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
Wow. Very timely and well needed. I so often feel over my head – sometimes in good ways and sometimes not. I love the words to that song – I will find this CD! My middle daughter is feeling so overwhelmed right in the midst of finals in some tough biology classes. SHe only has one more semester (PTL!) before she graduates. She definitely feels “over her head” and I will share this with her.
Thanks Beth, for always allowing God to use you and being so discerning of His Word.
ALSOME! Thanks I so needed that! God is leading me to become a leader of some sort, all i know is it has to do with the great commission somehow…*Praying for God’s Almighty guidance*
Beth,
Thank you for sharing this!
I’m a 37 year old mother of four. On Friday, my dr. found a mass in my breast and scheduled me to have a mammogram and ultrasound. Breast cancer “runs in my family” so to say that I felt concerned would be a huge understatement.
I went through the longest weekend I’ve ever had, trying to let go of my concerns and my fears, focusing on all that God has done already.
On Monday night we had our Home Bible Study, and our dear friends laid hands on my and asked the Lord to heal me.
This morning I went to the hospital and the mammogram technician asked me to find the location of the mass so she could mark it. Well, I couldn’t find it!!! And the mammogram didn’t show a thing, nor did the ultrasound.
I’m so humbled, so thankful, and so in love with our living God.
Love you,
Jody
Hebrews 12:1 was my quiet time today. God showed me this:
EXPECT TO ENDURE
EXPECT TO ENDURE
EXPECT TO ENDURE
I’m not a wimp! ‘nough said.
Jan
A good while back on the LPM blog, you had a post following the Daniel series about a “siesta” who needed some suggestions on workout music. Maybe sometime there could be a post where “siestas” list music they listen to when “over our heads” like your song! My song would be: “Hold On Help is on the Way” by: Whitney Houston. Listening to it right now!
Beth. You just continue to amaze me. Thank you.
Hugs.
Years ago a dear friend.. that’s the way I usually tell it – but it’s you, You are the ONE who said it… Years ago YOU said, “I’m too far out on a faith limb to go back now.” I use that all the time. I’ve relied on God this far, and it may not look the way I want it to right now, but my life is His, so it’s His deal to work these things out as long as I’m obeying 100% 100% of the time, and repenting for all the mess ups, then we’re good. Thanks for pointing me frontwards down the path yet again.
Love, Anne Roberts
Oh my – I am so over my head right now and don’t even know which way is up. Thanks for the encouraging words. Very needed!
I love y’all so much. Really, so much.
Good words!! Thanks so much!!
Dana
Thank you for the encouragement of truth…I’m needing that.
Love,
Deborah
Dear Beth,
God is so good and your timing is so perfect…I am a 40 year old mother of three and wife of a wonderful man and I was just diagnosed with invasive breast cancer…and planning to go to Mayo Clinic tomorrow to be with my younger brother who has liver cancer and is going to be the recipient of a live liver donor by my sister. I am printing out your blog to take with me as a reminder. Thanks for all you do!
Beth,
I’m in deep and I just love it because I can’t swim so I just have no defenses up.
But, I know weary and YOU being weary. I sobbed listening to Esther – It’s Tough Being A Woman on my ipod while away from home.
That line that your friend said, “He didn’t fight for me…He didn’t fight for me”…oh my…that just killed me.
Those of us who are victims of sexual abuse as children and young teens know the fear that it creates that is such an ugly cycle.
Needing protection and feeling like no one is giving it “in the flesh” can mess us up bad. We have to keep praying….HE is my warrior and King and HE will fight for me and help me in my fight.
What Warrior King wouldn’t want HIS bride to be a warrior Princess that he alone can help overcome battles.
I love you and your heart and that poem about the small town girl was so me…I bawled through that too.
I feel your heart because mine has been wounded that way too and the only one that heals is Jesus – not my husband no matter how sweet, loving and kind….HE will ultimately let me down because neediness like ours can suck the life out of a person.
But never a GOD…our GOD…The Only GOD.
Praying for you!
Love,
Teri
Anonymous said…..
“I’ve been avoiding everything Christmas this year, because it’s just not going to happen.”
Please don’t avoid Christmas … avoid the commercialism of Christmas! It is so much more than what you can get and pay for.
We are not exchanging gifts this year…we are eating and playing games. This is because of the economy, but more to the point because we are tired of buying in the world’s view of Christmas. We plan to share ourselves in having a good time with each other!!
We did this at Tday and had a wonderful time (so many laughs and memories)….so we are going to try it at Christmas as well.
I prayed earlier this morning for God to give me an encouraging word and He reminded me through your words that He is faithful even when life gets reaaly tough. Thank you!
Glory Glory! I want to not only bring glory to God when i am in over my head, but all the time OVERFLOW with gratitude! Like it says in Col. 2:7″having been firmly rooted and now being built up and established in your faith, just as you were once instructed, and OVERFLOWING with gratitude!” God has been asking me if I am willing to do that. May God help us live lives overflowing with gratitude so others lives are changed!
“But we can dang-well decide what kind of over-our-heads we’re gonna be.” Amen.
Keep looking to Jesus–I’m praying for you and yours today as I know you have prayed for me!
Love from one of your siestas.
I needed to hear those words too! I am sure there are many, many more people who want to hear and live those words. I am trying very hard and there are some days more difficult than others, but God takes me through.
Beth, you and your whole LPM network bring so much peace and joy to my world. Thank you all and God Bless you all.
Dear Beth,
What an encourager you are! If we are in the stadium and the bleachers are full, let’s get out there and do the thing! You are right on that so many people are flat-out over their heads. I think many of us have been there! We must continue to pray for one another and trust Jesus more. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! I know what kind of over-my-head I want to be. Thank you for that word today! Amen and amen! I’ll definitely be looking up that song.
Love you bunches,
Dianne
Beth,
I just arrived home tonight after one of my children’s basketball games to read your blog. I am moved to tears. So true the words of the song … so true!!! Don’t get me wrong, I’m no longer a victim of jealousy and ridicule, but the “over the head” part of the verses gets me. When you’ve been there, the gracious lifting of your head by our precious lamb of God is something you never forget. I’ll never understand the hurts I’ve had to endure, but I wouldn’t give anything for the sweet and personal relationship that has deepened with my Father and his loving Son because of it.
Praying for you tonight, Beth. Thank you for sharing your struggles too.
I just had to share this with y’all, and especially Mamma Siesta Feel free to delete it though if it’s not appropriate to the entry. 🙂
I went over to biblegateway.com to check something out, and they had the following as their “verse of the day”
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.â€
I was like “Oh my goodness…it’s the Beth Moore verse!!” Or one of them anyway! It’s the one that comes to mind when I hear your name, Ms Beth!
I thought it was cool that it was the verse of the day, and just had to share.
I am going to copy this post and send it to my son. He is a 35 year old husband and father of three boys ages 4, 3 (next month) and 2 months of age. He found out two weeks before the last baby was born that his staff position at a local church would not be funded for 2009 because of budget cuts due to the decline in receipts. All of us are praying for God’s direction for his life as he looks for a way to support his family.
This situation seems over our heads, but we know that God is in control. During my quiet time this morning, I asked God “Why”, and He spoke to my heart basically the same thing you shared in your post.
Thank you Beth for your timely inspired words.
Carol G.
Beth,
you encourage me more than you will ever know! Especially, by your transparency. We have to remember His ways are not our ways… and He is in control! Amen! Glad He is in control! your words of wisdom just reminded me not to forget.
I love you, your family, and LivingProof
Delilah
Wow! So what I needed to hear today: “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.” This fall has been hard and that was a reminder I needed today.
Thank you.
Beth, what a word in season! I was joking today about when I get tired of worrying about one major crisis, I have plenty others to choose from. Some times are just like this, I guess.
I so needed to hear that. My focus is way too often on just getting through (just slogging through, really) instead of remembering His presence and His loving plans…
Bless you!
Thanks for the good word. Our pastor shared something similar in his Sunday morning message. And I have learned to, for sure, take note when God starts laying the same word in my path.
And I might be in-over-my-head, but I do know He is holding my chin up.
Thank you Beth!
Hey everyon…you can buy that song at amazon.com for 99 cents. It is really good. I’d not heard of it before, either. Thanks Beth! (this keeps NOT sending…hope it doesn’t post 3 times! 🙂 Love you all!
This speaks so loud and clear to my situation. On Nov. 7th. my mom was in a terrible car accident and suffered severe brain trauma. We were given little hope. I traveled to Evansville, Indiana from Murfreesboro, TN. It was the longest trip of my life. But, God kept speaking “trust me” to my spirit. And oh how I have learned to trust Him..No matter what.
My mom, Praise to His Name, is getting better every day. She is in rehab and astonishing the staff. She is a MIRACLE!!!! Love you Ms. Beth you are such an encouragement to me..Tina Banks
“Don’t look for a leader. You are the leader. People are looking to you. Be deliberate. Make sure they see Jesus.”
Needed this. Thank you Beth!
Kimberly
The Journey Continues~
Beth, Since so many are
“Over Their Heads” I was wondering if you, Amanda, Melissa and Curtis ( your man too if he wants) could share what the Christmas Season means to each of you on the blog!
Also, I have some questions several of us Siesta’s want to know. I would love to hear what the Siesta’s answer too~
1. Fresh Tree or Fake Tree
2. Favorite Ornament
3. Favorite Christmas Song
4. Favorite Tradition
5. Favorite Gift ever received
6. Favorite Christmas Meal
7. Favorite Christmas cookie
8. Favorite Place to Be
9. Favorite Memory
10. Favorite Christmas movie
With “Heaven Bound” Blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Thank you for giving me proper perspective. Life is rather crazy busy and I am just a little overwhelmed. Thanks, Kim B. in AZ
As always, beautiful timing. Thank you for sharing a word with us. The way you allow God to use you in our lives is precious, and we all know it. Especially during these times, we need to remember to stand strong in our faith, and know that His love is surrounding us and protecting us. I’m ready to take one for the team….
Might sister’s quote about being in over our heads: ” We might be in over our heads, but we can still come up for air”
To Him be the glory..Amen
Oh Beth you have no idea how much I needed to hear your words today as I am definitely in an “over our heads” situation right now. I told Jesus yesterday, “Lord, I don’t know if my faith can take this. You have to give me what I need.” I needed to be reminded of the truth you shared today. Thank you.
I am catching up on my blog reading and just read this one…what a blessing. I have been waiting for a word from the Lord and this is IT! I have been asked to lead a team in creating a women’s ministry at our new little plant church. I have prayed for this for 2 years, but now that it is here I am simply terrified. But the phrase, “Don’t look for a leader. You are the leader.” just drove a nail straight in my heart. God is calling me…I am so thankful that I am able to hear and obey. Praise Jesus.
Amy
Thank you Mama Beth… I needed to hear that!
Love the song! I just downloaded it to my ipod. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. A new song that I have really enjoyed listening to is “A Baby Changes Everything” by Faith Hill. This song brought tears (rejoicing tears that is) to my eyes. If you get a chance you have to listen to it.
Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything
Not a ring
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries ouuh she cries
She has to leave go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything
She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries ………….
And she cries …..
Ouuh she cries ….
Choir
Shepherds all (Shepherds all) gather ’round (they gather ’round)
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything
Choir of angels say
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I’m found
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
I hope I’m not taking up too much space with this, I’ve never really been touched by a song as much as this one touched me.
To the “Anonymous” who is facing breast cancer AND the liver cancer of her brother, and to the woman whose son just lost his job at the church, and to so many others. . . GOD BLESS you for holding onto Jesus. God truly has all the answers. . . lean hard on Him! I’m praying for you today, siestas!
Beth and girls, I just recently found this blog and haven’t read it in a couple of days so i missed the survey. as i read the comments of you all my heart was saddened and heavy. You my friends are Children of the most high God — Daughters of THE KING, you are MORE than conquerers! Repeat this outloud over and over when you feel down or defeated. Don’t wonder if it is satan who is trying to keep you down — it is!!!! he is a lier and deceiver. he doesn’t want you to believe that JESUS died for our sins and sicknesses and that He can heal us from anything and everything and forgive us of every sin!!! He forgives us for anything we confess and repent of! Why do we allow satan to condemn us when God has forgiven us and defeated satan! Praise be to God! Jesus did not die on the cross to have us feel defeated for sins we have committed and saught forgiveness for! When the enemy reminds you of a sin you have committed and saught forgiveness for remind him outloud that you are covered in the blood of Jesus! Praise be to Jesus the author and perfector of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God!!!!!! Thank you Beth for that wonderful song! 🙂 All those comments just lets me know that we need to exhort each other. We need to get out there and speak words of encouragement to others. God bless you all! Kimberly, Alabama
By the way…we saw the Houston snowstorm on TV the other night and KNEW you all would be loving it! Sorry it didn’t last too long but so glad God blessed you with a little seasonal joy! Isn’t He amazing!?
Hallelujah! I love these lyrics; they really spoke to me this morning. Thanks so much for sharing htis with us.
Bless you all. I’ll admit I read this blog feeling over my head in a stinkin’ situation. BUT there is a God in heaven who I am reaching up to with PRAISE. I’m so glad he’s over my head! He’s over my husbands head..and the kids too.
And I just wanted to say I have felt the surge of stuff over my head lately. I was laying in the bed earlier and I imagined myself dancing under the umbrella of protection God has over me. I’m Singing in the Rain!
I also imagined His outstretched arms reaching down for me and holding the umbrella for me so I could be free to dance! What grace!
And even now I feel like I have a coffee stirring straw taking tiny breath of air of the Holy Spirit. It sustains me! \o/ (my praise symbol)
This weekend our church choir of between 100 to 200 members has their annual Christmas concert. There are 4 performances where between 3000 to 4000 people from 3 states in our region normally attend. One of the songs sang was “Jesus Saves”. Looked to see who the words and music were by: Travis Cottrell. This song brought tears to many eyes. Many hands were raised to the sky and many people were both to their knees and standing high on their feet.
To add to previous post, another song sang at concert was "God is Speaking" which is performed by Mandisa. Beautiful songs either written or performed by people who LPM & you have known personally. Just wanted to share how their music has not only glorified God, but has touched the lives of so many others!
Thank you, Miss Beth . . .
You must have been reading my heart~
This will be our first Christmas without my dear Dad living here on Earth with us. He passed away due to complications due to the Acute Leukemia that he had been diagnosed with in late July 2007, went through chemotherapy, but apparently the Lord wanted to take him Home to be with our Lord and Savior the day after Easter this year [March 24, 2008]. And, although I know that my Dad must be gloriously filled up in Heaven, it is still difficult for my Mom, my 3 older sisters, nieces, nephews and me.
But, thanks be to God, He allowed me to spend one night up in the ICU room with my Dad a few days before he passed away, so I could begin to understand just how much pain he was in, as he had fallen, and had to have surgery on his brain to drain this thing called a “subdural hematoma”, and it appeared to be working at first, but then he developed pneumonia a few days later.
But, God is good, and I know that He only takes those who are “ready” …
And, I’ve been reading a lot of books on grieving and Heaven, and am trying my best to learn to grieve the way that God would want me to do so.
Also, on December 14th, I had a major involuntary movement attack, otherwise known as a Tic Attack, in which my entire body goes into spasms for hours at a time, and today I am still feeling very achy and weak from that. I would appreciate your prayers…
—————————–
And, just to remind, you and your precious family and LPM team are in my prayers daily.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
David and Goliath today.
What did David do to slay the giant? He certainly did not use the armory that was given to him. But, he used a sling shot…”said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” I Samuel 17:45. And with one shot to the head the giant was down, done and David cut the head off and from that point on it was history. What tools are we tempted to lean on? Some lean on loud music, demonstrative graphics or visuals, the rock in the music to overpower and excite the senses. No problem with the visuals in certain places but how unnecessary it is at times when God is able, capable to show up through one man or one woman in the most simplest, humblest way and in that the audience would be riveted in their seats not because of the music or the visuals but because of the word of God that is strong in a life dedicated to God like David.
Yes, many are talented with their voice or with knowing how to play an instrument but if it is not used in a way that truly glorifies God than it is in the way! And it leaves the word of God to no affect and then lives are really not changed they are just “excited”.
Enjoy reading your blog. Enjoy reading about the joy in the life of others. My husband and I are both in our mid 30s. Know each other for 16 years, been married for 8. Had deep conservation today about how we thought “adult” life was going to be when we were growing up. Talked about the struggles we have had and how we have seen many people we know personally struggle in many areas in their lives, not accounting what we see occurring in our world today through the media. Sometimes it is hard to find the joy that we once had in our “youthful outlook” on life. Seeing so many people over their heads including ourselves. Told him I know where I would be if didn’t have the assurance of God Word’s as the foundation of my life now, that is where I learned to go when feeling over my head! Beginning Esther Wednesday, January 14th!