Happy Monday, friends! If you love our Inscribed Bible Studies, you will be excited to meet today’s guest. I’m thrilled to welcome our newest Inscribed Bible study teacher, and my friend, Cindy Bultema.
God has given Cindy a beautiful story of redemption that will touch you like no other. She lived for years a lonely, rejected, cocaine-addicted single mom, living an empty, self-defeating, rebellious lifestyle, until the amazing day she met the One who set her free.
Her newly released Bible study, Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World, celebrates her NEW life in Christ. She is now a married mother of 4, and this summer marked her 20th anniversary of being cocaine-free. Hallelujah! Only God!!
I know you have a deep love for Bible Study so that is why I’m extra excited to share this book with you. Cindy teaches from 1 Corinthians. Chapter by chapter, she will take you through Paul’s teachings and equip you to live a set-apart life for Christ in today’s sin-soaked culture.
Enough of my words, let’s hear from Cindy:
Overcoming Addiction
Life wasn’t supposed to turn out this way.
As a red-haired, freckle-faced little girl, my childhood dreams included being a cheerleader, driving a fancy car, wearing sparkly things.
However, my story did not progress as I had planned. My young adult reality would have made for a depressing TV movie: bullying, betrayal, and rejection. As I sought to fill my emptiness and loneliness, I sampled everything I could from the “smorgasbord of life.”
Food. Shopping. Alcohol. Men. Drugs.
Nothing worked.
Before long, I found myself as a single mom. Used. Abused. Alone.
Not knowing how to calm the caverns inside of me, I turned to outside remedies again. The bar became my nightly hang-out, and alcohol and cocaine use quickly consumed my life.
On the outside, everything looked fine. I worked hard and loved my 2-year-old son. But on the inside, I was still empty and hurting.
In the midst of my mess, I reached out to a friend’s mom and shared the web of deception I had created, and an intervention was arranged. Compassionate Christian women held yellow pads filled with strategies. Go to AA. Pursue inpatient therapy. Tell my parents.
None of the proposals appealed to me. I left the gathering with a fresh sense of self-confidence. “I can do this. I don’t need their help. Everything is under control.”
I discovered willpower alone is not enough to overcome the allure of addiction.
Soon the cravings were overwhelming, and I caved in to my temptations. Before long I was back in the bar making the same self-defeating choices. “I’ll try again tomorrow” became my evening tune.
Two weeks later, I accidentally overdosed on cocaine.
After driving myself to a med center, my parents were quickly notified. One concerned nurse informed my mom she should say her goodbyes to me, her only daughter. The doctor’s prediction as they rushed me by ambulance to a local hospital: I would be dead on arrival.
Thankfully, I didn’t die like they expected (whew!), and the cocaine overdose became my “bottom.” Out of desperation and a determination to survive, once again, I asked my friend’s mom for help. This patient woman shared with me four simple words that have changed my life—
“Cindy, you need Jesus.”
And on that day, freshly discharged from the hospital, I cried out to Jesus and asked Him to enter into my life and save me.
Can I just say – best decision ever? Life has never been the same.
Willpower alone is not enough to overcome the allure of addiction – but Jesus is.
Jesus alone can rescue, redeem, deliver, restore, and open up prison gates and set any captive free. There is no one too far gone from His redemptive reach.
Now I wish I could share it’s been an easy, carefree journey of sobriety and freedom. Not so much.
Although Jesus delivered me from my pit of despair, I’ve also had to do my part, including:
- Pursuing a daily relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word and prayer.
- Renewing my mind with Truth.
- Leaving behind the “old” life, involving: letting go of any alcohol/drug related friendships, and avoiding tempting environments.
- Stopping secrets and lies, exposing all areas of my life to His Light.
- Getting to the “root” of the problem through Godly counseling.
- Asking for ongoing accountability.
- Discovering and practicing healthy new habits.
- Praying! I ask God daily to protect me from temptation, replace my cravings with His satisfaction, surround me with women to build me up, and fill my heart and mind with Truth.
The good news? This year I celebrated 20 years of sobriety. Yay, God!
Please know I’m not a trained therapist, just an ordinary girl transformed by an extraordinary God. There isn’t a day I don’t invite Jesus to do His powerful work in my life. I’m desperate for Him. But I must show up to do my part as well. Life’s worth it. Jesus is worth it!
How about you?
If you’ve been searching for something to fill the emptiness and find yourself ensnared by the lure of addiction, please remember, willpower alone is not enough to set you free.
Sweet friend, you need Jesus. Please don’t wait another day.
Giveaway
Leave a comment before 5:00 pm Friday (2/3) sharing a specific verse God spoke into your heart during a dark time to redeem or deliver you. We will choose one name to win a copy of Cindy’s study and the accompanying DVD. I will announce the winner Tuesday, February 7th.
More about the book:
Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World is a six-chapter journey through 1 Corinthians. A six-session DVD is also available providing additional teaching from Cindy to enhance your study. For a FREE chapter of Live Full Walk Free, a set of A-Z scripture cards, and other resources, visit Cindy’s blog here: http://www.cindybultema.com/live-full-walk-free/.
More about Cindy
With nearly 20 years of ministry experience, Cindy is a popular women’s speaker, author, and Bible teacher. But don’t let her cheerful smile fool you—Cindy has endured single parenting, overcome bondage to addiction, and survived tragic loss. Cindy lives in Michigan with her husband and their four kids. Most days you can find Cindy walking her beagle Rocky, attending one of her boys’ hockey games, or serving hot lunch at her kids’ school.
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You know I love this inscribed series of Bible studies. You both are such beautiful women of God and incredible Bible teachers!
You are such an encourager, Kim. Thanks for being YOU!
Thank you for your kind words!! You have been an important part of getting the word out about our Bible studies. We are so grateful for you and Jana!
Blessings,
Wendy
Job 42:16 “And after this Job lived…”
I feel like I, along with my husband and two children, are walking in a wilderness and living a Job life right now, for some reason. It’s encouraging to me to know that we will live through this. I’m holding on to this hope.
Yes, you will live through it … and never alone … God is walking with you and will never leave you or forsake you. He sees you and will walk it with you every step of the way.
Blessings,
Wendy
I’m praying for you tonihgt, Tricia. Asking God to sprinkle your path with tokens of encouragement to remind you He is with you in a personal and specific way. Believing by faith that our God of HOPE will show Himself strong and mighty on your behalf!
I have never done an inscribed Bible study and I would love to do this one.
Gale, we have a series of studies. We would love to have you check them out. I am including a link below to a free chapter from my one of my Inscribed Studies, “I Know His Name.” It will give you a taste of what they are like.
https://wendyblight.com/images/I-Know-His-Name_Book_Sample.pdf
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Gale 🙂 My first Inscribed study was Wendy’s “Living So That.” I would have never guessed someday I’d have the humble privilege of serving in this way. Our God is a God of miracles—of this I am sure! 🙂
Thank You Lord for Cindy. Thank You Wendy for sharing.
You are so welcome! I love to share new Bible studies and Bible teachers with my friends.
Blessings,
Wendy
You are so welcome, Anna! God’s richest blessings to you!
“You’ve circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north”.
Wow, I LOVE this from Deuteronomy 2:3!!! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen! I love this passage too, Kim! Praying God infuses you with fresh courage and strength to stop circling and to keep moving forward. Sweet blessings to you!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you , declares the Lord plans for welfare ànd not for evil to give you a future and hope
A verse packed with beautiful, power-packed promises. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Lisa, I love this verse too! It’s the verse passage of Scripture shared with me in the midst of my addiction and mess. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Sounds awesome, just what we all need! God bless!
Thanks for sharing, Amy! You are right—we all need to be in the Word. What refreshment comes when we are reminded of Who God is and what He is able to do! Blessings to you too, dear sister! 🙂
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”!
Ps 46:1.
So thankful for the far reaching hand of grace that the Father extends.
Blessings to you and all your ministry!
Sue, thank you for sharing your verse and for the blessings you sent our way.
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen, Sue, Amen! What a wonderful reminder that we all have a very present Help in our time of need. Woo Hoo! Blessings to you too, sweet friend! 🙂
One of my verses I go to is Ps 57:1. This verse gave me comfort and the courage to go on during a very difficult time. It reads: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.”
Polly, I have always loved that God calls Himself our refuge. Thank you for taking us to that name of God and its place in the Word today!
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Polly 🙂 Thanks for sharing Psalm 57:1 today. It’s not one I’ve committed to memory yet, but I think I need to. What a good Word! God’s richest blessings to you!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
~Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I’ve held on to this verse during the roughest days of loss, sorrow, and mourning. Just to know that God has a plan special just for me…that though the darkest days have been plenty..MY God has promised me a hope and a future…not a “normal” one but a GREAT one!!! ☺❤🕇
It is such a wonderful promise to cling to when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart. He created us with a purpose and has a perfect plan. No matter what we are walking through His is working in and through it for our good and His glory.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Michelle, Thanks for sharing Jeremiah 29:11. It’s the passage of Scripture shared with me in the midst of my addiction and mess and I still get a little teary every time I hear it. Praying God continues to remind you of His special and hope-filled plans, just for you, friend!
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jer.29.13.ESV
Yes, yes!! What a great promise. When we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen, Racquel, Amen! What a powerful verse to remember. How He longs for us to seek and find Him. What a good, good Father we serve! Blessings to you, sweet sister.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
This verse has seen me through many a dark time. Keep trusting God no matter how rough the road ahead is looking.
Amen! We trust in HIM and HIM alone. When we do, He will lead and guide and direct us. We can trust Him no matter where the road takes us. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thanks for sharing how God’s Word carried you through a dark time, dear Debbie. You are an overcomer! May God continue to make any rough places smooth, and use your story to encourage others who find themselves in a similar spot. Hold on to hope, friend. God is faithful. 🙂
I love to bake and may be one day I will owe my own cake business, i believe that when God will see im ready He will open that door for me, like He did for David. Few days ago I made a cake for my friends daughter and as usual I was very nervous if they will ike it… And I was on alert at my phone, looking at Facebook for feedback and there was nothing…next day before I even look at my phone, I heart a voice in my head: it’s ok, people will not make you happy, but with me everything will be ok, trust me and stop worrying about everything else. And I did, and everything was ok even better bc I saw my friend at the church and she said my cake was a hit and they loved it and they eat it all 🙂
GOD is good, and He is all I need, I know that. Sometimes it is very hard and I am not where I want to be bUT I pray and trust Him,that He dont wanna harm me.
It’s easy to say He is all we need, but sometimes it’s hard. We crave approval. I’m proud of you for recognizing this weakness in your heart and seeking to let God be who He promises to be …your All in All. Portion. He is enough!! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Katja, thank you for sharing your story. My sense is many of us can relate to looking to others for acceptance and approval. You are so right—people and their opinions will never make us happy, only Jesus. After 26 years of looking for love in all the wrong places, I’ve learned the world’s ways will always leave us wanting more, only Jesus satisfies. Way to be faithful and obedient, sister. Keep looking UP! We are all on a journey. You are not alone!
The verse that helped me is: Isaiah 49:16 (NIV) See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
This verse became real to me several years ago when I felt separated from God and my life seemed useless. I was reminded about a God who loved me unconditionally and I could not understand it. Then I saw this verse and it became so real to me. I thank God for giving me revelation through this verse of just how much he loves me.
Donna, the visual this gives us is BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Donna, thank you for sharing with authenticity and courage. I love hearing how God revealed Himself through His Word to you. Hooray! I’m thankful you realize today that you have purpose, and that you are loved—lavishly, completely, unconditionally. Truth this transformational is meant to be shared! Be sure to keep passing it on! Blessings to you!
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13
As well as, Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Thank you for sharing the newest Inscribed study, and your story Cindy.
Thanks for sharing two great verses with us. Two that I’m sure Cindy would say spoke to her on her worst days when she felt rejected and alone.
Blessings,
Wendy
Shannon, you are so welcome. Only God could take my mess and turn it into a His redeeming message. He’s so faithful like that, isn’t He?
And thanks for sharing two very powerful verses. I think many of us could use the reminder these days to “Fear not.” So thankful God is in control! Sweet blessings to you!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
One of my daughter’s life verses. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Debbie, Thank you so much for sharing your verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorites too! God’s richest blessings to you.
Ezekiel 36:27 was a promise I claimed during some marriage turmoil a couple of years ago, and I have since used it to help women going through similar situations:
“And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
Oh, Lisa, I love this one!! Thank you for sharing. His Spirit living in us enables and empowers us to walk in obedience to Him. We do not walk alone.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Lisa, thank you so much for sharing. I love how you have allowed your mess to now be the very message you are using to help and encourage women. Way to go, sister! May the Lord continue to use you to share His light and love, and His hope and healing everywhere you go!
The verse God has been giving to me over and over this last year is Joel 2:25.
This is such a good verse, so I’m quoting it below so everyone can read it. Thank you for sharing.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm[a]—
my great army that I sent among you.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Jenny, thank you so much for sharing. I love how Joel continues in verse 27…
“You’ll know without question that I’m in the thick of life with Israel, That I’m your God, yes, your God,
the one and only real God.” (from the Message paraphrase)
Praying that you sense God’s peace and presence in a very real way, sweet sister. Your God is for you! 🙂
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Amen! When my grandmother had Alzheimer’s and could not remember any of us, she could quote this verse. It was one of her favorites. When we plant God’s Word in our hearts, it NEVER FADES. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
What a beautiful, heart-touching story, Wendy. Wow. Precious. What a powerful legacy your grandmother left, and how thrilled she must be today to be in the presence of her Savior. 🙂
Dear Eileen, thank you for sharing Isaiah 40:31. One of my all-time favorites! I even collect eagles now to remind myself of God’s faithful promise. Such a good Word! Blessings to you!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you , declares the Lord plans for welfare ànd not for evil to give you a future and hope
A favorite here today!
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear latoya, thank you for sharing! Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorites too. What a powerful promise to know that God has good, hope-filled plans for His children! Sweet blessings to you, sister!
So beautiful and so exciting! No matter how dark things get, I know that God cares and plans what is best for me! Jeremiah 29:11
T.R.U.T.H, Thank you for sharing!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen, Nita! Your God is for you. And that is the capital T Truth!
Ezekiel 16:8 spoke directly to my being! “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.” After 48 years of trying to do this life on my own, the Lord came for me. I too was a single mom, abused and confused, who turned to alcohol and men to make me feel whole. Now, I have Jesus! Best relationship EVER!
Beautiful, beautiful. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story with us. It sounds like you and Cindy have much in common. This study will speak to you!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Trish, thanks for sharing a brief snippet of your story. Now you have me curious for more! I am rejoicing with you that you have experienced the love, delight and satisfaction that only Jesus can bring. Boy would I love to share a cup of coffee with you! Your passion for Jesus is contagious! Keep shining for Him, sister! 🙂
Matt. 11:28 Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
There is such comfort in this verse. Believe and you shall see. Thank you ladies for everything you do.
Such a precious promise … especially in our world today. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for your words of gratitude.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thank you for sharing, Brenda! What comfort to know our Father is not a demanding dad or a critical coach, but instead longs for us to rest in Him. Woo Hoo! Now that’s a good, good Father!
Sweet blessings to you, dear sister! 🙂
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Thank you for sharing this precious promise.
Blessings,
Wendy
Such a powerful reminder, Tedi! Praying our God of hope renews your strength, sweet sister! You’ve got a race to run! Keep going!
OMGosh!! This spoke to my heart!! alone we can do nothing but with Jesus we can do anything!!
I know. Don’t you love that!!! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Sometimes we forget this amazing promise.
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen, Susan, Amen! The world’s ways will always leave us empty and wanting more; only Jesus satisfies!
Jeremiah 29:11 – As I made my way back to the Lord after walking away from Him for years, I had to lean in on this verse. I felt I had no future or hope until I ran back into His arms.
Hallelujah! Thank you for sharing a bit of your story with us.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Carol, thanks for sharing Jeremiah 29:11. I love this verse too! It’s the verse passage of Scripture shared with me in the midst of my addiction and mess. I’m thankful you found your way Home. Blessings to you, sister!
Psalm 30:5b “Weeping may endure for a night, BUT joy comes in the morning.”
This is going to be incredibly impacting to so many people!!! Thank you for this blog post and for the opportunity to win!
Thank you for your kind words!! And for sharing this beautiful promise. JOY always comes with Jesus.
Blessings,
Wendy
Yes, joy comes in the morning. Woo Hoo! Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, Nicci. Super thankful for your support. God’s richest blessings to you!
Psalm 73:26 helped me gain Godly confidence to rely soley on His strength and showed me how I desperately need to surrender daily. It has become my life verse as well.
Your story ahines Jesus’ saving grace and I am looking forward to walking theough 1 Corinthians with you!
This is a great verse. I’m copying it below so everyone can read it. It’s one I have prayed over myself often. Thank you for sharing.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Melis, thanks for your kind words and encouragement. Your bright smile shines right through your picture! You reflect Him well, sweet sister. May God continue to infuse you with strength, courage and confidence! I’m humbled to journey with you. Blessings to you!
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 Reminds me that I am not God. It also comforts me when my heart, mind and soul race with anxiety, fear and temptation to just stop and pray.
THIS is a great verse. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Amen, Jennifer, Amen. What a beautiful Truth for us all to cling to in our fast paced world. Thank you for sharing! May God continue to infuse you with His comfort, peace, courage, and strength. 🙂
Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite.
Thank you for sharing. It has been a favorite today.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thank you for sharing this precious promise, dear Heidi. Such a blessing to hear how God uses His Word to encourage and impact His kids. Sweet blessings to you!
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
During a time where I felt confused and lost about a certain path I should take , The Lord put this verse in my heart. I know now that whatever decision or Path I take will be the correct one because I will listen to His voice and let Him guide me as I wait patiently in the stillness.
Yanira, I love this verse! I just had to make some pretty big decisions, and I clung to Psalm 32:8 day and night. I’m thankful to hear how God used it to minister to you too. What comfort to know His loving eye is on you and me and all the children of the world. Wow. What a mighty God we serve!
Blessings to you!
Psalm 73:23-24 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory.
I am so grateful that as I struggle through a difficult school year that God never leaves me!
Dear Casey, I’m thankful to hear you are clinging to God’s Word in the midst of your difficult circumstances. Your God is FOR you, and will never leave your side! I’m praying now that God infuses you with a fresh measure of His peace and presence. Look for His hand–He is with you!
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalms 91:1 KJV
http://bible.com/1/psa.91.1.kjv
As a divorced, single mother of 3 the road was as is still tough!!! It was in the valley that I learned to endure and allow God to turn what seemed like Death Valley into the breeding ground of his safety!! He met me there!!! He brought me out!!! I learned how to dwell in the secret place!!! The place where the enemy expected me to die! I didn’t die! I yet live proclaiming the goodness of the Lord!!!
Angela, you are an overcomer! Thanks for sharing the verse that God has used as you’ve walked this hard road. I was a single mom for six years, and I found God was very near to me too in the secret place. Keep shining, Angela! May God infuse you with fresh strength, joy, and comfort as you testify of His goodness, and make any rough patches smooth. Your God is with you, and that is the capital T TRUTH!
Humble yourself in the sight of the Lore and He shall lift you up James 4:10
Thank you for Sharing❤️ May God bless you in all you do❤️❤️❤️
Shawnia, thank you so much for sharing your verse and for the blessings you sent our way. God’s richest blessings to you!
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. . . Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4: 2-4)
Annette, amen, amen, amen! A verse packed with beautiful, power-packed promises—He who is in you and me and all us sisters is greater than he who is in the world. Woo Hoo! Thank you for sharing! God’s richest blessings to you!
My Scripture is Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, this says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
This has gotten me through some very tough and rough times through the last 28 yrs.
Kari B, thank you for sharing! Such a power-packed, strength building verse! Keep holding on to hope, friend. I’m asking God to make your tough and rough places smooth. 🙂
Sweet blessings to you!
For me it has been the book of Romans Chapters 7 and 8. I really understand when Paul talks about the sinful nature…it almost seems hopeless until you get to 7:25 ” Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Christ Jesus our Lord!” And then 8:1,2…. ” Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives Life has set you Free from the law of sin and death.” This has helped to pull me out of the pits I fell in more than once. Condemnation alone can keep you in the darkness…but Jesus! Because Jesus delivers us ( not ourselves) there is absolutely no condemnation for those who believe in Jesus. We are set free and we have life! Going further into chapter 8 of Romans I am amazed at the rich truth that is given to us. It speaks of God’s truth about us. 🙂
Amen, Dawn, Amen! Yes–we are set free and we have life in Christ! With Jesus, it’s not shame on you, but shame OFF you! Hallelujah!
Thank you for sharing, Dawn! Blessings to you, friend!
“Give all your worries and cares to God,
For he cares about you.”
1Peter5:7NLT
This verse truly speaks to me. My husband
Of 25 years has been in the ICU 5 months now.
After the Lord, John is my life. I pray a lot. I talk to God
about all that is happening. I am trusting in His will.
We don’t have children, But I know God is with us always,
that we are not alone, and that He loves and cares for us.
Dear Tanya, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s health. I am praying for you. I’m asking God to continue to show Himself strong on behalf of you and your husband. I also pray for a fresh measure of God’s peace and presence. May He use other faith-filled women to speak words of hope and encouragement over you, and most importantly, may God remind you day by day, moment by moment, that He is with you. Always. Look for His hand dear sister, you are never alone.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Prov 3:5-6. My husband of 20 years died of cancer. I had all five of my children still living at home. Ages from 22-9. I saw darkness but the bright light in the tunnel, I knew was the LORD. God is faithful.
Dear Dot, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I’m thankful you saw God’s hand in the midst of your difficult and painful circumstances. What comfort to know He is always with us, even on our darkest days. Praying for you tonight, Dot. Asking God to shower you and your children with a fresh measure of His peace, joy, hope and strength. Thank you for sharing.
“Cry out to Me whenever you are in trouble; I will deliver you, then you will honor Me.” ~ Psalm 50:15 CEB
Lori, what a verse packed with beautiful, power-packed promises. Thank you for sharing!
“Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:4
Jane D, this verse makes me laugh. I remember one day when I was struggling and I literally cried out, “Maybe I don’t want to be mature and complete, God! This is too hard. Can’t I just be a quitter for once?” How the Lord must have laughed at me that day, and thankfully, I did not give up. (Phew!) I love how God’s Word not only encourages us, but is our source of wisdom and strength too. Thanks for sharing!
Lol! I chose to share this verse because most of the time I feel like a pouty 6 year old who thinks the world should revolve around me! Certainly not the mature God girl I want to be! Another one I try tattooing on my brain daily is, “Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6. And, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5. What ultimately saves me is God’s wonderful grace: “There is therefore not condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ!” Romans 8:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayers and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse was my rock when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dear Kam, I love hearing how God uses His Word to get us through the most challenging of days. I pray He uses you, Kam, and His Word to now come alongside of others to minister, comfort, and encourage women walking a similar road. I’m praying for you tonight…that God would continue to be your rock, and that He would strengthen your frame and infuse you with fresh hope and strength. Thank you for sharing!
Proverbs 3:5-6. The Lord gave me these verses over and over and over and over at a time in my life when I desperately had no direction and needed Him to lead me, one foot in front of the other.
Amen, Angel. Thanks for sharing the verses God used to provide guidance and direction to you. One foot in front of the other…just keep walking. What a great reminder. Thank you!
“He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4
Yes! What a powerful promise! To know that God will cover us and be our refuge and strength. What an awesome God we serve. Thank you for sharing, Linda!
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Dear Sheila, I love Isaiah 55! Thank you for sharing your verse. God’s richest blessings to you!
I have a sister who struggles with a drug addiction after barely surviving a domestic abuse siuation. Seven years ago her estranged husband snuck into the back of her car, shot her, and left her for dead. Thank goodness God had another plan! He miraculously saved her life. However things have not been easy. She is really struggling with addiction, depression, and abuse. I have hope in my God who saved her! I know he’s not finished with her yet. I would love to win this book so I could give it to her. She’s knows OF Jesus but my prayer is that the power of his word come alive in her heart and life. She has a 7 year old little boy who needs his mama!
Oh Andrea, I am praying for your sister tonight. I am thanking God for saving her life—literally. I’m asking God to bring full and complete healing to your sister; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m praying that God would surround her with a strong team of faith-filled women to speak words of life, hope and strength over her. I also pray that God would shine His searchlight into her heart and expose the root of her addiction and depression, eradicate it, and then plant new seeds of Truth in the deepest places of her heart. I’m praying that your nephew would grow up strong and mighty in the Lord. I’m also thanking God that your sister has YOU to walk alongside of her, and to pray with her and for her every step of the way. Thank you for trusting us with her story.
My co worker (who works 5 feet away from me) has been increasing difficult to work with and not a believer. I have tried to be nice to her but she just does not like me period. Jerm 29:11 is also my favorite verse. Whenever I am struggling at work, I remind myself of this verse and hold it dear to my heart.
Please pray for my two kids – My son is in UNC WIlmington and spends most of his nights at his non christian GF’s Apt ( sleeping together.) And my daughter is in FIT Grad School in NYC is currently looking for a friendly christian group where she feels welcome and accepted. She did not feel accepted in the last christian group she attended.
Thank you : )
Christina,
Thank you for sharing your heart and prayer requests. I’m praying that God will empower you to continue to shine the Light of His Love into the lives of those in your workplace, especially this one coworker. May they desire what they see you in you!! May it open doors for conversations.
And I pray for God to bring believers into both of your children’s lives who will encourage them, hold them accountable and bring them to a place where there is deep friendship and fellowship.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Christina, I am joining Wendy in lifting you in prayer. I am asking God to help you see you co-worker through His “lens of love.” May God infuse you with a fresh measure of His love and grace, and may His love overflow and splash all over your co-workers, especially the dear one who is hardest to love. I also pray for your mama’s heart. May God make Himself known to your son and daughter in personal, specific, and powerful ways. You are loved!
I was in an unexpected dark season just this December. I am still in the process of recovering and seeking God’s full healing, but a couple of weeks ago I got this, which I believe was from Him, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” (from Isaiah). It helped me tremendously then; it helped me to stay afloat when I thought I did not have the power for anything really; and now when I feel like I start sliding back, I recite it to remind myself about God given hope.
Karol, this is such a precious promise. Thank you for sharing. We can endure the hard place when God has promised us He is doing a NEW thing. He has a better plan that we will see when we come out the other side!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Karol 🙂 Thanks for sharing how you are really doing. I’m sorry for the unexpected dark season, but I’m grateful you are learning new things about Who God is and how He leads His beloved kids–YOU! I pray that God continues to infuse you with His strength, and that what the enemy intended to use as a setback, is instead a mighty comeback! I’m believing by faith that 2017 is a year of victory for you, sister! You’re not just turning over a new leaf, He is giving you new life! ♥
PH 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I’ve been sick for the last 10 yrs w/a still undiagnosed “shortness of breathe issue”. I woke up 1 day just like every other day except when I went to go make my son’s bed I kept getting short of breathe which was odd. I’ve always had asthma, but this was new. Over the next 1-2wks it got progressively got worse so my husband took me to the hospital. At that time my 02 level was down to 78% which obviously wasn’t good. I was admitted & stayed in the hospital for 2wks.The day I was discharged I went straight to UPEN (I’ve been there 2x prior. When I was 21 I woke up w/my eyes swollen shut & severe edema & a few days later I was dx w/Nephrotic Syndrome also known as Minimal Change Disease. That lasted 8 yrs. At 30 I was dx w/Lupus, I had the classic butterfly rash & was sick 2yrs. I went both times to UPEN to make sure we were doing everything we can. So of course I wanted to go there for this). I was w/UPEN for over a 1yr & nothing. Went to John Hopkins & had Lung Biopsy (already had a kidney one to dx my kidney issues). Stayed w/them for awhile doing test after test & nothing. We traveled to Denver to National Jewish which at the time was #1 in dealing w/Lung diseases. I was there for 8 days. Tests were from 8-5 every day. I literally so every type of doc there is. When you leave there you are supposed to know exactly what is wrong. In my case that’s not what happened, I fell within the 10-15% of people who are a “mystery”. I was devastated. I thought for sure I would know what was going on. I’ve also been to Univ if Pitt, Temple,etc. Still nothing. I’ve been on 02 24/7 & steroids for the last 10 yrs. I’ve tried oral chemo, IV chemo to try & get me off the steroids because they can kill ya. I have so many other issues now due to the steroids. I was dx awhile back w/fibromyalgia, they say it can be brought on by getting sick or even stress. I’m sure mine is a little of both. I’m only 45 yrs & I’ve been through a lot. I was at the point where I didn’t believe or trust God. Why would I get sick so many times, it’s a lot for 1 person. He was not my friend, I just didn’t understand. I started going to therapy & my therapist was great & a big believer in God. He wanted me to start reading some passages. Nothing specific, just open it up & start reading. The 1st one I read was PH 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. At that moment that really got to me so
I started saying it to myself daily. I even ended up getting a tattoo on my left wrist. It’s an infinity symbol but instead of it being completely closed on the bottom right it says STRENGTH, on the middle of the bottom left part has PH 4:13 & in the ctr on the top left is a little cross. I got that to remind myself no matter how much I hate dealing w/this, I can do it because of that strength, he’s always w/me. It’s the 1st thing I see every morning I wake up. God Bless
Siobhan, I’m so sorry for this long journey you have had with physical illness, which I know can lead to emotional distress. I have an aunt who has had a journey much like yours with the added issue of one stroke and a brain bleed. For years she fought God. But with this last brain bleed last year, she surrendered to it all to Him. Which it sounds like you have. This is truly the most content I have seen her, even in the midst of her issues (same pains, same drugs, same physical limitations) because she takes one day at a time. She seeks Him every morning and every night. Her strength too is found in Him. I stand amazed at both of you.
May God continue to infuse you daily with His supernatural strength and faith. And as I pray for my aunt, I pray for your doctors that all things hidden will be revealed. I pray for answers and healing, my friend.
You are a brave and strong woman. Thank you for taking time to share your story and your verse today. I’m certain you have touched and encouraged many hearts today.
Blessings,
Wendy
Siobhan, thank you for taking the time to share your journey. I am praying for you tonight. I’m asking God to infuse you with His strength, power, and peace. I’m asking God to sprinkle your path with tokens of encouragement to remind you that He is with you. I’m praying that He will shine His searchlight on the root cause of your illness, and surround you with a Godly medical team to encourage you day by day by day. I echo Wendy’s thoughts—you are a brave and strong women. May God use your story to encourage many to point many hearts towards Him.
You are loved! ♥
For me it is Proverbs 3:5-7. I still have to remind myself that its not up to me to make the way out the darkness but to use the light of Jesus to guide me.
Dear Kim, such a powerful verse! Thank you for sharing. I pray that God continues to remind you that Jesus is the way, truth, life, and the light. Keep shining for Him, sweet sister! You are not alone! ♥
As a single mom, this verse has spoken to me many times during my mothering of my now 16 year old son: ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil. 4:13.
Janet,
Me too! Me too! In fact, my son would say this verse every time he stepped up to the free throw line in basketball games from the time he was a little boy, and he now plays in college. And my daughter prayed this verse over and over again when she had back surgery to straighten her spine. It gave her the strength and confidence to persevere through the long recovery and rehab.
Thank you for sharing!
Wendy
Janet, such a powerful verse! As a single mom for six years, Phil 4:13 was one of my go-to verses too! I’d picture myself hooked up to the Divine IV, and ask God to infuse me with His strength and power. He is so faithful, isn’t He?! Praying for a fresh measure of power and strength for you today too, friend. He is with you! ♥
I wish I knew this verse when my husband was struggling with addiction but I’m glad I knew it when one of my sons was going through a difficult time. The verse is:
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
The verse has helped me continue to look to Jesus when I get afraid or confused.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book & bible study.
Linda, thank you for sharing this verse with us. It’s such a comfort to know when we struggle with fear or anxiety or doubt or confusion, God has a personal “word” from His Word for us!! It’s a rhema word, a word He speaks personally and specifically into our need. Only God!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Linda, thanks for sharing how God ministered to you in the midst of your hard seasons. I love how His Word really is like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces! May God continue to use His Word as your strength when you are afraid or confused. You are not alone! ♥
Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven
Amen, Janet. Amen! What a perfect verse to cling to in the midst of our confused and chaotic culture. We need more lights to shine bright for Him! Thanks for sharing, sweet friend. ♥
Drug addiction hasn’t been my story, but addiction has affected me. My dad is in recovery now for several year, and my aunt who was probably the most spiritually influential person in my life passed away exactly one week ago today after battling years of drug addiction due to what they believe was an overdose. I’ve also battled addiction of sorts through self injury, eating disorders, and now emotionally eating. Thank you for your words and sharing your story, it’s refreshing to be reminded that Jesus can do such a healing work in our lives.
Micah, I’m so thankful Cindy’s message spoke to your heart. Jesus is the answer. He is ENOUGH!! But we have to come to that place where we need Him.
Blessings,
Wendy
Oh Micah, thank you for your authenticity. I pray that 2017 is a year of fullness and freedom for you, sweet friend. Jesus came so that you and I might experience a life of peace, joy, and victory too! May God surround you with Godly women to encourage and pray for you on your journey. Remember, you do not have to fight FOR victory, in Christ, you fight FROM a place of victory. Tell the enemy it’s time for him to go, in Jesus Name! Your Deliverer has come for you, and you’ve been set free! ♥
“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.”
Joshua 1:9
I would love to do this or another one of your studies. Thanks for sharing with us!
Martha, this is the life verse God gave me for my son. And it is still his life verse at age 19. I LOVE the promises in it.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Martha, oh how I love Joshua 1:9. What a powerful reminder! I’m praying it for you tonight. Be strong and courageous, Martha. Do not be terrified or discouraged, sweet sister. For the Lord your God will be with you, Martha, wherever you go! In Jesus Name. Amen! ♥
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I turn to this verse when I am feeling weak. Which is a lot as I get older and have more health issues. 🙂
I would love this series for my 25 year old daughter. She struggles with a drinking problem. We have a history of addiction in both my husband’s family and my family.
Linda, I can identify with your comment about feeling weak the older we get. 🙂
This is a wonderful verse to speak life and encouragement into those weak moments. In Him, we can do more than we ever think we could. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Linda, I am praying for your daughter tonight. As a woman who struggled with an alcohol problem, boy can I relate. I pray that God would shine His searchlight and help your daughter get to the root of her pain. May He bring Godly women to help her pursue a life of fullness and freedom in Christ. May she choose to deal with her emotions, rather than numb them through false comforts. The world’s ways will always leave us wanting more, only Jesus satisfies. May your daughter experience Jesus and His unconditional, unfailing love in new and fresh ways. And may God infuse you with fresh grace and patience as you journey with your daughter. May He give you eyes to see her as God sees her—forgiven, loved, cherished. You are not alone, Linda. And God is faithful. ♥
My scripture is Habakkuk 3:17-19 ” Though the fig tree should not blossom , or there be fruit on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, and the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the deer’s and makes me tread on my high places. ”
These words remind me that even if times are hard and I am completely empty or destitute, I can take joy in my God.
Yes, Julie, this reminds me that HE is enough. He IS our JOY. Even in the worst of times, the emptiest of times, no one and nothing can take away our JOY. It is His fruit and forever is a part and parcel of who we are. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
” Trust in the Lord you God, with all your heart, all your mind, in all your ways acknowledge him and HE will make your paths straight! ” Proverbs 3:5-6
Amen, Lisa! Your God is for you, and will make your paths straight. And that is the capital T Truth! Thank you for sharing! ♥
In 2006 at a bible information class this was the verse that made it ALL CLICK for my husband and II. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 And many many of the days in the following years, it’s given us peace when going through tough days!
Karen, so special that you and your husband have a common passage that has carried you through the hard times. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us.
Blessings,
Wendy
Isiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God Who holds your right hand, and Who says to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’
Dear Susan, such a powerful verse! Thank you for sharing. Keep shining for Him, sweet sister! You are not alone! ♥
The Lord has faithfully given so many verses over the years that it is difficult to narrow it down.
2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven: He is a shield to all that trust in Him.
God’s way is perfect…through infertility, adoption interruptions, my mom’s death at the hand of a drunk driver, death of 2 children, life-changing injuries, moves, dealing with needy foster/adopted children with FASD and friends who did not understand their special needs and therefore condemned and so much more
Psalm 103:13-14 As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
I am so in need of His mercy and grace.
Psalm 119:68 You (God) are good and do good.
During all circumstances.
Isaiah 43:18-19 Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
During scary, terrible trial and now during a season of extremely painful rejection.
Psalm 28:6 Blessed be the LORD, Because he has heard the voice of my supplications!
Thank You, Lord!
Kathleen, you have had more than your fair share of trials and struggles. How beautiful it is to see how God has met you each time through the promises and truths in His Word. I trust that because you took the time to write each one out, the Lord will use these passages to bless and encourage others. Thank you! And may you continue to see Him at work healing and restoring. Reminding you of your great value simply because of WHOSE you are and WHO you are in HIM!!
Blessings,
Wendy
The last 10 years of my life have been valleys and mountains – I felt lost, wondering, and journeying with no real purpose until he gave me Isaiah 54 and 61. I fell in love with these words, these promises and direction. He took me on a redemptive and restorative path of repentance and forgiveness. Amazing! He loves me, not all the behaviors and wounds, but me! And his love wants to heal me and lead me to a place of inner wholeness and complete dependence on him.
Amen, Carol!! What a testimony to God’s faithfulness and God’s Word, “He took me on a redemptive and restorative path of repentance and forgiveness.” THIS is what God’s Word can do when we read it, ingest it and digest it!!
Hallelujah!
Blessings,
Wendy
Isaiah 61:1-3 and Lamentations 3:22-24 have carried me through more hills and valleys than I can even count.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing your verses and how they carried you. I am printing them out here so women can read them for themselves and be blessed.
Isaiah 61:1-3
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
Two beautiful passages full of promises.
Wendy
WOW! What a testimony! I can identify with MOST of her testimony. I found Jesus on the floor of a cold scary psychiatric hospital! I was and still am a single mother of 3. One is now married. Life isn’t easy but I keep remembering over and over on the hard days that….
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Shawna
Shawna, this is one of my life verses (passage)! It carried me through one of the darkest times in my life. I share it in my book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. So many great promises from God packed into one passage. And if you go on with that passage, God says he does this so that “many will see and fear and trust in Him.” 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to share a glimpse of your story and how God used His Word to speak into it.
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Wendy!!! I read Hidden joy in a dark corner SEVERAL times!! As a matter of fact I keep it close and refer to it many times when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you for writing that book, your testimony has helped soooo many people!
Shame and guilt consumed me. Your book is amazing!!
Thanks again,
Shawna
Dear Cindy and Wendy… thank you for being such bright light in dark places. God is using both of you in such significant ways. Cindy, I’m holding tight to your words, “Jesus alone can rescue, redeem, deliver, restore, and open up prison gates and set any captive free.” The prison gates of people pleasing is an interesting addiction because it can masquerade as being Christ-centered. But thank God for the promise of victory! And I can’t help but thank Him for the beautiful ways He’s speaking through you! With all my love and gratitude… xoxo
Thank you, Noelle, for your kind words of encouragement and words of wisdom, “The prison gates of people pleasing is an interesting addiction because it can masquerade as being Christ-centered.” Really makes me stop and think!
Love you, friend!
Wendy
Dear Noelle, thank you for your very kind words and encouragement. God alone gets all the glory in my life! He is so worthy of praise. And yes, thank God for the promise of victory! And what good news that we fight not FOR our victory, but FROM a place of victory! He is everything we need to live full and walk free! God’s richest blessings to you, dear sister! ♥
I tried and tried and tried to fix myself and always failed. I was so discouraged and thought i was broken beyond repair. The problem was I was trying to fix myself. All i needed to do was have a willing heart and cry out to Jesus. He is fixing me. It’s hard but so well worth it.
Yes, Joy!! He is ENOUGH. We need to surrender our hearts to Him, and trust Him to finish the good work He has started in us. That is His promise. It is hard, but He is trustworthy.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Joy, thank you for your authenticity. Boy do I feel your pain! For many years I tried to fix myself too. Finally when I gave up and surrendered everything to Him, did I finally start to experience His peace and strength. May God continue to infuse you with everything that you need as you trust in Him, completely. God’s richest blessings to you, sister! ♥
When my son was younger, he was involved in an accident and the other driver passed. He struggled with this as the man was a friends father. I felt for years this happened for him to learn from, but during a conversation someone asked me…”do you think this happened for you to learn?” I wasn’t happy and was quite offended. I felt God had a purpose and plan for my son. As I sat there frustrated and mad at this person, I suddenly felt God’s presence as He asked me – “When you are not with him who is?” I sat there quietly and said “You are.” He said “why do you worry if I am with him?” It really took me by surprise – I worried and worried all the time about him and suddenly realized that I was worrying when He was with him….1Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you”.
Wow! What a powerful message for those of us who are moms especially. We worry about your children SO much, when what God wants us to do is TRUST HIM with the ones He entrusted to us. He loves them more than we do. He promises to equip those He calls, and He calls us to be their moms. Such a great verse and story. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Wendy
Tonyia, wow! What a powerful story. I love how you went from worrying to worshipping. I pray God continues to use your journey to point many hearts towards Him. ♥
Thank you Wendy and Cindy for today’s devotion.
As I read your story Cindy, I could so relate to your story in so many different ways. It was during one of the deepest and darkest times in my life that I cried out to Jesus to save me!! He heard that cry, and He ever so gently whispered to me, that it was all going to be okay, that He loves me and was with me. It was Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” that He used to speak to me. I cling to this verse and still do to this day!!!
I am so grateful for His grace, love and mercy He bestows on my life each day I’m on this earth.
Love and Blessings to each of you precious daughter’s of our King!!
Denise G 💞🙏🏻
Thank you, Denise, for your sweet words of encouragement and blessing. I think it’s precious how the Lord has called so many of us to BE STILL before him when we cry out. He needs to still our hearts and minds so that He can begin a great work in us.
Blessings,
Wendy
Oppsey, was suppose to say “clung” to this verse and still do to this day. ☺️
After going through a bitter divorce over 25 years ago, I read in Jeremiah that God will give me a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 became my life verse that has sustained me through the years. He has given me hope and a future that included a wonderful husband and a secure future. I also found that Philippians 4:6-7 has given me direction for my life. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace has been the standard to keep me on the path of righteousness.
These are two great verses. Thank you for not only sharing them with us but sharing a bit of your heart and how God used them.
Blessings,
Wendy
Dear Kathy, I’m so thankful God revealed Himself to you through His Word. Years ago I was faced with difficult circumstances and a mentor reminded me I could choose “better or bitter.” I’m so thankful YOU too have chosen better. May God continue to use you to reveal His hope and healing to others. Keep shining for Him!
In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope… 1 Peter 1:3
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so important to share deliverance from bondage with others. Jesus overcame the world because we could not. It is what Jesus saved me from as a child. He showed me that there was a different way to live other than the life of drugs and men that consumed my mom. He delivered my mom too and she is at peace for the first time in her life. I used to pray for just one day of peace for her before she died, but in His great abundance He gave her the rest of her life. Thank you Jesus…
Oh Tina, thank you so much for sharing your story. What a mighty God we serve. I love how you can see God’s hand not only rescue you from destructive choices, but deliver your mom from her challenging circumstances. I’m rejoicing with you that your mom is experiencing God’s peace! May God continue to show Himself strong and mighty–to you and your mom! You are loved!
My husband and I have been going through some years of pains 3 daughters that after growning up left home but forgot that they ever had parents Sorry it’s just that we were always a really close family and thought that we would always be, but it wasn’t so, but with God we will be ok, no matter what else happens Not always easy, but know God is with us we will be I have a few Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds and Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Dear Moya, I am so sorry you and your husband are going through some years of pain. I’m thankful you are leaning hard on God and His Word. I am praying for you tonight, asking God to help you feel your emotions, deal with the pain in healthy ways, and then for God to continue to heal the broken places. I’m so thankful we serve God Who promises to bind up our wounds, little stitch by little stitch by little stitch. May you sense God’s love and strength, and continue to experience His peace and Presence. You are not alone!
Thank you Sometimes, that’s all I feel I have We never have blamed him God for anything that has happened, but I do ask him why, andi ‘m just waiting for an answer, and thank you again
Hi Moya 🙂 Boy do I appreciate your authenticity, sweet sister. Years ago my fiance was killed right before Christmas. I’ll be honest, at first I asked God “why me?” But over time, my cry went from “why me” to “use me.” As He brought women my way I could walk alongside, it helped bring comfort to my aching heart. I pray that you’ll continue to bring your questions to God (He can handle all of our emotions) and that you sense His peace and comfort as you wait on Him. ♥
Philippians 4:13(NIV)
” I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
I was very sick in a coma for almost 2 months when I woke up I knew,God was with me..I could feel His peace and love. I had to learn to walk, talk, feed myself…everything…it was painful and hard..I would say this verse over and over and He gave me the strength.
Lana, what a powerful story! Wow! You are an overcomer! Thanks for sharing how God’s Word was your strength. What a mighty God we serve! May He continue to infuse you with His strength and peace. You are not alone!
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
Phil 4: 6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then 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.
I ask Jesus to help me with a situation with my daughters problem and I give it up to Him
And then keep taking it back. Help me Lord to trust in you thank you for sharing addiction can be so many aspects of our lives and yes only Jesus can He just wants us to come to Him Amen 🙏
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you ….. When I was going through my divorce, this verse gave me hope that God had great plans for me – in spite of what was going on at the moment. He is so awesome! Thank you for your ministry!!
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'”