How big is God? Is He only as big as our last answered prayer? Or is He big enough to still be called Lord when life is hard, or when the answer we are receiving seems less than what we hoped for?
In Rob Bell’s Nooma study, Open, he says that we experience Christ best when our lives become a posture of prayer. Pressing in to God regardless of where we are, what is taking place, how we feel, or even if we are walking through the hardest parts of our existence. But that same posture in the joyous seasons of our lives. In the smallest moments of joy.
What happens when that takes place?
Our lives become wrapped around who He is.
Father, this is hard, but this is who You are, and I will know You through every step.
We often see this in the Psalms, when David is brutally honest with God about how hard it is, how his enemies press all around him. He is not afraid to be real with God, and yet just as real are his next words… “But this is who You are, God.”
It’s what I felt when a drunk driver hit my son. When I had cancer. When finances dipped so low for so long in spite of all of our efforts that we didn’t know when or how things would change.
But God was the unchanging ingredient in each of those times. He offered shelter. Joy. Peace. And when I look back I see that He carried us through those times, and in many instances performed miracles of provision and healing. And yet it is His consistent presence in our lives (whether we felt it at the time or not) that proved to be the greatest miracle.
Father, what a joy this is, and I will celebrate with You through every step.
Do we press into Him in a posture of prayer in the good? When we are whole, when life is rocking along in a beautiful rhythm, when our children aren’t rebellious, when our marriages are in sync, when there’s enough in the account to pay the bills?
It’s just as key to praise Him then, to trust Him, to hear His heart — one that has little to do with what we have, but where He wants us to go, and perhaps even to pour into others who are in the “for worse” parts of their lives.
This creates a consistent lifestyle of faith. One that doesn’t rock up and down with the waves, but on course, steady, regardless of what is taking place around us–because He is solid. He is sure. He is unchanging.
Today, I pray that each of us grasp how big God truly is in the good, and in the bad, and in the process our lives truly become a posture of prayer.
Today I’m offering a giveaway of a sweet friend and P31 sister, Lysa TerKeurst’s book, When Women Walk in Faith. I recently picked it up and re-read it and it’s impacting my life all over again.
Leave a comment, share a little bit about your story of faith and trusting God, or any questions or comments that you might have. I’ll pick a winner on Monday!
Also, I invite you to join a couple of amazing communities.
In the Live Free Facebook community if you desire to be challenged daily with encouragement to take your faith deeper, along with a weekly Bible video Bible study — currently “Pushing Past Your Past“. I’d love to see you there.
If you are a mom, join me on an amazing FB community for moms of all ages and in all stages at Moms Together. Community. Encouragement. Q&A, and so much more.
Thanks for the reminder that God is solid and he is sure. Please pray for me that my faith will be deepened and I will come to rely on God’s wisdom and grace during 2011.
It’s easy to praise God in the good times, but when it gets tough, praise is usually the last thing on my mind…I want to be able to wake up and rejoice in the day, before the little irksome things begin, and before the blessings flow…to truly praise him in all circumstances! That’s how big God is—He can make it happen!
I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have Jesus to keep me sane. Some days I’m resting comfortably in the palm of His hand, other days I’m hanging on to His pinky finger for dear life. Life is hard. We don’t lack the basics of life – food, shelter, or clothing, and praise God for warm running water. Seriously. However the emotional struggle, the spiritual battle that plays out each day, each week, is so ferocious. Sometimes I feel the struggle and I’m carrying the need to draw near to my Lord for other people, sometimes its me who needs to feel the peace of God. Everyday life on an emotional level is very wearing. I couldn’t do it without HIM!
Our Bible study group talked a little about this last night so this was the perfect way to start my day today. No matter what happens in my life what keeps me on track is knowing He is still God and He is singing over me.
I am in one of the LOWEST points of my life. Our children have been taken to foster care for the last 3 1/2 months due to false allegations. I have had to CLING to God, my faith has been tested, I have begged for more faith. I have grown a VERY close relationship with God through this, which is by far the best aspect of this painful journey. He has held me up. But it has been tough. I have heard Him speak to me during this, using people on Facebook. Even this ministry. God is awesome and I know He has a plan for me. If anyone would be willing to Pray for our family…we have 21 days until our trial is over and the decision is made whether my kids come home or not…..I would appreciate any prayer. thank you
I have to admit, I just don’t get it sometimes. It’s a matter of faith to me, but their is no logic. And I thrive on black and white, on 1+1=2. Why did my husband die – why did God let that happen? I have no idea. How did I get through it? My faith, the strength God gave me, and the family and friends He surrounded me with. How can I rationalize that God was involved with the good and the bad? He’s involved with everything. Can I explain that to someone who doesn’t believe or has lots of doubts? Nope, I cannot.
The year 2010 was a difficult one for me and my family. I have had job challenges, including a contract job that fell through to move to full time, being fired from another job, and along with that, severe financial difficulties. Ongoing conflict with brother and sister over estate division from my mother, to the point that we are not speaking anymore. And marital problems on top of all of this.
Throughout this season in the valley, I keep reminding myself of God’s promises in His word. thus says the LORD to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
This year has been a tough one. Battling depression and trying to remember and learn how to take my thoughts captive so that they don’t take me down the dark scary road again and again. I reached out and sought help and I feel so much better! It’s time to take care of me!
Your devotional is so timely! We had a very sad situation happen in our community this week. Three men shot with high-powered rifles at a small house, killing a six yr. little girl and injuring her uncle. The three were arrested shortly after because one or all the men were related to the child’s family. The word around town is that was some sort of revenge for something that happened earlier this summer. Reason your devotional is timely, is several people are making commnets about if God is such a loving God, how could he have allowed this to happen. People who haven’t experienced loving arms around them in a trying situation can’t understand when bad things happen, men have free wills and in spite of knowing something is wrong they will act on their emotions anyway. I wish everyone could read your devotional! Chris
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43:1 – Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou are mine. I hold onto that in the good times and the bad ones. He has/is always with me even when I don’t feel Him. Thank You for the encouragement.
I admit that there are times that it is difficult to pray. When I finally find myself in prayer – communicating to my Abba Father – then I notice that life seems to smooth out. He has said in His Word that He will make the rough places smooth and provide a highway in the desert. He is worthy of my time every day, no matter what is going on. I need Him every day!
Right now, my family is experiencing many storms. BUT, it has only made my faith STRONGER!! I am closer to GOD now than I have ever been! Each day is a battle in this world, but with GOD…it’s all just a stepping stone moving me closer to GOD! (satan might think they are stumbling stones..but I refuse to let them be!!)
Your blog has been such a blessing so I thank you for that. We lost our daughter in a car accident at the age of 13. I can honestly say that thru the grace of God, I am here today! Whatever tragedy anyone of us is going thru, God is good and is always with us!!!
Two years ago this month my youngest brother died suddenly at 40 years old from a heart attack. I watched my parents go through the most difficult thing they have ever faced and yet never once did I hear them blame God. My dad would use examples from the Bible such as Abraham and say that he bet that was the longest walk of his life when he had to go up the mountain knowing he would have to sacrifice his son. He talked about Job losing all his children at one time but he still blessed the Lord. It really made an impression on my life to watch them submit to the Lord’s will.
I just found your blog today & thoroughly enjoyed it. I recently lost a very dear fried (age:56) to cancer. Her walk with Christ is a testimony of the love of Christ, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I love Psalm 121. I carried this Psalm with me (in my heart & recited it to myself claiming God’s promises) when I had various medical tests & a breast biopsy a couple of years ago. We truly serve a BIG, BIG God!!!
During my teenage years, I lived in a very unhealthy family situation. It was unhealhty, painful and at sometimes very dangerous. I had recently begun my relationship in Christ and would cry myself to sleep many nights, or even cry and pray to God wondering why, driving around in my car wondering where I was going to sleep that night, or where I would live. That time grew my faith incredibly and God showed his provision over and over again for me, by taking me out of that situation and providing for me a healthy place to live, and continued to provide for me in so many other ways. That time was a constant reminder of how loving and faithful God is.
Thank you for writing this. Such an encouragement to my heart right now. So many hurts, disappointments, and pain. Wondering if the Lord even hears me anymore..where is HE?? BUT….by faith, I will trust in Him, I will purpose in my heart to have faith in Him, knowing He is here….even if I don’t feel Him, or my circumstances don’t change. Thank you for being the vessel the Lord has used to speak to me! (I want everyone to know I am praying for you also….especially Lisa up above in the comments) Blessings, Kelly
Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s message. Oh how easy it is to seek God with all we have when we are struggling…and then when things are going well we tend to back away a bit and our pride might take over thinking, “boy do I have it all together.” I am reminded of a verse that I have up as a reminder to “Be joyful alwasy, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
This is the first time on your blog. I enjoyed what you wrote. I am going through a rough time right now in my marriage and need God more than ever. I am trusting Him and Praising Him for He is in control.
First time reader and feel so blessed to have found your site. We are going through a season of tests at our home now and this is very timely for me. Thank you and looking forward to more.
Hey sweet ladies, I am praying as I read these (they hit my inbox so I can reply to you personally in prayer throughout this week), but I’m also celebrating with you as I hear the strong voice of courage in so many of your comments. Sometimes we think that faith is a clear road with our held head high and no worry lines on our faces, and yet faith seems to be more what you are saying, that in spite of life hitting hard, you still trust in God. You still climb out of bed everyday and you still live, still trust. I especially want to applaud Lisa, for the faith I hear in your voice tells me that you are an epitome of courage as you not only survive these overwhelming times, but somehow still speak in faith — just like the words of David. I pray that God truly blesses you, shares the truth so that you are restored. I am in awe of your faith, sister.
Thank you for those words. I have gone throught things in my life as well. It seemed aweful at the time, but I can look back and see where God brought me closer to him (well, back to Him, really). I need to remember to praise and Him in the good times as well and reach out and help others and let Him work through me.
Suzanne, Today, as I was reading this devotional, a family came to mind. This family (the Robertsons) lost their 11 year old son, grandson, brother, nephew, Nathan to cancer this week. I was reading an update to his journal on CareBridge.com, and I just had to leave a comment with the URL to this devotional. I hope it will speak to them as much as it spoke to me. Thank you.
I have been extremely blessed and inspired by the entire p31 ministry this past year. I feel as though I’ve had a group of Christian friends that I haven’t met in person encouraging me daily to increase my faith. To live daily in the presence of an amazing Father who; as you said in the devotion today is SOLID! I’ve lived with and without Him so many times that I just know that I know I cannot “truly” live my life to the fullest without Him. Thank you so much for all the encouraging devotions!
what a lesson to learn….steadfastness of faith..joy..and love..through the shadow lands and back…his song is truly the soundtrack of our lives. i reflect on this in the wake of a true season of refinement and testing…some 5 months now..and a mountain of months to come… and i have learned.. forget happiness. seek joy and let it be tethered to your faith by confidence and hope in the light that comes tomorrow.
Raised by a Christian mother who loved Jesus, I rasied up 5 children to know Jesus. Today I am single and grandmother of 10 children. All that I have belongs to Him. My family and church is what keeps me focused on Jesus. Prayers long or short have been answered. My faith is knowing he will never leave me or stop loving me. His grace is why I exist.
I came across the P31 website over a year ago and have been a follower ever since. No matter what kind of day I am having one of my P31 sisters has the right words that touch me deeply and bring a bright spot to my day. thank you for your inspiration.
Pressing is something I find easy now after a struggle me and my family just went through.My husband, 6 years ago, joined his father and stepmom (I did mention this before, I know)in the profession of plumbing. He went to school for four years to be licensed and worked another 2 years with them. It was LONG hours but GREAT pay. Well, during the last two years he worked, he didn’t get full time. It got worse. There were times he was only getting 10 hours a week. Sometimes maybe 30, if we were lucky.We did pray during that time for a direction. My husband had the thought of going back to school to have a degree in IT. HE’s doing that now. However, he knew he couldn’t stay in plumbing until he got a job in IT. So he started to pray for a direction in change of jobs. The holy spirit told him to apply to the job he once quit to start working for his dad. He didn’t think the job would hire him back since he did quit and the fact he claimed bankruptcy on the card he had from them. Well, he got an interview a week later, and the job two hours after the interview. However, that was not the struggle. That was the story leading up to the struggle.
Now, when my husband wasn’t getting enough hours in his plumbing job, he decided to get unemployment. When unemployment found out he quit his plumbing job, they suspended our income from them to investigate why. We spent 3 weeks without ANY income whatsoever. During a time where we just had a newborn baby girl. God was taking care of us in “our storm”. We had food stamps and I was able to receive WIC. I found strength in songs like Beautiful Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli. One line I kept singing over and over. The line is “And though it’s pouring down, I see you through the clouds shining on my face.” (Even typing this, I cry about how much he has taken care of us). In the end, two days before my husband was to receive is his first check, we got the rest of the unemployment money. They saw my husband quit to find full time work.
God is Good! I am definitely relying on faith at this point in my life… six months ago, I uncovered the ugly truth of WHO I was becoming… Not who God says I am, but, the me that the enemy was trying his best to create in my life. Fortunately, I confessed my sins against my husband, my friends, my family and I immediately took them to the feet of Jesus. I am healing, I am walking in a new light, my marriage is saved, my friends are restoring trust in me yet again, and my family continues to see the healing powers of Our Lord Jesus Christ…. and I am a new creation in Christ. What was meant to steal, kill and destroy my life, as actually forced me to press in to the One who can replenish, restore and give ample grace to a broken woman greatly in need of her Savior’s redeeming love! I know that life with still be full of strikes from the enemy, but as I continue to deny myself, and take up the cross of Jesus each day, hour or minute… I know that hope is assured and salvation is mine… Thanks be to God, as my life continue to reflect of HIS amazing grace, and unrelenting love!
What a great reminder today. My oldest daughter (16) came home today with the news that the mother of her friend unexplainably died this morning at the age of 55. My daughter’s friend found her at the bottom of the stairs. I can’t imagine this situation. God, though, provided a friend from my church to be the neighbor that the two daughters stayed with while the EMTs worked on their mom without results. She is who I thought of when I read “It’s just as key to praise Him then, to trust Him, to hear His heart — one that has little to do with what we have, but where He wants us to go, and perhaps even to pour into others who are in the “for worse” parts of their lives.” May we always recognize God in the good times and bad. He is always thinking of us.
My experience is that, like you said, God is unchanging. God is loving. God is sure. God is solid. If it weren’t for my faith in God I wouldn’t be here to tell about it. I came from an abusive background. I have a form of dyslexia that is challenging in and of itself. Life is a test of faith with God. Do we pass the test? A lot of times, no. But, He is there everytime to pick me up, wipe me off and put me back on my feet again. I love HIM with every part of my being.
God has given us His promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is always a prayer away and wants to love us with an everlasting love. It seems so simple, yet it took me many years of heartache and worldy living to come to the realization that I needed a Saviour. Thanks for the encouragement each day in Prov. 31.
I am blessed to be a mother of four beautiful children. I have 3 daughter’s and a son, from 6 years old to 20 months old. My husband and I lost 3 babies before we had our first. Our son was born with Down syndrome but what a little angel he is in our lives. I have been through many hardships in my life: child molestation, alcoholism, abortion, 2 miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy where I lost my right fillopian tube and had emergency surgery, lost my father to cancer, right now battling with depression and weight gain, the list goes on. After reading your sight tonight and P31, I told my husband what a blessing it would be to work with a group of women like you and to have prayer groups/warriors like you and to be able to write with you and to hear you speak. I seek God’s Will in my life and would love to know how I could use my experiences to help others. Our God is an awesome God. Thank you for all you do to help others.
I am trying this year to make a new habit of spending time with God in the morning. Most of the time I really feel like my faith is only the size of the mustard seed, so I’m hoping the time spent will eventually equal growth. Right now, it’s only a few minutes, but I think as I get more disciplined with setting the time aside, I will find that I’ll have more time to be in His presence. I also want to get back into reading the Bible. A few years ago I read all the way through and then, somehow, got out of the habit of reading. I want to be filled with joy, no matter the circumstance. Thank you for your posting today.
The verse from Zephaniah truly caught my eye this morning and deserved a response in my prayer journal. To think of our awesome God taking delight in me, quieting me with His love, and rejoicing over me with singing – brings comfort to my heart and soul.
My faith in God has really grown in the last few years. My husband lost his job around 2 1/2 years ago. We lost our house and a car and had to move in with my parents very small house for about 7 months until we rented a house of our own. Looking back, I wonder how I made it and I know it was God’s grace. I had moments of tears and crying out to God, but he always came through with the extra strength I needed. We are still struggling financially but we are making it. God seems to provide just want we need, when we need it. I can see God’s hand in everything and really everything was for the better. He has already replaced things we lost with better things and I trust Him completely. Thank you for your post! I pray that I am just as close to God, when life is good, as when it is tough.
God has been huge in my life. For 18yrs I was addicted to drugs & I didn’t know my way out. God never once really came to my mind meaning I never once thought to pray or do anything spiritually even though as a child my grandmother took me to church & talked about God because as a child I had questions I was an inquisitive child, so I was forever asking all types of questions. But when I began using drugs it was as if I had forgotten or I didn’t know who He was, but as I entered detox after detox & rehabiltation center after another I began to hear them speak about a Higher Power & that’s when I began to listen & understand who He is. And as I began to go to N.A. & AA meetings I began to hear more & more about Him, then when I met my fiance/ husband to be 11 years ago that’s when I really was introduced to Him all over again because his mom is a anointed woman of God & she raised me all over again in Christ. Also, I have seen God’s work in my life from doing drugs, being in abandoned buildings getting high, walking the streets all hours of the night just wanting one more “hit”, I know there is a God who covered me & walking with me & people was & still is praying for me. My testimony is all about my Father & His Son my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ & I don’t have enough time to give it all to you & not for no sympathy or a book, I give God’s testimony cause I give Him all the glory, honor, & praise & maybe one day yall ladies will have my book on your site & you will be blessing other women with my book cause I know how Huge my Father is I have been clean for 4 1/2 years & I re-gained custody of my babygirl who’s 2 years old & her name is Trinity & I named her that because of God I wanted to show some form of gratefulness & I figured me naming her Trinity that would be another way of me showing my love to God. I am in my childrens lives today, I’m a mother of 8 (7 girls & 1 boy) & my oldest 2 haven’t forgave me, but I continue to pray 🙂 cause God is working it out, but I am glad whenever I can share me testimony oh! not mines but God’s testimony.
Thank you for your articles, they have been an inpiration to me. My husband and I are in a nursing home ministry. I have grown spiritually over the last 1 1/2 years. It’s not that I went looking for something else “to do”. My plate is already full with homeschooling 3 little boys, tutoring, teaching S.S. 1x monthly, on top of that, an artist trying to find time to set aside for creativity, being a wife and managing our home, plus being the POA of my sick mother.
My mom was diagnosed with early alzheimer’s disease at 55. She had fo finally be put in the nursing home. This was really hard to see my mom in the nursing home. She was deteriorating right before my eyes, didn’t know my dad, or me or my siblings. This was really heartbreaking. Mom has been in the nursing home now for 4 year.
The nursing home would have “Family Meetings” and in one of the meetings the Director mentioned they needed to have “church” for the residents. They were even calling churches to see if they had someone to come. I was amazed somebody hadn’t stepped up! This broke my heart, these people needed someone to come in and be Jesus to them.
Wow, I started praying about it and took it to my husband, he said he would pray about it. Well I kept praying. One early morning on the couch, my husband said to God in his prayer time, if my wife mentions the nursing home to me I know it’s your will for us to do it. I walked in the room, and mentioned it to him.
Since the ministry has began we have seen 9 people saved! All because my mom, entered the nursing home. I have been broken because of my mom’s illness, it has been a hard road to walk, but God has been faithful to me, to my family. My mom doesn’t know me and is in her last stages. I miss her and the way she was. But like I said, God has been faithful, to help me on this journey. In the beginning it was difficult to walk into the nuring home and see her in this condition…I would be crying on the inside, smiling on the outside. But as I met and got to know the residents in the nursing home, my sadness began to melt away. I describe it as “bittersweet”. I have fallen in love with each of these residents, my heart swells with love for them. I can only imagine how God feels for each of them. It is an awesome love he has for us.
I have spoken during ministry time to share the love I feel for them, but want to relate how much greater is the love God has for them.
I am truly amazed everyday how much God loves us! He is faithful, He is with us, and will strengthen us on our journey in life. Most importantly, there will be faces in heaven all because, God had a plan, and as it unfolded, he used my mom to get us on a different path of ministry to those who sometimes are forgotten. To God be the Glory! Romans 8:28NLT-And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Thank you for reaching out to others on their journey and encouraging them in their walk with Christ Jesus.
i’m glad i found your blog. i am a single woman who grew up in an abusive home, i have struggled and had successes, bad stuff like becoming an abuser to good stuff like being a writer and missionary. IT has been a tough journey at times and i am learning to take the bitter with the sweet.
I’m in that uncomfortable place of waiting. As of January 1, my husband is now unemployed. We are searching for what God wants for us but it is NOT easy. It is not easy explaining to our 7 children why we can’t do the things we used to. It is not easy explaining why Daddy is home so much more that he used to be (though I kinda like that part). BUT through it all, I KNOW God has a plan; He will provide for us in His way. For many years my life verse has been Jeremiah 29:11-13. It was never more appropriate than now.
No matter how big or small the problem or the prayer God is always ENOUGH!!! We (I) need to spend more time telling people how Big our God is instead of how big our problems are!
Thanks for the Moms Together recommendation. I just became a fan on FB. Love that kind of encouragement.
Well your post today truly encouraged. Being that I’ve pledged my Word for this year is prayerfully, this just confirms why it’s so important. I especially like what you say about “pressing into God”. I just really want to see the life change when I really commit to prayer. I’m a believer that prayer is less about what He does for me but how prayer will change me. I still struggle with questions about prayer but I push forward in obedience.
Big fan of Lysa. This is one of her books I have not read.
Thanks Suzie! God has been sooooo gracious to me! I am so very thankful! I have also linked up to your book and videos as resources on my site because I think they are that important for other women to know about!
One of my favourite phrases are paraphrased from the movie”Facing the Giants”. It goes like this.In good times,we pray and praise God. In bad times,we also pray and praise God. I really know from past experiences in my family that God always knows whats best for us and He is always enough and we must lean on Him. I am learning to do just that this year.
I did a bible study called Crazy Love by Frances Chan. It really opened my eyes to how big God is! He pursues us every day. I learned that when we are in the pit of despair is when we need to look up. I know that God has a plan for us, and even though we don’t always know that plan, and possibly never will, it is His plan. I find great comfort in that. I have lived through pretty horrific times, but I know that He was there. He carried me even when I didn’t know it.
I love, love, love your devotion Suzie!~ I like the idea of finding my “note” in God’s song. Just like everyone, my family has hit bumps in the road and yet, I’ve found reasons to praise Him. It’s easier, looking back, to see how God has worked through those bumps than at the time, but I’ve found that if I cling to Him, He is, as you say-solid.
Right now, we are struggling financially as my husband has been laid off and we are expecting a baby boy in less than 2 weeks. Despite our tight budget, we are so, so blessed and I can’t help but smile with the seemingly “little” things God blesses us with.
i think about my doubting alot and it seems when i just say okay i don’t care anymore is when God shows up. when all i do is worry it seems like i get no where. trusting in God i need to do more often. i don’t know why i always take my worry’s back after i give them to Him because He is going to come through for me. thank you for the encouragement i get from your blogs.
Lately, I find myself talking to God, praying…about everything that happens. I trust in my God…I have faith that wherever He wants me to be, I will go. I am in the process of finding the ME that God created. And, it is so exciting!
God has changed me and revealed Himself a lot over the past few months.. but I want to get to know Him more! Please pray that I will have more time/energy to read His word, read Christian books, blogs like this, devotions, listen to songs.. just immerse myself in His presence. I love being with God!
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Thanks for the reminder that God is solid and he is sure. Please pray for me that my faith will be deepened and I will come to rely on God’s wisdom and grace during 2011.
It’s easy to praise God in the good times, but when it gets tough, praise is usually the last thing on my mind…I want to be able to wake up and rejoice in the day, before the little irksome things begin, and before the blessings flow…to truly praise him in all circumstances! That’s how big God is—He can make it happen!
I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have Jesus to keep me sane. Some days I’m resting comfortably in the palm of His hand, other days I’m hanging on to His pinky finger for dear life. Life is hard. We don’t lack the basics of life – food, shelter, or clothing, and praise God for warm running water. Seriously. However the emotional struggle, the spiritual battle that plays out each day, each week, is so ferocious. Sometimes I feel the struggle and I’m carrying the need to draw near to my Lord for other people, sometimes its me who needs to feel the peace of God. Everyday life on an emotional level is very wearing. I couldn’t do it without HIM!
Our Bible study group talked a little about this last night so this was the perfect way to start my day today. No matter what happens in my life what keeps me on track is knowing He is still God and He is singing over me.
I am in one of the LOWEST points of my life. Our children have been taken to foster care for the last 3 1/2 months due to false allegations. I have had to CLING to God, my faith has been tested, I have begged for more faith. I have grown a VERY close relationship with God through this, which is by far the best aspect of this painful journey. He has held me up. But it has been tough. I have heard Him speak to me during this, using people on Facebook. Even this ministry. God is awesome and I know He has a plan for me. If anyone would be willing to Pray for our family…we have 21 days until our trial is over and the decision is made whether my kids come home or not…..I would appreciate any prayer. thank you
I have to admit, I just don’t get it sometimes. It’s a matter of faith to me, but their is no logic. And I thrive on black and white, on 1+1=2. Why did my husband die – why did God let that happen? I have no idea. How did I get through it? My faith, the strength God gave me, and the family and friends He surrounded me with. How can I rationalize that God was involved with the good and the bad? He’s involved with everything. Can I explain that to someone who doesn’t believe or has lots of doubts? Nope, I cannot.
The year 2010 was a difficult one for me and my family. I have had job challenges, including a contract job that fell through to move to full time, being fired from another job, and along with that, severe financial difficulties. Ongoing conflict with brother and sister over estate division from my mother, to the point that we are not speaking anymore. And marital problems on top of all of this.
Throughout this season in the valley, I keep reminding myself of God’s promises in His word. thus says the LORD to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
This year has been a tough one. Battling depression and trying to remember and learn how to take my thoughts captive so that they don’t take me down the dark scary road again and again. I reached out and sought help and I feel so much better! It’s time to take care of me!
Your devotional is so timely! We had a very sad situation happen in our community this week. Three men shot with high-powered rifles at a small house, killing a six yr. little girl and injuring her uncle. The three were arrested shortly after because one or all the men were related to the child’s family. The word around town is that was some sort of revenge for something that happened earlier this summer.
Reason your devotional is timely, is several people are making commnets about if God is such a loving God, how could he have allowed this to happen. People who haven’t experienced loving arms around them in a trying situation can’t understand when bad things happen, men have free wills and in spite of knowing something is wrong they will act on their emotions anyway.
I wish everyone could read your devotional! Chris
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43:1 – Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou are mine. I hold onto that in the good times and the bad ones. He has/is always with me even when I don’t feel Him. Thank You for the encouragement.
I admit that there are times that it is difficult to pray. When I finally find myself in prayer – communicating to my Abba Father – then I notice that life seems to smooth out. He has said in His Word that He will make the rough places smooth and provide a highway in the desert. He is worthy of my time every day, no matter what is going on. I need Him every day!
Right now, my family is experiencing many storms. BUT, it has only made my faith STRONGER!! I am closer to GOD now than I have ever been! Each day is a battle in this world, but with GOD…it’s all just a stepping stone moving me closer to GOD! (satan might think they are stumbling stones..but I refuse to let them be!!)
GOD IS AMAZING!!
Your blog has been such a blessing so I thank you for that. We lost our daughter in a car accident at the age of 13. I can honestly say that thru the grace of God, I am here today! Whatever tragedy anyone of us is going thru, God is good and is always with us!!!
God Bless
Two years ago this month my youngest brother died suddenly at 40 years old from a heart attack. I watched my parents go through the most difficult thing they have ever faced and yet never once did I hear them blame God. My dad would use examples from the Bible such as Abraham and say that he bet that was the longest walk of his life when he had to go up the mountain knowing he would have to sacrifice his son. He talked about Job losing all his children at one time but he still blessed the Lord. It really made an impression on my life to watch them submit to the Lord’s will.
I just found your blog today & thoroughly enjoyed it. I recently lost a very dear fried (age:56) to cancer. Her walk with Christ is a testimony of the love of Christ, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I love Psalm 121. I carried this Psalm with me (in my heart & recited it to myself claiming God’s promises) when I had various medical tests & a breast biopsy a couple of years ago. We truly serve a BIG, BIG God!!!
During my teenage years, I lived in a very unhealthy family situation. It was unhealhty, painful and at sometimes very dangerous. I had recently begun my relationship in Christ and would cry myself to sleep many nights, or even cry and pray to God wondering why, driving around in my car wondering where I was going to sleep that night, or where I would live. That time grew my faith incredibly and God showed his provision over and over again for me, by taking me out of that situation and providing for me a healthy place to live, and continued to provide for me in so many other ways. That time was a constant reminder of how loving and faithful God is.
I love the boosts that God will graciously hand down to me in the most perfect time of need. He truly knows when I need it the most!
Thank you for writing this. Such an encouragement to my heart right now. So many hurts, disappointments, and pain. Wondering if the Lord even hears me anymore..where is HE?? BUT….by faith, I will trust in Him, I will purpose in my heart to have faith in Him, knowing He is here….even if I don’t feel Him, or my circumstances don’t change. Thank you for being the vessel the Lord has used to speak to me!
(I want everyone to know I am praying for you also….especially Lisa up above in the comments)
Blessings,
Kelly
Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s message. Oh how easy it is to seek God with all we have when we are struggling…and then when things are going well we tend to back away a bit and our pride might take over thinking, “boy do I have it all together.” I am reminded of a verse that I have up as a reminder to “Be joyful alwasy, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Blessings!
This is the first time on your blog. I enjoyed what you wrote. I am going through a rough time right now in my marriage and need God more than ever. I am trusting Him and Praising Him for He is in control.
First time reader and feel so blessed to have found your site. We are going through a season of tests at our home now and this is very timely for me. Thank you and looking forward to more.
Hey sweet ladies, I am praying as I read these (they hit my inbox so I can reply to you personally in prayer throughout this week), but I’m also celebrating with you as I hear the strong voice of courage in so many of your comments. Sometimes we think that faith is a clear road with our held head high and no worry lines on our faces, and yet faith seems to be more what you are saying, that in spite of life hitting hard, you still trust in God. You still climb out of bed everyday and you still live, still trust. I especially want to applaud Lisa, for the faith I hear in your voice tells me that you are an epitome of courage as you not only survive these overwhelming times, but somehow still speak in faith — just like the words of David. I pray that God truly blesses you, shares the truth so that you are restored. I am in awe of your faith, sister.
Thank you for those words. I have gone throught things in my life as well. It seemed aweful at the time, but I can look back and see where God brought me closer to him (well, back to Him, really). I need to remember to praise and Him in the good times as well and reach out and help others and let Him work through me.
Suzanne, Today, as I was reading this devotional, a family came to mind. This family (the Robertsons) lost their 11 year old son, grandson, brother, nephew, Nathan to cancer this week. I was reading an update to his journal on CareBridge.com, and I just had to leave a comment with the URL to this devotional. I hope it will speak to them as much as it spoke to me. Thank you.
I have been extremely blessed and inspired by the entire p31 ministry this past year. I feel as though I’ve had a group of Christian friends that I haven’t met in person encouraging me daily to increase my faith. To live daily in the presence of an amazing Father who; as you said in the devotion today is SOLID!
I’ve lived with and without Him so many times that I just know that I know I cannot “truly” live my life to the fullest without Him.
Thank you so much for all the encouraging devotions!
Blessing to you as your life and what you share blesses others. Thanks so much!
A posture of prayer. Faith. Yes. Lord, I do believe, please help me with my unbelief.
Thanks for sharing such truths.
You’re precious to me and to our BIG PAPA!
Tiffany
what a lesson to learn….steadfastness of faith..joy..and love..through the shadow lands and back…his song is truly the soundtrack of our lives. i reflect on this in the wake of a true season of refinement and testing…some 5 months now..and a mountain of months to come…
and i have learned..
forget happiness. seek joy and let it be tethered to your faith by confidence and hope in the light that comes tomorrow.
Raised by a Christian mother who loved Jesus, I rasied up 5 children to know Jesus. Today I am single and grandmother of 10 children. All that I have belongs to Him. My family and church is what keeps me focused on Jesus. Prayers long or short have been answered. My faith is knowing he will never leave me or stop loving me. His grace is why I exist.
I came across the P31 website over a year ago and have been a follower ever since. No matter what kind of day I am having one of my P31 sisters has the right words that touch me deeply and bring a bright spot to my day. thank you for your inspiration.
Christine
What a helpful devotional!
Pressing is something I find easy now after a struggle me and my family just went through.My husband, 6 years ago, joined his father and stepmom (I did mention this before, I know)in the profession of plumbing. He went to school for four years to be licensed and worked another 2 years with them. It was LONG hours but GREAT pay. Well, during the last two years he worked, he didn’t get full time. It got worse. There were times he was only getting 10 hours a week. Sometimes maybe 30, if we were lucky.We did pray during that time for a direction. My husband had the thought of going back to school to have a degree in IT. HE’s doing that now. However, he knew he couldn’t stay in plumbing until he got a job in IT. So he started to pray for a direction in change of jobs. The holy spirit told him to apply to the job he once quit to start working for his dad. He didn’t think the job would hire him back since he did quit and the fact he claimed bankruptcy on the card he had from them. Well, he got an interview a week later, and the job two hours after the interview. However, that was not the struggle. That was the story leading up to the struggle.
Now, when my husband wasn’t getting enough hours in his plumbing job, he decided to get unemployment. When unemployment found out he quit his plumbing job, they suspended our income from them to investigate why. We spent 3 weeks without ANY income whatsoever. During a time where we just had a newborn baby girl. God was taking care of us in “our storm”. We had food stamps and I was able to receive WIC. I found strength in songs like Beautiful Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli. One line I kept singing over and over. The line is “And though it’s pouring down, I see you through the clouds shining on my face.” (Even typing this, I cry about how much he has taken care of us). In the end, two days before my husband was to receive is his first check, we got the rest of the unemployment money. They saw my husband quit to find full time work.
Isn’t he wonderful?!?!?!?!?!
This spoke to me in my circumstance right at this moment. Thanks so much for your encouraging words.
God is Good! I am definitely relying on faith at this point in my life… six months ago, I uncovered the ugly truth of WHO I was becoming… Not who God says I am, but, the me that the enemy was trying his best to create in my life. Fortunately, I confessed my sins against my husband, my friends, my family and I immediately took them to the feet of Jesus. I am healing, I am walking in a new light, my marriage is saved, my friends are restoring trust in me yet again, and my family continues to see the healing powers of Our Lord Jesus Christ…. and I am a new creation in Christ. What was meant to steal, kill and destroy my life, as actually forced me to press in to the One who can replenish, restore and give ample grace to a broken woman greatly in need of her Savior’s redeeming love! I know that life with still be full of strikes from the enemy, but as I continue to deny myself, and take up the cross of Jesus each day, hour or minute… I know that hope is assured and salvation is mine… Thanks be to God, as my life continue to reflect of HIS amazing grace, and unrelenting love!
hi Lisa,
i just wanted you to know i’ll be praying for you. keep the faith, GOD can do more than we can ask think or imagine.
What a great reminder today. My oldest daughter (16) came home today with the news that the mother of her friend unexplainably died this morning at the age of 55. My daughter’s friend found her at the bottom of the stairs. I can’t imagine this situation. God, though, provided a friend from my church to be the neighbor that the two daughters stayed with while the EMTs worked on their mom without results. She is who I thought of when I read “It’s just as key to praise Him then, to trust Him, to hear His heart — one that has little to do with what we have, but where He wants us to go, and perhaps even to pour into others who are in the “for worse” parts of their lives.” May we always recognize God in the good times and bad. He is always thinking of us.
My experience is that, like you said, God is unchanging. God is loving. God is sure. God is solid. If it weren’t for my faith in God I wouldn’t be here to tell about it. I came from an abusive background. I have a form of dyslexia that is challenging in and of itself. Life is a test of faith with God. Do we pass the test? A lot of times, no. But, He is there everytime to pick me up, wipe me off and put me back on my feet again. I love HIM with every part of my being.
God has given us His promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is always a prayer away and wants to love us with an everlasting love. It seems so simple, yet it took me many years of heartache and worldy living to come to the realization that I needed a Saviour. Thanks for the encouragement each day in Prov. 31.
I envy women who can say, “I’m yours God, do what you will!” That is so scary to me. I want to be close to God, but I’m still afraid.
I am blessed to be a mother of four beautiful children. I have 3 daughter’s and a son, from 6 years old to 20 months old. My husband and I lost 3 babies before we had our first. Our son was born with Down syndrome but what a little angel he is in our lives. I have been through many hardships in my life: child molestation, alcoholism, abortion, 2 miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy where I lost my right fillopian tube and had emergency surgery, lost my father to cancer, right now battling with depression and weight gain, the list goes on. After reading your sight tonight and P31, I told my husband what a blessing it would be to work with a group of women like you and to have prayer groups/warriors like you and to be able to write with you and to hear you speak. I seek God’s Will in my life and would love to know how I could use my experiences to help others. Our God is an awesome God. Thank you for all you do to help others.
What a great post! God is there for us all the time. It’s sometimes hard to remember that. Thanks for sharing and encouraging each of us!
I am trying this year to make a new habit of spending time with God in the morning. Most of the time I really feel like my faith is only the size of the mustard seed, so I’m hoping the time spent will eventually equal growth. Right now, it’s only a few minutes, but I think as I get more disciplined with setting the time aside, I will find that I’ll have more time to be in His presence. I also want to get back into reading the Bible. A few years ago I read all the way through and then, somehow, got out of the habit of reading. I want to be filled with joy, no matter the circumstance. Thank you for your posting today.
The verse from Zephaniah truly caught my eye this morning and deserved a response in my prayer journal. To think of our awesome God taking delight in me, quieting me with His love, and rejoicing over me with singing – brings comfort to my heart and soul.
My faith in God has really grown in the last few years. My husband lost his job around 2 1/2 years ago. We lost our house and a car and had to move in with my parents very small house for about 7 months until we rented a house of our own. Looking back, I wonder how I made it and I know it was God’s grace. I had moments of tears and crying out to God, but he always came through with the extra strength I needed. We are still struggling financially but we are making it. God seems to provide just want we need, when we need it. I can see God’s hand in everything and really everything was for the better. He has already replaced things we lost with better things and I trust Him completely. Thank you for your post! I pray that I am just as close to God, when life is good, as when it is tough.
God has been huge in my life. For 18yrs I was addicted to drugs & I didn’t know my way out. God never once really came to my mind meaning I never once thought to pray or do anything spiritually even though as a child my grandmother took me to church & talked about God because as a child I had questions I was an inquisitive child, so I was forever asking all types of questions. But when I began using drugs it was as if I had forgotten or I didn’t know who He was, but as I entered detox after detox & rehabiltation center after another I began to hear them speak about a Higher Power & that’s when I began to listen & understand who He is. And as I began to go to N.A. & AA meetings I began to hear more & more about Him, then when I met my fiance/ husband to be 11 years ago that’s when I really was introduced to Him all over again because his mom is a anointed woman of God & she raised me all over again in Christ. Also, I have seen God’s work in my life from doing drugs, being in abandoned buildings getting high, walking the streets all hours of the night just wanting one more “hit”, I know there is a God who covered me & walking with me & people was & still is praying for me. My testimony is all about my Father & His Son my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ & I don’t have enough time to give it all to you & not for no sympathy or a book, I give God’s testimony cause I give Him all the glory, honor, & praise & maybe one day yall ladies will have my book on your site & you will be blessing other women with my book cause I know how Huge my Father is I have been clean for 4 1/2 years & I re-gained custody of my babygirl who’s 2 years old & her name is Trinity & I named her that because of God I wanted to show some form of gratefulness & I figured me naming her Trinity that would be another way of me showing my love to God. I am in my childrens lives today, I’m a mother of 8 (7 girls & 1 boy) & my oldest 2 haven’t forgave me, but I continue to pray 🙂 cause God is working it out, but I am glad whenever I can share me testimony oh! not mines but God’s testimony.
Dear Suzie-
Thank you for your articles, they have been an inpiration to me. My husband and I are in a nursing home ministry. I have grown spiritually over the last 1 1/2 years. It’s not that I went looking for something else “to do”. My plate is already full with homeschooling 3 little boys, tutoring, teaching S.S. 1x monthly, on top of that, an artist trying to find time to set aside for creativity, being a wife and managing our home, plus being the POA of my sick mother.
My mom was diagnosed with early alzheimer’s disease at 55. She had fo finally be put in the nursing home. This was really hard to see my mom in the nursing home. She was deteriorating right before my eyes, didn’t know my dad, or me or my siblings. This was really heartbreaking. Mom has been in the nursing home now for 4 year.
The nursing home would have “Family Meetings” and in one of the meetings the Director mentioned they needed to have “church” for the residents. They were even calling churches to see if they had someone to come. I was amazed somebody hadn’t stepped up! This broke my heart, these people needed someone to come in and be Jesus to them.
Wow, I started praying about it and took it to my husband, he said he would pray about it. Well I kept praying. One early morning on the couch, my husband said to God in his prayer time, if my wife mentions the nursing home to me I know it’s your will for us to do it. I walked in the room, and mentioned it to him.
Since the ministry has began we have seen 9 people saved! All because my mom, entered the nursing home. I have been broken because of my mom’s illness, it has been a hard road to walk, but God has been faithful to me, to my family. My mom doesn’t know me and is in her last stages. I miss her and the way she was. But like I said, God has been faithful, to help me on this journey. In the beginning it was difficult to walk into the nuring home and see her in this condition…I would be crying on the inside, smiling on the outside. But as I met and got to know the residents in the nursing home, my sadness began to melt away. I describe it as “bittersweet”. I have fallen in love with each of these residents, my heart swells with love for them. I can only imagine how God feels for each of them. It is an awesome love he has for us.
I have spoken during ministry time to share the love I feel for them, but want to relate how much greater is the love God has for them.
I am truly amazed everyday how much God loves us! He is faithful, He is with us, and will strengthen us on our journey in life. Most importantly, there will be faces in heaven all because, God had a plan, and as it unfolded, he used my mom to get us on a different path of ministry to those who sometimes are forgotten. To God be the Glory! Romans 8:28NLT-And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Thank you for reaching out to others on their journey and encouraging them in their walk with Christ Jesus.
Sincerely-
Meagan Boone
i’m glad i found your blog. i am a single woman who grew up in an abusive home, i have struggled and had successes, bad stuff like becoming an abuser to good stuff like being a writer and missionary. IT has been a tough journey at times and i am learning to take the bitter with the sweet.
I’m in that uncomfortable place of waiting. As of January 1, my husband is now unemployed. We are searching for what God wants for us but it is NOT easy. It is not easy explaining to our 7 children why we can’t do the things we used to. It is not easy explaining why Daddy is home so much more that he used to be (though I kinda like that part). BUT through it all, I KNOW God has a plan; He will provide for us in His way. For many years my life verse has been Jeremiah 29:11-13. It was never more appropriate than now.
No matter how big or small the problem or the prayer God is always ENOUGH!!! We (I) need to spend more time telling people how Big our God is instead of how big our problems are!
Thanks for the Moms Together recommendation. I just became a fan on FB. Love that kind of encouragement.
Well your post today truly encouraged. Being that I’ve pledged my Word for this year is prayerfully, this just confirms why it’s so important. I especially like what you say about “pressing into
God”. I just really want to see the life change when I really commit to prayer. I’m a believer that prayer is less about what He does for me but how prayer will change me. I still struggle with questions about prayer but I push forward in obedience.
Big fan of Lysa. This is one of her books I have not read.
Thanks Suzie! God has been sooooo gracious to me! I am so very thankful! I have also linked up to your book and videos as resources on my site because I think they are that important for other women to know about!
One of my favourite phrases are paraphrased from the movie”Facing the Giants”. It goes like this.In good times,we pray and praise God. In bad times,we also pray and praise God.
I really know from past experiences in my family that God always knows whats best for us and He is always enough and we must lean on Him.
I am learning to do just that this year.
Sweetest blessings
Sheena
I did a bible study called Crazy Love by Frances Chan. It really opened my eyes to how big God is! He pursues us every day. I learned that when we are in the pit of despair is when we need to look up. I know that God has a plan for us, and even though we don’t always know that plan, and possibly never will, it is His plan. I find great comfort in that. I have lived through pretty horrific times, but I know that He was there. He carried me even when I didn’t know it.
I love, love, love your devotion Suzie!~ I like the idea of finding my “note” in God’s song. Just like everyone, my family has hit bumps in the road and yet, I’ve found reasons to praise Him. It’s easier, looking back, to see how God has worked through those bumps than at the time, but I’ve found that if I cling to Him, He is, as you say-solid.
Right now, we are struggling financially as my husband has been laid off and we are expecting a baby boy in less than 2 weeks. Despite our tight budget, we are so, so blessed and I can’t help but smile with the seemingly “little” things God blesses us with.
This was just what I needed to read today.
~Amy
This is the first time on your blog. Your message spoke to my Heart. Thank you.
i think about my doubting alot and it seems when i just say okay i don’t care anymore is when God shows up. when all i do is worry it seems like i get no where. trusting in God i need to do more often. i don’t know why i always take my worry’s back after i give them to Him because He is going to come through for me. thank you for the encouragement i get from your blogs.
Lately, I find myself talking to God, praying…about everything that happens. I trust in my God…I have faith that wherever He wants me to be, I will go. I am in the process of finding the ME that God created. And, it is so exciting!
God has changed me and revealed Himself a lot over the past few months.. but I want to get to know Him more! Please pray that I will have more time/energy to read His word, read Christian books, blogs like this, devotions, listen to songs.. just immerse myself in His presence. I love being with God!