Hey, Siestas! It’s Bible study day and I don’t have three minutes to spare but I had a thought I wanted to quickly share with you. I’m sitting at my breakfast room table with my Bible, books, and notes, putting the last few sentences on my message for tonight. (Can’t sit outside because the wind is whipping so hard that I can’t keep my notes on the table! It’s nearly blowing the feathers off my blue jays!) Keith is out and about, leaving the house nice and quiet so I can prepare – which was going well until I got distracted by a particularly silly birddog.
Beanie is sound asleep on the couch but must be dreaming she’s chasing a rabbit or a squirrel. She’s barking in her sleep the way she does when she’s chasing a critter and all four legs are going back and forth as if she’s running like the wind. It’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen. She does it periodically so maybe one of these days after I master the camera, I can move to video and catch her in action.
Every time she does it I think the same thing: is that what we’re doing? Are we just snoozing our way through (purposeful) life and day dreaming about how we’re going to chase down what Christ chased us down for – or are we going to wake up and actively pursue what God has created us for – even when the path gets rough? I ask the question because I’ve faced the dilemma. See if you can go here with me a minute: We get some vision from God and get pretty jazzed about it then, as God leads, we start taking steps that direction and suddenly the path gets hard. Or LONG. We wanted to leap there. Not crawl there. Somehow we weren’t expecting it to be like this. We were thinking it was going to be fun. Always fulfilling. And, for crying out loud, not so dad-blasted hard and irritating. We didn’t want to have to learn it or live it. We just wanted to do it. NOW.
So we retreat and decide we dreamed it all up – just like Satan was hoping we would. We don’t understand that the pressures we face getting to our places of full-throttle effectiveness in Christ are crucial for developing the muscle to sustain ministry there. He’s developing the character the calling requires. The Apostle Paul knew better than anybody what the path to Christ-ordained effectiveness required. In 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, he told of a “great and effectual door” that God had opened for him in Ephesus and in the same breath mentioned the great opposition he faced there. Let me echo here on this blog again and again: Satan will never oppose us more than when he thinks we’re onto our callings. Bet on that. As L.B. Cowman said in Streams in the Desert, “Both in the physical realm and spiritual realm, great pressure means great power.” (p.9)
Read these words from Paul with a fresh application to your significant life:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
Let nothing – no obstacle, opposition, pressure, PAST, or passage of time – stop you besides Christ Himself. And if HE does, stop immediately. It will be only for your good and your clarification. You will know the difference as you lie on your face before Him and ask Him. To double check that we ourselves have not inadvertently caused a delay, let’s be sure and turn dramatically from pride and every hint of selfish ambition so that Christ can entrust us with power from on high…
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” Habakkuk 2:3
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”! Eph. 5:14
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Thank you, Beth. I so needed to hear this today.
Many blessings,
Anne W.
Please don’t ever stop teaching that specific truth (by the way don’t stop teaching period.) I absolutely can testify to stepping into leading a small group and finding the warfare so intense. I have found that those things that I almost talk myself out of doing or those things I just miss…because I didn’t feel like going end up being some of the most wonderful things God had for me and I thank Him for being the one I heard over the enemy. We should be “on to him” that of course what the enemy wants is to steal something wonderful!! You can never say that enough to us…thank you, thank you,
Thank you!! K in AR
ps…you were SO funny in the stepping up session about loving our sisters deeply. You are loved by many including myself!
I feel like I just heard a word from the Lord. Thank you!! I’ve been full of fear these last few days about something I (felt I) knew God called us to, now second guessing, anxious, etc. and calling to mind Scripture, going back to the Lord over and over again to cope and get through. It’s really so silly, but it’s where I’ve been — in a battle. And this post falls on me with great comfort and encouragement and excitement of what God is doing here if I will only believe. I want to fear Him only, not fear things. Thank you, dear Beth. You are greatly loved!
Thank you so much for this post. It really spoke to me in my current situation. I am a single mom of a three year old… my husband abandoned our marriage over a year and a half ago. The road has been rough, but God has been faithful. All of my dreams for what I thought my life was going to look like shattered. All of a sudden all I had was God. And that is good. I have gone through the fire, yet not burned. He is faithful for all of his promises! And now I have a new vision – to pursue Jesus with my whole heart and life and rest in His amazing grace and provision. What a peace that passes understanding! Satan has tried, and still tried, but our God is always victorious! All praise and glory to Him. Thanks for speaking such amazing and applicable truth. – Jillian
Great post. I think we all face this challenge. BUT God is so full of blessing that is drowns that dirty ole devil and reveals exactly what we need at the bottom of the bucket!
Beth,
I am amazed how God will just say…..listen, I am speaking to you through this person you love. Of course, it shouldn’t surprise me but every time it happens, it just takes my breath away. He loves us so much and knows exactly how to reach us! I am in transition and about to make a big decision for the future. Thank you for encouraging us and reminding us to stay on the path the Lord sets before us no matter what!
There you go again! Speaking right to the heart of the matter…so on target.Oh how I needed every ‘Word’of this. I am in tears. Thank you so much
Beth,
I would just like to add to my previous comment that right now, when I do not know what the future holds, I take great comfort knowing that I am His and I am trusting my vision of what lies ahead to Him until He chooses to reveal it to me. And of course, when I start trusting so completely, Satan starts attacking. But standing firm in the God of all creation, satan will tuck his tail and run. Thank you again.
Jillian
PS Sorry for posting twice!
Wow – I’ve been whining a lot lately about how HARD God seems to be making my life. I mean, really, if this is what He wants me to do, why am I struggling so much? I throw myself upon His mercy and beg for Him to show me what to do. And there is silence. I stop and wait because so often in the past I’ve pushed my way through only to find I’ve got to turn around again. And I’m still waiting, but not in silence – with wailing and ashes! Thank you for the reminder that I’m not alone and that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it isn’t right.
Beth –
Thank you both for today’s comments and your sweet email after you posted your email to Melissa.
After the death of my aunt two weeks ago and the subsequent funeral and grief, I’ve found myself in an unfamiliar pit – the depressed kind. I’m not used to depression… lots of other ones, but not this one.
So many things going on at once attribute this. I have a bad situation with my in-laws and a child that my husband raised as his own… they’ve hurt our family immeasurably, and I cannot get past the need to justify myself, to point myself out as right, to just tell them off.
Do you ever catch yourself having those “tell ’em off” conversations in your head? I have these scathing conversations where my words are flawlessly connected and each contain a barb so pointed and so harsh that they hurt the other person as much as me.
I’ve figured out in the past day that these ‘barbs’ that I haven’t said are cutting me up inside! I’m hurting myself, and giving Satan a power over me of unforgiveness, superiority and wanting to say things that can never be un-said.
I am extremely extroverted, and I’ve never hesitated in calling out to my small group friends to help, but this time I’ve shut myself away and kept it all inside. I finally broke down and called my mentor and choir director after retail therapy and before teaching a design class. She prayed on the phone with me in the middle of Memphis traffic and I know now that the blame and broken record of anger has to be broken.
Your words to “turn dramatically fro pride and every hint of self ambition” are so what I have to… HAVE to do. I am justified only by God. I have got to stop the need to be justified by people who don’t even like me!
I don’t like not being liked. Its a tough thing for me, but God has whispered sweetly that it is ok, he likes me even when I’m unlikable.. (like lately.)
Thank you for who you are, and for helping me remain authentic before the One who counts, and realizing the others will have to be responsible for themselves.
Stephanie M
Beth:
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share a word with us.It was an answer to prayer.I so needed to hear this word today.I was practically begging God to hear a word.He delivered.It was so in line with Oswald Chambers…”My Utmost For His Highest,” devotion(Our Misgivings About Jesus)this morning.As I was reading your blog this evening all I could say was Thank you Jesus!I was able to get the overflow today!Thank you for reminding me the importance of staying the course and keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus.
God Bless!
Cady
This was great. The Lord has been speaking the same thing to my heart. I just posted today about something similar. 🙂
Beth:
A timely word – in season when I wonder my purpose for living.
Thank you.
M.
Hi Beth! I soooo needed this today! I just recently started subscribing to your blog, and I am so amazed at the things God puts in my life. I have been so pumped up about a few things I’m working on in my business and I get so excited and then I feel like something gets in the way or the dream is suddenly being put into action and then it gets hard and I think, “I don’t know if I can launch something new right now with trying to run the business and being busy and taking care of a one year old and then somewhere squeezing in time with my husband.” So, thank you for the encouragement and the reference. This is something I need to print out and post on my wall in my office! 🙂
Beth, just what i needed to hear today.You always say the right thing at the right time. (maybe thats jesus timing) i am new at this (blog) i hope i dont sound as scattered as i feel. thru the temptations, trials, and battering by the evil one i just have to keep whispering to myself, i am two-stepping with My JESUS and i WILL continue to let him lead.AMEN
i am sitting on the edge of my chair, at my kitchen table where i have set up BIBLE CENTRAL.Along with the red “heartwise” yoga mat to go to my face when i feel someone sneaking up on me. We are finishing “stepping up” this week and it has been WONDERFUL with the ladies at First Baptist powder springs, ga. We are getting our gear together for jacksonville march 28th, cant wait to see you and the team.
we welcome melissa to the atlanta area, i was transplanted here 20 years ago from houston tx, and not used to it yet. STILL miss the mexican food, and the texas bbq. nothing like it here. i have introduced you to my 4 sisters thru dvd, cd, & the pit book. they are just crazy about you. (2 of them in the woodlands swear they have seen you?????)Yes we identify with the texas hair thing,riding to appointments with hair rollers and singing outloud with Travis.
THANKS for your post,& taking the time out to encourage me. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
grace & peace
rhonda
Beth,
As always your words are encouraging, motivating and toe hurting! (I mean that with lots of love)! The road does get long and hard, especially when it is not what I thought I would be doing, but realizing God has different plans. Thank you for having gone before in obedience so that we can be encouraged.
Love you siesta!
Thank you so much…this word is for me!
Sometimes you hear His voice loud and clear through one of His children.
Thank you!
I have been struggling BIG TIME in the one area that wanted so badly to get right…Mothering my 4 sweet little girls. I had a dysfunctional childhood that offered little example of what it looks like to be a Godly mother.
I have let my pain, insecurity and selfishness get me down into a pit. The Lord used this post to encourage me that He’s not given up on me…and I needn’t give up on Him.
Please pray for me to keep on keepin on!
Thank you for ALL you do…I’ve never commented before, but I’m forever changed by the Lord’s work through Living Proof.
Dearest Mama Bethie,
I could sob at how timely your words are to me just now. I have had a humiliating, face-in-the-carpet, “O Lord, can you fix it for me?” kind of week. I have experienced some incredible ups and downs as the Lord has opened doors I would never have imagined He would. But this week has been lived in the darkness, the LONGNESS, of unanswered, unresolved questions concerning what has been continually confirmed as His purpose for me. I have tried to brave it out with the lion’s roar ringing in my ears. I must confess, my knees have been knocking and my fears and insecurities have been threatening to choke me. I have asked the Lord all day for a word from Him specifically about all that is going on. I told Him that I can wait, but it is so terrifying if my frightened soul cannot feel my Abba’s presence. He had me climb up on His lap as I read your post. “That’s it, baby girl, that’s what I have wanted to tell you all day.” Thank you, dearest, dearest Beth, for your transparency, your love, and your devotion to Jesus. You wear His coat well! I love you, my darling mama-in-Christ. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs to you from your grateful sister.
And i wonder the same thing, do you think when we give up, God kinda keeps the plan on hold(kind of it’s never too late kinda thing)
I have written on here a few times that during my first Beth Moore bible study (believing God) My then husband decieded to leave our marridge, and through that study I really embraced it and I just knew God would fix my family. My friend told me you just wait your husband is going to change his mind, and I wanted so bad to keep believing. Well that was three years ago (almost 4) Latley even though we are now divorced I have flirted with beliveing again Hoping again, and low and behold GUESS who wants to go on date…
Maybe I can be done crawling through this trial. I’ll let ya know 🙂
Aw, man. You just NAILED me.
Beth, Thank you for the obedience to stop what you were doing and write! Those were God’s words to me tonight! Thank You, Jesus!
Beth,
I am involved in REVIVE, a women’s ministry that the LORD has put on the heart of one and it has now come to fruition. Your post could not have come at a more precious time. As soon as I read it I emailed out for others to read. As we prepared to to kick off our first REVIVE last Thursday night Satan was in full attack leading up to the event and continues to busy himself. He hit us at every angle. We fought and will continue to fight to keep the REVIVE women’s ministry alive. May God receive all Glory, Honor and Power!
God Bless,
Kari
Miss Beth-
Wow. Okay, so I leave blogging world for a bit to focus on some work…and come back to MUCH to catch up on.
But, I have to say WHOA first. First off, this post is just amazing. Totally speaks straight to my heart…
Even more than this post though, was tonight. You do not even know. The main things my mind kept constatnly thinking about tonight were work and rest. I just blogged about rest, so it’s so “ironic” that you taught on that tonight. Then work…my goodness. About to be a college graduate and I am having to make some “work” decisions that I have been restling with. The Lord spoke such a clear word through you to me. And of course, of all nights I was sitting on the 3rd row (which I’ve never done!), and you looked straight in my eyes when necessary. Was that the Lord speaking to me?! Umm..yes, I think so. So far, for me, this has been the best night yet. So, thank you!
Much love to you…now get some rest before this weekend! 🙂
Lindsee
P.S. I am so hoping you share the “cigarette” story on here. Amazing. Divinely amazing. 🙂
At 50, I’m thinking of returning to school to finish my master’s and then my PH.D. Whew! When I’m done, are there enough years left to make it worth it?
YES!
Amen – so be it . . .
Dear Sweet Sister in Christ,
Thank you for never wasting my time. I know that when I read something you have written or hear something you have said, that it will be beneficial to my walk with the Father. Not because of you but because of what you allow Him to do through you.
Thank you again and again for encouraging us women (and men) to dig into the word and get to know our God. Thank you for being so obedient and faithful. You are a great example.
I continue to pray for you, your ministry and your precious family.
Lawan Rivera
Hear! Hear! My Siesta! You speaketh words to my very heart!
Beth,
Just finished Session Five Viewer Guide: My Hope is in the Lord in the “Stepping Up” study tonight. Thank you for your encouragement!
Oh Mamma Beth….how sweet are the words of Christ! I was just about to give-up thinking I’d ever have a life outside this “pit”…and that maybe this time I’d fallin’ to far. But reading your post and seeing the words of Habakkuk 2:3 have given me enough strengh to hang on a litte longer. Thank you so much for your obedience to Christ….it has meant the “world” to me.
Your post so stirs me tonight for even in the midst of Beanie sleepwalking or is it sleepbarking, you lead us to our beautiful God. I long with you and all siesta’s (wherever, whomever they are) to press on to take hold of HIM. I just learned a few minutes ago that my good friend, Cyd, is apparently dead. This humanitarian aid worker was abducted at gunpoint at the hand of her kidnappers in Afghanistan. Her faith speaks even in her death. Hebrews 11:4. Would you pray for Cyd’s family as they grieve the loss of their precious girl. And may all of us forget the petty pages of the past and press on for an unending unfading unshakeable prize which my friend unwrapped and holds in her hands tonight. His Presence. Puts things in perspective for me.
Here I thought my name was Holly! And it’s Beanie. Yep. Running and barking while sleeping…
A large dose of the words you shared from the Word is what I need to get my feet running. Good and true words, Beth.
Been praying for you today 🙂
THANK YOU so much for tonight. I am still just amazed on how that one sister got us all started about levaing our strong holds at the alter. She was so brave and strong to do that. As soon as you started to speak and tell us that you wanted anyone else to feel free to do the same GOD was speaking to me and I wrote out the problem and walked to the alter. (not on my own will but Gods) He gave me the strenght to do this. Thank you Beth so much for doing it if I was the only one (which I was not) it allowed me to really give it over to GOD! I am sending you a huge hug for tonight~ ((((HUGS)))) We (my friend and I) knew it was going to be awesome when the prasie team got started.
LOVE you and breaking free,
Ashley
Beth:
Thanks for the encouragement.
I do wonder at times,”did I miss God?” It’s humbling to set out with the vision or path that you feel He’s leading you on, just to get bumped right back where you started!
Another encouraging word for us ladies:
Last Thurs. at bible study, we were discussing around our table about the gifts God gives us.
Our Women’s Ministry Leader said she is not a speaker, she doesn’t like getting up in front of a room full of people. She allows God to use her leadership skills in other ways but dosn’t feel it is speaking, at least for now.
She said there are lots of layers within one ministry and God wants to show us where in those layers we fit.
Just because we hear something we might be uncomfortable with and want to run, does not mean it can’t be done on a smaller scale.
OR if it IS something bigger that we are uncomfortable with, to BELIEVE that HE will bring us to the place that we can fullfill His purpose for His Glory! Nothing to fear, but Fear itself!
Beth –
Thank you so much. This was just what I needed to hear. 7 years ago I was called to homeschool my children and frankly some days (most days lately) it’s just plain hard. I constantly feel the lure of the enemy telling me how much easier my life would be if I just put them on that bus every morning. A few years ago a good friend told me that usually the things we are called to do are harder and what you wrote confirmed that again for me. Also, that there’s nothing that the enemy would like more than for us to give up – and I’m just too stubborn to give him that satisfaction!
God Bless,
Karen
Dripping Springs, TX
What a great word today Beth. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Hurnard’s book, “Hinds Feet On High Places” by where Much Afraid was partnered with companions sorrow and suffering on her journey to the High Places and ultimately the Shepherd. Fear, Pride and Selfishness interrupt the journey and stones to remember the process of overcoming are gathered along the way.
I love that book and have read it yearly since I interned at a church in 1997. It reminds me yearly of all you just said… we are called by the Lord and he goes before us and directs our steps. We are to be faithful to follow Him despite the path in which He leads.
It’s never an option to jump ahead, veer off the course, or achieve His will faster, more efficiently or in a better manor.
Thanks again for the reminder to stay the course for anything PLUS God is better than everything WITHOUT Him.
Love you!!
Beth~
I so needed this! I think God had my family in mind when He shared this word with you! You spoke volumes to me. Planning out a move from Texas to CT for an entire year is a hard road! I know we can make it!
~Lori
Happy Bible Study night! Today is my 25th wedding Anniversay, but we celebrated last night, cuz my husband knew how important tonight was for me and our daughter, who are doing “Breaking Free” together.
Beth, I am learning, sometimes the hard way, just what “keep on keeping on” means. Just when I think, “There’s nothing that will come my way to make me question my walk, my faith, my Savior”…something so small and inconsequential will happen and I’m blindsided with doubt in me, doubt in my faith, doubt in Him. And still HE IS FAITHFUL! I can barely fathom that kind of love, but I love that He is who He says He is.
The Grace that surpasses ALL understanding…Praise you Jesus. Praise you.
It’s too late after Bible study tonight that I’m reading and writing this, but this might be the clearest thing I have heard in relation to my situation of waiting on this cd project to date. Trust I will read this again in the morning!
Beth,
I feel like this post was written just for me. Thank you for such an exceedingly timely word. God has been asking me to do something that I feel vastly unqualified to accomplish. He has miraculously provided for my needs and cleared my schedule so I can finally do what He has called me to do. But, oddly, I’ve been barely able accomplish anything each day.
This blog entry is the wake-up call I needed to realize that this isn’t just about me and what God might do with my life. No, this is a spiritual battle and nothing less.
Thank you for being a godly mentor to me through your writings.
Lovingly convicted,
Heidi
Beth, tonight was so great. Every Tuesday is awesome but tonight was so fun too. And I love how God threw in that first altar part…and how you let it go there. Tears and laughter, tears and laughter.
So many times I have thanked God that he planted me in Houston so that I could sit at your feet for years and years now. You have directly impacted my marriage and my kiddos by your teaching and your love of the Lord and his Word. And it keeps on and on….I was just praying tonight that you would still be around years from now all gray headed but still in those high high heels, and how awesome it will be to sit there with my daughters (now 2 and 3) and say, “Girls, that’s your spiritual Granny Beth.”
Much much love,
Missy
Thank you Beth for shining a spotlight on the words I needed to hear today. I’ve been in a deep slumber for almost seven years. Things were just getting good before I dozed off, but it was harder than I thought it was supposed to be. You’re words and the verses you quoted have helped me to anticipate looking ahead with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
I am in awe at the number of lives you have touched by your post today…a resounding “just what I needed today”…that is not by mistake! Our God is so big, loves us so much and it touches my heart deeply! He knows what we need, when we need it and here in this blog, he used Beth to give us the word we needed to press on. Thank you Beth for having God’s heart!!
Beth,
How I needed to hear that. My husband preached on kind of the same thing last Sunday. It is time for us to wake up and do the things God has asked us to do. He went to the cross for us and gets us out of our messes. How can we not serve him.
The song our choir sang last Sun. says it all! He’s done so much for us, how can we not do something for Him.!
“When I think about the Lord, how He saved me, how He raised me, how He filled me with the Holy Ghost, how He healed me to the uttermost. When I think about the Lord, how He picked me up and turned me around, how He placed my feet on solid ground! It makes me want to shout, Hallelujah, thank You Jesus!!! Lord You’re worthy of all the honor and all the glory and all the praise!”
Amen and Amen
I am not sure what the vision is anymore. I feel like I am feeling my way in the dark without a clue as to why or where I am going!
Ugh….
I can’t wait for the posts after the conference this weekend. Its been way to long since we’ve had the visual of 10,000 Plus women praising Him
He will carry me. I love knowing I don’t have the strength in myself. It’s all Him. That Philippians passage puts a lot of life in focus. I can’t see past yesterday and He sees to eternity. May the name of God be praise forever!
To Faithntbysight:
Keep going girlfriend! Been at the Pastor’s wife thing for about 20 years now. I KNOW where you’re coming from! Keep your eyes on Him and know there is a bunch of us out there who will be your “close personal friend” if you need one!