We’ll start with chapter 5 today, and Wednesday lets transition to chapter 6.
LIGHT (You can download it in a PDF or download in MSWord). Please print it and post it everywhere and you allow His promises to lead you out of the shadows of doubt and into the LIGHT of LOVE this week.
Our verse for Today:
“I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12, NLT
Today’s Assignment:
Read chapter 5. This is a shorter chapter but oh so important!! Be sure to highlight or underline anything that resonates in your heart and journal what you sense God is showing you.
Connecting:
What are one or two things you’ve read so far in Chapter 5 that you sense God’s bringing to “light” for you? Are there verses or sentences you’ve underlined or highlighted? Click “share your thoughts” just below this post and do just that.
REMEMBER: If you are reading this via email, click here to return to my website to connect in community. That is the best part of an online study, so I hope to see you there!
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Wow is all I can say for chapter 5. I could see myself all through this chapter. I loved how Renee puts its on page 86. “We were not designed to block the light or to be the light. We were created to live in the light in such a way that our life stories tell about the light and our confidence in Christ draws other to the light.” I always want to follow the light of Jesus. I doubt myself often and I know it is just Satan trying to win the battle. I have always had a desire to do public speaking to ladies about the Lord but I have always doubted myself and told myself that I am not good enough so I have never done it. I know this comes from my childhood. I was always made fun of and told I would never amount to anything and it has always haunted me. It really touched me on page 89 when the statement was made that “It’s important for us to realize that damaged emotions and insecurities from our past have a powerful influence over how we see ourselves today.” This is so true because those insecurities haunt my life still today.
God’s strength can eclipse your insecurities. I pray that you will lean upon Him today and let Him tell you of how His strengths can transform your life and others’. May you find peace, love, and hope in Him, I pray that come the day the Lord leads you to speak publicly to other women, He will speak mightily through you!
One of the many things that stood out for me and I personalized it for myself is when you said
My family of origin does not define MY true identity and that Once I became a daughter of the King, I have a royal inheritance that determines who I am.
Thank you Renee for letting God use YOU to open up these doors for all of us so that we may walk into our true identify with God!
I think it’s my week to be home sick with allergy/cold, please pray for healing for me.
Thanks
Praying for you! I’m sick too. I thought it had skipped me, but now I’ve got a cold coming on too.
I loved the part that spoke of our true identity. I hadn’t thought of it like that.
So much in this chapter resonated with me that it’s hard to limit my comments. But one thing that really hit home was Renee’s observation that Gideon was honest with God about his insecurities (p. 90). I try to hide mine from everyone–even God. Like He doesn’t know! I’m a Southern girl and a former actress, so when I’m feeling insecure, I just put on my biggest smile, pretend I’m okay, and hope no one notices. I’m 44, so I’ve been doing this for a long time now–too long. It is time to turn (p.92-93).
Thanks, Renee, for this wonderful book and study.
Know that you’re not alone, and God wants to give you His peace. May you find intimacy with Him today!
As a young girl, I was pretty chunky, and made fun of. My mom limited me on treats and I believe I was put on every diet there was back then. However I still snuck goodies and remained “chunky” up until 7th grade when a friend introduced me to purging.(Some friend,huh?) It was all about losing weight and the attention I got because of it. I hid it from everyone and it really got out of control. Yet I felt so in control. Fortunately I was able to get help and conquer that horrible disorder, years later.(I was not brought up as a Christian) Although I have no intentions of ever doing that again, I still battle with the enemy about my weight and my self image. This Chapter 5, I cried and really felt some relief with the truth that “the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.Romans 8:6. And I’m hanging on to Renee’s word that “our hearts will only find lasting confidence when we find our identity as children of God.”pg.90 And also… “I CHOOSE TO TURN!!” What a huge blessing this study is, and I truly appreciate all of you and your comments!
Thank you Marni for sharing. I have struggled with weight problems all of my life and it as wrecked my self esteem. BUT NOW I ALSO CHOOSE TO TURN!!!!
I too have stuggled with weight issues my entire life! I am choosing to turn with you! Thank you!
Chapter 5 really hit the spot for me! I felt God calling me to return to school to complete my degree 3 1/2 years ago and now I just have 1 semester left. (I’m 42, married, 3 kids at home.) I think I know how God wants me to use my education, but the “what if’s” keep dragging me down. “What if….I’m not as prepared as I think I am?”, “What if…I let someone down?”. My Father has brought me this far, so I should know He won’t let me go. I love the picture of turning away from the shadow (of doubt) and facing the light (of HIs truth). Thank you, Renee, for reminding me to focus on the Light! : )
God showed me awhile ago that even if fall, I fall into His arms. He already knows our limitations, and He has made provisions. May you find peace and joy in obeying Him today and may be richly rewarded. god bless!
Renee;
I can sort of relate to you about your earthly father and his relationship with you and your siblings.
I feel at least you were blessed to know and see your father physically. I didn’t have that privilege just a first name. Growing up I always felt like the odd looking one out of 9 siblings, because of my appearance (lighter skin ).
Until I started serving and seeking my Heavenly Father in 1980 I tried to remember He loves me unconditionally doesn’t matter what differences I have from others.
On occasions especially Father’s Day that old enemy of doubt and rejection
creeps up until I start to remember Who my Father is and knowing He will always be there for me, to never forsake me or leave me, than the pain subsides.
I really appreciate you and this treasure (book) you are sharing. I read it once and going over again with the lessons! God Bless you for being such a blessing!!!
I too have always just believed that my doubts were personal weaknesses and failures of mine. Not realizing they were the result of not walking in the light of truth. We really do need to trust in the Lord in ALL our ways and pray continually. I am constantly comparing myself to others and wondering if everyone is happy with how I am doing everything. I don’t even realize I am doing this. I never stopped to think about how many times I have thoughts like on page 92 of chapter 5. I’m not good enough, I’m such a failure, I always disappointing someone, God can’t use me, etc. I’m going to pray the prayer at the end of the chapter every day as I learn to turn toward the light of God and depend on him. I want and need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I’m so glad to read about others learning to walk in the light of Christ also and together to stop trying to be enough on our own. I want to begin teaching this important truth to my daughter who is 17 and doesn’t know what she wants to do after graduation this summer.
Bless you all as we learn together. Praying grace upon grace for all who walk with us and for Renee.
Chapter 5 stung me like a swarm of bees! It really touched on some issues that I have. I have self-esteem and confidence issues because of things that have happen in my past. My mother died when I was 11 years old, and my grandmother died when I was 15. Both from cancer. My dad really wasn’t there the way I needed him to be. He thought taking care of me was being able to pay the bills and buy me whatever I wanted so I would be happy. Yeah, those things help, but I needed guidance from a father. In addition to my significant losses, my dad’s sister and niece was (and still is) so mean! They would always tell me things like I will never be anything and no one wants me. Ouch!
I know that my mother and grandmother did not intentionally die, but this has left me with some serious abandonment issues. And, whenever I want to try something new, I can still hear the negative and hurtful words of my aunt and cousin. Although I am married, I still have a hard time that believing my husband loves and wants me. He tells me all the time that he loves me for me and he did not marry me to have a maid, cook, etc. I often feel that I’m not good enough and try to over compensate by doing everything for him. He’s appreciative, but it drives him nuts!
Chapter 5 really made me think about some issues I have and how I must let the pain of the past go in order to truly move forward. And this OBS is a great place to start and has been most helpful.
Thanks for sharing. I can relate to how tough it is to believe that you are good enough. God bless your husband for being appreciative and vocal with his love for you! More than that, you can ask God the same questions and He will not tire of telling you that He loves you. People’s actions and behaviors affect our confidence, but God is ultimately in control. I pray that you will find tremendous peace and confidence in His love today!
Julie,
Thank you for praying for me and with me! May God bless you, and I will be praying that He will strengthen you in the areas where you’re weak. And, pray that He will continue to show you his unconditional love!
In chapter 5 it says that God challenges us to step out of our comfort zone so that we will learn to depend on him; I’m getting there but as the saying goes “God isn’t finished with me yet” and honestly I am looking forward to being stretched and used for and by God. Scared? If I’m honest, yes; why? Because the closer I get to The Lord, the farther I get from those I love the most, but I am tired of walking that particular tightrope so I am ready, Lord! Take me as I am, use me, my hands, my feet, my voice, whatever, Lord, I just want to bring honor and glory to YOU!
I could so relate to what Renee said on page 86 about “if she had stayed close to God in her thoughts, she would have been thinking about what the women at the conference were going to think about God, not about her. We find ourselves in the shadow of doubt many times because our thoughts are mostly about ourselves: how we’re performing and what others are thinking about us.” This was shown to me in a similar way in a church I was attending 15 years ago. I was overweight all my life until I was a senior and made fun of and called fat names while growing up, had a father and mother who were perfectionists and critical so have lacked self confidence all my life. I sang in the choir at this church and always doubted that I was good enough and nervous to be in front of everyone to sing every Sunday morning, until one of my friends in the choir said, do you think they are all looking just at YOU when we are singing or listening just to YOU? My mind had been on the flesh, not the Spirit. WOW what an eye opener that was for me. I was turned toward the light!! I was always doubting because I was thinking what others thought about me and not about the message we were singing and until she asked me that question, I realized that; NO, they were not all looking at me, they were listening to our message we were singing. Once my mind was off the flesh and on the Spirit I finally had peace! satan wants to make us doubt so we are paralyzed to do the work God wants for us to do for Him. I am still a work in progress. Thank you Renee for sharing your life’s journey so we don’t feel like we are the only ones who feel and think these thoughts. Only in God’s strength as we focus on His truths do we realize who we are in Christ and what He paid for so we would be made whole!! Thank You Jesus!!
AMEN!!!
Chapter 5 was another excellent chapter. It helped me with my fears of failure, doubt. I am growing so much with this book.
I found Gideon’s story the most valuable part of Chapter 5. It is encouraging to me that God used Gideon and stood by him, even in his doubts about his past and his abilities. I read Judges 6 and on into chapter 7. There are two things that God says to Gideon-First, “Am I not sending you?” and secondly, “I will be with you.” These stood out to me this morning.
Sara, the story of Gideon spoke to me too. Even in our doubt and weakness God is always with us 🙂
There are many factors that contribute to my doubt, and all of them seem to be because I have lost something in the process of God’s time of His refining fire and I’m afraid of more pruning. I remember at the one of the lowest points I actually was afraid of His power to take away. Then I started to blame myself for doing something wrong to deserve it. The sad thing is I didn’t realize that He did it because He LOVED ME TOO MUCH. I instead doubted His love, and all the promises that came with that love.
Renee said it so well, “I realized the shadow of doubt had been cast over my thoughts and emotions because I had stopped living in the security of God’s promises.” His promises are my foundation, and I was destroying the very thing I was standing on…no wonder I felt so afraid!
God had also been whispering for the past few weeks the verse…”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
If God is for me, than why am I so afraid? The future is unknown, but He knows the whole story and I need to trust Him and enjoy the journey knowing that:
“He has made all things beautiful in its time” Ecclesiastes 3:11 and
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.”
Romans 8:28
These are His precious promises, all I have to do is “tune in” to His promise station rather than the “static” of my own mind. He will not leave us nor forsake us….No matter WHAT it looks like with our limited vision and understanding! He knows how to give GOOD gifts to His children!!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight! Proverbs 3:5-6
All of these comments have resonated with me so much. This is the first time I have reached out and some of it has been that I feel SO unworthy when I am in the presence of such Christian women. Pillar’s comments just knocked me to the ground. I have been unemployed for 8 months — have always been able to provide for my family and just don’t want to end on a small note. Doors have opened and then shut SO abruptly that I have been afraid that God is not for me. I have been terrified of being pruned or polished anymore because I feel so fragile!!!!! I signed up for this course because I knew I was losing my way. Thank you all for being so grace filled with your insights and your very own challenges. I have a job interview in 58 minutes and am praying this one is my assignment. Bless all of you.
When you are weak He is STRONG Kathy!! I am praying for you in time for your interview and KNOW God will direct every word, every step and every move that you make!! REST in Him, HE will carry you and lead you EXACTLY WHERE you need to be at EXACTLY the right time.
He has only the BEST in store for you!! He knows how to give GOOD gifts to His children, just as you do. He’ll be right next to you every step of the way! TRUST and LET GO!! May God bless you beyond your sweetest dreams and desires!!
I remember feeling like I wanted to “grow” in my walk with God, but then I was very afraid because I had this sense that I had just opened up the floodgates of what the devil could do to me. Like I had taunted him and he would attack. Sometimes that does happen, but God promises that I will never be tempted beyond what I can bear, and when I am tempted He will provide a way out so that I can stand up under it. My thoughts are with you Kathy. God has great plans for you, keep trusting on Him even when it is hard. He will not let you down, He is never late.
I identify with those thoughts Britney. Thanks for the reminder that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
Proverbs 3:5-6 helped me in my time of need when I was going through my divorce. I never dreamed that I would be in that situation. But with God’s word I made it through that difficult time in my life.
His word truly is a lamp unto our feet and a light on our path. I pray that all your sorrows turn to joys, multi-fold. May God continue to bless you as you rely on Him!!
I thoroughly enjoyed Chapter 5, especially the points Renee made about not focusing on myself, especially in ministry. I’m trying to minister to some foreign students right now and I knew going in that I wasn’t really going to fit in with them. But sometimes, I am insecure about my own social awkwardness and feel afraid to even approach the students. God is not limited by my limitations. I need to stop focusing on what I can or cannot do, and what I want or don’t want, and just let obey. My job is simple obedience, His job is results. This is a daily battle and struggle for me, but I know God wants me to change for Him. Praise God!
That is something I learned this year. I was limiting what God could do in my life, or with my life, because I couldn’t get past what I couldn’t do. Then one day I finally got it, nothing limits God, I just needed to believe Him!
Good word.
Hi Renee I am glad you are feeling much better. I am playing catch up with my reading. Great Word. What can uou advise me on talking in tongues? I m visiting this church since I m living in a different State and yesterdaysomeone spoke in tongues? Is that okay? Thank you
Yes it is ok. Get an accordance and read up on speaking in tongues. It’s a spiritual gift. However the person should not speak in tongues unless there is someone who can interpret -yet another spiritual gift. Hope this helps you. Be a berean and study study study the scriptures so you are not led astray. Look up online to study the bible inductively. Don’t just take pastors and teachers word for it.
Chapter 5 made me cry. It is so true how past can be powerful today! I have huge problems with confidence today because of the way I was treated by my relatives during my childhood. Actually, they still try to treat me that way and then I feel all over again: stupid, incapable, worthless, inadequate… I feel like I have to apologize for the way breathe. I sence their bigotry all my life.
But…. I’m shifting my focus!
Father God, I pray with Marina that You will help her to continue to shift her focus and be steadfast in Your truth about her. Please help her to be strengthened in her inner man to remain focused on You and Your great and deep love for her. Thank You for being her peace, her hope, her joy, her life and light! Grace her to move forward in this part of her journey with You. Please remind Marina of Your promise to her in Deuteronomy 33:26-27 “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to help you, And in His excellency on the clouds. 27 The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’ In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
There are several things about chapter 5 that spoke to me. It is all coming together with my pastor’s sermons and other books I’m reading and studying. When I don’t feel strong enough, God will still use me if I’m willing.
I’ll be honest that I haven’t been willing. I’ve been in a place of wanting protection.
Today, the Lord said, “Brenda, I ask you to bring a SACRIFICE of praise and Thanksgiving. That means, you have to give it from your heart and not necessarily because you FEEL like it. SACRIFICE your feelings of wanting to hide and protect yourself and experience the grace and peace that only I can give you when you surrender and let go.”
Wow, Brenda! Thank you so much for sharing what God said to you today. I can surely apply that to my life. God bless you richly as you step out in obedience. Remember – “…underneath are the everlasting arms.” God loves us so much and is always right with us. We must lean on and in to Jesus, trust Him and rely on Him. It’s all about Him. Glory! I’m still working on grasping all that by the way. 🙂
I “Amen” that. Very empowering. Thank you Holy Spirit for enabling Brenda.
This chapter was just what I needed at this moment in my life. I’ve been really struggling with making sure I’m being the person others in leadership want me to be. While living with Bipolar disorder is hard, I often try to hide or mask what I’m going through because I don’t want to disappoint people. I’ve also been struggling with losing weight for the past year. So when I read “You see, God created us for so much more than self-preservation or self-promotion. When we follow our natural inclination to preserve and promote ourselves or perform for others, we eventually end up in a place of darkness and doubt” there was a giant light bulb going off, Gods light!! Thank you Renee for your obedience in writing this book, I can see God changing me more and more each day..
Liberate, isolation is one of the ways the devil uses to defeat us. Stay connected with God and others. Also shame is used. If we were all vulnerable enough to share our imperfections we would realize that we are all in the same boat. No one has it together.
Wow, Linnette. Reading your thoughts now took me exactly where I have been with my diagnosis of Bipolar disorder just 2 years ago in 2011. It has been extremely difficult as I too have been in leadership roles in the past and just this year started taking leadership roles again both in church and at my work. It’s scary as I enter in these roles after some failures and fear of falling under pressure with my disorder. It has been a particular battle understanding it myself as well as those who love me / surround me understanding it and overcoming its barriers in order to function a ‘normal’ life (with medication and regular monitoring of my meds). I feel like myself again with goals, motivation, and stability to the best I am able to. I also feel a need to please others and not disappoint. Like you, I battle with losing weight and just spoke with my psychologist about it today. I have battled self-esteem issues since childhood but more recently in some bad supervisor experiences in my time out of state. Thanks for the hope in God that I see in you through your words here. I thank Renee for reading this book and for this online book study. 🙂
I am ready your story, however, i am feeling very sad and depressed after a recent breakup.
Please pray for me, to help rid the spirit of depression, anxiety, worry and fear.
I have been praying so hard, but find myself alone now.
Thanks,
Wendy
Praying for you Wendy! You are not alone. I am so sorry for your hurts. I pray that you can feel God wrap his arms around you, because you are His!
God is jealous for your love. Enjoy loving Him and He meanwhile will be orchestrating to bring you the BEST!!! He knows exactly what you need and the deepest desires of your heart. You will not be disappointed!! Praying for you! May God bless you tremendously!!
Wendy my heart goes out to you in your situation, as I am also going through a similar situation. I am strugling with moving forward away from the constant nagging pain, depression and anxiety that comes from a broken heart. Even though I know all the promises God has put in place for such a time as this, I find it very frustrating dealing with moving on. I keep praying and pressing in that one day I will not have to go through this anymore.
Wendy, my prayer for you is that The Lord will over flow your cup with His amazing love so that the spirit of depression has no other choice but to leave. I pray that God would send someone in your life right now that will help you over this hump. All we really need is God the rest should just be a want.
Hi Lucyy Love your prayer for Wendy God hear our prayers for wendy Amen In Gods Love
Last evening my boyfriend and I decided to take a month apart. A month for him to face the hurts of his past and then leave them in the past. Hopefully this month will also be one of God speaking clearly to him what He wants for our future! Saying that to say…Chapter 5 & 6…speaking of doubt…fear…worry…check, check, & check!! I know this month is God still writing our love story, but I still worry…I’m scared God’s going to take, yet another good thing, away from me. I doubt. I ask WHY?!! Why me?…the one who would love to be a wife and mother, but all I can manage is one failed relationship after another. Why am I never good enough?!
Then.
I read the Bible Study chapter 5 (and couldn’t stop myself and read 1/2 of Chap 6)…”I am a chosen woman”… “Take me beyond the shadows of my doubts and teach me how to rely on the power of Your promises.” “…the mind fixed on the Spirit is life and peace.” “…You go with me, to fight for me against my enemies of insecurity and inadequacy and give me victory.”
And, btw. I am VERY grateful to have a bf, who wants to do the right thing, even tho it’s hard! I’m beyond blessed to have a man who wants to deal w/ his past b4 getting into a marriage! And once he does…look out world, God is going to use him in His kingdom however big or small, he’s going to be influential in lives and it’s only because of the grace of God in his/our lives!!
I don’t think there is a more powerful thing in a man’s life than a praying woman. God loves you so much, and has such plans for you! I am praying for you that you will stay focused on the fact that you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Hang in there!
I agree! Well said! 🙂
I am praying for you dear Rhonda.
Rhonda, I can understand exactly what you are going through. My boyfriend decided to do that exact same thing a couple of months ago. It was so hard, but in the end it was the best thing that happened. He needed to deal with some things from his past ,and although he is still working on them, he has begun a major healing process. The two of us have actually grown closer through all this. Keep praying for him. And most importantly, remember God loves you and He has a plan just for you. You are his princess!
I love it! Thanks for sharing & encouraging! I hope & pray ya’lls story continues to unfold to a beautiful ending!
There is a great pastor, Bobby Conway who has taught on leaving his past behind before marrying his wife. Amazing speaker, you might look up some of his resources. I know he is on itunes. Also, Family Life does a Weekend to Remember, all over the country, all year. I am a huge proponent. Married, divorced, separated, engaged couples all were in attendence at our conference, and all benefitted. They even have special teaching sessions for those not yet married. They are very reasonable as far as cost too, but such a blessing.I will be praying for you both during this time apart:)
I am praying for you Rhonda
My boyfriend and I just did the same thing except it was a week and God told us both that a relationship isn’t what he wants for us. Will we end up together in the future? That’s up to God. We both have some maturing to do spiritually, healing from our pasts, doubts we have been struggling with…i am a single mother and I have to deal with some problems with my sons father. God has me going through this process for a reason. It hurts and its hard but God is in control. In my weakness He is my strength and I am clinging to His promises throughout all if this. I will be praying for you.
chapter 5 page 90 spoke to me . . . “We’ll also need to realize our family of origin does not define our true identity. Once we become daughter of the King, we have a royal inheritance that determines who we are. Gideon had to stop thinking of himself as the runt of his family and start seeing himself as a child of God, a mighty warrior in His’s Father’s eyes. . . . ”
While I certainly did not have the worst childhood and family, I did not have the best. However, I believe i allow my past and childhood, my upbringing to dictate who I am and how my life should be because of it. I think that I am not good enough for this or that but yet I see the hand of God on my life. He has provided more than I could have ever thought or imagined. I quite often think that my life should be this way or that way but yet it is the way it is today. I must accept it as a wonderful and beautiful gift from God. I am focusing on Him and His word, His ways. I will do my best to take me out of the equation. Will be a challenged since I have focused on me for so long. Lord, give me the strength to be all I can be through You who gives me strength.
Patricia
My prayers are with both you and your boyfriend Rhonda
i will be praying for you because it better to hear him now and not wait after 37 years morgt , IRS , CPA, debt, and 3 children and 3 grandchildren and all the pain , later that i was never what he wanted
i am still love him and standing in hope that one day we will have joy together serving the Lord but he doesnt what more so i go in peace and joy.
asking the Lord to help me walk alone after 37 years at 54 no education no job ,very broken rejected and fear of not being able to care for myself and this home but i go peace . my joy are the children and grand children and the 37 years of hope i did my part i just can not do any more as I wait in prayer until the day come i just do not know the time or day that he will leave , peace hope and love HOLDING ON