***If you are one of my on-line Bible Study girls participating in our Hebrews Study, please click here to go to the Hebrews Chapter 12 lesson and video message.***
***If you left a comment to win a copy of Jesus Calling from my last devotional, the winner will be announced next Monday so check back with me.***
If you are visiting here today from my P31 Devotion, Even in the Darkness, welcome!! I am so thankful the Lord brought you here today. I am trusting He brought you for a reason. Maybe you too find yourself locked in a prison of fear. Perhaps darkness shrouds your heart. Maybe you feel that all hope is gone.
Friend, don’t believe these lies!! God wants His highest and best for your life. He brought you here today to speak into your darkness! He has powerful truths He wants to teach you, amazing love He wants to reveal to you, and everlasting hope He wants to offer you.
Twenty-six years ago, just days after my college graduation, an armed, masked man hiding inside my apartment raped me. For years I lived locked in a prison of fear, unforgiveness, and hopelessness. Being a victim defined my life and left me physically void. I believed that this man stole my every hope and dream.
But God!!! God’s love and His Word set my heart free! I learned that within the confines of God’s story, His Holy Scriptures, nothing had been stolen from me, but rather everything given to me. My life, which felt so hopeless, so out of control, was in reality full of hope and in complete control… God’s control.
My book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, shares how God healed this broken place in my life and worked mightily not only to restore all that I had lost but also to give me abunantly more than I could have ever asked or imagined.
If you want to find this kind of Hope and live in full and complete freedom from that which imprisons you, please join me for my newest on-line study through my book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, the Transforming Power of God’s Story. It will begin mid-April and run through the last week of May. My prayer is that through this study, you too, will see that the Bible is not merely a book but a living, God-breathed letter written especially for you. It transformed my life and infused me with a new power…a joy…that I had never experienced before.
If you want to read/download a sample chapter from Hidden Joy, look in the right column and click on the link, “Download a Sample Chapter,” just below the book’s image.
If you are interested in learning more about and/or joining this study, please do the following,
First, sign up in the right column of this web site just below the Proverbs 31 logo where it says “Sign up for Wendy Blight’s on-line studies.” This will ensure you receive an invitation at the start of this study with all pertinent details as well as information about future Living Truth on-line studies.
Second, at the top of the right column, sign up to receive my weekly posts in your email so you can receive my video messages along with any other information and/or encouragement written for each week’s lesson. I usually post once a week.
Third, leave a comment (sharing a prayer request or your thoughts on the devotional or the on-line study) to be registered to win a signed copy of Hidden Joy. Please be sure to leave an e-mail address so we can contact you if you are the winner.
In a few weeks, Proverbs 31 will announce the start of this and other on-line studies. If you decide to join us for the Hidden Joy Study and purchase your book from Proverbs 31 Ministries, we will send you a personalized, signed copy of Hidden Joy.
I want to leave you today with encouragement from God’s Word. Each verse is taken from a chapter of Hidden Joy.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessings and refreshment collect after rains! Psalm 84:6
I will give you treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Let me close us in prayer today,
Heavenly Father, You led each woman here today because You have a powerful work You want to do in her life. I pray that as she continues seeking You for hope and healing in her life, You will give her eyes to see and ears to hear your every Word and leading. Thank You for Your promise that when we seek You with all our hearts, we will find you!! I pray that each woman who stopped here today will experience You in a powerfully personal way today. Touch her in a tender way so that she knows You hear the cry of her heart. Thank You in advance for all You will do in her life today and from this day forward. We ask this in Jesus powerful and Holy name. Amen!!
Blessings,
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Wendy,
WOW do these words touch my heart. I am struggling with my mariage. I am in a dark place. i can not find any affection, kind words, love for my husband. He has verbally abused me for at least 5 years. I dont’ believe the lies but they have driven such wedge between us that I see no way to get back to loving him. However, your words and the scripture you pointed out have shown me that God can change my heart. I just need to let him. Please pray for me and my marriage. Thank you
Praying now, sweet Denise! God is able to move and change your heart and your husband’s heart!! May God do a mighty work through the power of His Holy Spirit to heal and restore your marriage!
Blessings,
Wendy
I am currently in your study of the book of Hebrews and it has been a wonderful life changing experience for me. I have been a Christian for most of my life, yet have had those dark moments you speak of. I know that in those times, I must trust in God’s love and know that He is working for my good. Recently, I have been traveling through the darkness with my sweet daughter who is struggling. I am claiming this devotion and these promises from God for her life today. She will be home in a few days for a visit from college and I am praying that God will use this time at home, with her family as a time of healing in her heart and mind. If you are reading this, please pray with me.
Dear Lori Ann I join with you in prayer that our heavenly Father will bring healing, wholeness and refreshment to your daughter, heart, mind, soul and body on her visit home from college. I have seen God work greatly in the lives of my two daughters who are now a few years older than your dd. Bless you.
Agreeing in prayer with you that God will speak a personal Word to your sweet girl as you open His Word to her!! May He reign down His healing hand upon her and wash His peace over her.
Blessings,
Wendy
Lori Ann I prayed for this upcoming visit from your daughter. (Hugs) I am a first time visitor…thank you for the emailed Encouragement For Today. Beautiful! I am at the end of my Red Sea and now can look back at God’s AMAZING work. Exodus 14:14 was my verse.
In 1980 I went through a similar incident. The intruder woke me up in my apartment. I lived in shame for several years thinking all that happened to me was my fault. It has been a long road of healing! I wouldn’t have made it without God’s love. I can’t wait to read your book.
Wendy I cannot WAIT to study your book again!!
Thank you for sharing Hebrews 12 with us today. It is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. My sister actually led me to your site and we are going to begin the online study together. I’m very excited. Your words speak directly to my heart about healing. I’m looking forward to beginning this journey with you and with the other women connected to your ministry. Thank YOU.
I agree with Heather, I cant wait to read your book again with you. It was such a blessing the first time, I know it will continue to heal. Thank you for doing this study again.
Looking forward to your new bible study!
I tried to download a sample chapter but I got an error message that the page no longer exists. Any insights, or others saying the same thing?
Oh, I am so sorry about that. I will check with my technical person to see what the deal is. Thanks for letting me know.
W
I am so thankful for this on-line study. God’s timing is perfect!!
xo,
Melissa
Wendy, I read your book Hidden Joy a few years ago. I had been struggling with a deep depression and hopelessness. i just wanted to thank you for writing it! It was so encouraging and life-giving to me, and it created a hunger in me to know God’s Word. It changed me, and I am so grateful that I read it. Thank you for your openness and for sharing Christ’s love.
🙂 Michelle
You are so welcome!! Thank you for these sweet words of encouragement about Hidden Joy.
Blessings,
wendy
Thank you for this encouragement today! I was raped at a very young age and then as a teenager a relative came on to me but I got out of that situation. I’ve never really dealt with it but I know God brought me here for a reason so I’m looking forward to your new Bible study!!
Praying now that God will use this study and your time in His Word to free you from this place of captivity!! We are so excited to have you join us.
Blessings,
Wendy
I am really looking forward to this study – I have lived in darkness for years with shame, guilt, anger and fear. I know that our God doesn’t want us to live this way, that He provides joy for us – we just need to claim it!
Thank you for providing this study!
Thank you so much for doing these studies. Even though I didn’t comment a lot on the Hebrews Study, I was following along. I am looking forward to your next study.
Wow…I so need this…last week I was raped by a date and I have been reeling ever since…I think I need to buy the book asap to get started…I feel hope is gone now and am blaming myself…
Lori, I will be praying for you. It is not your fault no matter what the Devil says. You are cherished and loved. God is with you.
Keeping you in my prayers Lori. Like Debra said, it’s NOT your fault. You will find healing and restoration in God, He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. This book is a great way to start that journey to healing. Keeping you close.
<3 Heather
Lori, I am praying for you! Please do not blame yourself as no one deserves to go through something like that. (((HUGS))) Go to God when you are feeling like it is your fault so that you may be reminded that it is not and He is there to heal you.
Lori I wanted to add a verse that helped me 2 Corinthians 12-8-9 Three different times I begged God to make me well again Each time he said No. But I am with you: that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.”
It was His power that got me through the toughest days and nights.
Lori, the Lord did bring you here to be with us so that He can speak Truth, shine His Light, and bring healing to this hurt in your life. He will be faithful to bring you through!!! You, sweet friend, can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!!
Love,
Wendy
Thank you for sharing about this time in your life. So many are going thru things & try to keep it bottled up. We need to be real with each other.
I am excited to pray and see what God wants me to do, and what I can learn with your study. Thanks!
I’m glad to see this study again. I had started it last year, but then life happened. What I did finish really reached my heart. I’m looking forward to this. Life has been tough lately.
Looking forward to your Hidden Joy study
wendi.belle89@gmail.com
Looking forward to bible study!
I am so excited about the bible study. God has been working in my life. I praise the Lord everyday. God is awesome.
Looking forward to this study!!!
I am looking forward to this new study :o)
Please pray that the Lord will send me a Best Friend to share this journey of life with.
Praying now, Sandy, that the Lord will bring a best friend to walk alongside you…maybe an old friend or maybe a brand new friend!! He will be faithful.
Blessings,
W
My situation is a bit different, nonetheless, I feel that God brought me to this today. A year ago on Mothers Day I was in an accident. I was out mowing the yard and the lawnmower flipped, throwing me off and hitting me in the head and rolling on top of me. Gave me quite a concussion and split my face wide open and knocked out several teeth. Not to mention the damage it did to my body. Since this accident I will have severe panic attacks when there could be a life threatening situation that I do not feel I have control over. My doctor diagnosed me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She wanted to put me on some medicine, but I truly felt that I wanted God’s help through this, not medicine. However, no matter how hard I try, this situation has left me emotionally paralyzed and afraid of things I have never been afraid of before. So reading what this bible study, “Even In the Darkness” is about, all I could do was sit here and cry. I am so thankful that God is always faithful and hears all of my prayers. I know that I am going through all of this for a reason, and I know that He has never left my side, and has caught every tear that I have cried. And I know that He led me here today…and I am so thankful.
Keeping the faith,
Stephanie
Oh, dear Stepanie, I am so sorry about your accident. I can’t imagine the physical pain you’ve had to endure, but I am well acquainted with the mental pain. I often think it is worse than the physical because there is no visual proof of the suffering that is occurrring under the surface. It is very, very isolating. I have been on anti-depressants and anxiety medications for 10 years now. I have had well-intentioned Christians tell me that I lack faith in God’s healing power because I’m depending on a drug to help me. I believe this is another one of Satan’s lies. How many Christians don’t take antibiotics when they have an infection or chemotherapy when they are battling cancer? BTW-my relationshio with the Lord has grown exponentially during the darkness of my life because there have been so many vices He has had to break me of, but that’s another story. I’m not offering advice about your treatment. I just wanted to share that these medications can be beneficial when carefully monitored by a physician. There are many other people who battle the stigma of mental illnesses and it is such a shame that they do just because society is ignorant and afraid of what it does not understand. You are not alone. You can come through this and you will have an amazing testimony that God can use to reach others in circumstances like yours. After all, what is a testimony without a test? I will be praying for you. God loves you and, even though I don’t know you personally, so do I. May He bless you as you participate in this study.
I feel the same way! I am also, and have for years suffered with anxiety and most recently depression. I have felt the same way when I speak about it to other Christians as well. I finally shut down, and stopped speaking about it in prayer settings, or around other Christians. Not all Christians were like this that I was around of course. However even a handful who say the cruel things that can be said about anxiety and the Christian life, can hurt your heart beyond what you thought was possible. Thank you for your story Lori. My post, about my story, is almost identical!
Thank you, Lori, for you sweet and kind words. And thank you for praying for me, and though you do not know me, loving me. God is so faithful and gracious. I have been very blessed with some wonderful, understanding people in my life. I am looking forward to this bible study…I will be counting down the days! :o) Thank you, again…so VERY much!!!
Stephanie, you were led here by God because He is faithful to answer the cry of our heart! He heard your cry and mine. We are so excited you are here and cannot wait to see how God will bring you out of darkness into His marvelous Light and restore to you the JOY of your salvation!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Lori and Heidi, I also, would like to keep both of you in my prayers. For His peace and for His comfort and most of all, forus to be still and to hear His voice during this time of bible study. He led us all here, I do believe, for a specific purpose. Let us be still and know that He is God.
And Wendy, I would like to pray also for you, as you are about to teach a bible study to hurting souls. May He give you the strength and courage, but also peace as you open up about what you have endured to touch others lives. God is using you for His purpose.
In Him,
Stephanie
So glad I came to your site today… what a blessing. Exodus 14:14 is my new verse… Thank you for this page.
I also am looking forward to this study. I am going to pray that a dear friend
of mine will join me on this journey. <3
Very much looking forward to this study. Thank you for
sharing your story and this wonderful ministry.
Looking forward to this study – as I really struggle with fear.
Thank you so much for this encouraging study! I have recently escaped from a mentally and emotionally abusive marriage of 10 years. I have spent the last two working through the process of learning all that was damaged to my self worth, condifidence, self image, faith and God’s design for my life finding myself in many dark places throughout the process. I know God is delivering me from it and I am finding healing in it. I have been held through the power of fear of a person who is powerless next to God! I found myself finishing one book knowing another would come at the right time for me in the right place to continue my healing. I look forward to it!
I’m excited for the study! Never done one like this before; it sounds like just what I need right now!
I am so looking forward to this. I need Gods guidence. I’m so lost and empty. Glad to have found you today.
I am looking forward to this study 🙂
Defeat has imprisoned me and I’m struggling just to get out of bed and take care of myself, and it’s a lonely feeling that i just can’t get past. It seems my life is broken and no matter how hard i try to focus it just won’t happen. Praying that God will bring healing to my heart/mind/soul.
Patty, the Lord will be faithful!! He is your Rock and your Sure Foundation. He will bring you to the place where you will leap out of bed in the morning to meet Him in His Word. He promises when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find HIm. Praying He will meet you in a most precious and personal way in and through this study and His Word.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thank you Lord for leading me to this bible study, asalways you know exactly what I need.
In your Holy Name, AMen
Amen!
W
This sounds like a great Bible study for me. I have four children, two biological and two adopted. My oldest just went off to college this year. It’s been a struggle for us both! My youngest two children both have physical disabilities, but those are easy to deal with. The darkness in our family comes from the years my youngest son spent in a series of foreign orphanages. He has major emotional challenges from that time. He holds it together well in public, but at home his anger comes out. Things are tough for all of us, but most of his anger and behaviors are directed at me. He has been with us for five years now and while there has been progress we have so very far to go. We have been through many counselors. Some of them have said his issues are too severe and we should give up. I find it funny that I have this opinion on one side, but the people at school are convinced he has no issues at all, it’s just me. I have faith that we will bring him to a place of healing and our family will heal from the trauma. I think this Bible study will be helpful. I am attending one at our church, but it ends soon. So this one will start at the right time.
Lorraine,
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a dear friend who is experiencing the same struggles with a son who was in an orphanage in Russia. His anger is almost always directed at her. Also, another woman from a past Hidden Joy study is experiencing the same thing with her daughter. You are wise to continue to seek the Lord about this through prayer. He will be faithful to guide and direct your steps with your son and give you the wisdom you need to make decisions regarding him. I join you in praying for healing!! Praying God will work through this study to provide what you need during this time!!
Blessings,
Wendy
This leaped off the screen to me when a dear friend posted it on FB! My husband divorced me a year ago after being separated for two years. I have struggled with trying to maintain a good relationship with him. I let my continued love for him get in the way of seeing how he was taking advantage of me. I struggled with moving on with my life. Finally, I have seen the light and know now I should have let go a long time ago. He has crushed my heart and any chance of maintaining any kind of cordial relationship. I trusted this man with everything in my life for nearly 19 years. His betrayal has brought me to a place I never wanted to be. I am looking forward to reading your book and finding my way back to the light!
Praying God will use this study to return to you the JOY of your salvation!!!
Blessings,
W
I am going thru a very difficult time as I recently had memories resurface of being sexually abused at a very young age. I am struggling with PTSD and going through counseling. I believe your study is very timely for me & will help me a lot right now!
I really wish I would have began the study of Hebrews with you all. As I am going to start the other one and feel it needed and necessary for many including myslef. The way the world is today I believe many have experienced some sort of darkness in life and its exciting to see that God is about to break many free ….
I am exited for “Hidden Joy”. I could really use God revealing His JOY to me. And I have never done an on-line Bible study before.
I constantly struggle with having hope for my future. Even though I get out of bed every morning, it is hard to get motivated about anything. I believe that this Bible study is exactly what I need.
I’m so thankful for P31’s post today. It led me to you and your words have touched my soul. There is so much in me that I carry and I try so hard to lay at the feet of Jesus. My experience isn’t what yours was but the pain I feel through sorrow, grief, fear, lack of self worth as of late, not knowing who I am, or where I am in God’s grand scheme of things, and the list goes on. I know I belong to Him and I know He is guiding me but it’s all by faith as of late. I feel like the major steps that I gained in God’s healing that I find myself so far from it. It’s a weird state to be in. Maybe it’s hormones.HAHA. Looking forward to your study.
So excited God led me to your site today and upcoming online Bible study! I have Lyme’s Disease and have undergone treatment for a year and a half. Very little information about Lyme’s is understood by doctors, which makes it very hard to diagnose and treat. I live in fear that I will never stop taking all of these medications or that they will do more harm to my body than the Lyme’s. I definitely need to get my mind off of my fears and turn them over to Jesus! Thank you for leading this study and for praying for all of us who will follow it.
I posted above, but I didn’t know if a response counted, so here is a bit about my story too.
I have struggled with depression and anxiety for years. I have found hope in my Savior, Jesus Christ, but I would love to know more about what He has to say on the subject. Most of the books I have read, regarding anxiety as a Christian, are hurtful. They make me feel guilty, accuse me of not having enough faith and thus the anxiety and depression. They dismiss my clinical condition. I know others may share this opinion of anxiety and depression, but if I could ask, please don’t respond to my post if you feel that way. It really is hurtful 🙁 I almost fell away from my faith because of those sorts of comments. I felt depressed already, anxious, and then I wondered if I was even good enough for God. Luckily I learned I was, but those ugly opinons still hit me on the hard days. I’ve signed up for the study, and would look forward the calming words of Jesus coming out of darkness, and hearing your story. I am so sorry you to hear about what you went though :(. I am glad you wrote this book though. It will help many.
Thank you for sharing your story and your devotional today. I needed to read these words. My darkness is not as traumatic as yours, but it is still dark. I am reminded that God is always there whether I see or feel Him or not.
Wendy,
This will be the first study of yours that I have done.
I am in a dark place with our oldest son.
As I pray for him I also pray for myself.
Thank you for offering this study.
Thank you for your words today. I am feeling very discouraged right now where my job is concerned and I am feeling very angry, helpless and scared. I was checking stuff on my facebook page and came across you. I have signed up for biblestudy, and your prayer was so powerful to me. Thank you and God Bless you!
I look forward to this Bible Study. I have went through so many dark places in my life. 4 1/2 years ago I feel and broke my ankle. It didn’t heal right and I’m not able to get around and do much work. At times I feel like I am such a burden on people because I’m always having to ask for help. I suffer with depression and panic attacks. It is a struggle by I know that God can and does bring me through the trials I face.
Praying, with you , your work is amazing and so helpful!
I don’t even know where to start. First I live in a loveless marriage for 46 years. My husband does not desire me for 45 yrs of our married life together. I have tried everything from Christian counceling to crying/praying for decades. I even had a breakdown two decades ago and put into the mental hospital for 2 wks..which didn’t make much of a effect on him. I have even stopped talking about it to him, of why don’t you love me, He likes to bring up things that I had did wrong when ever I try to find out why he stopped loving me or even desiring me as his lover. He has been a christian ever since early 1980 and he has not changed at all with our marrage. He hears the messages at church about loving your wife, etc. Nothing happens. He will not be the spirtual leader over me, or even prays with me except at dinner. He is very involved with church..greets…over see ministry at church. he does not walk his talk. It is very hard for me pretending to be the happy couple even at our age. We are so involed in church along with our sons and their family for decades. We have even been to marriage semiours…and nothing changes. All I ask is for him to show me love by giving me hugs and say he loves me. Also said to him, you know your grandchildren have never seen you show me love or give me hug..much less say to them..I love your grandma. My one son says it always to his wife, so his sons can see how to love a woman. other son not as much, but does at times. I taught them to express love to there wives, because they didn’t see it from their dad. Please pray that whatever it takes that God will change his heart before I died.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry to hear how you long for a love that is being denied to you. It must be so painful. Praying the Lord will wash His love over you every day and remind you how precious you are to Him!! Praying you will find your identity in Christ and not in your husband and that you will see yourself through God’s eyes only.
Praying with you that God will break through the hard shell around your husband’s heart and tender his heart toward you. Praying God will open his eyes so that your husband will see you as the beautiful woman you are and begin to love and care for you the way a husband should!!
We are thankful you will be joining us. God will use this time in His Word to encourage and strengthen you!!
Blessings,
W
I am really trying to work on letting God heal my past & allow Him to make me into the woman He wants me to be.
There are times where I feel as if the cloak of darkness is wrapped so tightly around me that there is nothing that can save me from being consumed by it. I can’t wait to start this study!
Thank you so much for this future study. I believe we all go through certain dark times during our entire lives.God is always with us, but we don’t always feel his presence during these times. I am thankful for my sisters in Christ and all of the wonderful words of encouragement. I am currently part of the Hebrew study and it has given me so much inspiration. Wendy you are a blessing to each and everyone of us.
Paulette Taylor
Knoxville, TN
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement!!
W
I was raised for 16 years to go to church and have faith in the lord. For those 16 years everything was great. But for the past 6 years I lost faith, everyonce and while I felt that urge that the Lord was calling me. But always pushed that feeling away. Then this past weekend I had a very rough life changing weekend and found that the only thing I could really do was to talk to God. One night this past weekend I sat alone and talked for an hour to the Lord, it felt GREAT I opened my Bible and read. Then I felt like I needed something more and went looking for Women’s Devotionals, and that is how I came upon this website. Ever since that night I have felt so refreshed and feel so changed. It feels so great that I have finally found my Faith once again.
Praise God!! He is drawing you back to Him. I am so excited we get to be part of this wonderful journey. God promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him!!
Blessings,
W
I am going to take myself out of this Bible study, and out of the running for the book. Too many things trigger my anxiety lately, and I feel your story, and the stories of others are just too trumatic for me right now 🙁 I hope that doesn’t sound selfish. I didn’t want to win when someone else can do this, if it was randomly drawn (but with God nothing is random now, is it?:), so I pulled out of the drawing while I still had time. I think God means for me to sink my teeth into His word in another way right now. Sorry. Thank you to all who told their stories here, and to you Wendy, for telling yours. While they are hard to read, and anxiety provoking for me at this time (again sorry, no offense to anyone. I’m just going through stuff of my own) they are also examples of God’s great ability to bring people together, at the right time. It just doesn’t feel like the right time for me right now. Maybe in the future. Thanks to all. God bless, and may you feel his presence as you as you go through this study.
Heidi,
Thank you for sharing your story above and for your honesty. We will respect whatever decision you make. But remember, this study is here, and if you decide you want to jump in, you are always welcome!! God will bring Hope, healing, and His peace to your life. He wants His highest and best for your life, sweet friend. When you are ready to take first steps, He will be waiting.
Blessings,
W
Funny I got this today. I went to choir practice at my church and just felt rather depressed. I didn’t really want to be there and I love to sing. I am not generally depressed but just not feeling I am doing what I should be doing and having trouble finding the joy I know I should feel sometimes. I am looking forward to this study.
I would love to read this book..going through darkness for what seems like such a long time. Struggling with fear in several areas of my life and I would ask you to pray for breaking of those bonds of fear and anxiety! I claim John 10:10 this year. I am excited about this study!
Hello, the Lord led me to this page, I’m sure of it. I’ve been neglecting my Father, not reading, not praying much. Today is Thursday, my kids will be going with their dad today, I can’t help but feel I’ve made so many wrong decisions, desicions without God
I would love to be part of this bible study. I am hoping it will take away what happened to me as a young child and help me learn to stop turning to food for comfort. I have built such a wall around me and I want that to break down to allow God in.
Thank you Wendy for your love and time.
I am currently on Chapter 10 of Hebrews – moving slowly and steadily through this Bible study. The song “draw me nearer, nearer… Blessed Lord…precious bleeding side – keeps running through my head this morning as I read the biblical text. Then I read your post about your upcoming study and i thought “how wonderful – that i have the advantage of joining another bible study by Wendy, or a different one, if i choose – what a wonderful way to keep drawing near to God!”
I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to read your devotional. We have a 21 year old daughter who is bipolar. We have had a long, difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible journey with her. She is expecting her first baby (our first grandchild) any day now. The person she is with does not come from a good background and I have struggled with this for a while. I have had a hard time through the years letting go of MY dreams and hopes for our daughter and the relationship I wished I had with her. I fear the same for our unborn grandchild. I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to let go of what I want and wish and hope for and accept that things may never be that way.
Thank you for sharing your heartache with us. What a heartbreaking story. Praying that as you join us and open God’s Word, He will minister to your sweet Spirit and bring hope and healing to this difficult situation. He is faithful!!!
Blessings,
Wendy
I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to read your devotional. We have a 21 year old daughter who is bipolar. We have had a long, difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible journey with her. She is expecting her first baby (our first grandchild) any day now. The person she is with does not come from a good background and I have struggled with this for a while. I have had a hard time through the years letting go of MY dreams and hopes for our daughter and the relationship I wished I had with her. I fear the same for our unborn grandchild. I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to let go of what I want and wish and hope for and accept that things may never be that way. Please pray for my daughter and grandchild. I will be joining your upcoming online study and I am very much looking forward to it.
In Sept. of 2004 I met my now husband online in a Christian chat room. We talked often and prayed together. I had walked away from God after my separation and divorce. In June of 2005 the Lord moved me to Georgia to live. I started working for the same Christian radio station he worked for. I have now been there for almost 7 years and it is such a blessing. My prayer is that I can move forward from my past and I will be forgiven by my middle daughter. I already apologized a long time ago and recently did again. Everyday I feel anxious and somewhat depressed. I am so thankful that God got a hold of my heart again and brought me back to his side. It has been hard trying to get my family to understand that I trust in the Lord with ALL of my heart and for all of the decisions I make not just SOME of them. We live so far away from my children/ our grandchildren and it is hard for me everyday. I want to be centered in God’s will and my prayer is that she will come to understand this. Thank-you Jesus for your forgiveness and for hearing my prayers! God Bless!
Oh, Cathy, you have such a tender and open heart. God will be faithful to honor it!!! He hears your prayers and will be faithful to answer them. Keep persevering and praying!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Wendy, I have learned so much from you during our Hebrews Study! I tried to sign up for Hidden Joy On-line study but I think it may not understand since I am already in a study, I keep getting an error messge. If this isn’t official enough let me know.
I praise God for conquering your anguish during such a tragic time of your life. If it were not for God, but God, we would not have benefited from what you were able to overcome. If we have nothing to overcome we cannot be overcomers. I am thankful you are willing to share your testimony with all of us and show us the Hidden Joy behind all circumstances.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
Believing in Him with you in another study will be a blessing.
Thanks Yanna for your kind words of encouragement and for sharing your verses!!
Yes, if you have registered for a past study, you are registered for future studies. So excited you will be joining us!
Blessings,
Wendy
Wendy, please do not include me in the gift drawing there are otherse who I prefer win.
Please pray for my marriage. We are struggling mightily right now. He is not a believer and I am a new believer (about a year and a half in). I turn to God daily in prayer for my marriage and I see small things, but no big changes yet. I find it so hard not to just take control and do something which I know will only make things worse. But it is difficult to just wait. I want to do the right thing, but I’m not sure what that is right now. So if you could please lift us up and pray for me to have wisdom and discernment in this situation and for my husband to have an open mind and heart, I would appreciate it.
Thank you for the chance to win the book.
Thank you for sharing your story and asking for prayer!
I encourage you to read 1 Peter 3:1-6. It speaks to your exact situation, sweet friend. I have a friend who married an unbeliever, and she lived and prayed this verse for years. She loved her husband and never pushed him. He is now not only a believer but also an active participant in their church and a strong godly man. Her testimony is precious. She prayed every day over her kitchen stove for her husband. God is faithful. Continue to pray for him and pray for God to bring godly men, who will appeal to and connect with him, across his path to influence and mentor him. That is what happened with her husband. One of his friends led him to Christ.
Persevere and pray!!! God is ABLE.
Blessings,
Wendy
I can’t wait to delve into this study. So many days the darkness seems unbearable. I’m a mother of 5 little ones, which is stressful enough. My husband recently lost his father, who he was in business with, and now he is suffering health issues. I’m pretty certain his cancer may have returned. I often feel alone dealing with this, since I have no family nearby. If I do reach out to them, they are unrealiable and selfish. Also, my heart hurts for my older sister who is bi-polar, a mother of 6 and is currently incarcerated. One of her children just announced she is gay. I’m afraid it might just be an attention-getting ploy. It’s all so heartbreaking, but I’ve decided to turn my family over to God. I don’t even have the energy to hear about their problems some days.
Megan, you have so much that you are dealing with at this time. I pray that the Lord will be just as He promises for you….your All in All. May He provide for your every need and may He give you the strength you need to raise your five little ones and care for your husband. Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!!! May this study be a source of strength and encouragement for you.
Blessings,
Wendy
I was super excited to come across an online bible study, this is just what I need!!! I have been wanting/needing to join a bible study for a long time. Being a nanny and mom of 2 young boys I have little time for myself. I am looking for a stronger connection with God and other Christian women. I don’t have a lot of good supportive Christian friends and most of that time I’m just happy shining my light for him but when I feel a little down…I’d like to be able to have some others to turn to. I think as women we take care of others so much we forget we too need to be filled. So I guess that would be my prayer request, that the Lord reveals good supportive friends/mentors and uses this study to reveal himself to me in new ways. Thank you for this study, I’m really looking forward to it!!
Julie
It is late Thursday night, and I am looking for answers to a difficult situation. I looked on Proverbs 31 Ministries, and wanted to read several days worth of devotions. I found your devotion for yesterday, February 15th, and felt it was meant for me as a reminder of hope that God is working in my life, as well as the lives of my family. I have a daughter in a very destructive relationship that refuses to see it. Everyone that has given me advice has said she will need to come to the realization herself and all I can do is love and support her. That’s not easy because she harbors a great deal of resentment for the mistakes I made when she was a child, and refuses to see that I ever did anything right. Her boyfriend is continuing to isolate her further from our family and we fear she will cut off contact with us and then he may harm her as he has physically assaulted her before. The only possibility of hope for her is for God to intervene. I am praying for resolution to this because my daughter is due to deliver her baby soon, and I don’t want this child in a destructive environment. I especially need the wisdom to help her, rather than show my intense anger over the choices she has made.
I am hoping to get my daughter to complete this study with me. She, her brother, and I lost their dad (and my husband) almost 20 years ago when she was barely 9 and my son was 11. We were all very close, until my son got into a relationship several years ago that has torn our little family apart and taken him and his children away from me–which has broken my heart.
God has been teaching me how to forgive this person, although it has truly been harder than I could have ever expected as this situation and current health issues have literally changed my life completely.
Please pray that I will follow God’s prompting in this situation. Also, that if it is His will for my daughter to do so, she will have the time and desire to complete the study too.
Thanks in advance!!
I am hoping to get my daughter to complete this study with me. She, her brother, and I lost their dad (and my husband) almost 20 years ago when she was barely 9 and my son was 11. We were all very close, until my son got into a relationship several years ago that has torn our little family apart and taken him and his children away from me–which has broken my heart.
God has been teaching me how to forgive this person, although it has truly been harder than I could have ever expected as this situation and current health issues have literally changed my life completely.
Please pray that I will follow God’s prompting in this situation. Also, that if it is His will for my daughter to do so, she will have the time and desire to complete the study too.
Thanks in advance!!
I am so glad to see another Bible study posted and ready to go! I have enjoyed studying Hebrews with you and I am looking forward to this next study! Thank you!
Im looking forward to your Bible study…I was molested by my father as a young child, he was a alcoholic…I married a alcoholic our life was filled with fighting and in this marriage we had two children who are a product of the alcoholic father, I was the victim when after 25 years I had enough and when I came home that night he had a gun and was waiting for me, I ran for my life to the neighbors the police were called and they took him to jail, I couldnt press charges so I unterstand completely how women handle the situation that their in. But the law had changed at that time and they took him away. Thats when I turned my life and his life over to God and God turned our lifes around, he got rehab I got the help I needed. We are now going on 43 years of marriage have four grandchildren one great granddaughter. We are leaders at Celebrate Recovery at our church. If I had divorce him I would not of seem how our God had changed his life and my. I thank our God everyday for changing us and giving us His peace that only He can give us. Thank You Wendy for sharing your story and for this awesome Bible study Hebrews and the one to come. Love You and all the ladies that is participating in the studies. In His Name Virgie
Hello Wendy,
I am looking forward to the Hidden Joy study!! This is a right now study that is sure!! So much has been going on in my life since the new year began!! You can NEVER have enough of a reminder no what you are going through on the many things you can be joyful over!! Looking forward to getting to know all who are participating! Have a blessed week,
Tina
I “stumbled” onto your website with His guidance for sure!! I am in a little cabin in Maine praying for direction for our women’s ministry at our small rural church. Praise the Lord for a renewal of His call. I believe He is leading me to work more extensively with survivors of sexual abuse as they struggle with the “aftermath”!!! I currently lead a small support group of survivors and have been so excited to witness His healing and power!!
I can’t wait to start this study as I was in that dark place as a result of abuse. God is faithful and He also uses the dark places to bring great light to others if we are willing to be used by Him.
Thank you, Wendy!!
Emmy
Emmy, I just love that God brought you here as you are ministering to those struggling with sexual abuse and living in darkness. He is so faithful!! We are excited you will be joining us!!!
Blessings,
Wendy
I too am struggling with my marriage. I am in a dark place. i can not find any affection, kind words, love for my husband. He has been emotionally and mentally abusive for at least 17 years.I have some much faith that GOD is at work here so I am trying so hard to be patient and wait for HIS timing in our marriage. I have prayed for years different prayers. However, your words and the scripture you pointed out have shown me that God can change my heart. I just need to let him. Please pray for me and my marriage. Thank you
Praying for you now Theresa!!! Praying for healing and reconciliation…praying God will give you peace through this difficult time to rest in Him and find your value and worth in Him and Him alone. Praying also for God to do a mighty work in your husband’s heart…to remind him of the love he once had for you.
Sweet Blessings,
Wendy
Thank you for your testimoies and strong faith in Christ! I’ve been praying since the beginning of the year for God to totally transformed my life. I prayed Psalm 51:10-13 and was lead toyour website through Crosswalk for the Feb 1 Encouragment For Today. Today is my birthday Feb 1. Being 47 I’ve lived my life with many fear. Fear of not being perfect, being fat, failure, not being good enough etc. I’m tired of being afraid. As I read through your website, I’m amazed how God is speaking to me. I’m praying He will show me what He wants me to do, and partner with me to overcome my strongholds. I’ve just signed up for a on-line bible study and am looking forward to grow spiritually. Praise God for healing and restoring you.
Happy Birthday! I want to encourage you, sweet friend, to deal first and foremost with your fear. I lived over a decade imprisoned by fear, and it was not until I was freed from that by God that my true living for Christ began. He revealed my calling and blessed the work of my hands. I have written a book entitled Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner that shares how God freed me from my fear and brought me into a NEW LIFE IN HIM. I would so encourage you to get the book. And if you cannot buy it, you can find one chapter of the book on my web site. Just go to the right side of my blog and look for a picture of my book. Underneath is a link that says “Download a Sample Chapter.” Click on that and you will be able to download the chapter on fear. I am praying you will allow God and His Word to penetrate your heart and allow His living and active Word to move in and begin a transformational work!!!
I just know that when you begin this journey of freedom from fear, God will begin to do a mighty work in your life!!!
I am so thankful to have you as part of our on-line studies.
Blessings to you,