my name in there throughout and offer this up as a prayer when I find myself doubting again.

FEEL ~ You are going about your daily routine and you are greeted by an angel saying, "God is with you, O mighty warrior." How would that make you feel?

I would have to say pretty surprised that God would see such value in me. I have trouble sometimes seeing the positives in me that others see. This would be a huge Ah Ha! moment in my life.

We don't have experiences like that very often, so how do you know God is with you?

By faith, and looking back at His promises and what He has already done for me. He loves me that much that He promised to always be with me, not only when I need Him but always. That is sufficient for me. I just need to remind myself when I doubt.

Gideon said, "If God is with us, why has all of this happened to us?" How did Gideon's view of the situation compare to God's perspective?

God already knew the outcome and had put His faith and trust in Gideon, He just needed him to trust and put his faith in God. Gideon had doubts because it's human nature at times to have self doubts or low self esteem. Sometimes we need that push!

How does God's perspective of your life compare to your perspective of the things you are experiencing?

God always sees the very best in us and the end result if we are willing to get up and try things His way. Too often we are prone to listen to the enemy and join in his pity party for us. I say, if the devil invites you to a pity party, refuse to go!

FOLLOW ~ In verse 14, God asks Gideon, "Haven't I just sent you?" God's sending always includes his power because God never asks us to do something he doesn't equip us to do. In what areas of life do you need to accept God's commission and depend on His power?

In my recovery. I have come across too many people that have told me I should be back up and feeling fine by now, and therefore feel lazy like I'm not doing enough to make myself better despite my prayers. Then God brings someone in my life that has gone through something similar that lets me off the hook and reminds me that I need to heal more. I am doing to much. I need to trust Him more and back myself out of the equation for now.

What keeps you from trusting God to empower you to do those things he asks you to do?

I lack the trust in my ability to do it. However after reading this, if God calls me, I need to remind myself that He will provide me with all I need to get through it all.

Gideon recognized that God is peace. Is this a truth that is evident in your life? Explain your response.

Yes this is because the more I turn things over to God and learn to rely on faith in Him for what He has brought me through in the past and what His words promise me for my present and future, the only thing standing in the way is me. I need to learn to TRUST in Him everyday without a doubt and let go but be ready to move if He says MOVE!

God uses external circumstances to get our attention. What is God using right now to get your attention?

He is using others right now to reinforce the need I have to spend more time resting and less time pretending I am at 100% when I know I am not.

The key to this transformation is found in Judges 6:34:'God's Spirit came over Gideon' What will happen in your life when God's Spirit comes over you?

I will have peace and assurance that I am following in the path that God has directed me to follow in my life at this time.

Gideon expressed victory because he did what God told him to do. If you want victory in your life, what are some things you must do?

I must rest more and let others help. I must spend more time reading God's words and His promises of restoration and faith. I must put all my faith and trust in Him to bring me through this final leg of my recovery as long as it takes.

Summarize the instructions of Proverbs 3:5-7 by completing the following statement:

Because the Bible says to trust, listen and honor God I will trust, listen and honor God because He is the one that will bring me through whatever life has to offer.

Now write a prayer expressing your desire to trust God more every day. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as an expression of your desire to give God the honor and trust He deserves.

Abba Father, Lord, you are truly my father who has the very best interests in mind for me from the very beginnings of my life until I breathe my last breath here. I need to trust in the promises that Your words have to share with me as reminders in Proverbs of the things you require of me. In doing so, Lord, I will have that peace that passes all understanding and in doing so, will honor and glorify You in all that I do. In Jesus name, AMEN!

Into The Darkness To Find The Light - Study 6

In continuing on our Bible Study in the book, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God, we are into study 6 of 12. You can jump in anytime, we'd love to have you. I am praying that this study will minister to those that stop by here today and allow God to speak to your heart.

Today's study is entitled, "Into the Darkness To Find The Light".

Have you even been in a situation where the tables seemed to turn on you in a moment? That's how it must have been for Saul. As he started on his journey from Tarsus to Damascus he was very much alive in his own mind, and Jesus was dead. Before he reached his destination, though, Jesus proved that He was alive and Saul may as well have been dead. Why such a dramatic intervention by Christ? The light that surrounded Saul was so blinding that it knocked him off his horse, then he was plunged into utter darkness. It's as if Christ is saying, "This is who I am and this is where you are. I am a fierce blazing light and you are crawling in the darkness."

I smile now when I think of the pictures of Jesus that were shown to me in Sunday school as a child. They portrayed a very mild-mannered, almost pretty man. Christ's love is fierce. When he finds one who he loving living in blind conviction, he will do what it takes to bring that person into the light. Once you have been brought from darkness into light, you are never the same. The more you see, the more you trust and the more you love.

FIND ~ When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?" He said, "Who are you, Master?" - Acts 9:3-5 MSG

Before his conversion and name change, Saul (Paul) was passionate. After his conversion he was passionate. We can conclude that Paul was a passionate guy. God took Paul's passion and refocused it toward God's purpose. What characteristics do you have that God can refocus for his purposes?

I have a giving heart. I would gladly give all that I have if it would make someone happy. I am hoping that God uses that some way in the near future to bring glory to Him.

Read 1 John 3:1-3. "¹How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ²Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,^a]">[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." (NIV)

Describe the depth of God's love for His children.

God was willing to do whatever it took to bring us back to the relationship He has always longed for. Not a slave type relationship where the love is forced, but one where we are willing to love God for all He has done for us to reunite us with Him since the fall of Adam and Eve. He's been pursuing us ever since.

What is the outcome of the hope we have (verse 3)? We will once again be pure and free from sin!

How can you purify yourself? What changes do you need to make in your daily routine so that you will be purified in your thoughts and actions?

We need to recommit our lives to God, to seek His will for our lives each day and ask for forgiveness of our sins and believe in Him.

Reconsider Paul's life following his conversion. How did his past hinder his ministry? How did his past prepare him for ministry?

His past that hindered his ministry was the fact that throughout the land Saul was know for killing any one confessing to be a believer of God or a Christian. Therefore once he was converted, it was hard for some to truly believe how someone who wanted to kill Christians is now wanting to minister about Jesus. Since he was wildly known, I am sure he had quite a few contacts and the change in him would be hard to over look.

Now think about your life. How does your past hinder your present life? How has your past equipped you to care for and encourage others around you?

I guess like Paul, I was fearful how people would judge me once they knew what I had done and the life I had lived in the past. Now however, it puts me in a better playing field with others when I can truly say, I too, have been right where you are, and God has saved me and made me the person I am today.

FEEL ~ How do you feel when you consider yourself from God's perspective?

God has always loved me and always sees the best in me, I just need to believe it more myself everyday and stop being so judgmental of myself.

What is there about you that God loves?

What is there about me that God doesn't love. He loves everything about me, the good, the bad and the ugly. He has hope for me when I don't and He loves me unconditionally everyday.

God was using Stephen in incredible ways, but the religious people didn't like it. Why would religious people react negatively to God's work through someone like Stephen?

I think that because Stephen was so young and knew so much they felt guilty. They themselves should have been more passionate and knowledgeable as Stephen was and therefore couldn't handle that he knew more than they did being the religious leaders of the time.

Had you been in that situation, would you have sided with the religious people or with Stephen? Why? I would have to say I would have united with Stephen as his passion was so great for the love and ministry of God. Having walked with the disciples and seeing God in his vision that day, it would be hard not to miss it.

Stephen's stance for God ultimately cost him his life. What are you willing to sacrifice so that your life can be more honoring to God?

At this point, there isn't anything I wouldn't give if God wanted me to give it up. I may be afraid and questioning God the whole time, but ultimately I trust He knows what is best for me and will be with me the whole time.

When given the opportunity to defend himself publicly, Stephen spoke about Jesus Christ and his faith in God's son. What do you talk about when you have a public platform?

I try and talk about my life and how God's work in my life has made me into the person I am today. No matter how bad or difficult your life, NOTHING is impossible for God to fix and make your life better.

FOLLOW ~ The more the early believers were persecuted, the more they were strengthened in their faith. Difficult times either drive us in the arms of Christ or force us into self-dependency. One is a source of strength; the other despair. How is your faith affected by the struggles you face?

When I try to go it alone, I usually fail, but when I seek Christ first in prayer and walk with Him, not only do things go better but I know He is with me. He never told me that walking with Him wouldn't be easy but He also assured me that He would provide me with whatever I needed to get through it and I wouldn't go it alone.

Jesus is saying, "Let go of whatever it is you are trying to hold onto. If you are trying to hold onto a life, a ministry, a position, or a career that doesn't please God, then let it die. Trust Him, instead of yourself to accomplish His will. If he is involved, then in His time, He will let what you let go bloom once again." What is your response to this statement?

I completely trust God. Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy in thinking we have all the answers and know what is best for us and our families while all along, God is seeing you someplace else. So the struggle begins until we relent and let God take control. Life is not only better but with God's blessing and knowing you are doing the will of God, your life will be so much easier.

Paul was given a new name, a new purpose, and a reassigned passion. You, too, have been given a new name - God's child - a new purpose, and a reassigned passion. What do you think God is doing in your life right now?

I know He is busy in the planning stages of what is about to become the next stage in my life. For six long months, I trust in God and spent time really drawing closer to Him to understand why my prayers were going unanswered in my book, but all along, the answers were coming, just not in my time frame but Gods. I know He has something great planned for me no matter what it is. I trust Him completely.

What does God want to do through your life?

To teach others to be patient in their struggles, we never know when the answers will come but if we are willing to turn our lives in their entirety over to Him, He will bless us and it will ultimately glorify Him.

Summarize the instructions of 1 John 3:1-3 by completing the following statement. Because the Bible says God loves us and wants to reestablish that love and relationship with us,
I will return that love of a Father who was willing to do whatever it took to get me back!

Now write a prayer asking God to allow you to see yourself the way He sees you. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as an expression of your desire to be used for his purposes.

Dear Heavenly Abba Father, I now know just how much you love me and how much you were willing to sacrifice just to have a relationship restore with me. You have always waited and like the prodigal daughter, I have come running back to your waiting arms to once again, feel love and protected as a Father always feels for their children. I surrender my life to you to glorify you and ask that you use me in whatever way necessary to bring about Your will in my life and not my own. In Jesus Name ~ AMEN!

Why the Pain?

I am sure when many of you clicked on my blog post you were anticipating some update on my health but I am simply picking back up my Monday Bible Studies from Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God. I am in the slow recovery mode with some days feeling better than others and some days feeling like I have slide so far back. It's still a work in progress however.

So we begin our study in study #5 called Why the Pain?

Jesus never seems to show up when we expect him to. Think of what we know of the encounters recorded between Jesus and Mary, Martha and Lazarus. One time he appeared to show up too early and the next, what to them seemed far too late. Luke records in his account that Jesus and the twelve disciples arrived in Bethany for a meal and Martha was not quite ready for them (10:38-42). This is the famous passage where Martha gets upset with Mary for sitting at Jesus' feet instead of continuing to help her. (It's interesting to me that the Greek translation of 10:39 includes the word also, but only the NKJV and NASV carry the word making it clear that Mary had helped but now wanted to listen as Jesus taught.

The next encounter, Jesus does not come when they call for him and that is far more devastating What I learn from both vignettes is that Jesus' sole purpose was to do whatever brought honor to this Father. That can be hard for us to understand. One mothers prays for a sick child and the child recovers, another mother prays and the child dies - why? We tend to internalize the circumstances and wonder what we have done wrong. Jesus showed us that when we cry out, and we must, we cry out to our Father that his will be done.

Find ~ When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within Him. He said, "Where did you put him?" (John 11:33-34 MSG)

How do you deal with life's disappointments or troubling circumstances? Are you emotional or quiet? Do you take action or do you become reserved? Describe a recent situation that has been the most trying?

I've been lucky since my surgery in not having to deal with anything disappointing, except for my recovery. It's been taking longer than I had thought. Yet during this time, I have been spending much more time in the word really understanding God. During the Easter weekend, I really got in touch with God so much that I was immersed in his love. I am usually a take action kind of lady but am finding the seeking God's will in prayer and in His word is a better way to deal with anything.
Read Matthew 14:22-33
²²Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but the boat was already a considerable distance^a]">[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

²⁸"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

²⁹"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

³¹Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

³²And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Peter exercised great faith in getting out of the boat. What caused Peter to start sinking? He grew afraid and took his eyes off of God. Yet when he realized this Peter called out to Jesus to help him.

What did Jesus do about Peter's situation? Jesus reached out his hand to Peter and caught him from sinking.

What is causing you to sink and what do you think Jesus will do about your situation? It's very much like Peter, this situations we find ourselves in are meant to teach us that our solutions will never lie within us or our faith in us, but in turning things to Him and asking for His help.

Take a few moments and locate some Scripture passages that are especially encouraging to you. List those passages and write out one you would like to memorize.

Mine for this week is, "He who refreshes will himself be refreshed." Psalm 11:25.

How does crying out to God affect your relationship with him? How do you think God feels when we cry out to him? It shows we understand where to get help from. That God is waiting for us to cry out for his help. When we do we are showing a trust and faith in Him to take control of those things in our life and work them out for His good and His will in our lives.

Feel ~

Describe a time when you have asked God to intervene in a situation. How did you know God was involved? During the weeks before my surgery I had so much anxiety I would often cry each time I thought of the pending date. However, I found that the more I immersed myself in His word and really sought out the fears in my life and studied what God had to say about them, I experienced less anxiety and the tears became fewer until I had that perfect peace that only comes from trusting God and putting all my faith in Him to see me through it.

Did the situation turned out like you prayed it would? How did that make you feel? It actually turned out better than I had ever imagined. It completely restored my faith because I know what my response to the situation would have been and instead all my fears were removed. That could only come from God.

When he realized he was sinking, Peter cried out to Jesus. When you are sinking emotionally, to whom or what do you cry out? I am getting better about this and am seeing how easier these times are to get through if I seek God first instead of dwelling on them alone.

Based on your options for dealing with the most trying situation you are facing, how can you best glorify God in your response? Praise Him in everything even if is isn't coming out the way I had hoped. I have to realize that God is still in control of it all.

Follow ~

What is the difference between crying out to God and simply crying? Which do you do most often and why? Crying out to God is a prayer of sorts and is asking God for his help, simply crying isn't seeking a solution to anything. It's keep the problem within ourselves. Most of the time I simply cry before crying out to God. Now I am trying to incorporate them both.

Consider Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead. In John 11:39, Martha expresses some doubts about Jesus' ability to raise her brother. Martha had more confidence in her knowledge that her Savior. What does your attitude toward the impossible say about your faith in Jesus Christ? That nothing is impossible when we ask Jesus to assist us. We fail if we try to do it on our own.

Jesus restored Lazarus's life. Do you believe he can restore the quality of your life? Why or why not? Without a doubt, I am living proof of that during these last 6 months and I have had the opportunity to journal about it through my blog. Jesus can restore anything if we simply have faith. The answer may not always be what we want but nothing is impossible for Him.

How many times have you, like Martha, struggled, wavered in despair - or sunk into it - not seeing what you expect from God in the here and now? What are three things you can do daily to prevent from sinking into despair? More times than I care to remember and yet the solution has always been simple. 1. Begin in prayer and let God know what's going on and how he can help. Then turn it over to Him in faith. 2. Spend time in the Word of God, and see how He is speaking to you through His words. 3. Surrender your will to His and realize that He will make it all come to pass.

Summarize the instructions in Matthew 14:22-33 by completing the following statement:

Because Jesus - Do not be afraid

I will - trust in Him and keep my eyes focused.

Now write a prayer expressing your desire to wait for God's answer to your prayers. Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as an expression of your desire to live with God - honoring patience as you wait for Him to reveal His plan to you.

Dear Father God,

Please help me as I begin each and every day with a seeking of Your will in my life. Whatever circumstances I come to face today Lord, let it be with faith that I turn it to You for help and guidance and not by my will Lord, will anything be done but by Your will. Help me to walk in faith each day trusting You to meet all my needs as promised in Your word and may You teach me in all things that you have my best interests at heart. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN

The Hunger to Belong 3

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ John 8:31-32

In keeping up with the Bible Study from two weeks ago, we pick up again in study 3 from Shelia Walsh's book, Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God. Today's study is the Hunger to Belong:

Jesus spoke these words to a group of Jews who had been listening to his teaching and identified themselves as those who believed in him. Like many, they misunderstood what Jesus was talking about. When they thought of freedom, they thought of what they could see - political freedom, situational freedom. I understand that.

For many years I thought, "If I could just get away from this person or this situation, then I would be free." The only trouble was that everywhere I went, I took "me" with me. The freedom that Christ offers is far greater than a relocation offer, it is an internal revolution. When, by God's grace, you face all that is true about who you are and who you are not, and in that same moment realize that you are totally loved by God, that is a freedom that can be found nowhere else apart from Christ.

What I have learned is that freedom and transparency walk hand in hand. To the level that we are willing to be known, to be seen, then at that depth we can be set free from the things that have defined us apart from Christ. It is risky to be known but it is what we were made for and anything less is not freedom. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. It is a promise.

Find

"The strength of the fatherless was crushed. Therefore snares are all around you, and sudden fear troubles you. " - Job 22: 9-10 Describe a situation when your words have been similar to the words in the verse above.

I would have to say it was when I heard that I would have to undergo surgery in order to get past this pain I've been experiencing on a daily basis most days. I couldn't see past the fear that was clouding my vision and preventing me from keeping my eyes focused on God. Not only that all these worries kept popping up in my head faster than I could process them, along with your standard, "what if's". Now once that happens or tries to begin, I simply tell myself, "I take those thoughts captive, they are not from God, I lay them at His feet and I ask God to handle these worries."

• Read John 8:31-36

³¹To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³²Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

³³They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants^a]">[a] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

³⁴Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (NIV)

• Why is it so important to be transparent with other people?
  

It shows them you have nothing to hide and can be trusted, as long as they believe what you are telling them is the true.

• God knows everything about us, so why is it important that we be transparent before Him?
  

God wants us to come to Him on our own terms, it has always been about free will. Just as when a parents asks their own child a question that they are ready know the answer to, it shows them that not only is the child being honest, but loves love enough not to hide anything from them.

Consider the questions below and respond to one or more of them:

• What is it that I am afraid people might find out about me?

• Why do I keep people at a distance?

• Why do I assume that if I let people in they would be disappointed and leave?

• Why do I fear rejection so intensely that I remove myself from the equation before anyone else gets to "vote me off the island"?

In response to the first three, as I've grown older I realize that part of sharing the good and bad things that have happened in my life are all part of my testimony and the work that God has done in my life to bring me to where I am today. I no longer have those types of fears.

Yet in response to the last question, it has to do with being hurt or falsely judged by people before they even get to know me, that I fear being rejected so I still to this day have a difficult time interacting with people I don't know. I think it stemmed from childhood and growing up and it still is the one thing I think a lot of us fear when meeting new people for the first time.

Paul said, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). List some people who need you to bear their burdens and those people who have helped carry your burdens. Select one or more people on the list and, if possible, write personal notes of thanks and encouragement.

Besides my husband and my children, the only others that have stepped up to the plate would have to be my blogging friends. They have offered to call and talk to me on the phone, pray with me when I have asked, sent cards and gifts to help get me through these difficult times and for all of you, I am eternally grateful!

Feel

• "There are many different reason we feel a sense of shame, but how we then behave seems very much the same. If we believe there is something deep inside of us that others would reject, we hold ourselves back or simply vote ourselves out of life. This can lead to depression, addictions, bitterness and despair." (page 31). Why do you think this isn't the life Christ wants from you?

This keeps us held in bondage and is in no sense free. Jesus came to release us from this chains that have kept us bond to these very beliefs. Once we ask Him into our life to become our personal Lord and Savior and hand these worries over to Him, He will begin a work in our lives that will completely change us for the better.

• What comes to mind when you think about belonging? Be honest about your feelings.
  

When God created everything in the world, He never intended them to be alone. He always created a helper or companion for them including animals as well. Even God stated. "it is not good". when He saw that Adam was alone. If it wasn't good for God and He realized it, is it any wonder why we find ourselves always wanting to find a place or a person for us to be with and fit in? It is good when we do that, as it was in God's eyes when He created Eve. We were never meant to be all alone. We have always had a sense of belonging in our hearts and souls!

• Describe a time when you have listened to a song or watched a scene in a movie and suddenly you are overwhelmed by feelings out of proportion to what is happening around you. How did that experience make you feel?

It becomes an emotional moment and usually for me tears will fall. I take a moment and usually try to let the emotions come and then find out why I felt that way. Most of the time, its because I've kept something bottled up inside and finally something just gives and it comes out.

• What do you think God is trying to say to you through those experiences?

That I need to try not to hide those things inside or keep them buried. The sooner I let them out and begin working through them or turning them over to God the better I will be.

• Jesus issues an invitation to anyone who has finally come to the place where she is tired of pretending that everything is fine. Is this an offer you are willing to accept? Why or why not?

I am constantly reminded throughout my life when I have done just this and kept things inside and go about my life as if nothing is wrong. It's not the way it was meant to be and we honestly have to work through those times. If not, they begin to pile up and eat away at us, until one day we just explode or have an emotional meltdown. We have to accept Jesus' offer each and everyday and ask Him to show us where we might be hiding things in our lives so He can work to bring it out into the light.

Follow

• God knows everything about you and loves you. What is keeping you from trusting him with you past and following him?
  

At this point in my life, its quite the opposite, it is because I trust him that I can let go of things from my past and follow Him. I've only seen the good that comes from doing that.

Describe a spiritual breakthrough you would like to experience right now.

For me, its finally letting go of a childhood fear I got from my dad. Every time there was something wrong with me medically or I had the smallest imperfection to my body or face, my father would tell me that it is cancer, and I would die.

This fear alone has kept me from facing surgical procedures to find the source of pains in my body that could have been taken care of in a matter of days and in this case have lasted for years. I am working through that fear even now in facing my upcoming surgery next week, that I am trusting God and putting it all in His hands to bring me through it all and make me pain free. There can be no other explanation why God hasn't healed me and has had me endure this excruciating pain for so long. There has to be a lesson of faith in the end for me.

• Summarize the instructions of John 8:31-36 by completing the following statement, Because Jesus said, "I belong to Him," I will "put my faith in Him."

Now write a prayer asking God to give you the breakthrough you described above. Keep praying the prayer and believing God for the answer as you spend time with him in the days to come.

Father God,

Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that heals, you have been faithful in your love and plans for me. Though I do not know the reason why you have not healed me by me just praying for it, You must have a reason for me to endure this pain for as long as I have. I am praying, Father, that during this time of pain and suffering, You have a purpose for me.

Even enduring this future surgery next week Lord, I know you will be with me. I will not enter that place alone. I ask Lord, that you continue to give me a perfect peace about this and remove all anxiety about the surgery from my heart, mind and soul. I commit myself and my health to you Lord and ask for Your will in my life. I lift these humble requests up in your name Lord, My Jehovah Rapha, In Jesus's name, I pray, ~ AMEN!