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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I came by this Bible Study somewhat by accident – but I know to God it wasn’t by accident. It is so much what I have needed right now. I am looking forward to the conference Saturday in Tallahassee, FL. I can’t wait.
Thank you for this book. I have dealt with an insecure heart most of my life. I am trying to learn to let the past be the past, and move forward. I was adopted at 4 years old and I still deal with abandonment issues, rejection, feeling unloved, etc. I have met my biological family – and I know God’s hand was in everything. I just keep getting this feeling that there are missing pieces. I’m getting there. I have always been very insecure and thought of myself unworthy of anything good – but I know that God is showing me day after day that He can fill that empty spot in my heart and will if I will just let Him. Sometimes, that is the tough part. Thanks again for having this online Bible Study. May God Bless you always as you work with women and share with them what God can do in their lives.
Jamie
I know just how you feel. In revival last week one of the Pastors also preached about Sam. Chapter 5 in my book is underlined, highlighted and I’ve written in the margins. I woke up this morning practicing the a.m. thoughts and it was hard in the beginning. I felt so much better once I got started though. I am having a difficult time distinguishing between forgiveness and leaving well enough alone. I was lied on by my sister-in-law, whom everybody thinks is almost perfect. It was just the two of us when she verbally attacked me at church. Of course my husband and his family has taken her side because they “know how she is”. It has made me so angry and feeling even more isolated that I already feel. I am quite by nature and am more so now. I don’t know how to move forward…..
Penny, i am sorry. I have had issues similar in the past. I married into a family where my SIL had been around for 10+ years so it was hard to feel like anyone would see anything but her views. “They know how she is” is not an excuse to choose her side. When you marry we are supposed to “leave and cleave” so your husband should be more supportive to you and I am sorry for that. Again, it took awhile for my husband to see that. Sweetie, you have to pray for God’s guidance. Have you considered writing her a letter telling her how you feel? You don’t necessarily have to give it to her. Don’t allow the incident with her to control you. Praying for you!
Turning…..something that I can do, must do. I can pray for God’s help and even think that He isn’t listening because nothing changes, but He is waiting for me to turn. I must do my part to receive His. Thank you, Renee, for this insight.
My past is full of being let down, giving to others only to be rejected, being a people pleaser only to be used and then tossed aside so as an adult it is very hard for me to ask for help, I would rather just do it myself or by myself. In chapter 5 Renee talks about being dependent on God and I am slowly but surely learning to ask Him for help but these bad habits are hard to break.
The other day our Pastor preached about “Sam” and the woman she was when she left the well as opposed to the woman that came that day and how Jesus changes lives! Pastor then led us in prayer and encouraged us to hold open our hands and to let go of whatever we were holding on to and not surrendering to God. And that was the first time I realized how much my hands just naturally want to close shut and I just really had to force my hands to stay open the entire time. It showed me how often I surrender things to God but take them back so fast, so I am not fully surrendering them.
The words, “God is not limited by our limitations,” were so wonderful to read. Thank you for letting the Lord glorify Himself through you, Renee, by having you write those words. How often in the middle of our doubts we forget that. Isn’t He an awesome God? He is not limited by our limitations.
Hi Renee!!
I’m jumping in late with conversations, but I just wanted to reiterate what so many women have said. Thank you for this book. And thank you for reminding all of us that it is only by finding our confidence in Christ that we can actually become all that God wants us to be. I live everyday trying to remember that it is in the shadow of the cross that I find my strength, hope, and purpose. That story helps me so much every time I feel overwhelmed or discouraged.
God has worked on my insecure heart for over 20 years through the grief of losing my daughter to SIDS and then my son to cancer, and He has brought me out of my heartache with a deep sense of purpose and passion. Only God can do this. He has taken a once fearful-of-almost-everything little girl and transformed her into a woman who fears very little. If death cannot separate me from the love of God, WHAT CAN!?!?!
Oh, Renee, I love you so much! Glad you are feeling better!! I hope to see you this summer!
Much love!!
Tammy (Nischan)
This chapter was an answer to prayer. I have stopped focusing on my Father and have focused on me, what other think and say and whether I measure up for them. This chapter made me cry and take note of what I’ve forgotten…focus on my Father and His thoughts of me.
Blessings,
Just finished reading and journaling chapter 5. I am also participating in Melissa Taylor’s SLL OBS. These two Bible studies and books are just meshing together!
Renee, although my past included my own self doubts and issues and I can see how it all seemed to go haywire for me, I also have been so blessed to have always had people in my life, family and friends, that I now know were gifts from God placed to share his thoughts of my worth even when I wasn’t listening to Him…until the moment of my deepest despair when I turned back to Jesus and began my journey with Him that brought me great peace and confidence and continues each day. In times of doubt and uncertainty, He is my Way, my Truth and my Life! He is the Light of the world!
Hi Tina H I really appreciate your advise. Thank you so much. God bless you.
You know, when you spend your entire childhood hearing, how ugly you are, how fat you are, you do not do anything right, why can’t you be more like your sister and we never wanted you, IT’S HARD TO CHANGE YOUR FOCUS ! I was 10 when I experienced sexual abuse by my father, II can’t remember a day that I was not stripped naked and beat with a belt for the most trivial infractions . I was locked in the basement as a child …cold dark, mildew,moss growing up the sides of the walls, spiders all over the place kind of basement. I can’t tell you how many meals I missed but, i can recall the pain I experienced from the hunger ! What is the funniest event of all, is my mother took us to church and Sunday school every Sunday. All I ever asked God was “where are you, if you are so big then protect me” ……Why am I NOT GOOD ENOUGH for your help ? I was only 9. I still suffer quite a bit with insecurity Today….from when I was young. So the statement, “Sometimes that hurt little girl still has too much to say in my heart,” is what I live TODAY!!
I am so Very Thankful for this book ! It is because of this chapter that I am truly blessed to have picked this book up again, after I swore I would NEVER pick it up again. “……I want to start seeing MYSELF as a child of God, a mighty warrior in MY Father’s eyes. “. “I want to stop taking my eyes off God’s strength and stop focusing on my weaknesses . ” I truly want to understand WHY God left me in that hell as long as he did. My insecurities in my own life, my lack of self worth, my control issues, my obsession with food are all struggles everyday!!!!!
Lord, thank you that in Christ I am a chosen woman, a royal priest, a holy daughter, a woman belonging to GOD !
Hi, Chris your story touched my heart in so many levels, especially when you said “Why am I Not Good Enough” and “I Truly want to understand WHY God left me….” I am very thankful that you picked up this book again…I believe that it spoke to you the first time, and will keep on speaking to you again, an again. No matter how many times…I guarantee you there is always something new to see and read (like a movie when you see the same movie over/over one always see so many different things missed on he first watch.) Also, I believe in my heart God never left your side as a child he was protecting you in so many different levels (they will come slowly and in different perspective) it was satan that placed you in that horrible situation and made you blame God so you wouldn’t see all his beauty/love. God made a beautiful, courages, strong amazing lady in you where he will need you in so manydifferent levels like Ms. Swope said “for us to realize that damaged emotions an insecurites from our past have a powerful influence over how we see ourseolves today.”(pg.89) Never ever doubt God it is easy when we have satan whispering in our ears like he did with Eve. Always hold onto his Love, Peace, and Joy. It is easier said than done, I myself have been struggling in many different levels(trials/tribulations) one thing I say to my Father is thank you for loving this undeserve child the way you do. Be at peace Chris and if you have a chance to hear K-love or you tube to hear Matt Maher “Lord I Need You” or Kutless “Even If”.
So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.
John 16:22 NLT
Chris, I would highly recomend watching and reading Joyce Meyer. Beauty for Ashes is a good book to read. I am sorry you had to go through that. We live in a fallen world. God can use everything for His good. Maybe you are called to help others who have been hurt in the same way. When we ate vulnerable and connect healing can occur.
After reading chapter 5, I felt drained and worned out and slept through the night. I would of never thought that my insecurities are my doubts converted into shadows.(a dark cloud luming above me). I had to re-read each paragraph more than once. I saw myself in Gideon that due to my past I did not deserve God. The battle that I was dealing was with myself and letting satan win by making me doubt every decision, or event that has been happening in my life. For the first time in a long time, I actually was seeing God’s light instead of darkness (maybe that was why I felt drained/worned out) No matter what my past was it will not oversee my present or future cause God took care of my past to give me my present and future. God resides in my heart and he is helping me conquer my shadows and will guide me to know when it is satan using my own words/thoughts. Slow and steady wins the race, and for the first time in a long time I am actually sleeping through the night with God’s luminating presence over me. (:
The image of shadows appearing when light is blocked and relating that to how doubt appears when we turn from God’s light really spoke to me. It is so simple, but just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I loved this chapter and am feeling God really working in my heart to draw me into His light. Thank you, Lord!
I am in desperate need for prayer! I am under a spiritual attack like never before and have been for about a month now…..just when I didn’t think things could get any worse….it has. Please pray for me! I can no longer fight this on my own…..I’m reaching out to everyone and every resource I know of.. Thank you!
Abba Father,
Thank You for Mary. I pray for Your Mighty Hand upon her now. Lord Jesus, protect her, encourage her and strengthen her in her spirit right now Lord. Surround her with Your Heavenly Hosts and fight on her behalf the enemy that seeks to discourage her my Blessed, Beloved, Sister.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Agreeing with you in prayer for Mary Vickie
I am also agreeing with you ladies in prayer! I will be praying!
You wrote chapter 5 just for me didn’t you?! I have evey other sentence underlined. Stars by several others. I will be reading one more time before I move on to chapter 6. I don’t think God is finished with me yet…
Chapter 5’s first question was a real eye-opener for me. I rarely focus on God’s thoughts. I get so distracted by the everyday things and end up having my thoughts controlled by those things. It is so hard to get and stay focused on God’s thoughts. I need help/prayer daily to stay focused on God’s promises. I SO relate to Gideon!
In answering chapter 5’s second question, I realize that in my job, I am constantly wondering if I measure up to others’ expectations. It is very tiring.
God is not limited by our limitations: It’s not so much about what He wants you to do as what he wants to do in you, as you depend on Him. I find myself balking against God doing things “in” me; I just want Him to leave me alone because I am fearful! But I know that I need to surrender and let Him work. I have SO many weaknesses and it is hard to believe God can use me. One example is that I do not have a huge capacity to tolerate others’ weaknesses, so I end up getting really upset when people act stupid. It is hard to believe God can use me when I am so impatient with others’ weaknesses. Shouldn’t I be patient with others like God is?
I could go on, but I’m out of time!!!
I love the visual from this quote: “shadows are created all around us when something blocks light. so it is with the shadows of doubt. in the same way, when we focus on our insecurities we cast a shadow of doubt in our minds by blocking the light of God’s truth in our hearts”.
I knew when I saw the words getting past the past this chapter was for me. This week is one of many that tend to trigger thinking of the past. My younger sister died a few years ago from a traffic accident. Friday would be her birthday. It is difficult to lose a loved one but even more so when you watch you dad and stepmother shut every one out. Chris was their life. I tend to say I was the first born but I always come in last where they are concerned. They even moved back to indiana to be closer to family. I was so hopeful that maybe there would be room for me and family. Don’t get me wrong I miss my sister. I have so many regrets where she is concerned. We finally had been able to start building our relationship then she was gone. I just wanted them to want to be part of my life. I wanted to be able to have the relationship with my dad that she had. It only took a year before we were right back to not talking.
I never thought about abandonment issues until this weekend. I was sitting in church. My former step father goes to same church. He hasn’t spoken to me in years either. I can’t help but ask why have all the dads in my life found it so easy to leave me. Its no wonder I always dwell on what others think about me.
So how do I finally get over the past and stop dwelling on what everyone thinks about me? I love the part of Gideons’s story where Renee says “God wanted Gideon to depend on His strength. God was going to conquer the Midianites, but he invited Gideon to join Him” (p62 on Nook version). God puts us in situations to teach us to depend on Him. No matter how many times my dad disappoints me God is always there for me. I don’t know when I will be able to get through certain times of the year that triggers the past insecurities but I hope through this study I will get better at not letting them drag me down as I have previously.
People often act out of their own feelings and are not considering the feelings of others. But God will never leave you. May you find rest and contentment in His love and promises today.
I too have been like Gideon. I desire to live Christ-Centered and not Kourt-Centered. Through the deception from the Enemy I have fallen prey to comparison, conflict, and criticism; resulting in focusing my attention onto myself and not that of God (top of page 91).
To combat this, I have faith based accountability partners. I also choose to surround myself with Truth. I keep index cards with verses on them and have chosen to won that I am a child of God (middle of page 90). I absolutely love Matthew West’s song called “Hello My Name Is” (Child of the One True King). These action steps have allowed me to recognize self doubt faster and am able do battle with it using Truth from Scripture and support from my godly friends.
One of the things that really stood out to me was the story about Gideon and how he let the insecurities of the past make him fearful in the present and of the future. I too, am like this. I tend to go over and over past mistakes and beat myself up over them. It makes me feel like I cannot do anything right.
The first thing that really jumped out at me was on pg. 63
“When doubt washes over me, often it is because something has happened to trigger my old emotions and create thoughts in my mind that are similar to those I had as a child.”
I cannot begin to explain how “right on” this is in my life. I had a rough teenage years with some rough emotional issues I had to battle through. I am over them, but every once in a while something happens and I feel like I’m right there sitting on the floor in my bedroom crying on my phone to my best friend about how I feel trapped and worthless.
The second thing is the doubt “I can’t balance my life” (pg. 65) I am a perfectionist, and I often expect too much of myself. At the end of the days when I really tried to work it all out and failed, I can’t get over the feeling of lack of balance and lack of control.
I can definitely relate to being perfectionist. Until God showed me that there is no such thing as the perfect Christian. Not Abraham, Moses, David, or Eijah. Jesus was perfect but even He struggled in the green of Gethsemane. God doesn’t require perfection, just obedience. May you find some rest in Him today.