Top

Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

A Wing and a Prayer

“Let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings.” Psalm 61:4b (Amp)

Today I’m asking God to help me find shelter under His wings. I’m being stretched to believe I can rest in God’s sovereignty and choose inactivity (on my part). Instead of working on something I need to do, God’s challenging me pray instead…to be still, talk to Him and trust He is working when I am not. This is where believing God and doubting play tug-o-war. When a deadline and responsibility hangs over my head and something keeps me from moving toward it, it makes me…

Doubt I can get it done.
Doubt I heard God right.
Doubt God’s perfect plans and timing.
Doubt my ability to follow through.

Satan wants us to doubt ourselves
But God wants us to believe HIM and trust Him! This is where we learn to live in the power of HIS promises. It’s the only way to live beyond the shadow of our doubts as we walk forward or rest in faith. But it’s hard when you’re having a bad day. Like the one one that just culminated with a run-away dog this afternoon, and me crying ’cause I didn’t think I’d find her since she didn’t have her tags on her new collar.

I drove around my neighborhood and surrounding area with my windows down crying out, “Daaaaaaaaisy, Daiseeeeey!” And saying, “God, please don’t let this happen. Not today. Not Daisy. You know she’ll run forever. She’s a beagle whose nose will lead her to SC and she won’t even know she left home. This is the last thing I need today. Pleeeaase help me find her.”

Finally a man who lives near us brought her home while I was out looking for her. He told mom it took a piece of bologna to get Daisy to come to him. I could’ve strangled that bologna-eating dog when I got home. But she was smiling and jumping on me like she’d gotten back from a friends house.

I know, life happens! But I sure do wish it would coordinate itself with my needs and deadlines. Today was a writing day and now my brain feels like a sledge hammer is pounding on it. Why do things like this happen on the days I block out time to write my book? Seriously. And can I be honest with you? It’s frustrating. I can’t write every day so when I can, I really need to.

Sometimes it feels like I am living in the middle of impossible.

So what do we do in the middle of impossible? I am still trying to figure that out but the past several months have given me lots of opportunities to try a few things. First, I am learning to cling to the promise- With God all things are possible! Then I am learning to ask Him to give me a very specific “word” (a promise or a principle) from His Word to act on and put my trust in. Then I look for what next step He wants me to take.

For example, before all this craziness happened today, I was stressing a little about my book deadline and blocking out time to write until I meet it. This weekend He gave me 2 Timothy 1:12b, “For I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I’ve entrusted to Him for that day.”

Then today He challenged me (gave me the opportunity) to walk it out: to be convinced that He is able to guard what I’ve entrusted to Him for this day. For me it means that I am entrusting Him with the chapter I feel like I should be writing, and the words that are now stuck inside my pounding head.

As far as a step to take, the Holy Spirit reminded again today that God’s been nudging me to for a while to ask friends to pray for me and the message of “A Confident Heart” and the women who will read it – until it’s written. He’s reminded me that the enemy is not happy about what God is up to on the pages of this book and that he will do all he can to stop me.

So, today I am walking out 2 Tim 1:12, and then taking the next step of obedience by asking some friends to pray with me.

Would you’d like to be part of the “Confident Heart” prayer team?
I think it’d be so wonderful to seek Christ’ heart with you and ask Him together to make Himself famous through this book. Leah (my assistant and dear friend) and I are excited to see who God will gather with us. We’ll collect names/emails to send requests and we’ll also be praying for them too! To join us, leave a comment below with your email address and we’ll send you updates, probably once a week. (Or email [email protected] with “Prayer Team” in the subject line.)

Now that I’ve written all of this, I have a feeling God is writing a chapter right here in the middle of impossible. I’d love to know if you ever feel like you are living in the middle of impossible? What are some promises you cling to and some steps you take to help you get out of that hard place?

I love to hear from you! (and pray for you, too)

***********************************************

UPDATE: Thank you so much for blessing me with your words of affirmation, ideas, suggestions and perspectives for the subtitle of “A Confident Heart.” It was the best feedback I could have gotten!! You make me want to write this book even when it gets hard! Random integer chose Stephanie Pace as the winner of the $20 giftcard. So sorry it took me a day to count the names and get it posted. Congratulations Stephanie!

Discover more from Renee Swope

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

  1. Please add me to your prayer partner list for A Confident Heart

    How I would love to sit with you over a nice cup of hot tea and talk about how absolutely loving our attentive Father is. I know we could share story after story laughing and crying together.

    I have been following your story of your daughter gift and have been very moved by the realism of our Father weaved throughout.

    I have been through many seasons and Fathers' faithfulness was aways there, joyful in the midst. I too am writing a book and I have to say, I feel you sister! Thank you for allowing me to enjoy your journey with you. I can't tell you how often father encourages me through you!

    Please pray for me, Father is doing a big thing! The enemy is prowling around seeking whom He might devour; too bad his teeth were broken 2000 years ago at a little hill called Calvary.

    Be encouraged every season leaves us totally engulfed by His light coming and going. One of my best teachers of this is my youngest cat Promise. He too likes to test the boundaries of his safety and get out of the house. Fortunately has ended with him back safely in my arms. Can you imagine how Father feels about us when we turn our face to some distraction; involved to our neck before we realize it. So many distractions some days!

    I am so proud of you!

    In Him…living out loud,
    Elizabeth

    Virginia

  2. My name is Shirley and I would love to be part of the "Confident Heart" prayer team.

    Blessings!

  3. Renee,
    I am so blessed by your updates. You are so transparent and that's what I need. Please include me on your prayer team. We are studying the Holy Spirit on Wednesday evenings at my church. Last Wednesday night, Pastor Brian shared a verse, Matthew 11:12: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." He explained that passionate people lay hold of God's blessing and will suffer death before they give up! I will not quit praying until God touches my family, my job, my church and eveyone I come in contact with! Pray "violently". I've already seen results! Praise His Name!

    Belinda in Burlington

  4. Please put me on the prayer team to pray for Renee and the goings on for her up and coming book.

    I'd also like for you all to pray for me and my writing. No, I'm not writing a book (I wish!). I'm just trying to get into the habit of writing.

    Blessings—Angela

  5. Hi Renee Swope
    I like to read your blog email all the time. it help me in my journey with the Lord our God, my name is Sedou Madi and I want to pray for you.
    Thank You

  6. i would like to be a part of the confident heart prayer group. i thank God for you and your ministry. you are a blessing to me as i run this race…you have reminded me so many times that giving up is not an option. may God continue to Bless you and your family beyond measure.

    Therefore, let us trust GOD and believe without any doubt that He can do the impossible. Indeed, GOD can raise the dead.

    Chelsea

  8. Renee, I would love to be part of the "Confident Heart" prayer team?
    I have been seeking Christ through you since I first began getting the P31 devotions. You have prayed for me and my husband, you have ministered to me during the night when I can't sleep and I go back read your blog and the scriptures that you post, and I have even had the honor to be embraced by you. Please keep me in the loop as part of your prayer team at [email protected] and know that with this many people praying for you and your book that there is no way Satan can get anywhere close to you! Love you girl! Kelly

  10. Hello. My wife and I bought our house about 6 months ago. It was a foreclosure and we were able to get a great deal on it. We also took advantage of the 8K tax credit so that definitely helped. We did an extensive remodeling job and now I want to refinance to cut the term to a 20 or 15 year loan. Does anyone know any good sites for mortgage information? Thanks!

    Mike

  11. I needed to hear a post like this today. Yesterday was one of those days where everything seemed to run together and I wasn't sure if I could get it all done. I was short with my husband on the phone when he called and asked me to do something… like I wasn't doing enough.lol I thought it was impossible to get everything finished and in time. But, God caused it all to work out… and softened my heart enough to ask for forgiveness for my attitude.

    I don't handle too many things happening at one time well. I get stressed because if I'm doing something, I want it done right and on time. Control. I have to have it, and if something gets thrown into the mix that I wasn't planning–throws me for a loop and makes me loopy.;-)

    I know I've mentioned it before but Deut 31:8 is something I meditate on often.(Or maybe not often enough since I still stress.) "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

    Please add me to the prayer list.
    [email protected]

  12. Thank you for today's post, Renee. It was just what my weary heart needed. I'd love to be a part of your prayer team. I'm praying for you and the continued progress of your book!

    Blessings,
    Amy

    [email protected]

  13. Renee,
    I have been and will continue to pray for you! I am so encouraged by your honesty! I can relate to feeling like I'm living in the middle of impossible and sometimes I'm beginning to wonder if that's just the way GOD wants it. Obviously when it's impossible for me, I will have to trust in Him. I know Satan wants to sieze those opportunities and will do all he can to have doubt replace the trust and I suppose he is trying to do that to you right now. Like you said he wants nothing to do with this book, so I will pray you keep pressing on.

    When I find myself in a season of stretching, one thing I like to do is read my prayer journal or even blog posts. It's encouraging to see God's answers and His faithfulness. Also can be a reminder of my own faith – if my words were true when times were good, God hasn't changed just because times get tough.

    Renee, as I'm typing this I think of an athlete stretching out – it's an important step in training and competition. I believe the same applies to us as Christians but the game is life and sport is our walk of faith. I believe your time of stretching is simply preparation for the race that lies ahead!! Keep running with perseverance my friend, I'm honored to pray for you!
    Blessings,
    Jill

  16. haha! I'm just laughing because i don't know how to use a random number generator so my drawing will have to wait til morning…

    I, too, have had one of those days where i need to spend time covered in his wings! Feels like it's midnight and it's just 8:30!! (and the dog-hollering-crazy-woman is me most days 😉 !)

    Anyway, I'd be honored to pray for you, sweet friend and I know you are already praying for me. Consider yourself prayed for even now. xoxo

    lisa smith
    [email protected]

  17. Headaches when there is a lot to do- I can so relate! Yesterday was one of those days. I have lots of days where worry, feeling overwhelmed or not able to measure up to being the kind of mom, wife, ministry leader I should be get me stuck. I feel bogged down and then end up feeling so guilty for not getting things done that day. I know it is Satan working on my insecurities and simply my lack of faith. I keep a huge stack of index cards in my reading basket with verses or quotes that encourage me. Lots of the verses and quotes I have gotten from you, Lysa and other Proverbs 31 writers. These are 3 of my favorites: Joshua 1:5-9;18 I will never leave you nor forsake 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…. Only be strong and courageous.
    2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.
    Isaiah 58:8-11 …the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. ….The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and He will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
    Thanks for your honesty and encouragement!! You are in my prayers!
    Mary Lynn – Georgia

  18. Loved your honesty! I would love to pray for you. So glad Daisy got back home safe and so glad to have found your site. I'll visit again tomorrow. Thanks.

  19. Hi – just to say thanks for your writings which are very helpful and encouraging (even though your head hurts!)Re today's posting, I am finding it very hard to discern between what may have been God's plan for my life ( and that of another) and what may have been the thwarted outcomes of the enemy. I'm very much a fearful "new" believer…taking small steps but with lots of insecurity and doubt in myself. Sometimes I wonder how I've even come to find Proverbs 31 or how I've come to have the nerve to post comments on the site. I really do find it a great site and it is of fantastic help and encouragement. I'm writing from the UK and visit the site every day/evening. Wish some of your speakers would tour over here! x

  20. I like the name of your book. My Name is Sandy Atkins and I am from Lubbock Texas.

    God bless you with the book. Love Proverbs 31