It’s chapter 1 discussion day. (Excited!) But before we dive into the questions, I want to make sure you read the introduction to the book. It’s short, because I like to get straight to the point. But in it I try to convey what the book is and what it isn’t.
“The ultimate point of this book is to show you how I wrestled before my God in the midst of a devastating valley and to testify to His faithful guidance.” This book is a testimony, not a prescription.
I’m sure that there are difficult, messy, multi-faceted situations that some of you currently face. I’m not claiming to have all the answers. If anything I’m praying that this book would simply spur us to seek our God.
It’s so easy to follow after feelings, especially when they are raw and painful and vengeful. But often our emotions cloud good judgment. And we need time to process before the One who sees the beginning from the end. He promises to guide His children.
So this book isn’t a prescription. It’s a dare. “A dare to take God at His Word and a dare to allow His promises to affect the choices you make today.”
Now let’s discuss Chapter 1
I would love if each of you could answer the questions in a comment below. But I think it would also be great if you could respond to at least one other person’s comment. Let’s get discussion going. Let’s make this interactive with one another. Let’s pray for our sisters that are walking this book journey with us.
- If you could take away one thing from this chapter and bury it deep in your heart, what would it be?
- How can you choose to bind to the Lord in the day-to-day, regardless of your feelings?
- In the digging deeper section we looked at Jeremiah 17. The last question asked, “How would you describe your own heart these days?” How did you respond?
I will be first. 🙂 Because even though I wrote this book, God still uses what He gave to minister to me.
1. I daily have to remember to bind to Him. I grow weary at times. Life gets hard. But I want the truth of “binding” always in the front of my mind. Because He has proven that He does give strength as I do.
2. In the day to day, I can choose to bind by taking everything to Him first. I can bind by rehearsing His promises. And by staying connected to godly sisters.
3. My heart. I guess it depends on the day and hour. But I would say I am desiring to “fan the flame” of a vibrant faith in my own heart. Some days lately have felt mediocre. And I hate that. So I am trying to be intentional with how I spend my time.
I hear ya about how to spend time. I am very good at wasting time.
Hi Keltrinswife…. I get ya on the wasting time!
And I love that you are still in process and that you are waking and staying close to Jesus — daily!
Always in process, my friend. 🙂
Oh… that’s a hard thing to swallow sometimes… process.
Love this!
me too!
Hi Keltrinswife & JessicaH! I too enjoyed Lara’s answers.
I like your definition of binding… to strain our minds towards His promises & expecting He would be faithful.
Lara – the part about waiting being “binding” myself to Him has been so visual to me. I think about the hard times, the difficult times being that time of binding myself to Him now and I see it so differently. Hard–yes, but that closeness, that NEED of Him, is priceless. I think this truth transcends any problem you face, whether it be in your marriage or otherwise. I thank you friend for this word!!!
Stacy, I love this! I just got a visual of Paul who was often bound to a Roman guard when he was in prison. How being bound to Paul, who was such a Praise-giver and worshiper, must have gotten into that guard! Think about the difference being bound to the Lord can make!
Love that, Jessica (and Stacey)!
Yeah…. way to add visuals to the concept of binding. When its described in the book as straining my mind towards His promises I almost imagine a baby bird reaching up to get that worm from its mommy.
Stacey I too in visioned myself binding to God when I read that in the book. I just want to attach myself to him 🙂
1. I like the reminder on pg.21 of the book: “Without our sword sharp and ready, we will fall prey to the enemy’s lies.” I don’t memorize scripture, so I am an easy target for Satan, the enemy. I need to sharpen my sword and memorize the Bible verses to be ready for the attacks that come my way.
2.What I learned in Hope for The Weary Mom study was to lay all my weaknesses at the feet of Jesus EVERYDAY! There are so many things that are beyond me, but God is good.
3.My heart~~ sad, bitter, hardened, resentful, and discouraged. It will get better, I have to believe that. God is bigger than all of that.
Thank you for hosting this week and ladies–be blessed:)
I love that you mentioned “Hope” because really that is what keeps us from walking away…the hope Christ offers that He is not overwhelmed by our messy mothering, marriages or lives. He gets in it with us. He is not surprised by our weakness – He wants to give us strength in the midst of it!
I agree my friend! I need to sharpen my sword as well. We need to focus on those true things that are in the Bible and when the enemy comes in with his agenda we can shut him down. Just like Jesus!
I love everything you said! I can’t memorize to save my life! I admire those that can just pull out quotes like they know it by heart, but I doubt I will ever be one of them. Hope, Faith, and Blessings to you.
Never say never, Jessica. I can’t remember my kids’ birth weights. And sometimes their names. Ha. But God has helped me put some practices into place to remember some of His word. He likes to prove our “nevers” wrong. Much love to you. 🙂
Thank you Lara! Doubt is often the first step to failure. I’ll work on that.
I am so in the same boat as you in the memorization area! My memory has taken a huge downward spiral in the past year, and it is for several reasons. Emotional, physical, and spiritual pain all tend to crowd my mind, and I am praying…have been praying for several days…that God opens my mind and helps me to hear what The Holy Spirit is trying to say to me. I will say that I have written verses on note cards and posted them in different areas of my home. Even then, I can’t remember, but I can read! 🙂
PeachBev you are an inspiration! Thanks for the ideas! I will try that in my life! I hope our memories improve too. I agree also that deep sorrow does take up too much space in my mind to keep verses. Maybe that will change soon. 🙂
Memorization is not my forte either – I really like the idea of writing verses on note cards..
I like to remember them by singing those Sunday School songs that are Scripture like “Beloved, let us love one another…”
I downloaded Scripture Typer to help me…..it probably will if I ever use it…
#3. Yes it will, because He is. 🙂
1. “Because of whom we are fighting against, we have to clothe ourselves with the armor that will actually protect us.” YES!
2. Memorize and meditate on God’s word and allow Him to change me through it.
3. My heart is ready. I’m at the starting line waiting for the GO!
When you memorize scripture it will pop back in your head when you don’t expect it to.
Yes, memorization, love it Sarah!
Ok first I identified with you. Hurt when you hurt and was so caught up in the pain I read through those pages. Then when you started to talk about how you focused on scripture and sought The Lord. I lost that identify. Why? Because I don’t do that in time of trouble, I usually just pout my way through it. My takeaway from that: I need to learn to bind to The Lord and turn to scripture especially in times of trouble.
2. My heart is deceitful!!!! Full of it:-) It tells me one thing and makes me feel as though I should be doing something else. It decieves me
Ok first I identified with you. Hurt when you hurt and was so caught up in the pain I read through those pages. Then when you started to talk about how you focused on scripture and sought The Lord. I lost that identify. Why? Because I don’t do that in time of trouble, I usually just pout my way through it. My takeaway from that: I need to learn to bind to The Lord and turn to scripture especially in times of trouble.
2. My heart is deceitful!!!! Full of it:-) It tells me one thing and makes me feel as though I should be doing something else. It deceives me! I am determined to get better at memorizing scripture and not moving to the beat of my heart:-)
“Not moving to the beat of my heart.” That’s so anti-culture, isn’t it. But you are right. Our hearts are deceptive. Praying we take our thoughts and feelings to Him before we speak and act.
My heart deceives me so much too. You would think that the one place in which we commonly think the Holy Spirit resides, would be somewhat safe…. It’s a danger zone for me!
1. I want to remember (in the core of who I am) that I CAN TRUST the Lord, no matter what the situation looks like! His Word will always guide me closer to Him while my feelings will often lead me away from Him.
2. The only way I can bind myself to God in the dailyness of it all, is to STAY in His Word. That means I must read it every day, many times a day. I have to re-mind (tell my mind re-peatedly) what God’s Word says about who I am and Whose I am. I In order to be set free, I must know the Truth.
3. My heart is in a good place right now. It is being fed the Word and trusting God for today. I’m excited about the future. It’s good.
Yes! Trust and daily devotion is what we all need, and I love that you are excited about the future! Some days are easier then others. I pray we all focus on the good ones. I know I struggle with focusing on the wrong ones. Keep your focus! I wish you blessing!
Remember. Remember. We can so easily forget who we are and Who He is, can’t we?
yes!
#3 Wonderful. 🙂
1. I am not alone! Easily said but sometimes very hard to feel.
2. PRAY! That is the first line of communication to our heavenly father. He wants us to keep in touch just like our earth bound parents.
3. Broken, almost like dust. Pieces too small to think they could ever be put back together to resemble what they once were. But I have started rebuilding with a stronger structure in mind and with God helping it will be better. I hope.
I didn’t think that my broken pieces could get stronger but they have.
🙂 nice to hear.
That is why I really think this book discussion is going to be great…. so many women that I don’t know here to discuss and support each other!
I’m glad to be doing this too!
Have you ever heard the song “Beautiful Things” by Gungor? I too was dust and this song has been so encouraging.
That was a wonderful song! Thank you for sharing that with me Sara! I loved it!
I love that song!
I was thinking of the same song…love it!!
Oops, I meant to leave a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ4yNYY1hHM
that is one thing that has been encouraging not only about this book but also this blog is that I am not alone in my struggles. There are others who understand.
It is a hard decision. Do you stay and trust God when someone has hurt you so bad. There has been abuse even and an arrest. I need to trust God. I did not seek revenge and I kept holding onto the promises of God. My own heart is in a much better place than just 6months ago. And even though justice was not served yesterday I have some peace by constantly seeking God
Lindsey. I really hope you hear this (and anyone else who is in physically abusive situations hears this). Boundaries are good. There may be seasons where God calls you to separate yourself for your own safety and the safety of your children (if you have children). It sounds like you may have boundaries in place, so that’s encouraging. My desire is that we would just keep seeking God, like you said. He does lead. And He’s fierce for His daughters. Praying with you for His wisdom.
Wow, I ran out of highlighter fluid! 1: “The sword of the Spirit- the Word of God- is our only offensive weapon. Unless we marinate in the Word, sharpening our swords, we will fall susceptible to the lies of the enemy. And he will lie….He even lied to Jesus……..It is written!!! In order to identify lies, we have to know Truth.”
2: To bind to The Lord, I plan to be faithful and ride out the storms. Regardless if my heart is in it, God’s faithfulness will restore joy to my heart. Eventually, with persistence and repetition, I know my heart will crave Him, His Word, His Love, His Promises, His Truth. I love God, but in this particular season, I’m having issues with trusting Him and my own heart/head. I know that I need Him, and I know that He is faithful and constant. That truth alone carries me.
3: The description of my heart at this time is not pretty, so pardon the mess….God is at work…
My heart is very dependent of people, it is broken, feelings-based, untrusting of anyone, quick to believe the hurt and the bad, the lies, the disappoint. It is cursed very much so.
I am reading the book on my Kindle! Hi Emily….. I am praying that both our hearts are restored with joy.
“I ran out of highlighter fluid!” <– This made me laugh, because I get it!
Most of the time, I speak in "I know" language instead of "I feel," too. It's good to be able to allow faith to pull the train and let feelings be the caboose, but it sure is nice when feelings are in line and on the track.
I ran out of highlighter fluid this morning, too! Hmm…I’m wondering if this study is going to cause a spike in Sharpie Highlighter stock? I like what you said in #2. So true!
Took me a long time to trust God. It’s only been recently I have been able to see that He plans to prosper us not harm us, to give us hope & a future. Will pray for you. It is difficult. (Not necessarily a promotion for Lara’s studies, but her Abounding Hope is what really helped me overcome this.)
Hebrews 4:12 says God’s word is alive and active! I can change lives and marriages! I confess I too, do not hide God’s Word and promises in my heart like I should. I want to run to Him and not fall prey to my own selfish way of thinking. I want begin to hide scripture in my heart. Lara, I admire your humbleness at the intro of To Walk or Stay.
Thanks Heather. I know me too well. It was only by God’s grace that the tables weren’t turned in my marriage. And I totally know what you mean about selfish way of thinking. I can be chief of selfish thinking. Glad you’re joining us.
I like how the introduction challenges us to a dare… “A dare to take God at His Word and a dare to allow His promises to affect the choices you make today.”
I will answer #2: I really took my answer from the book… marinate in the word, rely on His strength, say yes to Him, & choose to believe in Him.
I really liked the dare too. How different our lives will be when we do that. 🙂
I must admit, I don’t do well with answering questions like this, but I will try!
1. Lara’s statement on page 23, “Through the valley of brokenness I learned that true blessing rises as I bind to my God regardless of circumstance,” really hit home with me. It is truly difficult to see this valley of brokenness as a blessing, but this is one of the promises I have been given. Blessings out of tears. Blessings out of brokenness. I think this and the knowledge that God is refining me, makes this walk (to stay) a little more palatable. 🙂
2. I am not sure how to answer that second question, other than to read, read, read, and tuck away God’s word in my heart…or as I responded to another comment, I will tuck it away on note cards, stuck all throughout my home.
3. My heart is all over the place. I have been married for over 30 years, and I see that I have depended on my husband and children to define who I am and how I feel about myself, as opposed to depending on GOD’S definition. How sad! I too, am a PK, and I keep thinking, “How in the world, being raised as I was, did all that slip by me?” I am growing in ways I never thought possible, but boy is it ever painful! I also feel stunted in areas, unable to move forward. My heart is searching, too, for ways to KNOW that God is in whom I am trusting, resting in, and believing. I question everything, these days. My heart is also sad, resentful, sometimes holding on to anger, and still in disbelief. All over the place! May we all receive blessings of strength and healing from this study, as well as the knowledge to draw closer to God. Thank you for this.
Whoa! I surely didn’t realize this was so long! Sorry, ladies!
Don’t be sorry, I enjoyed reading it and can relate. Blessings out of tears. The song “Beauty for Ashes” came to my mind just the other day as I was reading Unglued and God can take these ashes, wants to take our ashes, ask us to trust him, and He will make something beautiful out of our mess. I too feel God is refining me and growing me in these moments because like you I find I depend on what others think of me to define who I am and how I feel about myself. I am learning to look to Christ as my rock. He is still working on me though.
Oh thank you for reminding me of this song! I pray that both of us look to Christ as our rock, even more so, in the future.
I completely sympathize with losing one self. I feel the same way! I am a stay at home mother of 3 and I homeschool, and I don’t do much else. I feel a bit lost as to who I really am. I clean, cook, read, bath.. over and over, same thing, and I feel lost! Don’t get me wrong, I love raising my children and have fun times, but I’m not just Mommy, I am Jessica. I have recently found a way to have time to do something just for me though. Most will think it is silly or irrelevant, but I’m starting as a Pampered Chef consultant and I have found a tiny piece of the social butterfly I once was, and am looking forward to the experience. I hope you find a passion to help you find who you are too. Just listen for the holy spirit to prompt you. 🙂
Not silly or irrelevant at all. If that’s helping you I think it’s great. It would give me apoplexy, but I don’t think it’s silly. 🙂
Pampered Chef is by no way silly or irrelevant; it is hard to have a home business such as this, and I admire you for it! I too, homeschooled my youngest for several years, so I completely understand your feeling of isolation. I worked outside of our home for several years after he re-entered the school system, but I am home, again, now. I hope your business opportunity will truly help you, and yes, I am searching for
my own identity as the Lord’s daughter, as opposed to being someone’s wife or
someone’s mom. That’s hard for me, but
with His help and the help of others here, I hope to find that identity; the only identity that really matters.
Blessings to you!
God brings us to this point at different times. I wasn’t even saved until I was 42, I wondered briefly why it took so long but I know that God will use this for something amazing for His glory. Only He knows what it is. It will be so amazing to see why God is doing this work in you now. Will pray for you.
Like you, I searched God’s word for scriptures that I could cling to. I had index cards in my car, taped to my computer, in my wallet, written on my bathroom mirror, everywhere! Healing came in those words.
1. The one thing I want to bury deep in my heart is the scriptures used on page 23. I want to memorize these scriptures, so I can begin to respond to the enemy with the promises of God.
2. Listening to worship or praise music binds me to the Lord in the hardest of times. The music soothes my raw emotions and aching soul and I am then able to read scripture and respond in a way God has called me to.
3. I would describe my heart as “seeking”. I am seeking to let the truth of the gospel sink into my innermost thoughts and feelings. The more I understand God’s love and grace that he has shown me, the better able I am able to pour that same love and grace to others.
I totally relate to #2…Sometimes I leave worship music on all night, just so that if I wake up I hear Gods promises sung over me and it puts me back to sleep!
Listening to music has also helped my roller coaster emotions. I love that some of the songs I listen to have scripture in the lyrics of the music.
Gods promise of what the locust have destroyed, really stuck out to me. I can cling to that and trust that he not only restores but renews! I need to work on memorizing scripture as well. I am new to this blog so is there a link of scripture you recommend or a place to start?
Hi there. Welcome! I don’t have any specific scripture but you could start in the Psalms. Psalm 1 and Psalm 139 are two of my favorites. Glad you are joining us in the book club.
Let me add Lara that I want to thank you for adding the scripture “footnotes” at the bottom of the pages. When you are speaking and referencing scripture in your words you made it so easy for me to find that scripture look it up and work on adding it to my memory bank. Many of the most powerful scriptures are quoted in your book 🙂
1. It is time to rely on God’s strength, His word, His truth and His promises. It is time to completely trust God in EVERYTHING! I have been relying on my own strength – literally by myself for years. It has left me devastated and exhausted. My spouse was in the military and we moved 12 times in 20 years. Because of his assignments we have been apart for 10 years out of the 28 years we have been married.
2. Delve into God’s word. His word is alive and powerful. His word is the light to lead my way. I listen to a lot of Christian music in the car and at work. It really helps me get through the day. I am seeking God like I never have before.
3. It is hard to describe where my heart is. I am seeking for God’s message and guidance. There has been numbness, deep pain, feelings of betrayal and anger. Some days are very dark. Other days, when I dig into his word and listen to Christian music, my heart has hope. Some days I experience such a wide array of emotions I feel like a crazy person.
I can totally relate to what you are saying. I am often the same, and was for most of my life. It is amazing to look back and see how God has worked in the last year. It will be amazing a year from now to do the same. Keep your focus on what God is doing in your life. It will help you in those low times. Will be praying for you.
1) Bind yourself to the Lord.
2) Filling our minds with Scripture & words of praise to God. Learning to rely only on God alone, not “God and…” When we realize that He alone saves and delivers, then we will start to realize that binding ourselves to Him is necessary, even in the ordinary days.
3) Somewhere in the middle. I do desire to truly trust Christ with everything & to truly serve Him. I still slip back sometimes but I can see that He has really been working to get me to this point so I know He will continue to help me.
“Bind” that’s what I constantly remember too, Sara. Bind to Him.
I’ve been struggling lately to feel like I know enough Scripture. I have Bibles. Lots of them. And even more translations on my phone than I know what to do with, but really knowing Truth? Being able to turn to a reference when I need it, to have the promises of God written on my heart? That is where I’m lacking, where my heart is, but still I chose to turn to what I know, who I know God is, when the days are hard (even if I can’t give you a verse reference to support it).
Crystal,
You and I posted our comments within minutes of each other. 🙂 Have you ever considered scribing the scriptures?
I think I need to start. I love Bible studies, but I get so into the THEME of it all and the words & brilliance of the author that I forget or skip over the scripture (isn’t that awful?)
I’ve been visiting all day, following along with your comments, and now I have a chance to add to the discussion myself. Such grace-filled and powerful words here. You women have such beautiful souls.
I’m going to answer question number one, and in answering it, I believe it answers the other 2 as well.
This is what I want to bury deep, and has been working on my soul this last month.
“Early in marriage I had thought that the greatest blessing would be for my man to change. But in actuality, the greatest blessing came when I found myself in that inner room of intimacy with God. When I processed pain with the Lover of my soul, I experienced a joy that this world couldn’t steal.” p. 21
That inner room of intimacy — how I constantly crave to remain there. And how gracious He is to draw me back when I step away. Love to you, sister.
Can you please explain what the inner room of intimacy is? I would guess maybe the quiet time with God. But, I am sooooo struggling learning to “listen” and hearing God speak about things I ask about (not audibly), but I get nothing. Can someone explain this and give me a visual? 🙂
Also, what do you write in your prayer journals? I’ve tried but I get going and write and write and write. Then, I feel like I just repeat myself day after day. Sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing and I think I don’t know how to be a Christian. :(. Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Hi Trish. Thank you for commenting. When I wrote “the inner room of intimacy” I meant that place where you just sense God’s presence so thick. For me personally it means spending time with Him — telling Him my concerns, reading His word, reminding myself of what’s true, worshipping through music. Usually when I linger for a while before Him and really turn my thoughts to Him and His truth, I experience that “inner room” idea.
However, as believers, we won’t always “feel” those emotional highs. But in Christ we’re called righteous and holy no matter how we feel.
About journals, and prayer in general, I find it most helpful when I follow what the Psalmists typically do. I write or voice my struggles or concerns, but I don’t stop there. I then remind myself of what’s true about God. I remind myself of things He has promised even in the midst of trials. Replacing my worries with truth.
I hope that somehow encourages you. Praying for you, Trish. It’s a journey, a marathon. Keep on running.
1. One thing I take away from this chapter is that I have to focus on God’s truths, believe them and not fall into the enemy’s trap. His truth will set me free!
2. I can choose to bind to the Lord regardless of my feelings by replacing untruths with truth-God loves me, He calls me worthy, He says I’m beautiful, He promises to never leave me, He promises to direct my path, He promises to go before me.
3. I’m sad to say that in the last couple of weeks I’ve been under the curse of the evil one. I’ve been hoping for love from someone who may not be capable of loving me. I needed this chapter to remind me of where my hope is.
One thing that i could take away from this chapter is that emotions can be raw and the walk my be long and slow, but God is faithful and restoration is possible. We have to choose to follow Him in Faith. He will renew our strength. I can choose to be more consistent in the Word and trust that He has a plan for me.
Amen. Today I also read in John 9:31 that God listens to those who worship him and obey him. He listens to your heart, Erin, and will reveal His plan for you. Blessings to you!
Thank you for all these wonderful insights ladies! I’ve been blessed by reading your comments. Lately I’ve been convicted that I need to have His thoughts and His feelings! I even pray for that very experience daily. My over reliance on my emotions and my tendency towards reactivity is a huge battle in my life. I really related to the contributor who mentioned being defined by her spouse and her children. I am a PK as well (pastor’s kid) and lived in a fishbowl growing up. Guess I need to focus on my identity in Him, that I’m His daughter and not what others define me as. Thanks Lara for the “binding” metaphor! I’m being awakened to my need to hide His word in my heart. I struggle with negative thoughts and feelings and there is such power in scripture to change me and give me a joyful, free existence if I will just utilize it! Also, my prayer life needs revival. I attended a women’s retreat weekend recently and was inspired to begin keeping a prayer journal again. It promises to deepen my intimacy with my Heavenly Father in the time I spend with Him. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of Lara’s journey and want to thank her for risking herself in this book. The title caught me because it’s a question I’ve asked myself in the dark times in my own marriage. Love is a choice and it takes work and I’m discovering the true meaning of love is only found in my personal relationship with God. Human relationships disappoint, but He never will.
Amen Laurina! Amen!!
1. My one take away would be to turn to the Word in all circumstances. They are ancient words from ancient times, but they are relevant today in modern times. His Word is powerful, and He speaks to us through it.
2. When we can not see the big picture after-the-fact, it is hard to bind to the Lord in the day-to-day. I think being mindful of connecting our experiences to those of His people in the Word can help us to see the possibilities of where He will take us.
3. My heart is searching these days. Searching for His what He wants me to do in my life and in my relationships.
1. My biggest take-away from chapter 1 is that I’m not alone. It’s easy to feel isolated while standing in faith for the restoration of my marriage. The book, the comments here, and the FB group all give me a sense of community, especially when I see how many of the women are young moms like me. So much of the book feels like I’m reading my own journal (I’ve been in this over a year now), and it was encouraging to read how God spoke to her and formed things in her that I have also experienced.
2. I crank up the worship music, search the scripture, call a friend who will encourage my faith, or do all of the above. God has been SO faithful to give me signs, big and small, that He is working, even when I cannot see it.
3. My heart is hopeful. The journey has been long, but God keep affirming His desire to restore my heart and our marriage. I’m expectant and thankful for the ways He speaks to me daily. The love and forgiveness God has blessed me with for my husband are nothing short of supernatural–definitely not of my own doing!
One thing I want to take away and bury it deeper in my heart is God’s promise of restoration in my life.
Second question is hard for me. I’ve been struggling for a long time to live in God & trusting Him in any circumstances. I am so thankful for I am doing it with His power, not mine. If I did this in my power, I would always be living by my feeling, not abiding in His word and who God is. I am depending on God in my day-by-day life.
I am so thankful to have accountable friends in doing Bible study together at home, church and HelloMornings challenge. All of them used by God to help me to get to know Him closer amd deeper. My heart is planted and rooted deeper in God’s word every day through reading His word, devotion time and prayer time. To go through the days in our situations right now is this what I need, God’s stream of grace, love, power and blessings. Knowing He never forsake us nor forget about us, that He is leading us in the right path and providing what we will need, I have confidence in Him, my heart is trusting Him more than before.
So thankful that I decided to get the book yesterday and read the first chapter last night and finish it this morning. I got so many promises in His word. Thank you Lara for sharing with us your testimonies of your journey with God and thank you for leading us in the book club discussion. Such a blessing to know you!
I’m late to the party because our computer has been down…but I wanted to share that
1. The one thing I took away from the first chapter was the part where you mentioned that the enemy you were battling was NOT your husband. I think I needed that reminder.
2. I choose to bind to the Lord by remembering how faithful He has been to me in the past and staying in His Word as much as possible.
3. My heart has–for years–tried to find identity and security in the affirmation and recognition of others, but God and I have had many discussions about this and I feel like I am beginning to make some progress. The more time I spend in Scripture, the more I realize how deeply God loves me and is committed to me and the less I “need” to have the approval of others.
Yes, your answer on the second question is so great. Whenever we are walking through something, we gain strength by remembering what He has already carried us through. With God ALL things are possible!! Glad to hear He is building you up and you are realizing things about yourself, taking steps to allow His Spirit to work in you. God is so faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us!!
I am just finding out now about this book club. I am not sure any eyes will see and read my comment but for my own sake of choosing to stay in community regardless of the circumstance I must share.
#1 – The words that gripped me most were, pg 23 “I preached His truth to my soul . . . I often struggled to believe Him, but in spite of my feelings, I bound myself to His Word.” WOW, this challenged me to engage in the battle, to pick up the armor that I put down and got too busy, too tired, too discouraged to fight with.
#2 – For me it’s in the unseen, the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. I must be vigilant to take captive every thought that does not line up to His Word, to cast down every lie of the enemy, to shake off every doubt that tries to choke the truth.
#3 – I left that answer blank in the book. I am believing God is molding and forming a new heart from the brokeness. So for now I’ll simply say it’s indescribable!
Thanks for taking the time and “staying in community.” 🙂 It’s so true. If we don’t engage the battle, we forfeit. There isn’t an in-between. Thanks for sharing your heart, Meaghan.