Hey, Girls! You are doing such a fabulous job with your group discussion. I’ve especially loved watching you respond to one another. You really are such a tremendous and unique community of women. I’m honored to journey with you here. Let’s continue hearing from all those who have been active from the beginning but let’s also hear from more of you out there who are watching and reading but haven’t really jumped in here and participated. I promise you that when we wrap this thing up, you will be far more satisfied with the experience if you personally invested in it.
We are reaching the halfway point in our journey and have arrived at a place of utmost importance in our pursuit of wholeness. Your assignment this week is based on only one chapter of the book: CHAPTER 9. As you will soon discover, it is not a chapter you just read. It’s a chapter you actually do. A chapter you actually pray. Please take it seriously. Everything ahead of us hinges on this experience. It is placed at this point in the journey prior to the prescriptive and practical phase of the book so that the way is cleared and our dignity restored enough to move forward. It will help place us in a posture God can bless with the rich kind of confidence He wants for His people and activate the power we have within us to think and FEEL differently. That’s essentially where the remainder of the book heads.
Here are your very simple assignments this week:
1. Do (don’t just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it.
2. Go to last Saturday’s post (3/6/10) and look at all the verses in the comment section. You will find a wellspring! Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you feel like you need the most – and write them on the inside of the back cover of the book. (This should be a lot less intimidating than what I asked you to write inside the front cover at the beginning of our journey!)
And that’s it for this week! I want the prayer journey to stand by itself and clear the way for mighty works ahead. We have some of our most eye-opening moments in the second half so stay with it, Girls!
Since we only have one chapter this week, this is a great time for many of us to play catch-up!
I am packing this very moment and about to head to Toronto for our first 2010 Living Proof Live. We can’t wait to see a God-show in Canada! Come on, Canadian Sisters! We’ve got plenty of room for you!
I love all of you very much.
Anonymous 
Barely in my 20s, married.
(Warning, this is long, so if you can't post it, that's fine… I can't seem to condense my answer to the question from week 5…)
I want to share what God has shown me through his word as I (have to say, begrudgingly) went back over the verses from March 6. One that I wrote down, that just struck me at the time was Isaiah 41:13.
"For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'"
I didn't think much of it. I wrote it down on a hot pink index card. Then as I was confessing the sins of unbelief and pride, I began to pray over my four scriptures. I prayed 2 Cor 10:3-5 and then the one above.
As I was praying, instantly a vision/picture (definitely not hokey as some might think when I say vision) returned to my mind which I had several years ago when I preached/taught/spoke for the first time. The best way I could describe how I felt that first time I spoke was that God had led me down a dark, lonely dirt road, holding my hand. Like a parent with a child. I can see it in my mind. I was terrified, but he was with me, so I was alright.
Then just a couple days before I was supposed to speak, it was as if the Lord's presence left me. I felt very alone. I couldn't sense him. I had no choice but to go ahead and teach, so I did it. It was the absolute worst thing I have ever done in my life. I returned to my bunk (it was on a mission trip) and covered myself in shame and swore, "I will never do this again in my life. Never again will I do this."
About a year later I was in a position to speak again, and I did it – begrudgingly. The next few times I was asked I said, "No. Not gonna do it." I threw my fist up at God. I decided the fear and anxiety I experienced wasn't worth the blessing of obedience. Plus, I'm a woman! Women don't teach, was my logic. "God you should have made me a man if that's what you wanted from me."
I haven't spoken since then, although I feel a burning fire in my bones. I used to think that this compulsion to speak was presumption, until I starting dealing with my unbelief where I realized that sometimes the enemy disguises as an angel of light and we call it "presumption" or humility ("I could never do that." "It would be prideful to think God called me to teach.") but it is really just unbelief in disguise.
All that to say that as I was praying this verse, one of my greatest insecurities (fear) is being delt with at its root. What I sensed God saying to me as I prayed this verse is that he DOES and WILL hold my hand as I preach, should the opportunity come to me again. I do not need to fear (this is one of my greatest insecurities – speaking in front of people) for the Lord will help me. He holds my hand. He never leaves me, although I may not feel him. It's faith, not feeling that matters.
Lord, I believe, so help my unbelief. And as a mentor told me, "even the tinest mustard seed of belief is enough." The Lord's grace is enough for us.
He holds our hand, even as we walk the darkest and loneliest dirt paths of our life. This is testimony to the power of God's word and how He can use his word to speak to us. I'm not going to excuse away the voice of the Spirit as I so often do. "Aw, that was just in my own head." Or, "I just made that up. Heck, I've been reading scripture all morning, of course it might pop into my head." No, these prompts from out of the blue (through is Word) are the Spirit.
I’m not going to go about looking for opportunities to speak. But so help me God, should I ever be asked again, my prayer is that I would have the courage to be obedient.
What an encouraging assignment. Feeling bogged down with pressures from every angle those scriptures were such a blessed relief and precious reminder that God is always my strength and I do not have to fear. From chapter 9 the prayer opened my eyes and showed me that I do want to be that kind of woman that a little girl could follow to dignity and security. I have given my dignity away to what others think using them as my mirror instead of what God knows me to be. In situations this week I have caught myself in insecurity and have stopped in mid sentence or actions as the Holy Spirit has been speaking and reminding me that is insecurity. It feels really good to be Free 🙂
Kim
North Carolina
Married
40
My chapter nine experience was so peaceful! I began this process believing that I didn't have much insecurity to be dealt with…God has so lovingly, and gently proved me wrong. It seems the remaining insecurities have been more subtle and therefore more easily ignored I guess. My prayer time was a wonderful time to really pray and focus on these remaining struggles and release them to the Lord.
Amanda J
Lubbock
Lisa B. –
Thank you so much. I receive that prayer with my whole heart. Today is tough. It was interesting that you sent this to me at noon, because my greatest difficulty is between 12 and 3ish. I don't know why. I do okay in the morning and in the evening. I was hoping for a response and some encouragement and wow, you delivered. Thank you so much. I have been saved for many years and I love the Lord so much. May He bless you for taking the time to give a cup of water to someone who needed it.
In Christ,
CC
My dear sisters I just had to share a verse that came to me as I was doing part 2 of our assignment for this week. I pray it will be an encouragement to each of you as we battle our insecurities.
"With God we WILL gain VICTORY and HE WILL trample down our enemies (insert INSECURITIES in place of enemies)!!!!" Psalm 60:12
Ginnie/FL/44/Single
Been in hiding, coming out. I don't want to miss what God may have for me. Psalm 34:4. Thank you for the prayer, Beth. I love Him and thank Him that He wants all of us to be women of character, strength and dignity. I couch my life with Psalm 107:20 and Deuteronomy 32:47. His Word is my life and brings healing. Thank you for taking us on this journey into greater freedom.
Carol
50's
married
OK
I just did chapter 9…at times the words were so blurry, but POWERFUL nonetheless. I will be reading this over each day until our next assignment. Thank you for pointing out that He wants this for us as much as we do, so we all need to just KNOW that it is done!
Thank you for EVERYTHING! You are amazing!
Janice
44
Tumwater, WA
Single
Thank you Beth, for starting out the chapter by asking us to carve out some time where we could purpose to be alone and to pray. It helped me to have the advance warning and to be able to "get everything ready".
This week, I have been seeing through many different things, what a BIG and AWEsome God we have. He is working in mighty ways all around this world, and He's doing it through ordinary people who are willing to walk with Him.
As I prayed through this chapter, He was so good to meet with me and convict me of sin, and to forgive me as well.
I've had opportunities this week to talk with one of my young sons as he was sharing how the desire to fit in with the kids at school was leading him to do things he knew to be wrong and didn't even want to do. Even the boys deal with insecurity! I was telling him that he didn't need to let those boys make him feel bad. That he was infinitely precious to God and God was the One he needed to live to please. As I was praying through the chapter this morning, it hit me how much I do for the approval of others rather than the approval of God, (thus giving others the opportunity to get at my security). God help me to live for You alone! I don't need to look for my worth, my security in others. I am already crowned with glory and dignity. Thank You Jesus!
40's
Married
Seattle, WA
Simplebeauty – you said "can feel the almighty hand of God working in my life! I haven't laughed this hard at work or well in life in almost ten years! At first I thought just how much coffee have I been drinking lately." and I almost spit the coffee out that I was drinking. I was thinking almost the exact same thing last night as I stood in the kitchen preparing dinner with my husband. I felt GIDDY – completely and utterly GIDDY. Just to be alive and relieved of this burden.
and cindy Childers you remarked on the part of the prayer that "all people have God-given dignity even if they don't yet have eternal life through Jesus Christ". I just wanted to yell AMEN in your direction for your thoughts. I also was so comforted when I first read that line because that meant back then, before I knew Him, He loved me and had given dignity to me and He saw me like that even if I did not.
I so wish I could respond to each and every one of these posts. Beth, I bet you wish you had a few more hundred hours in a day. Thank you to all you who are letting me in to your lives to be able to pray for you and your loved ones.
GIDDY ladies!! God bless you all!
Dear Sweet Beth,
Karen
51
Delightfully Married
Pinehurst, Tx
I had NO idea I could actually get my dignity back!!!! Actually, I'm not sure I ever really possessed the thing! I come from a background full of abuse, which I ignorantly continued to play out through most of my adult life. I cannot tell you the joy that fills my heart knowing that dignity has been waiting for me! What a precious gift! Actually, I have to share something. God has dreamed big through me for years and after reading and praying through Chapter 9, I had a dream and you were in it! You dressed me from head to toe and even did my HAIR!!! You dressed me with dignity! I definitely looked restored and quite dignified. =) I know it is representative of all that God is doing through this study with you. I can't thank you enough for helping me. THANK YOU!
Hey sweet Beth! Can't wait to grab hold of Chapter 9! Every book you (and God) have written has blessed my life so much. I just found out that my latest mission article is going to be published in a Chinese Christian magazine! Such a "Yea, God!" I didn't even seek it … but God promises to reward us when we seek Him! I think I learned that from you! 😉 Love you!
Shelli
41
married (23 years!)
Fort Worth, TX
Karen Parker – LOVE it! <3
My wonderful mother in law bought this book for me. I was so excited to get started and then my laptop broke. Its now up and running and im happy to start gettin some healin =) Im sooo behind, you guys are already on chapter 9. i guess ill just start here. i tried to blog with my rediculous blackberry but it kept messing up on me. Im ready to get started. im sad ive missed. i hope i can catch the security train. choo choo 😉
demi
30's
married
kentucky
(posting this one anonymously)
late 20s
single
The prayer contained some truth that I definitely needed to hear at this point on my journey with God. I needed the reminder that God will only shed light where He's willing to heal (pg. 167). And to ask for help to not confuse healing with betrayal (pg.171), as I often feel that way and struggle with that as a people-pleaser by nature.
The Scriptures . . . there were so many that spoke to me from that post . . . limiting it to just 5 was a challenge. But 5 of them I can actually learn and remember and use that truth in the battle with insecurity.
Having a very difficult season of life right now and it's hard to even pray. Resisting. God seems distant and my desire for Him fading. Aware something isn't right and trying to hold on best I can. I am falling deeper into depression. I am reading and following along, struggling for focus. Please pray for me.
Patti
48
Single
Michigan
Loretta
Wiggins, MS
30's
divorced (mom of 3)
1. I was in the process of moving into a place of my own.I didn't have my electricity on yet, but knew that over there would be quieter than here at my brother's so I parked out in front of my new apartment to do 9. God gave me just enough light to get half way through when my new neighbor tapped on my window to ask if I would be moving in I told her yes and such. Then like they were not sitting on the front porch watching me and without missing a beat, I switched on the dome light to the car and finished my heart-felt cry to the Great IAM as lead by Beth. I know they must think I'm so weird, especially since it was almost another week ater this before I physically moved in, but ya know what I don't really care. To God be the glory!
2. I did this! The first and last, mine Longmeadow Mama's and another in between. And then today I had an issue I need God confidence and anointing for… so Keli prayed over me Ps 121 from OHIO!!!… so I added it to the facing page as well.
Lord You are so amazing. Please keep planting, growing, and cultivating our security. Help us to be beacons of light to all who see us. May this boldness in You spread like wild fire Be with Beth in her travels and meet with all those in Canada in a tangibly undeniable way. All these request for honor and glory in Jesus name amen.
I must share w/you sisters in Christ of my amazing day and a decision that even surprised myself! I am going to start chapter nine in a bit but wanted to share a praise and I knew my sweets sisters would understand. . . Today I planned my own 40th birthday party w/my bestest girlfriends!! I never thought I would do that but I found such strength and security in myself to acknowledge I cared and wanted to share such a wonderful moment w/my girlfriends that have shared and meant so much to me! And no matter what anyone says or does I am going to celebrate!! I could just shout it from the mountain top. . .I am worth loving myself, God has blessed me, and I can celebrate everyday b/c I am His!!! It felt like a hug from God. . Hope you celebrated something today!! :)Thanks
Jackie
First of all…To Patti (3/12 @ 7:06pm) – your post is weighing heavy on my heart and I want you to know that I'm praying for you. At my Bible study last night, Beth taught us that God does not let us go through difficult times unless it is critical for fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives. That was such a powerful message for me since I've recently come out of my own tough season. Keep holding on, trust that God is working in your life, and remember that He loves you SOOOO much.
About chapter 9…God gave me the gift of a whole quiet hour to be able to go through this prayer. What surprised me was how filling in the blanks brought out thoughts I didn't even know I had. I found out that I fear that people will find out things about me and then won't like me. I'm also afraid of having too much responsibility because I think I'll make the wrong decisions. I think understanding what my fears are is a necessary first step towards my healing.
I have daughters, so the part of the prayer that said "Make me the kind of woman a little girl could follow to dignity and security." really got to me. I need to allow God to work in me in these areas not just for me, but also for my daughters.
Beth, thank you so much for letting God use you to give us new insights into ourselves & our relationship to Him. I'm now going through a huge growth spurt in my faith journey and I'm excited to see where God will lead me next.
40's
Married
North Carolina
Beth, I was about 3 feet away from you last night when you walked down the aisle. Welcome to TO!!! Thank you so much for coming and it was truly anointed—praying for you, my Texan sister with the great hair!
Love, thoughts and prayers,
Sita (from Rexdale Alliance Church in Toronto)
I did my week 9 homework… Thank you Beth for those words how do you know me? I realize that it is the Lord speaking to me though you. Our Lord is amazing.
I've been doing the reading but that is about all haven't been doing the online stuff… Now I realize why, I am too insecure! I don't write well and I don't like people reading my "stuff". If it's "not perfect" I don't want to put myself out there for rejection. This has effected all areas of my life may the Lord forgive my arrogant heart.
Thank you Beth
Liz
50
married
Oregon
I was blessed with a couple free hours yesterday so I prayed through chapter 9….powerful. I then followed it with some music/praise time. "You Changed My Name" with Travis spoke volumes to me. I felt like through that through this book God is changing my name from "insecure" to "secure". The other song that ministered to me during my praise time is "This Is My Destiny" by Dennis Jernigan. I need to get that one into my heart and head.
SD
30's
married
I was so touched by Chapter 9 – what a beautiful "God-thing" He gave you, Beth, to help us pray through what needs to change in our lives after bringing it before our Father. It touched me deeply with tears and emotions of sorrow and hope, with the knowledge that God can change me if I just let Him. He showed me behaviors based on non-relationships with my father and step-mother, which translated into being guarded relationally with my husband and children. I want so much for the walls in my life to be torn down and am trusting Him to do this work in my life. I feel I have wasted so much of my life through complacency and not seeing things as they are and want today to be a new day, a new beginning, a new start with my relationship with God and my family.
Kit
60's
married
Central Islip, NY
This past week, any time that an insecure thought would come into my mind, I would instantly identify it as a lie, and replace that thought with the words "She will clothe herself with strength and dignity". I know that God is using those words as a replacement for the negative thoughts I have for myself. Praise God! I'm exhausted from a lifetime of going over and over my insecurities in my head. I am tired of condemning myself and critiquing myself on every action or word I say.
I feel a new freedom in these two words: strength and dignity!
As I read this book,I am continually reminded of the "Believing God" Bible study and the 5 pledges of statement of faith: *God is who He says He is *God can do what He says He can do *I am who God says I am *I can do all things through Christ *God's Word is alive and active in me. Thank you, Jesus!
Amy
married
40
Kansas City
Patti, I am praying for you. You aren't alone here.
Chapter 9 was a cleansing, releasing time for me – one I'll want to revisit. I am daily purposing to remember that my security is in Him alone, and that it can't be taken from me.
Susan
Ms. Beth,
This doesn't apply to my homework but I wanted to tell you a cute little story this morning. I am having my morning coffee and and my devotional time. Decided to watch online one of your Wednesday's with Beth (Trusting God), because I needed it and had a sweet moment. My 3 year old son comes over to me and says, "Who is that mommy?", and without even thinking about it, I said " Mommy's friend". After he left, I thought about that for a second. Although I don't know you personally, have never laughed over a cup of coffee, I do consider you a friend. You are a mentor to me as well as someone that God put into my life to teach me and show me what it looks like to love God. Thank you for being a part of my morning…
Andrea Roberts
32- Married
Mansfield, TX
Liz Married 40s Florida
I loved Chapter 9. I haven't had a lot of time alone in the last few weeks with my husband home on medical leave. But I prayed God would provide some quiet moments, and He did. So I pray for others to see God provide time to sit quietly and pray thoughtfully. Even when the plumber showed up at the door to work on some sprinklers outside, it didn't take away from my calm, and I went right back to the Chapter.
This prayer was so well worded–it really covered the places where I have fear, where I have caused my own misery, where others have caused me misery, and where I have tried to make everything "all about me." I was thankful that the prayer included time for confession and thanksgiving–that was good for me.
A few quotes that meant the most to me were "Flood my life with purpose and compassion. Be my strength in weakness." "Please deliver me from self-pity and a life of excuses and rationalizations.""Help me to cease being so easily wounded, but at the same time, keep me from being hardened." "I thank you with my whole heart for working so diligently in my life."
Karen
Single
Dover, NH
This was a very powerful time with God! I'll be reading this many times through. God is showing me that because of my insecurities, I don't really trust Him on a day to day basis. I often feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and I feel alone. I really responded to "You have been with me every moment, even when I felt there was no one to take care of me" from page 170. I need to let go of my need to control my life and let Him take the weight of the world on His shoulders.
Robyn
Queen Creek Az
40's married
I'm sure many others can attest to this as well, this book is in my hands at the right time!!!! Thank you Beth!!!
There are so many 'nuggets' in this chapter I'm not sure where to start. I've underlined the ones that I physically felt pulled to so I'll just name a few here….
From pg 169 "From now on Lord, and every day for the rest of my life, heighten my conviction until I'm instantly aware when insecurity is my own making. Help me to recognize any form of pride or unbelief and to refuse it immediately."
And from pg 171 "Help me to stop confusing a change in my circumstances with a change in my security status."
My husband was laid off last May and my life has been tossed and turned about ever since. I know the Lord is leading me into something so much bigger than myself. He's ready to launch me there and this is a huge step into that!!!
Thank you, Beth, for being such an obedient servant of our Lord!!!
marilyn
61
MO
well………..i've thought about number 1 for a couple of days. i've also been reading the posts and have noticed, many times, disappointment, present day and fear of future disappointment. GOD is reminding me that this episode on earth is just the prologue to our real lives. GOD has placed eternity in our hearts and i think that has alot to do with why we can feel so disappointed by life and so alone in the here and now i bless each blogger on here who has a great husband, wonderful children, and are living what sounds like the 'good' life. but, though it isn't often included in the different posts , i've lived long enough to know we all have our trials and tribulations…………some worse than others. it made me think of Peter asking JESUS about John's future. basically JESUS told Peter not to compare but to follow HIM. i too have had times of wondering 'why me???????'. that is a fruitless question isn't it. when thinking about what i feared most………..alot of things went thru my mind until i arrived at the fact that i'm not afraid of those things……………though the prospect of them was not pleasant. when my 16 year old daughter died, that was the beginning of my understanding that i had thought that this life was my little heaven before heaven……………..i discovered in the most painful way imaginable that it is not. it is part of satan's scheme, just as in the garden, to sow disappointment in our hearts and suspicion that GOD's holding out on us. when i lost my daughter………in trying to make sense of this devastating loss……..i went to my Bible. i looked at the lives of the disciples/apostles, these chosen men of GOD who gave up everything for the call GOD placed on their lives. there lives make any of our lives look like a picnic. these men, insofar as it is possible for humans to obey and follow, all were martyred. thru much prayer and Bible study i have come to know that joy and contentment are found in the LORD alone, regardless of our circumstances. HE's the only who has and who is able to promise to always be there for each and everyone of us and HE is more than enough. so often i wanted HIM to send someone/something to comfort me and HE always sent HIMSELF and i found the truth of the fact that hE is enough…………our very best friend, the perfect bridegroom, the perfect parent. HE has promised to restore the years the locust has eaten. today, i work on patience to endure what lies ahead for the joy set before me. this is not to say that it's all hard here, by any means, there's so much joy along the way, if we're open to it. was it yogi berra who said 'it ain't over til it's over' ??? be of good cheer, it definitely ain't over til it's over. it has often been said that the playing field is level at the foot of the cross and just as John did not have it easier than Peter, GOD rules and reigns over each of our lives………continue to perfect us until the day of CHRIST!
The Journey Continues ~
What a humbling honor and blessing to be able to pray for you last night and EARLY this morning from California!!!
I love you Beth!!!
Just close your eyes and picture ALL OF US SIESTA'S Surrounding you (Like a sports team ready to take to the field) and rootin' you on ~ then all of our hands reach out together and we YELL "HALLELUJAH" as you go into the world and preach the gospel of Christ Jesus!!! GLORY!!!
PRAYING OVER YOU AND THE LPM TEAM AS YOUR SHARE THE WORD IN O' CANADA!!!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
age 40's ~ hangin on until May 14
Cayucos, California
Joy
Married, 32
TN
Just finished "doing" the prayer. I feel a change in my spirit. Although, I am a little anxious about possible triggers coming my way this week. My plan is to reread it every day if I have to until "it reverberates into every corner of my life and invades the bone marrow of my belief system." My Father knows how desperate I am to be free. I choose to believe He will finish what He has began in me. I am excited about what I will be like on the other side of healing.
Thank you, Beth, for being so sensitive to the Holy Spirit in writing this prayer. I'm not good with putting my feelings into words. It was such a blessing!
I just finished chapter 9 this a.m.
The point to me was after I read thru the prayers and prayed them I was touched very much so that I have allowed so much insecurity in my life that it has kept me from living in the full freedom that the Lord has given me.
The other part that really touched my heart were the people that have shown me glimpses of the Lord not perfect people but genuine people so I started thanking the Lord for those genuine people in my life that have shown me glimpses of Jesus and one of those people is our own sweet seista mama she has encourage my life so much I can't put it into words but I thank her personally for all she has done for me. But all the prayers spoke to me in one way or another I will keep pouring over them and reading them. Thank you Lord for the tears that were shed from me this a.m. cleansing tears I Love You Lord.
Carol
Albuquerque Nm
Single
53 yrs.
The verses i picked out from
March 6th 2010 were
Duet 20:4
Psalm 27:1
Isaiah 33:6
Prov 31:25
Gal 3:3
wrote them on my back cover of book.
Thank you Beth,
The prayer I read was right on, I couldn't have witten it more perfect.
I felt God right there listening and understanding and forgiving me. I have asked this before but never felt a response like this. I feel released from shame. I even feel lighter(probable the pound of tears I dropped).God is bringing me back. Just like in Jeremiah. He gave me this verse.
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, and I will bring you back from your captivity.
Jeremiah29:12-14a
He did exactly what He promised! I believe!
Thank you Father.
Thank you Beth for getting me going in the right direction. This is all His perfect timing.
Rosie
50 Married
Tacoma, Wa
I hope you girls can indulge me in this post since I was gone on a business trip last week and could not post my homework answers. I want to be faithful to this study and not skip anything, so here are my week 4 answers:
1) There were two items that jumped off the pages at me from Ch 7. On pg 113, it talked about "all I could do was feel sorry for myself". This is an area where God has been working on me for a long time. I'm trying to remember that "its not about me". On pg 118, it said "Hate grew in my heart. I tried my best to get it all under MY control, to be in charge and make things just the way I wanted them to be." No explanation needed here.
2) 3 reasons to deal with insecurity:
A) Insecurity causes sinful behavior. I know this is displeasing to my God.
B) Insecurity breeds a "me" first attitude. Again, its not about me, but about Him and I want God first and foremost in my life. This is the only way I will find my God-given spiritual gift and accomplish what He has put me on this earth to accomplish in His name.
C) I'm tired (exhausted) of coping and not healing.
3) In Ch 8 on pg 114, it said "Because I was not finding my worth in Christ and I had alot of hatred toward males as a result of thing that happened (to me)… I attempted to find it through my relationships", this spoke to me. I have placed a significant amount of importance on my relationship with my husband to the point where some of his work relationships were starting to make me suspicious. I found some e-mails from a woman that were suggestive in nature and did it ever get a rise out of me. It caused me to be overcontrolling and generally out of control. It was not a good time in our marriage, but God is using that experience to teach me some valuable lessons about myself and my need for healing.
Nancy
38
Single
Lex, Kentucky
I took the time to do Ch 9 this morning, and was blown away by the power behind it. I've been attending a Christian recovery program for Codependency for over a year, and God has been bringing me a ton of healing through this. And, yet, while doing ch 9, I released more tears and dug a little deeper into the layer of the onion, as well as continued to feel God replacing the root of my insecurity with the root of His love. I love getting my dignity back!
I enjoyed choosing 5 verses for the back of my book too!
florida
married
50s
Although I had read through Chapter 9 last week, I took a suggestion from someone else's response, and decided to write it out by hand into my journal and pray it out loud today. It was a wonderful, powerful, and multisensory experience. It reminded me of what I knew about learning styles–the more we use all three of our learning modalities–visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (reading it, saying it out loud and writing it out by hand)–the more pathways will be created in my brain to remember the content, and hopefully to receive it into my heart for every day the Lord gives me in the future.
Heather
Pottstown, PA
20's
Divorced/Engaged
1) Reading the prayer was awesome! At first, it seemed a little weird to be reading a prayer. I started out by speaking very softly, but half-way through until the end, I was speaking louder and with more confidence. I felt the Holy Spirit empower me to conquer insecurity!
2) The verses that spoke to me were Joshua 1:9; Psalm 73:26; Psalm 112:7-8; Deuteronomy 31:8; and James 4:7-8
Had to wait until Saturday morning to pray Chapter 9. Everyone was gone so I went into my what I fondly refer to as my 'quiet room,' lit some candles and spent 2 wonderful hours with the Lord. He is bringing memories back where some of my insecurities started and helping me work through those.
I also happened upon this scripture: How can you believe when you are always wanting honor from each other? And yet you do not look for the honor that comes from the only God. [John 5:44] Lord, help me seek your honor alone!
Diane
Missoula, MT
40's, married
Just read chapter 9 and was caught a little unaware by the prayer. It messed with me just reading it through and I am definitely going to spend some seious time this week praying it through. Several things last week triggered a huge attack of insecurity, not something that has been a big issue but must have been "bubbling" under the surface. Maybe reading chapters 7 and 8 made me more aware of what was bubbling under the surface and they bubbled over last week. ( I was hormonally challenged). This prayer is so beautifully written. Thank you Beth for mapping out a way to get this dealt with once and for all. So many others can put their finger on this issue of insecurity but so few share the answer in such a way that we can apply it.
I am sensing a change coming in me, a long needed one in which I can throw of what hinders and run like the wind!!!
first time poster
married
in my 40's
I can smell victory…
Today my husband was really really sick. I really felt that I couldn't go into work and leave him all alone. He couldn't keep any food or water down and I just really felt like I needed to be with him. So I called and told them and they said it was no big deal. But even still I kept feeling guilty and second guessing myself even though I knew it was the right decision. And not to mention it really didn't matter one way or another. I finally asked Mark (my husband) am I making a bad decision? Should I just go to work. He looked me right the eyes and said "you are being insecure" and I was like woah! Yes I am. A month ago neither of us ever would have realized the root to this. And let me tell you my life is overrun with worry, second guessing and self doubt. Thank you Beth that I now understand what it is and thank you God that with you I have the strength to overcome! wahooo!!!
Jen
23
married
cincinnati ohio
Lindy
Scott, LA
30's single
God is so faithful. He ordained it that I was on a Skype call with a friend of mine who is a missionary in Bolivia right before I spent my time in prayer. She and I always give each other a heads-up on what is going on personally in our lives before we hang up. This is always a time of revelation for me as I confess my issues with someone I trust immensely. God revealed to me some issues that I had been holding back and don't you know those were the exact things He addressed in my prayer through Chapter 9. Thank you so much for that prayer, it was as if you were looking in on my soul when you wrote it.
ok so i planned to read along with you guys, but found myself going and going…
ch9 was such an incredible one…the prayer hit my heart in such a profound way. i cried, screamed, hit the floor, smiled…released my heart to Him…and continue to do so.
a few chapters ahead now, i find myself going back to it. it's earmarked in my pages, so that i can flip back to it when i feel the darkness ATTEMPT to overwhelm me….and the scriptures from the 3/6 blog brought me more tears and smiles. it IS truly amazing, miraculous even how powerful His Words, His Truth is when spoken….even moreso when believed!
thanks beth for opening up a door i honestly didn't know was locked.
Linda
St. Paul
Married
40s
What stood out to me most while praying the prayer in Chapter 9 is that I have lost hope of being used to "break the cycle" in my family, and of being used to fulfill God's purpose for me ("the specific destiny You ordained for me before time began"). I've felt like Joseph in the pit or in prison, and like Moses in the desert before he saw the burning bush – having a sense God called me to something, but finding myself instead, by others' actions and my own foolishness and fear, off track and stuck in a wilderness, and afraid that this is where I will remain.
So I will pray to and choose to believe God can and will fulfill His purpose for me, and will cling to these words:
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45
and
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Romans 4:18, 20-21
Yesterday had sensed the Lord drawing me for a concentrated time with Him. In the Patriarchs study I'm presently doing, you mention that if we seem to be confessing the same sins over and over, then perhaps we need to get a bit more serious and focus on what the Lord wants to do in us. I believe the Lord pointed out how I'm often caught comparing myself to others and acting as if I'm in a competition. I also seek affirmation from my spiritual heroes. He reminded me that He never reveals to condemn, but to truly heal and equip. How blessed I was today to read ch.9 and see how the Lord was orchestrating our time together. As I believe the Spirit would have it, you reiterated several areas as mentioned above. Bless Him for just plain 'ole wanting to live life out with us. Thank you, Beth for not trying to be our saviour, but faithfully pointing us straight to Jehovah Rapha, Himself. For most of my life I've been a shameless teacher's pet. I think the Lord just reminded me that "my teacher is YAH." (transalation of Moriah in Gen 22)
Kathy B
H'ville, TN
40's
married
I'm praying for you, too, Patti. God hears those prayers of yours. He sees your cries. He holds all your tears. He promises that He is near to the brokenhearted. He knows we are dust. And as Melissa says, He knows it is scary to be us.
He is also mighty to save. And even when you don't feel you have the strength to hold on any longer, His strong arms are holding you. Your Anchor HOLDS within the veil.
It truly was such an amazing time with you in Toronto Beth. God has been stirring many of the same things in my heart and youth ministry over the last several months. (I'm a 24 yr old youth pastor in Toronto. Just moved back after living in the US for 4 yrs!)
It's exciting to hear how the Holy Spirit is connecting our hearts all over the world and how we're encountering Him in NEW, FRESH ways.
It truly was an honor to sit under your teaching today. Thank you for your heart and humility. One day I hope to meet ya 😉 (along with the countless others that feel the same way I'm sure!) Been prayin for your back since you mentioned it too and that God would continue to bring you to wholeness.
Bless you fellow passionate lover of Jesus 🙂
Come back to Canada soon!
Love!
Ps. Loved the Canada flag they put on you at the end 🙂
I could go on and on about what God is doing, but simply put… After pouring myself out to God, I now am full. I know God is doing a mighty work! Thank you, Beth, for allowing Him to use you.
Durant, Ok
40's
Married
God gave me the time to close myself in my daughter's bedroom today to "do Chapter 9" just before her return home from college, and it was His perfect timing. It was very cleansing, refreshing and energizing.
All of the scriptures of strength, power and victory are so awesome!
Since you asked us to choose our 5 favorite, here are mine, but thank you so much to opening our eyes to ALL of them!
Psalm 73:26NIV
My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
I John 4:3-4NIV
This is love for God; to obey his commands, and his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Isaiah 40:28-31NIV
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles,
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Proverbs 31:25NIV
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Beloved Siesta Mama & Siesta's,
I am in the midst of doing the Breaking Free Study and reading the So Long Insecurity book along with you. God is healing my heart in ways I never imagined possibe.
Lastnight I was praying & God gave me something I wanted to share with you..
The wellspring of life
is stirring up in me
creating healing
creating wholeness
the lover of my soul
Jesus the King
has come to save me
has come to heal me
The rider on the horse
has come to take back
what the enemy has stolen
the pearls of purity
are being restored
to those who will reach
out and claim it for their own.
Jesus has come to set us free
from the bonds
the shackles the enemy
has placed upon us.
It is healing dear one
It is wholeness
He has come to give you.
Not just a trickle of
Living Water flows from His hand
but overflowing and spilling over to those He loves
to those He has come
to save and set free!
Mary
Single, 45
St.Paul, MN
Beth, THANK YOU so much for writing up this prayer and putting to words what we often don't know how to say! It was profound. Almost every sentence hit someplace deep with the truth in me. I didn't even know what I needed to say! I love how His Truth sheds light and washes things out!! Anyway, I had the hardest time narrowing to 5 verses that were important, so I filled the whole back cover of the book! But here are a few of those I chose:
I have chosen you and have not rejected you, so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. (Is 41:9-10)
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it!] (Pr 31:25 AMP)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity [of cowardice, craven and cringing and fawning fear], but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well balanced mind and discipline and self control. (2 Tm 1:7 AMP)
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world [I have deprived it of the power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (Jn 16:33 AMP)
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let yoru heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. (Ps 27:14 AMP)
His richest blessings to everyone!!
Cara
28
Fridley, MN
Single