Day 4: Sometimes Worry Makes Me Wonder
Taken in part from Chapter 9
© 2011 by Renee Swope with Revell Publishing. All rights reserved.
Food for Thought: She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40 NIV)
When life gets overwhelming, do you ever start to wonder if God notices and cares about everything you have going on—like how hard you’re trying to take care of your family, pay the bills, find time for Bible study, your marriage and the ministry He’s called you to while working two jobs, caring for your aging parents, commuting to work, and carpooling your kids?
Several years ago, I was having a hard time balancing my life, and there were days when I wondered if God noticed and cared about all I was doing. I didn’t understand why He wasn’t taking better care of the details in my days so things would run more smoothly. Sometimes I felt like He might be expecting too much of me.
Looking back now, I can see that I was expecting too much of myself. The truth is, I was doing a lot of good things, but not all of them were God’s things for me during that season of my life. I had ended up in a place where I was serving God more than I was seeking God. Finally, I came to a point where I was exhausted and ready to resign from just about everything.
Eventually I ran out of fuel. I didn’t have enough energy to handle all of my roles, relationships, and responsibilities. I also ran out of faith, which made me start doubting my ability to manage my life, to hear God clearly, and to do all I assumed He wanted me to do.
My life was out of balance and so was my heart. I had taken on too many commitments, and I worried about all of them all of the time. I knew I should trust God more, but I was secretly afraid that if I stopped worrying about everything and everybody He would too. And all that worry started making me weary.
One day, while reading my Bible, I noticed how Martha’s worries were making her weary, and making her wonder if Jesus cared that her sister left her in the kitchen all by herself to do all that work. Listen to how Jesus responded: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV)
How do we choose what is better? How do we find confident peace and assurance that God notices and cares? First Peter 5:7 tells us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (NLT).
The apostle Paul tells us how: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6–7 NLT)
It sounds so doable, but why is it so hard? I think it’s because Satan whispers the opposite. He says, “Don’t be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn’t listen.”
The enemy wants our concerns to consume us like acid in our hearts, eroding our confidence with worry and doubt! I say it’s time for us to stop listening to him and start listening to and living in God’s promises instead. When our concerns become consuming, let’s commit to:
Stop worrying—Press the pause button on our consuming concerns.
Start praying—Talk to God about all we’re doing and ask Him if there’s anything we need to cut back so we have time to seek Him as much as we serve Him and others.
Keep thanking God—Thank God for what He’s done in the past and will do in the future. This helps us remember how good He is at being God.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. When concerns consume me, remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your counsel. I want to seek You as much as I serve You and others. Help me balance my life and give my burdens to You, knowing with confidence that You care about me and are good at taking care of me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. (See Psalm 139:23; 73:23–26)
Doubt Diet Tip: Lose the weight of worry by “giving all your worries and cares to the Lord because He cares for you!” Write your concerns on an index card and give them to Jesus. I have a tabletop cross by my bedside where I lay my “concerns card.” Maybe you could get one too. Then, when you start worrying, go back and write your worries on your card, and commit once again to cast your cares upon the Lord. Also, write a promise on a card and carry it with you today. Here’s a link to More Peace-Giving Promises
Let’s Talk: What is one concern you want to lay down at the foot of the Cross today? I’d love for us to pray for each other and bear one another’s burdens.
Please return to my website (if you’re reading this via email), then scroll to the bottom of today’s post and click on “Share Your Thoughts” so you can let us know how to pray for you. If you’re not comfortable sharing details, just say “Pray for me please.”
Laying it down: My biggest concern is my mom. While I was flying home from speaking all weekend in IL, my husband was rushing mom to the hospital. She’s in ICU with large blood clots in both lungs. One is very close to the main artery that leads to her heart. We’re praying and trusting God is not surprised by any of this – although we were. Today’s devotion had already been written – just for me (wink!). And my closing message on Saturday was about Jesus calling us to come to Him – when we’re weary and burdened with worry – so that we can find rest for our souls (Matt 11:38-39), rest in His presence, rest in His plans and rest in His promises. He’s gone ahead of me and left gifts of peace and reminders of His promises along my path. I pray you see His hand in the timing of today’s devotion and His heart for you, too.
How wonderful it is that we can pray for each other! There is so much in our world to drag us down, sometimes even with hand reached high toward God, it doesn’t feel like I can reach high enough. I am thankful that no matter what, God can reach me.
I have some very personal issues that need prayer, and so for me I am just going to ask you to please pray for me. There are others in my family who so desperately need to be lifted up to God. My older brother recently suffered a second stroke, two months after the first stoke. The second stroke left him nearly blind and placed his mentality level for many things, as that of a seven year old. His wife is incredible, she is doing everything including working a full time job. My youngest son was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis, he has been in and out of the hospital for nearly two years, things are getting worse. He will be having a biopsy to determine if he has developed cancer. My youngest brother was diagnosed with stomach cancer less than a week ago. It is inoperable and radiation treatment won’t work. The cancer has gone into his liver and lymphatic system. Please help me pray for these men. Thank you so much. God is good.
Praying for you and your mom. Please pray with me for my son TJ, THANK YOU!!
Today’s message hit so close to home for me.
I worry and stress about everything, even the little unimportant things. My husband has been unemployed for some time and my biggest worries are with finances and the possibility of having to take my almost 5 yr old out of Pre-K and not being able to pay all our bills. Lord I lay my burdens at your feet.
Please pray for Luke
Renee, I am sorry to hear about your mom. I am praying for full healing for her and praying for peace and rest for you and all of your family as well. I am also thanking God for this opportunity for you to lean ever-closer into Him.
My concern that I would like to lay down at the foot of the cross today is for the salvation of several of my family members: my 81 year old mother who has Parkinson’s; my 82 year old father who has heart problems; and for my 18 year old son. I so long for each of them to know Jesus it’s almost palpable.
Praying for your mom. I’m having panic attacks & having trouble getting out of the house.
I know how you feel, Karoletha. Mine have been caused by having two car wrecks in the last year. I don’t want to go anywhere and I don’t have the confidence to think that I can work without having panic attacks. I will pray for you. Please pray for me. You’re not alone.
Sherrie and Karoletha, I share in your fears. I too had a horrible car accident and because of injuries along with the fear, worry and major panic attacks… I don’t leave the house. I exist and don’t live life. This is not the way God wants us to be. Father God, I pray for Sherrie and Karoletha, that they will dive into your words and find peace and comfort. Fill them with a peace that can only come from you and as the song goes, “I’m standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior, standing, standing I’m standing on the promises of God.” Let them stand on your promises Father and believe that they can do ALL things through You that strengthens them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. There is also a verse that I hold onto that might help you…Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Stand on HIS promises, he will not fail you! {Hugs}
I feel for the several people who have just written “Please pray for me.” I too fell like my worries are somewhat more than I can express, and I don’t quite know where to begin even laying one down. Plus, I confess that I have been struggling for so long that change, even for the better, is scary. I need courage to move forward even with my fear. I am weary.
Thank you for the Seven Day Doubt-Diet it has truly been an awakening for me. It has been a great inspiration and very encouraging to my mind, heart and soul. I want to request prayers for blessings on a house I am trying to purchase with no money down. I am praying God works it out where I can become a homeowner and afford to live within my means.
I pray for your mother’s strength and healing and for you. Please continue to pray for me.
God’s blessings,
Thank you Renee! You were right about the timing of today’s post. I needed it this very day! Please pray for me.
Renee, Your devotion today really hit home..thank you so much! All the comments really make this study more profound, I have felt so isolated and alone in my worries. Nice to know i’m not alone..and I don’t HAVE to worry. (Now just to learn to do that.) I will be praying for your Mother and your family. I will be praying for all of us commenting here tonight…Please pray for me.
Pray for me please. I am having financial issues and family issues. Thank all of you for sharing. It’s wonderful to see so many of God’s women helping each other with thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Please pray I would have the ability to not entertain thoughts that are not from God, that bring fear, and replace those thoughts with God’s word.
Please pray for me.I am currently in school,in a foreign country.It’s very hard for me, as i worry a lot about every single thing in my life,even the smallest details.I try so hard not to and have come to a realization that i cant do it in my own strength,thanks to your devotions.I’m now learning to rely and trust in God for everything.I don’t want to waste time worrying because it really does not change anything,but only drains the energy out of me.
I’m praying for your mother and your family.God bless you.
Thank you for more confirmation that God is with me, the words I hear over and over again are cast your cares on him for he cares for you. I just love hearing that it gives me peace. Please pray for me fiancially I am trying to get back on my feet, and pray for my son who has got him self in trouble and that he will see God’s mercy and justice through all this and he will receive salvation. Thank you
Thanks so much for this community and this word. I dont know where to start. I am clueless at the age of 52. Please pray for me and my family.
I speak healing, health, prosperity, peace, and confidence over all in the matchless name of Jesus.
What a rhema word! I’m trying to balance my life right now. Work, school, family, and ministry…I know my first priority is to seek God and His righteousness. I just need a balance. Please pray for my deliverance from procrastination, in Jesus name. Thank you and be blessed.
Please pray for me that God would give me the direction and instruction I seek. That He would reveal His will for me and my family.
Praying for your mother and family. Please pray for me.
Pray for me please.
I’ve just recently gone through a divorse and live about 7hrs. from my children and grandchild. I live in this city with no family around me. My worries are knowing what to do..Both of my parents have pasted away recently and I find myself not knowing what to do. Home is about 7 hours away where I grew up…I’ve been away 14 years and it sure can be lonely at times,,,please pray for me!
oh, praying that God would bless you you and give you peace from worry! that’s a prayer for myself, too, as my husband struggles with an unidentified stomach complaint he has endured for decades and, at the moment, can’t work. I have faith in God’s goodness – it’s just working out the practical details which isn’t always so easy!
praying for your mom and your family to get through this time. need prayer for my son to come back to the Lord.
Praying for your mom. Please pray for our finances as we talk to a lawyer about bankruptcy due to overwhelming medical bills.
Thank so much for this study. It has come at a time when I feel like I am disconnected from God. My
mom died about 5months ago, two days before my sons wedding. I had to go thru a Wedding that
was out of town and then come back to her funeral. My mom was my best friend and I am having a
hard time with this. I am a writer, and have written a book of inspirations for women that God has
given me over a year ago, Its like now I hear him saying that there is greatness in me..I just need
to walk out in Faith. I believe but that doubt thing keeps speaking in my ear that ..God does not
want you to do this..then I get confused and don’t know what to do. I then go back to being sad
that my mom is not here for me to talk to. This study is opening my eyes and I indeed thank you!
Keep blessing my soul…
Z and Samantha’s posts struck a little chord with me. I gave up a teaching to go into another form of Education, which I believe God opened up to me, but that job came abruptly to an end, I again believe He opened the door for my present job. He has taken me out of my comfort zones and I am doing things I could not have thought possible, I am not unhappy in my job, even though it is only temporary (some may even wonder why I am writing this!?), when I try to share this I can see people thinking ‘she is never happy’ which actually isn’t true. I am very thankful for my job, I have applied for some other jobs and have been interviewed (even being called to the second round for one of them) but I would appreciate prayer for guidance for the right job and that I would have a peace about that. I am not anxious all the time, but I do feel that at times it does take away my peace. My boss is also a particularly difficult individual.I hope this doesn’t sound too dramatic, it isn’t meant to be, I have re-read the post several times.
Thank you for your prayers.
So many of the Prayer requests mirror my own. I also know the difficulty of caring for a parent. I thought I was going to lose my Dad this past March, but he has totally recovered. I know that Prayer had so much to do with his recovery. My church has a wonderful Internet Prayer Chain. In moments over 100 people can be Praying for your request. Renee I will be in Prayer for your mother and your family.
Thanks so much for the encouragement that this Doubt Diet has sent my way.
Karen
Hi Renee! I’m praying for your Mom! Hope she will be well soon!
Please pray for my Mom as well. She has been in & out of the hospital the last few years with
bowel obstructions & finally the drs have decided to do surgery next month. It will be a risky surgery
but if they don’t do anything they say she will eventually die from an obstruction.
She is 73 & has quite a few health issues so please lift her up in your prayers.
I’m also praying for the other requests that have been mentioned here.
Blessings,
Janet W.
I have had to file for Social Security Disability due to my declining joint health. While waiting for the decision I am facing the most difficult time financially. My 84 year old Dad is helping with the basic bills, but the creditor are having to wait. I pray for a quick decision and payment of benefits so that I will not have to file bankruptcy. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
Karen
I am asking for prayer for myself and my 15 yr old daughter. I love my children deeply! 3 yrs ago their father and I divorced. During that time I was unemployed like many. After our house sold through a short sale, I literally became homeless. I asked their father to take them in on a Constance basis until I got better on my feet. As with many people the economy and lack of jobs made that very difficult. Finally I have a home in a different state, but am working and doing good again with my new husband. Now my daughter over the last 3 yrs has been feed A LOT of lies and has been hurt a great deal. She has decided she wants nothing to do with me and has even stated, ‘you’re dead to me, I have no mother!’. My heart is broken!!! I can handle them living with their father (he’s not a terrible dad), but it hurts so bad that she feels and treats me this way. My deepest hearts desire is to have a ‘good’ relationship with my children. Please pray for God’s favor.
Pray for me
I will be praying for your Mom and family… Please pray for me to be able to release my son to God, he is not walking with the Lord, walking in the world. avoiding God, I need to release him and stand on the promises of God
I am praying for your mom, Renee, and your family. Thank you for your prayers for us. Just in the last week, I have been feeling stronger spiritually. But I am recovering from some health issues, fatigue in particular. I would like prayer for physical strength and emotional strength as i deal with the limitations from the fatigue.
As I heal, I’m also seeking God to find out what direction He wants me to go in as far as ministry and work. Thank you.
Pray for me please.
Reading these prayers I realize how many people are hurting. It breaks my heart and I so want to just embrace each one of you and pray for you. Keep remembering that this is all just strengthening, preparation and conditioning for ruling and reigning with Christ. Some of you must be in training for very important positions as you are going through some very tough times! Here’s some encouragement for us all that God led me to today: ‘May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance’ II Thessalonians 3:5. Just think of the perseverance Jesus had on the cross to endure it and yet still be forgiving in the midst of it all!!. We can have that same ‘stick-to-it-iveness’ (try to spell check that one!) that Christ had while enduring cruel suffering beyond what we can imagine. Well, it helps me sometimes to remember that this life is but a vapor and will not even compare to the glory & joy that awaits us!! Praise His name!! Hang in there ladies (& men) and fall into the arms of Christ every day!!
wow! Your post has really resonated with me. I read through all these posts and realize that my problems are so small in comparison that I hesitate to even write about it. I’ve been placed in many leadership roles – that I never asked for, never wanted and feel completely out of my comfort zone, but I know God has plans for me – He’s “strengthening, preparing and conditioning” me for “ruling and reigning in Him!” How glorious!
Romans 5:3 Let us also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Footnotes:
Renee,
I feel like everything you’ve shared was like talking about me too! I will pray for your mom and would really appreciate prayer for my health. I have had ongoing, numerous health issues that seem to be one thing after another and I never really get to the bottom of it. I am currently having one now and awaiting an ultrasound report which I trust Jesus will be normal. God has been so faithful to me in the past and has seen me through every test and hospitalization with good results…. I do not know why I doubt and lack faith sometimes. Lord, help my unbelief!
Thanks so much Renee! Blessings to you, your hubby, sons (I have 2 sons too!…they’re great!) and all your family!!!
Love in Christ,
Shannon
Please pray for all my worries, and I do trust in the Lord, but I’m having trouble with his timing and not my timing. I will pray for Gods will for your mom recovery, and peace for you.
Please pray for me. Your message was perfect timing. I prayed not 15 minutes before reading this that God would help me as I feel my life is out of control. I am very depressed today and didn’t want to get out of bed. I am going to do your suggestions as for some reason He put it on my heart when I prayed to write verses on index cards but I didn’t know where to start. Now I know. Thank you! I am sorry to hear about your mother. I will pray for her and for you.
Thank you for these devotions. I am praying for your Mom & your family. Please pray for financial peace for my husband & I. I need a job but need one that is not as stressful as my last one. Praise God for His answer that will come because of the prayers of friends!!! :o)
Renee, my prayers are with you and your family for strength and wisdom during this time with your mothers health situation. May God’s comfort fill you and God’s wisdom guide the doctors and you as well.
Please pray for me since i am really feeling as if i was at the bottom of the valley. I am feeling very insecure in my job, in my work skills. I want the Lord to guide me and help me to learn and to retain what i learn. i continue to be forgetful all due to stress. i feel like i’m loosing it.
Please pray for me as I deal with the father of my children as he has a very hardened heart. We have been divorced since 1998 and I have a very scared heart from him and things that happen between us. God Blessed us with two beautiful boys who I consider a gift from GOD. If the LORD took me home today the today I would want my now teenage boys to remember about me is that I love GOD with all my heart and soul and them. As long as he allows me to live pray that I will stay his will and not get in his way. Im having trouble making ends meet financially but IM THANKFUL I CAN STILL SAY IVE BEEN BLESSED.
Praying for your mother
Renee,
I really appreciate this study….. Three years ago the enemy really began attacking my confidence concerning my work and God’s purpose for my life…. I was the Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Federal Affairs for a political organization in DC and totally stressed out…. Last year I lost my job and I completely fell apart…. I have not found a new job yet and to be honest I am scared…. Please pray for restoration, courage and that the Lord would show me who I really am and what He wants to accomplish through me…. Also, I am asking the Lord to provide the right job soon!
Thank you for your honesty! You have been a blessing in the midst of the storm!
Blessings!
Carrie
Praying for you Carrie
He will bring restoration to you in the personal and practical need for a job as well.
Trust him through the tougher days and times of confusion. I pray the same for myself.
Know he is with you always, and remember the gifts he placed in you making you very capable.
Perhaps he is using this season to make us rely on him first, and then step out with a faith made
even more firm through the struggles. He is more faithful than anyone else in this life!
I believe I am learning to rely so closely on him and his truth b/c the pressure is on, even when it
comes from unexpected places.
God Bless you.
(Orginally, I lost what I had typed but God heard. Beforehand, I was having a tough moment and quickly checked email, the verses from today’s topic were timely and brought peace.)
Psalm 73: v 23,24 “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.
With your counsel You will guide me. And afterward receive me to glory “
Hi Renee,
As I was praying before I saw this and I’m asking for your prayers. I am consumed by some worries right now, I believe GOD spoke to me about somethings and I confided in someone for some advice and now I’m more confused, I had peace and believe that I’m praying GOD’s perfect will… Please just pray for me..
Thanks
Felicia
Pray for me please.
First, Renee, please know that I’m praying for you, your mom, and the rest of your family. It can be so difficult to be strong during times of physical trials. Heck, it can be difficult to be strong on the best of days too!!
My concerns seem paltry compared to others. I have 2 grown successful children, and wonderful husband–who often drives me crazy but whom I love deeply.
We married young and I didn’t complete college until my children were in middle school. Then I spent 10 years teaching in the public school system and getting my Masters in Education. Then, through several circumstances-one being my father’s death-I left teaching and definitely do not feel led to return to that field-even if I could find a teaching job in today’s area economy.
So I’ve been working part time at a local technical college in testing and advisement-only job I could find. I like it but after 3 years am beginning to feel the need to find a full-time position with benefits such as retirement!! I had planned to start taking some classes here for a new program they have started, but just recently found out that it will require me to quit work entirely for 2 years to complete a practicum-it’s in the medical profession. My husband doesn’t think we can afford for me to do this, so now I don’t know what to do. I thought I was being led in this direction, but I feel like a door has slammed shut. I’m very discouraged and confused and could use many prayers concerning what direction to take. You would think at age 46 I’d have my life figured out, but apparently not!!!!
Thanks for the prayers and the realization that God always notices our situations and cares for us.
A word of encouragement to you – I did not go back to college to finish my degree until I was 60 yrs old! I was busy doing the ministries God had called me to (homeschooling my children etc, etc) I did not have the time or $$. Now God has provided me with both and called me to finish my psyc degree and counsel at our church for my ” retirement” years. I am 64 now and will graduate after the holidays. As they say when one door closes another one opens and when the time is right God brings it all together.
I feel lately as if I’ve lived in this pit of worry and anxiety for so long. The worry of being a single mom, who is a full time student and unemployed and wondering after the end of the year how I will continue to put a roof over my daughters head. It tears at the very core of my heart. I worry if God will continue to provide. If He and He alone will provide the solution and the rescue that I need.
You are in my prayers…..I just bought you book and I am so enjoying it…Thank you!!
Please pray for me as I cannot currently share details, but I feel somewhat overwhelmed with life right now and working to find balance in many areas seems to elude me.
I will be praying for your mother.
Our Proverbs 31 Online Prayer Team is standing in the gap for you Renee, and for your Mother.
Father, we just lift Renee’s mother to you now Lord. We ask for healing to take place in her body right now, by the stripes taken upon Your back, Lord. We claim that healing now, In Your Precious Name, Jesus!
Lord, I lift Renee up to you. I ask for comfort Lord during this time,and for peace that surpasses all understanding. As she taught us this last weekend, we pray that she comes to You Lord, now during this time of concern in her life, and we pray that You will grant her rest for her soul, Lord.
Thank You Father, that You know the plans for Renee’s mother, and they are to give her peace and hope for her future. Thank You Lord that You are our Ultimate Healer. I pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors and nurses treating her mother, as well.
In Jesus’ precious Name, Thank You!!
Christi, I echo your prayer for Renee and her mother. I am reminded of the scripture, Isaiah 43 that says, “God promises to be with Renee and her mother (v. 5) and to take them through the water and the fire. More than anything,God does noy get weary as we do. Renee and her mom are precious in His sight (v. 4).” And I thank God in advance for His perfect will in both of their lives.
So sorry to read about your mom. I pray strength and comfort for her, wisdom for the doctors, and all of those things for you and your family.
The paragraph about sounding doable and not being so — OMG! We’re in the middle of a series on The Armor of God (Eph 6:10-18) and it’s the whispering of satan in our ears that makes donning the armor daily so vital to our survival. Without it we can not stand against the schemes of the devil. And the first piece is the one that fights the lies — the Belt of Truth. Thank you so much for calling him out on this! When we recognize those thoughts for the lies that they are, we’ve taken the first step in walking in the truth.
As I’m reading the book and doing the study with Melissa Taylor while the series is going on, I am so blown away by how much the two tie together. It could only be God’s hand on what I’m chosing to study outside church that would create this two-fold presentation of how to get out from under the weight of self-doubt.
Thank you so much for following God’s plan for your life, as it’s enriching the lives of so many others.
(btw – how’s Aster doing this week — sick little ones are never any fun, even without special circumstances thrown into the mix)
You have struck my heart once again Renee! I was at your conference this weekend, and your words-every single one- I felt like were directly for me and the place I am at in my life. My life is consumed with 4 children and ministry and honestly my marriage is struggling. My husband and I are on a journey to mend what we have lost over the years, but I am honestly filled with worry that things aren’t going to change and how I will have the strength to keep going. He is a good man, but traveling/work pulls him away from us in so many ways. I am seeking God for direction and balance to live out my priorities in a way that is pleasing to Him and not man. I thank God for you speaking straight into my heart and encouraging me to believe in God’s truths instead of satan’s lies. Thank you for following God’s call on your life, battling through writing & completion of your book, and taking the time to be with us this weekend. I am praying and believing for your sweet Aster’s voice to be heard, and for your mother’s comfort & healing. God Bless.
Sweet Jill,
I remember so well being in a place in my marrage when I felt so alone. I had other issues than you discribed, but I’m guessing the feelings of dispair were similar. My husband wasn’t a believer and our priorities in life were not always the same. I didn’t see any hope of renewed love or passion, unity of purpose, or solid contentment in our relationship, but I began to pray. I prayed because I was helpless and hopeless. I prayed for God to change MY heart. I couldn’t control what my husband did or even wanted for our marriage, but I could let God control me and give me His character. He did a supernatural work in my heart. An undiscrible love for my husband sprang up within me. All the faults and concerns I was clutching so tightly just seemed to slip through my fingers as I prayed and trusted God to change things, to change me. We’ve been married for 32 years now. My husband still does not love Jesus to the extent that I do, but God did and is doing an amazing work in each of us everyday–that we let Him! So let me encourage you to Let Him! Trust Him, He will not fail you!
Tori, thanks for your reply to Jill. I needed to read your comments. I am in a desert place concerning my marriage and my husband who attends church (at times) but is not in the church as I am. Thanks for reminding me to cast my cares upon Jesus and pray for the situation and believe God will do a new thing in me and the relationship.
Tori ,I need to literally paint your closing statement on my wall! Trust Him,He will not fail you!…..that need s to be posted for all to see. thank you ! !
Tori,
Thank you for the reminder of letting the Lord change my husband as I pray and allow the Lord to change my heart. I have seen some amazing things lately, but my husband is still far from trusting the Lord. Oh, don’t get me wrong, he’s accepted the Lord as his savior, but never goes to church or I never see him read his bible, but he’s the type of man that is very curious. As the Lord answers prayers in my life, my husband can see these answers and I know that it’s making a difference. However, I want to see him actually walking with the Lord and attending church with me…. but then, that’s me. I have to let God be God and deal with him the way that God knows best since he created him and He loves him more than I do. We have been married 46 years. Many lessons learned over that time. I also have to remember all the prayers the Lord has answered over the years and recently and KNOW that God is faithful even when I’m not.
Thanks so much for this wonderful study. It has truly met my latest need! My immediate concern is that I will be laid off my job by Dec. 31. I’ve been praying and seeking the Lord as to what He wants me to do. I’m 63 and single, so finding a job is important. I want to do what pleases him and know he’ll give me the desires of my heart if I trust him. It’s hard to be patient and wait, so please pray for me to not get too busy looking for a job and miss him! I’ll be praying for your mom; God is awesome and works miracles everyday if we just look for them.
Renee,
First of all I pray that God will protect you mom and dissolve those clots before they can do any harm to her. I pray that God will give her medical team great wisdom and discernment as they treat her. I pray that you and your family will sense God’s presence and peace and his spirit will help you remember that God loves your mom even more than you do.
I praise God for giving you this message which is so timely for me.
I have an incredibly busy week that includes offciating a wedding along w/ my usually full ministry schedule. I’ve been stressing about getting it all done.
I would appreciate your prayers on two fronts: first that what I do in ministry this week will glorify God and bless his people, second, tomorrow I have a consultation w/ a new doctor concerning a problem w/ low blood pressure that no one has been able to solve. Please pray that he might be able to help me.
Your words minister to me so much. Blessings & love – Karen