I was just praying out loud for some folks. So aware right now of many chronic – even life and death – needs. Thinking how many people I know who are flat-out over their heads. Been over mine in a personal thing or two lately myself. Keith has a CD in his blue Ford truck that he won’t give up but every time I get behind that wheel, I shove it in the player, flip it to song #9, turn it up as loud as I can stand it, and sing it like there’s no tomorrow. It talks about the kind of over-my-head I want to be. And I want you to be.
Girlfriends, Jesus is so worthy of our trust no matter what has taken us by surprise. Picture that, when the enemy asks for a little extra access to you, the only reason why God may have given him permission is because He knew you’d prove faithful. Do the thing. In the unseen realm, angels are cheering and demons are jeering. You are in the stadium and the bleachers are full. (Hebrews 12:1) Take one for the team if you have to. Be strong and courageous. Be willing to show people how it’s done. Don’t look for a leader. You are the leader. People are looking to you. Be deliberate. Make sure they see Jesus. We’re not here all that long and then there’s BLISS. Forever bliss. Till then, we’re over our heads. But we can dang-well decide what kind of over-our-heads we’re gonna be.
“Over My Head” by Brian Littrell
I tried to figure it out
Time and time again and time again
I guess there’s just some things I’ll never understand
‘Cause Your ways aren’t our ways
But deep down in my soul, down in my soul
There is one thing I know that I know
I’m in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I’m so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I’m in over my head
I’ve been holding on
Now I’m letting go, just letting go
Gonna let Your love carry me away
I don’t know where I’m going
But I’m surrounded by the truth
And I can feel the current pulling me
Deeper into You
I’m in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I’m so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I’m in over my head
You see me for who I am
You did reach out Your hand
You made me understand
That Your love has always covered me
Just keep on keepin on.
Ms. Beth, if I could begin to tell you how relevant this is to our family life right now, I think I’d fall over trying! You nailed it. Completely. And you encouraged me. Completely. I’m pulling this one close and treasuring it. And you know what else? I am going to prove faithful, and so is my family. And the devil’s just gonna have to get over his slimy self and deal with it. Thank you, and bless you!!! By the way, I echo Paige… we want our current situation to honor God, and not the other way around. If it’s to His glory, whatever it is, then we’re all about it. Praise Him!!!
Beth, how I needed this Word! Thank you so much for the encouragement. I’m in so far over my head that it seems like I’m barely treading water. In a couple of weeks I’m moving 1200 miles to begin a new job and ministry opportunity; leaving behind my church family, my job with it’s financial security and familiarity, to face an unknown future. Trying to work out all the hundreds of details has me feeling so overwhelmed and lost. Thanks for the reminder if I’m going to be in over my head, it HAS to be with Him!
Blessings today!
Linda
Just what I needed to hear and just when I needed to hear it! I pray that I will be the example (the good one! LOL) to the world around me. It is so easy to be the bad example, so easy to slip or say something that detracts from the beauty of my Lord…
I want to be all in…and way in over my head…
Thanks Beth…I needed this!
“Be strong and courageous. Be willing to show people how it’s done. Don’t look for a leader. You are the leader. People are looking to you. Be deliberate.”
For Heaven’s sake…..BE REAL!!
In this holiday season to celebrate His life on earth….BE REAL!!
In these hard times…..BE REAL!!
Be the Christians we are supposed to be and have been called to be……BE REAL!!
Thanks for that. The company I worked for went under IN MARCH! I’ve been struggling with why God hasn’t provided a new job yet. I’ve been avoiding everything Christmas this year, because it’s just not going to happen.
I have to keep reminding myself “Keep Trusting.”
What a word God gave you. I needed to hear that, really I did. This morning the enemy began his “gumming me game.” I’ll explain, a wonderful Pastor and friend Jon Courson explained this, I’ll try my best. The enemy is seen as a lion, seeking to devour. Jesus is also seen as a lion, the lion of Judah! Now just like in the Wizard of OZ, where the cowardly lion had a lion’s costume on, the enemy is just wearing a costume of a lion; he is not the true lion. He is a fake picture of a lion with his teeth kicked out by the real lion of Judah.
So, the enemy tries to “gums us” to death.
That is at least what it feels like to me. Bringing up old thoughts and painful roads.
Just remeber girls, for those that need a little more encouraging, the true Lion of Judah is victorious and the other is just a costume with fake teeth.
I needed this word today. I confess to struggling with unbelief in a certain situation. Thank you for the encouragement! By His grace, I am going to do the thing!!
I love the LORD, b/c He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. B/c He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live, The snares of death encompassed me;…I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me. RETURN, O MY SOUL, TO YOUR REST; FOR THE LORD HAS DEALT BOUNTIFULLY WITH YOU. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feel from stumbling; I WILL WALK before the LORD in the LAND OF THE LIVING. Ps. 116
I love how HE works! You can’t even imagine how I needed to read this right now! After a good Righteous kick in the pants today from my dearest friend and now this reminder from you I’m ready to “do the thing!” Oh that He would just indulge those of us that you inspire just for a moment and let you feel even a speck of what you’ve meant to so many Beth!
Dear Beth:
Thank you so much for your wise words.
If you are in need of a hearty laugh today, please be sure to look at the expression of pure joy on the face of this sweet pooch playing in the snow.
http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/
Yep – anytime I’m in over my head – (like, at least once a day) it’s my reminder to lift up my head and take another, fresh look at Jesus. Thanks for the post.
Warm in Alaska.
Oh how wonderful are the lyrics to that song. We do have an anchor we can hold onto in the midst of whatever we are facing. Our great High Priest, Jesus Christ!!!
Thank you. God is so good to us.
Thank you for being available to be used by God to comfort others.
Beth,
As always, you hit the mark and sent the clarion call to remind us who we are and what we need to focus on when we can easily get a little or a lot derailed from our track towards the heavenly kingdom. I feel a need for a prayer for all these wonderfully made Siestsa after reading these.
Dear Heavenly Father, wrap these wonderful Siestas in the warmth of Your embrace as only You know how. Let them feel Your power and strength surge through them to stand tall, piercing the enemy and all that stands in their way. Let them truly know to look to You and only You for any and all things.
They will be the victors not the victims in this journey. You know their hearts better than anyone. You hear their cries. I ask that You bless them beyond measure in the ever holy name of Your precious Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.
I love you Siestas!
Christine Roskamp
Houston Siesta
Timely message, as usual. No doubt God is always at work.
I’m witnessing so many health problems among the young and old alike. It pains me to see the young suffer with a diagnosis such as breast cancer. It hurts to watch my older loved ones deal with the effects that the aging process brings. Winter.
Along with that I have a best friend who endures chronic illness. I myself can get very depressed due to fibromyalgia. Guilty feelings of neglecting all of the above needs because of my own. Winter.
I’ve been reading Ann Spangler’s book Praying the Names of God. This week I’ve been reading about the God of Israel, the hope of Israel, the hope of all who believe in the One True God. Spring.
Thanks for sharing, siesta Beth. Sunshine, you are!
Anonymous, Dec.8, 7:58 pm.
There’s an organization that might be able to help your sister. “To Write Love on Her Arms”- TWLOHA.com. There’s a number you can call.
Keep praying. I’ll pray too
Mama Beth…I was so needing this today…thank you for the reminder that it is okay to be over our head and that He hasn’t forgotten and not only that but that the angels are cheering us on. Girl I can hear them now! Ministry sometimes is so hard. My hubby is just plain tired…tired of ministry disappointment and wonderin if we are ever just gonna get a break! I’m plum worn out from carrying the dear man and encouraging him til my heart bleeds sometimes. Thank you for the breathing God’s breath of fresh air and encouragment that I do know was straight from the Throne just for me today. He knows, He sees and my Father hasn’t left my side!
Blessings over you today DEAR Beth!
As always, Beth, right on the money and just when needed most. I know there are people with more serious trials in their lives than me, but lately I feel like I want to curl up in a ball and withdraw into my own little world. I needed to be reminded that the enemy is happy when I give in to my worldly weakness. I pray can stay strong so others can see Jesus in me. Thank you.
Thank you Beth! I never miss a blessing if I can help it. Yes, I too am hopelessly over my head in love with Jesus. He is always true and faithful. Even when I mess things up and miss the joy He planned, He still never lets go of my hand! I guess nothing else matters, does it?
Thanks, Beth, for that timely word! I’ve been complaining (yes, complaining, dang it!) to God about how tired I am. Tired of the fight, tired of the never ending struggle. Interesting that so many of us are experiencing this. To the siesta who asked if there has been an increase from our opposition — oh, my, YES! I can feel it – can’t you? Beth, thank you for the reminder that we WIN!!! In Jesus Christ – our side WINS no matter what the enemy throws at us!!! Thank you, Lord! Help us to be courageous and to not give in to the lies of this world and our enemy. Help us to keep our eyes on the prize of the upward call of Jesus. Help us to refuse to give one inch of what You have for us. And help us to be bold in the sharing of the truth of who You really are to others as we see that time is so short. Thank you for Beth, Lord, and I pray that you will lift her up today and every day, showering her with Your presence, Your grace, Your strength, and Your great blessing. In the Mighty Name of our Savior, Amen!!
Gretchen in Thousand Oaks, CA
I haven’t heard that song yet. I am definitely going to have to look it up and listen to it 🙂
Beth .. how I needed that word today! I read it yesterday, and then recalled it in my memory this morning when it all hit the fan! Honestly, I re-read it because I thought “someone else” needed to hear it. I was going to copy/paste it to an e-mail. Then in the middle of reading it, it spoke to ME! It told ME that “I am the leader.” Thankfully, anger and frustration cause me to take action! Let me remember to take action in Jesus name! Thank you Beth for being a willing vessel.
Beth,
I love it when you write cause its always what i need to hear! Its obviously God working in my life through you! I love you Mamma Beth! You are truly like a best friend and mentor to me! I cant even begiin to tell you what an answer to prayer you have been in my life! I love you!
I went for my first Mammogram four weeks ago today. I got a call back for more tests. Then I had to have a biopsy. I felt my world quickly changing. There were so many things that happened in a five day time frame once I knew I needed a biopsy. The Love of a Savior carried me through. I was so afraid. I had a one in 5 chance of having cancer. I found out Wednesday before Thanksgiving that it was NOT cancer. As I read your entry for Thanksgiving, I, too, thought of those who didn’t get good test results. Praise the Lord with me that at this time I am cancer free. I am praying for those who are battling many things.
I wanted to share how God provided a surgeon that was willing to do the biopsy on a days notice at 6:00 am before his regularly scheduled appointments. He had mercy on my family by calling us the next day with the results. The technician was so caring. Several people came in to work early, just so I could have the biopsy before Thanksgiving and receive the results so we wouldn’t have to wait and wonder. That is a God that will move mountains. Thank you for letting me share. Mary in Alabama who is in way over her head
Hi Beth,
I haven’t been on the blog in several months.. wow, I’ve really missed your sweet words of wisdom! I like how you said “Don’t look for a leader. You are the leader.” Thanks for being YOU and for always pointing me to HIM.
love,
Linda
Oh my gosh!!!! That is so powerful. Thanks for the reminder of who we are in Christ. He has given us all power, all we have to do is use it for HIS glory!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Blessings,
Bible BUnny in NO MI
(Help, I’m freezing up here!!)
Oh how I needed that word! Thank you Beth. I am going to crank it up and sing it up!
Awesome stuff. Perfect words for the doings of the day.
Thanks and hugs all around,
Melinda
Thank you for this post. I will try so hard to remember it and cling to God as sometime in the next few days or weeks we will bring our first born son into the world. (Eeek!!!)
God bless you Beth. May he hedge you ’round with blessings and every reason there is to shout praises to HIS NAME.
loving you and praying for you,
Deirdre
wow… i had a little emotional break down the other night with worry and making sure i was doing the right things and i have felt like i have had the weight of the world on my shoulders. After sharing with God and listening to him he has just blessed me beyond means in so many different ways the past couple of days and it just amazes me how Satan will get in where he can and try to steal all joy and over our head love for our precious Jesus…(little stinker) we can’t let him win we have to much to glorify in and rest in knowing our Lord is Lord of ALL and of EVERYTHING. Thanks for the little pick me up Beth just another blessing. I pray that God continues to pour out blessings on you and your family.
Love from your sister in Christ.
“…Jesus is so worthy of our trust no matter what has taken us by surprise.”
Yes. He. Is.
I needed that this moment.
praying,
::Taylor
Mama Beth, you will NEVER know or realize how much your post just spoke into my “NOW” — this day, this hour. My husband is in transportation and right now we are faced with replacing a $3,000 radiator. Let’s just say that it was not in the plan for this time of year – if you know what i mean! However, at 2 a.m. this morning, God just happened to be preparing me as i was watching the Esther dvd “If You Remain Silent.” Ah, is our God sovereign or what?! Thank you for being so very sensitive to the Holy Spirit – for such a time as this! Let’s just say, i’m in OVER MY HEAD – actually, we’re in over our head. But – i know that i know that i know – that God is with us and He will never forsake us. Thank you for such an incredible ministry – much love, Alisa in Cheraw, SC
Thank you so much sister Beth 🙂 I really needed to hear those words today. Bless you and may God fill you with his never ending, unconditional love. I love you!
Amen! It’s AMAZING how time and time again, the encouragement I need to point me back to where my focus should be…JESUS CHRIST…is found through you, Beth…on this blog. Thank you!
Just wanted I NEEDED to hear today. I just saw my oncologist for my December monthly visit. I had some news that probably is nothing but concerning all together. You see, I had my second brain surgery last December the first November 2007 due to brain cancer. Didn’t want another this season. Just a quiet Christmas with my boys.
Thanks for your wisdom and love,
kate snodgrass
God is good.
In the midst of some “trying” circumstances also, but I am in over my head with Jesus and I agree with Jennifer from an earlier post – I’m loving it!
Gonna look up the song on God tube, thanks Beth! We are MORE than conquerors through Christ Jesus – it is TRUTH! Sister in Missouri
We received word yesterday my mother-in-law, who has had dementia-related Alzheimer’s for 6 years, had a major stroke. Hospice has been called in. Now we’re waiting, watching, praying. We don’t want her to suffer any more. So, yes, we’re in over our heads. And thank God, THANK GOD, we have a Saviour to lean on and abide in. Praise you, Jesus!
I’ve been in over my head for over a year now… I fear I have not proven to be faithful. But I am trying to do the thing…let me life continue to point to HIM.
Yes, in over my head I am and not in a good way. What’s wrong with me – I feel I’m in such a pit. I’m the one that always helps everyone else, listens, encourages, directs them to the word, to Him. I’ve never felt so out of sorts before. I have a wonderful husband and two lovely daughters and I KNOW my Savior loves me, yet I feel so insignificant. I want to be in over my head the right way again. Everything in me wants to pull out of bible study, my ministry and everything else. I know it all matters but find myself asking – does anything I do really matter, does it make a difference. If I sound confused and messed up, I am. Just in case you were wondering 🙂 Thanks for your word – it helps. Just want to be out of this funk. Please pray for me. I’ll have to post this anonymous…too proud.
I read your blog all the time but have never commented until now. What a word God sent me today through you. My husband and I are so in over our heads financially. He is a self employed contractor and we are living month to month. But GOD IS FAITHFUL and he will either provide or show us what to do. Thanks to you for the encouragement….
Wow over our heads, aint that the truth! “when I think I’m going under part the waters Lord.”
My fellow bloggers, let’s just stop a minute in our busy, crazy day and pray for one another. like Beth tells us, we who have received Jesus’ wonderful salvation are on the same winning team.
Becky/Brentwood TN
That is so where I want to be! Yesterday some girlfriends and I were talking about how our patience would be better if the tests were all gone and are we learning the lesson needed by them. At times the thought of someone else leading sounds wonderful to me, but thinking now.. I will put on my Nike’s and run to victory with God and get over my head with Him.
Thanks!! Right message at the right time.
After your post, I went to You Tube to listen to the song!
This was a perfect word for today. Thank you.
Thank you for the perfect word of hope my desperate and thirsty soul needed to hear.
thanks
needed this desperately today.
desperately
I really needed to hear that today. I feel I’m being obedient to God – but some days it’s just t-o-u-g-h. Always a boost to get a little encouragement to reinforce the stand.