Smashing Success {{Giveaway}}
March 20, 2009 | Books,Knowing Christ,Ministry Life,Proverbs 31 Ministries
If you’ve come over today from Proverbs 31 devotion, welcome!
My smashing success might not look like success in anyone else’s eyes. It isn’t my speaking. It’s not my ministry. It’s simply seeing myself and my part in God’s plan through His eyes.
Being a good mom when I wasn’t sure how. He saw that when I didn’t.
Speaking to crowds of people and lovin’ it when I was the shy girl. He knew that.
Learning about the depths of God’s love and accepting it for myself. He offered that.
What have I learned along the way?
- Connect with others who love what you do – join w/other strong women, get involved in a great church or Bible study, go to a conference
- Watch those dream poppers – It’s wise to look at all the challenges and to weigh them, and to seek wise counsel. But understand there will always be negative people who won’t or can’t believe in the direction God is leading you.
- Stretch – Read great resources, have those deep conversations where you ask the pressing questions, trust, trust, and trust God some more, make a new friend who is doing what you desire to do.Take one baby step toward your dream.
- Live your calling every day – Many times the greatest opportunities look very small to others, and yet have lasting significance. What has been placed in your path today? The touch of a child. An encouraging word to a friend. Don’t miss those great moments.
One of the main areas that I needed encouragement was as a young mom. If that’s you, here are a few great groups where you can connect with other moms.
- Hearts at Home (conferences, blog, recipes, friendships, forums, resources)
- Christian Momlogic (I’m facilitator of this group – Join, then click on groups and choose Christian Momlogic and join that group) - lots of helpful interviews, discussions, giveaways, encouragement, and tons of community.
- MOPS International - small groups all over the nation, national conference, resources
{{GIVEAWAY}}
One of you will win an autographed copy of The Woman I am Becoming: Embrace the Chase for Identity, Faith, and Destiny.
Simply leave a comment below. What is God speaking to you? What is God breaking so that you can emerge whole and free? What can you share with others from your experience?
I’ll choose one person through a random number generator on Monday (I’m in Dallas at Christian Book Expo today, but I’ll peek in from time to time!)
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This is so timely. I have been struggling with knowing exactly what God wants me to do. I am SAHM of 2 preschoolers, lead a MOPS ministry and the Early Childhood Ministry at our church. All of which are full time positions and full of responsibilities and opportunities that affect lives for Christ. But what is God’s calling for me? To be a mom is no question but should I do the others or one of them or somehow reorganize (yet again) to do it all? What is it that I need to embrace with JOY and get busy fullfilling God’s plans for me? So thanks for the words of encouragement. It gives me somethng to further think about and pray about.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:42 amI used to console myself with the thought that my extreme shyness was just the way God made me- that it was my personality. This past year the Lord showed me that shyness is pride, and that I wore a mask to hide my imperfections. The real downside was that for 32 years I was a believer, but couldn’t really connect with God because of these huge walls of pride I had built to protect myself from my own fears. I tried for years to tear down those walls, but once He showed me what they were made of, and I confessed my sin, He obliterated them in one fell swoop. I am FREE of 50 years of debilitating shyness! Now He can use me and I am seeking His will to complete what He has begun. He has come to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free! Seek him with all your hearts, ladies, and He will show you the way…
March 20th, 2009 at 7:55 amWhat a wonderful devo today
As a young mom expecting baby number two, I am smack dab in the middle of trying to figure out what it is God wants to do with my life.
You asked the question “What is God breaking so that you can emerge whole and free?” – For me, it has become clear that God wants to break me of all my anxieties and fears, guilts and worries. He has been showing me the absolute importance of being released from those strongholds to serve him better. Such a cool question to ponder
Thank you!
Have a wonderful day,
March 20th, 2009 at 8:11 amKate
Would love a copy of your book!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:12 amThis looks like a great book.. I am being broken right now, and I pray that I will emerge a butterfly basking in the love of God, and living free of fear!!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:24 amSuzanne,
Wow the Lord spoke to me through your devotion this morning.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:31 amI am a She Speaks graduate and have been doing some speaking over the last 3 years. However last year the Lord so much as told me to get a bio done and truly persue it. You see in the past things just graciously came my way and I would say yes, but He confirmed this direction and I knew that if I did not follow I was being plain old disobedient.
My story is a little like yours in that I was always scared to death to participate in public speaking. I am talking even as an adult…my biggest fear. And of course this is what the Lord is calling me to do!
So last night I really started working on my bio and as I went to sleep last night I told my husband that this is really out of my comfort zone and as I said It I knew it is exactly where God wants me! (As uncomfortable as it is).
Anyway thanks for you words this morning they were just what I needed to hear. I would love to talk with you sometime.
Sweet blessings,
Kelly
I came over from the Encouragement for Today post which really DID encourage me. Thank you so much! God has placed a desire on my heart to write and to speak, but I don’t know yet how He’s going to do that. I would LOVE to win your book.
Thanks so much!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:37 amSuzie, miss you on Boomer Babes. Glad I found you here.
God is teaching me to trust, trust , trust. Our family took in 3 little girls for the summer and now it’s spring and they are still here. I’m a mom who was in preparation for the empty nest, and now my nest it full. In fact, it’s overflowing. I don’t know how to be a temporary mom to 3 hurting little ladies, and launch 4 teens/young adults into this challenging world. I told God, “I’m an adoptive mom…I don’t do fostor care!” But I choosing to trust Jesus. Everyday. Nearly every moment. It’s a ride. A wild ride. But I’m hanging on…
March 20th, 2009 at 8:42 amI enjoyed your devotion today about your success, but I noticed one thing. In your years of speaking and studying the Bible you surely know that Revelation is not in the plural term. Just thought you would appreciate that someone is paying close attention. Keep on speaking and doing God’s work.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:44 amYour friend in Christ,
Linda
Your devotion spoke to my heart today. I am 45 with a past ministry in the church full of hurt and doubt of what God was/is doing. The healing is slow and unsure, but of Christ, I am sure. I don’t know who I am at times, but I know I am loved of God, a mother and wife loved by my family and am blessed by my relationship with the Lord. Thank you for sharing. Penny
March 20th, 2009 at 8:49 amHi There,
thanks for your devotion today. It REALLY spoke to me. thanks for sharing.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:49 amSuzanne, I identify with you so much! As a woman who is being called to a speaking and writing ministry (and sometimes wonder why God called me!! :->), I would love a copy of your book!!! Blessings to you!!
Lara O’Brien
March 20th, 2009 at 8:53 amGod always stretches us beyond what we see in ourselves. Allowing Him to shape us is a challenge for most of us. I too am a speaker. I gave the Lord a short list of five women who would be a better choice than me when I heard the call. They looked like they had potential
God let me know He did not need my help. The rebuke was stern. I could feel His face set like flint. He was calling me, a person who preferred the middle vs. the ‘in front’ of people position. It is a process to ‘B’ what He wants me to ‘B’. It is more than a speaker. He wants me to ‘B’ totally HIS every day! Success is a surrendered life molded by nail scarred hands. Thanks for your devotion today. I could relate to the stretching going on! B His Girl
March 20th, 2009 at 8:54 amThanks for your devotion. It really made me stop and think today. I try to make sure I am doing what God wants me to do, but so often I miss the joy. Thanks for the reminder. Carla
March 20th, 2009 at 9:04 amThanks for these words! They were such an encouragement to me as I seek to walk through the doors God is opening for me.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:10 amMy heart was in my stomach as I read your Encouragement for Today.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:11 amI am the Children’s Minister of a local church. I married and had my first child at 17, being 6 months pregnant walking across the stage to get my diploma. God radically saved me when I was 18 and has continued to do His will for my life. I worked Children’s Ministry for 25 years, stepping in between director’s to keep things going and loving it, but the church always brought in someone much more qualified than me to be the official “Children’s Director”. It was ok, after all, I was just a mom who loved kids!
We got a new pastor who, when he came, said, ” God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. ” His wife, has a degree in Children’s Ministry and is a dynamic speaker, and has led churches with large enrollments! She knows what she is doing and I love her dearly. God will not let me step down at this time and continues to push me to study, change things, and trust HIM every day to minister to children and families in Shreveport, Bossier.
I so relate to what you said about others being more qualified! Thank you for helping me today to realize my worth in Christ as I prepare for a special Children’s Easter service and Vacation Bible School! Also, I am now 46 years old, I have been married 29 years, and we have 8 (soon to be 9) wonderful grandblessings! 5 of them spent the night last night and are still asleep as I write this. Thank you for your ministry. Serving Christ, Jenna
Suzanne,
March 20th, 2009 at 9:12 amI have enjoyed reading your blog & the challenge it has inspired. I am a single (divorced) mom of 2 wonderful sons & God has challenged me to look at who He made me, not who I think I am. I am wonderfully made in His sight & He has great plans for my life.
I don’t need to look perfect, to be perfect or to be married in order to be used by Him – I just need to be obedient. Thank you for helping me see what He truly wants
Wow – Your devotion comes at a great time. I have been earning an income through technical writing and as a step out in obedience, I have just started to use my writing skills to write as a Christian writer. I’ve only recently posted my very first blog post. Your devotional today is such an encouragement! Thank you.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:15 amToday’s devotion is an affirmation for me from God. Thank you. I was asking for His guidance this morning for me. I often recognize the potential in others, but have yet to see my own. Your words were exactly what I needed to hear. I am looking forward to the journey.
Lynn
March 20th, 2009 at 9:17 amAdd me to the list of being in awe over the timely find. I am a 38 year old SAHM of four amazing kids including a 15 year old sweet-smiling, stuffed animal smashed in the palm of his hand low-functioning autistic son, 11 year old history- & soccer-obsessed pre-teen boy, and 8 year old b/g twins as different as can be– the boy is laid-back, sweet, thoughtful, artistically out-of-the-box thinking but can’t notice his tooth is loose until it’s falling out and a girl full of pattern-seeking, mathematically logical, emotional, rules-based smarts. Add to that my husband’s job and we’re dealing with the tragedy of his father’s death due to a house fire this last January. Talk about feeling called-out by God. A previous commenter said they are looking for who God made them and not what we think we are made for… I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for putting yourself out there to help others… Alesha
March 20th, 2009 at 9:32 amGod is speaking to me through your words. I’ve focused on the past and have limited HIM by taking things into my own hands. I am feeling a connection with God’s word through you. I already know that everything happens for a reason but life does not seem fair. I worry and fret. I want to be free and knowing that he is always there and just waiting for me to fully embrace HIM has always been what I’ve wanted to do but struggle. Since subscribing to “Encouragement for Today,” I have been more conscious and slowly letting my guard down for HIM to do great things through me. Thank you for today’s devotion.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:38 amWow! Boy did I need to hear that! I have been really restless lately and discouraged because I feel stuck. I know God has an awesome plan for my life, but right now I have no idea what that is. For so long, I’ve viewed myself through the eyes of my past and through others’ eyes. I struggle daily with remembering my identity in Christ – that I am a new creation, a daughter of the King, more than a conqueror. I want to be used by God to reach people so badly, and I’ve been somewhat drawn to women’s ministry – but I’m just not sure which way to go, what to do, etc. I keep trusting, trusting, and trusting some more – just like you said. I know that He will complete the good work He’s begun in me!!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:49 amThank you for this encouragement today. I have been speaking/teaching a Community Bible Study class for the past two years and I still look around and think “surely God meant for someone much better and more qualified to do this job”. My desire is to be a speaker for Him but until I believe in myself I will not be truly usable. Again, thanks for your post today, it met me right where I am!!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:52 amFirst I want to say that I accidently, so I thought, came across your devotional this morning. I have been struggling with insecurity for a long time. My mother was the victim of domestic violence, and went to be with the Lord when I was 9 years old. I internalized that situation, and associated it with rejection. So, because of fear of rejection, I set out to please everyone. If someone expresses a disapproval of me, it spirals me into a paralyzing depression. I am afraid that because they do not approve of something I have said or done, they will reject me. This feeling often infiltrates into my relationship with Christ. He has been speaking to my heart about allowing Him to affirm me vs. people. I am afraid that I don’t know how to seperate what I know about people(even Christians), and what I believe about God. I feel that if I am not a “model” Christian, the Lord will withold His love.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:53 amYour devotional confirmed that God is in control. Mans disapproval of me may be Gods “smashing success.” I really enjoyed reading Gails comment regarding your devotional as well. God comes to heal the brokenhearted.
To answer your question regarding what god is speaking to my heart: He lead me to a book called Approval Addiction. Within those pages lay a diagnosis and cure for my illness. The author states that once you know who you are in Christ, you will not be tossed and driven by the opinions of others. I am excited about what the Lord is revealing to me in this season. God bless you.
Salene
Thank you for such an insightful devotion today. I really needed it as I am struggling to be full of joy during and out of state move this summer and all of the things that go along with moving.
Thanks,
March 20th, 2009 at 10:01 amApril
What is God breaking….He is breaking me. He has to. To mold me into the person He has wanted me to be for so long.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:33 amI have allowed Satan to fill my thoughts of doubt and insecurities for too long. To drain the emotions out of me. To build walls inside that are difficult to tear down. Satan does not give up without a fight I am finding out first hand.
I am trying to take steps out of my comfort zone. My first will be next month to hear Renee Swope at a women’s conference. Why, do you ask is this stepping out. First, I have never been to a conference, never wanted to go to one. Second, the church is not my home church and I do not know anyone there. So, for me this is a big step out of my comfort zone but I know I will grow because of this move.
Hi Suzie,
Loved your devo today. I’m so grateful that God sees our potential and encourages us to step out, even when we’re afraid. Then He uses our past to help others.
Recently the Lord told me to sow seeds of prayer for women who write and/or speak. I started “Word Chicks” and pray regularly for anyone who needs it. God is doing great things in and through women today! Sign up for Word Chicks prayer is free at my blog.
Blessings,
March 20th, 2009 at 10:34 amJulie
I have known for many years that God wants me to work with troubled and abused children. The passion to work with them and to adopt someday is simply overwhelming sometimes. Recently I was offered a job at a Children’s Home and I now work with these children as a job! It seems too good to be true sometimes… I feel priviledged that God has called me to serve his little ones.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:40 amThanks Suzanne for your words of encouragement. I can relate to your feelings. Each week when I finish my lecture I am in awe that God has allowed to me speak to 200+ women weekly for almost 9 years now. What a privilege and a responsibility. As I sense He is leading me to new adventures, leaving what I have come to love is bitter sweet, but exciting at the same time. I don’t know the future, but I know the One who knows the future and in that I trust Him with every step I take.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:41 amSuzi,
I’d love to win your book. I have said a prayer for all these wonderful, strong, sweet women who have left comments.
Love in Christ,
March 20th, 2009 at 10:51 amDana
Wow! Your books look awesome! God is really speaking to me lately about selfishness!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:08 amI remember saying I wanted to be home with kids, but then also thinking, no way! But, boy, does the Lord know His creation! He gave me the desires of my heart when I didn’t even know that’s what they were! I am so blessed to be home and know this is where I am supposed to be. I struggled with insignificance so much and then He showed me why I mattered to Him and why His plan is perfect. Thanks for your words today! I pray they bless others as much as they did me!
Blesssings,
March 20th, 2009 at 11:11 amMonica
Thank You for your devotion. Please enter me into the giveaway.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:31 amThank You,
Debra
dzantman@yahoo.com
I left a comment back on P31… I marvel when God has us click here and there and end up right where He wants us to be for the morning!
Please enter me into the drawing.
Blessings
March 20th, 2009 at 11:39 amIt was so fun and encouraging to read all of the other responses. Now I know I am not the only one going through a transitional phase in her life. At 40, I have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. God is helping me turn my passion into a profession, one that can work around my first career of being a SAHM. You’ve obviously struck a chord within this community of believers!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:31 pmSincerely,
Cari
Stylist to Moms-on-the-go
Thank you for your devotion! I feel as though God is leaving me a trail of breadcrumbs, leading me to Him, and your words are another step in the right direction. As the mother of 3 small children (a 3 year old and twin 2 year olds) joy has become lost in our daily challenges. Although I know He is making me stronger, sometimes it feels like I am at the breaking point. I want to serve Him, serve others, serve my family… as He intended.
Thanks again for your words.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:36 pmWow, I am so happy. God is so good. Deep down in my heart I know what Our Heavenly Father Wants me to do. That is to take a leadership role in Speaking. I also grew up being very shy, and quiet. I am the oldest of a total of 13 Kids. Yes we are a total of 9 girls and 4 boys. My Dad and Mom will be celebrating their 40th Anniversay. I feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to Teach or Speak .. That is funny if you don’t know me because being the oldest in the family I felt like I had no patience. I wanted things to be done my way, and oh boy for you if Mom made a request or Dad made a request and you did not pay attention. I was the commander. “Didn’t you hear what Mom or Dad tell you to do” “Go do it now”. To make a story short, most of my sisters are Teachers and they love it. Don’t get me wrong I am a very good teacher but I never thought that is what I would be doing. Wrong. I always get semi-commplimentary comments/questions. Ruby…you are so good with people and giving directions, you have lots of patience, did you ever consider being a teacher? I always answered No. But now I know. That is what I should be doing.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:41 pmI have been stretched so much in the past two and a half years. Within 6 months time, I my husband of 23 years moved out and filed for divorce, I buried my younger sister, and I became an empty nester. My job changed dramatically into a position of speaking and training. I am loving my job and loving my life right now. AND God has been speaking to me about HIS plan for the rest of my life. I just don’t always stop and listen. Coming across this devotion today was just one more signal to me that a speaking ministry is in my future. I am battling with myself about whether or not I am going to attend the She Speaks Conference this summer. If I am to go, I need Him to show me a way to finance that trip. Thank you for all you do to encourage God’s women.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pmGood Morning,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I really needed this. I have been struggling thought some things and I’m like Lord why did you put me here. I’m not this I’m not that but I’m this I’m that. But God… I know that I have to trust and embrase what God has given me. He hase give me my talents that I can only perform for a reason. My daughte love this Barney song you are special you:
You are Special
you really are
You’re the only one like you
There isn’t another in the whole wide world
Who can do the things you do
Because you are special- special
Everyone is special
Everyone in his or her own way
Yes you re special -special
Everyone is special
Everyone in his or her own way!
It seems she always sings this song when I am really down. Praise God for using a child to encourage you.
Thank you so much
March 20th, 2009 at 2:36 pmSuzanne,
Thank you so much for a great devotion! It was just what I needed to hear today. I have spent too much time making excuses lately and not enough time just doing what He has been asking of me. I also have a hard time of letting going of my worries and anxieties and not trusting Him to show me the way.
Thanks for the wonderful reminder!
March 20th, 2009 at 2:58 pmI want to thank you so much for the wonderful devotion this morning. It was JUST what I needed to hear on the tail end of a very difficult week. I have been in MOPS leadership for 3 years and this year have been Coordinating. I learned what true attack was this past weekend as I was faced with making a decision that was not backed by some on my leadership team and led them to quit. After being totally overwhelmed and sick on top of that I stepped down on Sunday and have given the position over to my Assistant Coordinator. This devotion helped me to see that I will never be equipped for the calling God has for me, only is it though Him and Christ’s strength can I accomplish all in His plan. Your book looks wonderful and if I don’t win I think I will go get it and read it as I am working through the conflicts and challenges in my life right now.
God Bless~
March 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pmBrandee
The devotion today really blessed me. I have been running from God’s calling on my life to speak. I’m trying to embrace who he created me to be, but it’s out of obedience, rather than joy. Your words were really encouraging to read, since I’m speaking next week! Thanks for your openness!
-Michelle
March 20th, 2009 at 3:27 pmthe devotional was really inspirational this morning, I thank God everyday for oportunities to read your website. They help me start my day with the Lord on my mind, and remind me of his unending love for me. I have had some experiences in my life that I beleive could really help other who may be struggling. I have had the desire to either write about it or talk about it, but I have no idea how god wants to use me. I pray for his direction daily.
Peggy
March 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pmHey, Suzie, I was so excited to see that you were writing the devo for today! Great job!!
I hope we get to talk again at the conference in August. You really helped me think through some things with our teenage son Evan, and he is doing great!! I am so thankful!
Love you,
March 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pmTammy Nischan
Great devotion! What an awesome God we serve that can use broken vessels for His glory. I would love to win your book.
God bless!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:42 pmDebbie
This book sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:05 amWhat you wrote in the devotion for today just brought tears to my eyes. My situation isn’t exactly the same, but it spoke into my life nonetheless. I have been struggling and even fighting with God over who He wants me to be. Long story short, my husband and I had a 4year separation, went through hell together and separately, and now by God’s grace are back together and he moved back in 6 months ago. It’s been so hard on both of us and the kids that I question daily if there isn’t someone else who can fill this position. I sit here in tears because I know that as you said in the devotion, I have been “showing God the error of His ways”. I need to start being truly joyful and thankful of the position God has me in instead and I know that I can only do that through much prayer and time spent with Him and focusing on His word. Thank you so much for what you wrote today. God knew it was just what I needed.
March 21st, 2009 at 1:01 amHi Suzanne, I loved your devotional today! I am a fiction writer and I am at CBE today too! I NEEDED your words of encouragement to trust God and believe in His plans for me!
March 21st, 2009 at 7:22 amI’ll be looking for you today. : )
Blessings,
Carrie
Hi Suzanne and Friends!!
It is so awesome to read these posted replies!
So many ladies with common road blocks… I know exactly what those fears and insecurities are doing to you right now. I too was once blinded by those fears and memories of failures – but NOW I see!!
I see that the enemy is not interested in my past but in my future! He did everything he could to distract, delay and destroy the call on my life.
Now that I see it…I am Pissed! (excuse my language…but that is the best way I can get it across!! lol!) I am so FiReD up now that I cannot contain what He has called me to do and know that I am to encourage others along their journey.
It was through digging into The Word of our Lord that I learned even greater truth about who I was and what He had purposed for me! The Truth truly sets us Free ladies!!
I am praying for those of you who are struggling with whether or not to attend She Speaks…keep praying and if this is the year – HE can make a way!! I have seen Him provide in amazing ways to get ladies there…myself included!
Be Inspired!!
Veronica “Vern” Hutcherson
March 21st, 2009 at 10:24 amThis devotional brought up the ever challenging and always nagging question… what am I doing? Where am I going? What do you want me to do, Lord? I think he is pointing me in a direction, dropping something in my heart, so I move in that direction. Life gets hard, real hard – then I ask, what should I do next, father God? I hear silence! Sometimes I wonder if he is saying not yet… it’s coming. Then I ask, “so why am I here right now? Why is life such a struggle? Cycle over and over. I joke with my Sister In Law that God’s plan must involve me having nerves of steal and I will probably have to use my experiences so I will have a lot of empathy for others. So today I thought again – what does God have for me and why is he keeping it such a secret? I wanted desperately for the devotional to jar something inside and to have one of those Ah-ha moments….. chirp chirp – silence! Nothing – and yet my heart aches, and longs to be and do and follow. I always go back to, “seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be open”, then why do I still hear crickets?
I do feel like the lost 1 for sure! I am still hopeful that he will find me,
Andrea Reed
March 21st, 2009 at 10:57 amMinutes before I read this devotional, i was talking to a dear friend crying on how bad she sees her life, but she can feel how God have loved her…and I shared how thankful she should be because she realized how stubborn she was and now she is willing to be what God intends her to be! When I read your encouragement, I said WOW! what a perfect testimony and am praying that this will help her more than I had shared….I thank the Lord for speaking through you… and am praying that the Holy Spirit will bless my dear friend more…
March 21st, 2009 at 2:14 pmRedefining success? I think it is very necessary and worth the effort. I love your blog, especially pictures! To redefine success, I need to trust God even when I am in pain,confusion, and in emotioanl and mental turmoil!
March 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pmThank you so much for your insight into this, I have been battling this very issue for months now. I am working on a business that I truly belie He has called me to, but with so many obstackes that have come up, I feel like Im constantly telling Him what I need instead of trustiung Him to send it to me.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:39 pmHi.
Thank you for more words of confirmation. God is so faithful to provide those in my life!
Today, at church, I kept remembering a verse, and I paraphrase:
“They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony.”
What does this mean? For you? For me?
I have struggled. I have fallen. I have gotten back up…to fall again…I have asked Jesus to pick me back up…
I am beginning to realize that it is through the Blood of the Lamb, (God’s part), that I am able to give the word of my testimony (my part, out of obedience and faith).
God is faithful to lift me up, and I must be faithful to share my struggles, my story, when prompted. It is through sharing that I am able to overcome, and hopefully reach out and help someone else overcome in her life too…
Please pray for me, that I keep seeking God’s will in how he would like me to minister. I want my life to be His. I want to be an instrument of peace and encouragement to others. I want to be free of the “weight, and the sin, that so easily entangles me.”
Thank you again for your devotional, and you blog.
Rhea
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:51 pmgallerhea@yahoo.com
Thanks for your inspirational devotional. After 30 years as a Christian, I still struggle with the fact that I need to do more for God’s sevice. As a preschool teacher in a Christian school, I have been given so many opportunties to minister to others. I still ask Him for boldness and strength to overcome the criticism of “man”. I want to shine for the LORD in all I do.. You certainly are a testimony of truth for women of all ages.
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 pmThanks again.
I appreciate your devotionals. They speak to me. I get strength through your writing straight from God and His word. They are a breathe of God’s fresh air.
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:43 amHi-
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 pmWow, your devotional really hit home! How inspiring….to be filled with joy regarding who God made ME to be. I have the tendency to compare myself to others….I wish I were more like her, or wow, I’m glad I’m not THAT bad. God is speaking to me about NOT comparing myself to others. I need to humbly submit to HIS will and be grateful of WHO I am and where God has taken me and where he IS taking me!
Recently, God has put on my heart to let go of my past shame and disappointment in a decision I made as a teenager. I did not know Him then and made a decision that I am still haunted with today. I am beginning to see that it still affects my ability to see myself as worthy of His love and grace. Slowly, He is breaking through the shame and letting me see that I am His child and worthy of Him.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:12 amLinda,
I typed this devo with one hand and while on painkillers after breaking a collarbone.
It may account for saying Revelations instead of Revelation. A simple typo. Ayee!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:02 pmHey Vivian, I don’t know if it’s doing more, as much as it is doing what we’re designed to do. For me, mothering is the biggest success story. Not that I’m a perfect mom, for sure. But it was such a desire and it also impacted three lives, now six with my two SILs and a DIL. And one day there will be grandpunkins, more lives to love.
March 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pmSome of you shared some difficult challenges. I have e-mailed you privately, but if I missed you and you have a question, please e-mail me at tseller@daretobelieve.org.
Your honest comments were amazing. Some of you are in that place where being faithful daily is the calling. That never changes. For me, speaking is a ministry, but my daily walk with God is my true calling. Speaking came out of that. Mothering came out of that. Loving Jesus comes out of that. So, even if it appears that you aren’t where you hope to be, or you’re in the waiting stage, you are still in His will as you trust Him daily.
March 24th, 2009 at 7:07 pmI’ve been afraid to step out and do. With She Speaks all over the blogworld I’m reminded that I need to JUST DO IT!
I want to be used by God to change my world……..there are women hurting all around me. I have to be willing to be used.
I am.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:43 pmAt the age when the world begins to put you “out to pasture”….I am beginning to find out who I am. I told a friend of mine that at the start of this journey, I looked in the mirror and only saw the wall behind me…Now, I look in the mirror and am beginning to see the form of a face and it is up to me to discover who that lady is in the mirror… The LORD is leading the way in this discovery…’for it is He who has made us…and not we ourselves”…”every day was written in His book, when yet there was not one of them”…
So I am on a journey of discovery. Walking out of the old ways of thinking and onto the new…and with Jesus as my guide it should be an exciting journey!
May 12th, 2009 at 7:49 am