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.
Sarah 
Oh, yeah…
Married
38
Jacksonville, FL
Sarah
30's
Single
Colorado Springs, CO
My heart is heavy for an anonymous writer from March 14. If, dear sister, you happen to see this post, please know that I am praying for you right this second! God has delivered me from exactly where you are at!!! Stay faithful to his word. If he can bring me thru my mess, I know he can bring you out of it too. It is so very scary, but so worth the process to trust him. I have my hard days, but overall, his mercy is new everyday and therefore, my joy is too!!!
Peace and Blessings!
I am doing "Goodbye Insecurity" with a small in-home study group of women from my church. I haven't really posted much on this blog, but I wanted to share something exciting (to me anyway! LOL!). I started a blog today and wanted to share it with you all. You might recognize the verse at the top of the page from our recent readings: http://askgarcia.blogspot.com
This is a huge step for me towards kissing my "I'm not good enough, smart enough, blah, blah, blah, etc" insecurities goodbye! A few months ago, I was approached by the gentleman who owns the online food journal website I use to see if I had interest in authoring a book. It's not a huge deal, but he's a business man who is independently publishing small books as part of his business strategy. In one of my posts on food journal website, I had mentioned one of Beth's books I was reading and also mention our weekly Wednesday women's bible study group. He picked up on my comments and started asking me about my faith. Then he told me he was looking for someone who could write to a particular audience: Christian Women.
When he first approached me, all the usual excuses for why I couldn't possibly do this started going through my head, "What? Me? Write to Christan women?? Are you kidding? Who wants to hear anything I have to say? I'm not smart enough, well versed enough, not (insert all the things we like to tell ourselves we're NOT here!)… isn't there someone more qualified? Seriously?"
Well, I believe the Lord is using this study to help me say, "Why not me?" The blog is my first step towards this little venture and it will all tie into the book and it's promotion. My "mission," as stated on my blog, is as follows:
-To use my enthusiasm and strong faith in God to inspire others to live deeper and more fulfilling lives.
-To use my expertise to help others find the information they are looking for on the World Wide Web.
Please feel free to share this blog with others. I will be updating it regularly and expanding it as well!
And I want to thank Beth and all of you, as you have each in one way or another, whether by your own sharing here on this blog, or by your prayers, played a role in my growth toward breaking free of this insecurity!
Bless you all and to God be the Glory!
I have been reading every chapter, but this is my first time to post. I did chapter nine yesterday, and it was amazing. I felt like I finally gave everything to God. I received so much from this chapter. I realized that I can't do this by myself. I've always known that, but I would still try. I cannot do this without God's help.
I know God has really been working in my life these past few months. I am doing Breaking Free, and I am finally seeing changes in my life. It's so exciting. I can't wait to see what's next!
40's
Married
Mississippi
Wow….I'm not sure I can even describe the time I had with the Lord this afternoon.
All I can say is that He met me.
He held me. He redeemed me. He gave me security.
I cried (actually SOBBED) through the whole chapter. Seriously, did you write this just for me?!?!
🙂
I let go of self-pity. Gave up my excuses. Lay down my hurts, fears, expectations, and most importantly my insecurities. The ones I'm responsible for and the ones I'm not. I gave them all up and Jesus took me in his arms and as I cried He held me.
I feel a tangible freedom. I feel alive. Joyful. Excited.
Can't wait to finish the book and watch as this day begins a new life of SECURITY in my God!
I did Ch. 9 two weeks ago, during a painful season of insecurity, stress and fatigue. It was like a fresh cup of cool water to my soul and spirit, refreshing me with truth, and a sense of the Holy Spirit's love and security. It was and is a powerful tool to open the floodgates to heal my thirsty, weary soul as I march toward healing on this journey. Pam, 50ish in San Diego
I did chapter 9 tonight and boy did God and I have a time together. I cried like I was unleashing all of the toxins that had built up inside of me, and then I felt His presence wash over me, through me, and around me. I was exhausted afterward, but a sense of peace filled me. It was overwhelming.
One of the wonderful things God reminded me was that I am His valued treasure no matter what my life's circumstances are right now. HE TREASURES ME!!! (I'm jumping up and down:)
Thank you, Beth, for listening to God so that I could be blessed by that powerful prayer.
Blessings on ya!
I just finished reading Chapter 9 and felt that prayer was written for me! What a good cry!
"If I realized how valuable I am, my insatiable need for affirmation woud be quieted" That really spoke to me! My mother told me when I was young that because I was athletic, the guys would want me and the women wouldn't want me as friends. So I didn't "fit" anywhere and have tried for years! It is still hard to post here and feel like I fit among women. I worked at the Women of Faith Conference every year yet still felt like I didn't "belong" there. Thank you so much for this book and Thank You Heavenly Father for your healing-to see that I do "fit" in your kingdom! I am clothed with strength and dignity!
I am almost speechless after reading and "doing" ch. 9. I am feeling so encouraged and at peace with myself and the Lord!
Healing has begun! Thank you, Father!
Kimberly
New Port Richey, FL
40's married
Wow! This has been a hard week for me in more ways than one. My father was put in a nursing home this week for rehab. He is very weak. I have found myself running over first thing in the morning to be with him until my mother can get there, then going back after work to give her a break in the evening. In addition to working at the business my husband & I own and trying to take care of my household as well. I re-realized thru all this that I am a MAJOR caretaker. I feel responsible for taking care of everyone. And feel guilty when I can't "do it all". That being said, I guess the devil was trying to distract me from doing this lesson this week. I found it so hard to block out some uninterrupted time in my day. So I had to break the chapter up in about 3 parts & doing over the course of 3 mornings. Hopefully, I will have some more time available this weekend to re-read it again in one sitting.
Anything that specifically spoke to me? What didn't speak to me?! I have about every line highlighted! But to name a few:
"Forgive me for my relentless pursuit of control and for my futile attempts at doing Your job."
"Forgive me for my unbelief." "Break the cycle with me, O Lord!" "Overturn every single thing the enemy meant for evil into something good. Perform a miracle on me."
I found it difficult to pick just 5 verses to write in the back cover. Probably my favorites for this season of my life are:
Isa 33:6 The Lord shall be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom & knowledge.
Isa 43:18-19 Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Deut. 2:3 You have made your way around this hill country long enough, now turn north.
Josh. 1:9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Psa 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
I could go on & on with the verses. My bible looks lie one big highlighter too!
What a wonderful, blessed time of prayer, praise, and reflection during the "doing" of Chap. 9. One thought to share…we must allow God to bring to the surface some painful realizations so we can see clearly our need and begin healing.
It is so easy to go along not even realizing the depth of our wounds. But they will eat us from the inside out! It's like the painful psoriasis I have right now…never had such uncomfortable, ugly stuff before. Turns out I have serious allergies I otherwise would not have known about. If the "realization" of them hadn't come to the surface, it would have physically manifested elsewhere deep inside with possibly much worse effects on my health! "Bring it to the surface Lord, no matter how painful, and as we relinquish it to you, heal us. Use us for Your Glory!"
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
Lori
38
married
SC
Hannah
Webb City, MO
20's
Single
I was a little nervous to do the prayer and afraid that I might not "do" it right, I might miss something and lose the impact it should have on me, to actually change me and deliver me. What if I messed it up somehow? (Insecurity was all over me. In fact, I had been struggling with insecurity issues in my head all day.) But as you said in the chapter Beth, "The only thing you have to do to make this petition your own is to MEAN it." And,"God is incapable of wasting our time."
As I began my time with Him, He met WITH me, and I could feel His Spirit move heavily on my heart and I just began to sob even before I could get one word out of my mouth. I knew He was with me and we were in this TOGETHER.
The words resonated with my soul and I finally found expression for some of my deepest vulnerabilities.
AMEN and AMEN!!! Thank you for walking us through such an honest and heartfelt time of communion with the Lord! And now may the healing begin!!!
Karen
51
married
Tennessee
Crystal
Way Up North, Wisconsin
47
Married
God definitely gave you and blessed us with that prayer, Beth! I was going to just share what I highlighted but it turned out to be way too much so I'll share that I felt peace, understanding of why I am insecure, excitement to be moving forward, emotional …
This perfectionist WILL be writing some POWER verses in the back of my book – that was such an awesome idea.
Grace and Blessings to All!
I was able to arrange for an hour of "alone time" this afternoon – hubby playing golf and my girls spending time with their big sister. This prayer was so powerful for me today. I plan to read it several times in the days to come to impress it in my mind! It seemed like every paragraph was written with some type of insecurity the I am dealing with or need to be dealing with! The parts of the prayer that stood out most for me were:
* I'm sick of faking, sick of sulking!
* to take responsibility for the insecurity that is my own doing
*Forgive me for my unbelief
*Where I lost innocence, grant me integrity, where I've held someone responsible for my loss, grant me the ability to forgive.
* Help me where I am overly sensitive
These are the things that jumped out at me the most, but I have notes and stars by many places that spoke straight to my heart. Thank you, Beth, for this prayer!
TODAY I TAKE MY DIGNITY BACK! NO ONE AND NOTHING CAN TAKE IT FROM ME BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONE WHO GAVE IT TO ME!!
Luain
40's
Married
Texas
Well, I'm definitely shifting my trust to the Lord, and have been given ample opportunity this very week to do so. Seems like we often get to live out the very things we are studying! Hmmm….
Sue
Grand Rapids, MI
Married
50's
Chapter nine was extremely relieving me for. It was as if the prayer was straight from my heart. Every sentence was so true in my life. I loved this part of the prayer: " I am ready to discover what it means to be truly secure. I am willing to do whatever it takes to be free and to allow you to do through me what I cannot do for myself." After writing down the date that I had read the prayer I wrote at the bottom, "I am going to change…starting now!" Immediately, I felt healing. It was so encouraging to give up my desires and confessions to God I knew that nothing could hold me back from moving forward. I am so excited about the healing journey. Everyday I have to constantly remind myself of the things in my prayer, and when I do I am feeling so much better about myself!
I forgot to put my info. Here it is for my post above!
20's
Married
Charleston, SC
#1 – One word: Worth
#2 – Saved in a Word document, ready to be written in my book. But 5? I may break the suggestion and go for more! LOVED this one.."Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" Gal.3:3 NLT
Sarah
Port St Joe, FL
20's
Single
The first thing I received from Chapter 9 was God's perfect timing. (CRYSTIE-I can relate to your mom situation) I had just had a falling out with my mom. As I drove away from her house, it occurred to me, 'that woman doesn't even respect me; never has.' I've been the polite one, always 'keeping the peace' until now, (thank you disc 5 of "Living Beyond Yourself') and it has been to my detriment as far as searching for security in a mother that simply couldn't deliver. –It was a rainy night & I drove myself to the beach. I sat in my car, listened to Chap 9 from my audio book & as the rain fell, so did my tears. –Oh, but for the peace of releasing so much & petitioning to my ever trustworthy parent, my Jesus, who IS my security.
I have found through Beth's teaching of God's Word & certainly in Chap 9, God's undeniable desire to see me, all of us, reach our 'on earth promised land.' He truly is the ever wonderful parent cheering us on to victory. These quotes from the prayer really encourage my soul:
"You alone know how I am made & who I'm meant to be…"
"You look beyond the point of my failure to the depth of my need…"
"Forgive me for leaving the gifts you've given me undeveloped & much less effective than you intended them to be…"
"Flood my life w/ purpose & compassion…"
"Don't stop until you make a miracle of me…"
"Nothing is w/out purpose; show what you can do through me. Increase the praise that comes to you through my life…"
"Because of your mercy, I am no fool. Only a wise woman shifts her trust to You."
Rockin My Freedom
Orange County, CA
30's/Single
Ch.9
In the last couple of quiet times, before I started the prayer Beth wrote, I'd prayed about the journey I've been on regarding my insecurities. The things God has been showing me poured out. It was such an affirmation to see some of the very things I'd prayed, in the prayer in Ch.9.
I'd be going along and then I'd get this "oh,wow" sort of thing; not really a word per se, but more of a sound of agreement coming from the depths of me. Following are a few of the sections that spoke to me:
-"As You reveal Yourself to me, I ask that You also mercifully reveal myself to me."
-"Use change to provoke what needs changing in me, Lord …"
-"Please deliver me from self-pity and a life of excuses and rationalizations."
-"Transform what drives me. Quell what triggers me."
– Thanking God for His faithfulness in the placing of His people in my life and using them for His purposes.
Reading some of the blog entries, it is clear to see that God annointed this prayer.It is touching so many women through the truth in it.
On p.165, Beth, you mentioned that we could use the prayer as a guide to return to as needed. Thank you for that. It is good to be reminded that even though what we've prayed is true and effective, satan doesn't give up on trying to trip us up. Walking in the newness of strength and dignity is going to take some getting used to … not unlike trying to walk in high-heels for the first time. The more we practice what we know to be true the easier it will be, by the grace of God.
With thanks to God for you all,
Karen
47
married
sm.town, SK
I just got done with this week's assignment and feel ready to continue on with this journey. This is a prayer I am going to continue to go back to and pray it without ceasing! Thank you Beth!
I just did Chapter 9 this morning and found the prayer to be amazing, lots of parts of it could apply to different areas in your life also. I really walked away from that feeling that I had more dignity but through the course of the day I think I lost it. Fighting is such hard work. I know I need to keep at it and I definitely found Saturday's verses to be very encouraging with that. Thanks everyone!
Forgot again….
Jennifer
20s
Ocala, Fl
Married
Amy
Washington, D.C.
Single
20s
I decided to have my quiet time on Sunday after church. I live alone so finding time away from people was not hard. You mentioned that we should find a place and come before God in whatever position we needed to so that we can receive from Him. For me, I had to lay on my face. I laid down with the book and pen and started reading and writing. I didn't get through the first paragraph of the prayer before I started to cry.
Beth, it was like you were inside my head and heart the whole time. I wept and wept. There was such a release every time I opened my mouth and read each sentence. That's right, I read it out loud and with all my heart. Did I "feel" a lot? No. Did I KNOW God was working in me? YES! I have decided that I will re-read this prayer every week before I read each assignment. I want this to go down into my Spirit until I know that I am 100% in victory. It's happening now and I want it to continue.
I know I've said it before, but here it is again: having never been on a date or asked out (and I'll be 27 on Monday! – I wish I could see you on your book tour in Dallas and Houston this weekend!) I have always believed it was because I wasn't pretty enough. After going through this prayer and then allowing God to speak to my spirit (Be still and know that I AM GOD!) I got up and went to the bathroom to dry off my eyes and runny nose. I looked in the mirror and told the woman I saw looking back (who I couldn't even look at in the shower) what a marvelous and wonderful creation she is…I stayed there until I believed what was coming out of my mouth. Beth, looking in the mirror and telling myself I'm beautiful is something I hate to do…I've had to before when I had sessions with a Christian counselor…and I hated it. I couldn't do it. But I stayed in front of the mirror until I BELIEVED it. I believe it! Glory, hallelujah, A.M.E.N.!
Wichita Falls, TX
married
40's
Am I the only one? I was severely attacked yesterday. I left for work today reciting "For the Lord my God is the one who goes with me to fight for me against my enemies to give me victory." Duet 20:4 NIV all because of what I believed was a customer complaint after I left work yesterday. I text my boss (the owner) who did not text me back, also did the same thing this morning and she didn't answer. She came in and to make a long story short he wanted to let her know info that had nothing to do with his order but how she runs her business. Yesterday, I also had called tech support for the copier and when they came out they couldn't find out what was wrong. I left with her talking to him. I had it in my mind that I made a mistake in calling them out and it was going to cost a lot. Well, we had to call them out 2 more times today to fix it. I found out that she pays a monthly service charge no matter how many times they come out. I did all that worry for NOTHING. Satan is down right terrible. God is amazing and I couldn't help but praise HIM today for his faithfulness which is my shield and rampart. Since reading the book I feel that Satan is working overtime due to this. Am I the only one???? Thanks for letting me share. Beth, you ought to write up a blog just to let us share our stories. I'm sure there are a few to share.
Precious Lord and Savior, I need a Miracle! I need the touch of Your healing hand! I'm praying this is Your will because I know You hear me when I call and I'm calling out – I'm pleading, please God touch me like only You can!
I love you with all of my heart, soul, and mind. May others see that I'm clothed with You.
Traci, 40's, Married – Corona, CA
Kara
Streetsboro, OH
Single
30's
The whole prayer was worded almost as if it just spoke of me and my life of insecurity. I don't have anything real profound to share that God showed me. I just know that I want to commit to becoming secure in Him.
On another note, I saw you (Beth) on Life Today talking about "showing courage"(this was a portion of a larger subject that I'm not remembering off hand) in our circumstances. I've been dealing with a situation at work where I need to show courage when I don't feel it, you helped me greatly. Thanks, Love you.
Tanni
Cincinnati, OH
43
married with 4 children :)..all r sleeping :)))
I have been trying to find the time to read chapter 9 this entire week..In my emotional life I have hit rock bottom and am awed once again by His timeliness…all are snug in their beds and I sat down to work through the prayer journey…I know that God is beginning to move this stagnant spirit of mine and I feel like shouting! The tears I shed were so sweet and I am so excited to be on a path of renewal.
Reading through the scripture verses on strength and writing the ones down that are speaking to me now is like salve to a wound.
These past few weeks have been very hard for me emotionally and just when I needed a word of encouragement the LORD spoke thru one of my dearest friends from another state who i haven't heard from since Christmas….she sent me, out of the blue, a verse from a song by The SideWalk Prophets…the words spoke to my heart and do you know…20 minutes after she sent the email and in the 10 minutes from dropping off my preschooler and heading home in my car the song came on the radio…I am going to write the words down as it has gotten me through each day…I have even made it the new ringtone on my phone!
"Be strong in the Lord
Never give up hope
You're gonna do great things
I already know
God's got his hand on you
So don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here
take your time and pray
These are the words I would say….
….Come find peace in the Father….
I do not have enough words for the life change and heart healing that I am experiencing through the message in this book…I would never have seen past the composed reflection in the mirror and recognized the face of insecurity staring back at me….to lay all of this aside and see myself the way He sees me is the most challenging yet exhilarating ride I have ever been on !
After a week of procrastination, exhausting all excuses (God is so persistent! Geez..LOL), and imagining Beth saying "Don't make me get out of this chair! Your supposed to honor your "Siesta Mama!"– I finally caved.. I DID chapter 9. Whew.. What a relief!!! Not because I got IT out of the way..Because I finally got out of MY own way!! I really have been my own worst enemy:( God didn't bring out the kazillion insecurities that I already knew about. He brought out the source of ALL my insecurities! I love Him so much, and I have dedicated my life to serve Him.. But I don't TRUST him!! I realized that I try to gamble with God! How absurd!? I trust Him when the stakes aren't high, but I shut him out and try to rely on myself with the things in my life that are the most precious to me! When He revealed that to me, that scared little girl inside came out and cried like a baby.. So I gave him ALL of my heart last night.. not just bits and pieces…but ALL of it. And then I thanked Him for giving all of us the bestest Siesta Mama in the whole world!!
I was able to sit outside on a gorgeous sunny day over the weekend and read chapter nine to myself. The prayer seemed to cover every thought and emotion that I have had while reading this book. A beautiful healing has begun.
Sara
18
Belton, Tx
Single
I just cried & cried reading that prayer as a cry to God!! Many, many of those statements could've been written by me and I sensed the Lord wanting me to get it all 'out thrre' so we can begin to deal with it. Almost 50 years of 'stuff'…I feel peace though because my God can be trusted'!!
I don't know if you ever read in a prior post, how I said this book came out in the middle of my 'Breaking Free' Bible study, (it was my goal to break free from chronic insecurity). I just sense God telling me 'it's time'!
Judi
Lancaster, PA
40's
Married
I got together with Jesus to pray through Chapter 9 last Friday. It was SO cleansing to go through the confession part… asking and receiving forgiveness for so much that I had done as a result of my insecurity. I think that was the most powerful part for me! And, I've already seen some changes. : ) Sunday night after youth group, for the first time ever, I didn't need to wait/ask for my hubby's feedback on my lesson. I knew how it had gone and while I wasn't happy with all of it, I FELT SECURE. Proof of healing, right there. PRAISE GOD.
I so hope all our siestas who think they're behind don't try to hurry just to catch up. These posts will be here when God says it's time for them. TAKE YOUR TIME… but don't avoid it when God says it's your time, either! : ) Bless all you girls!!! I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have you all to do it with! : )
Melissa
Fresno, CA
Married
30's
After doing Chapter 9, I realized that I need to write out my own that is designed for me. There are elements of security that God and I have already conquered. But I have a long way in being secure in every part of my life. In my confession to God, I realized that I have to work hard on my judgmental attitudes. I thank you for writing this book. There are so many things that you wrote about in 10 that I had to go thru with and without God and now women can read about it and beware. When ever I feel insecure, I say a prayer and act like I am putting on a coat, power and dignity. Praise the Lord. I am also doing Breaking Free Bible Study again and I am waiting for the DVD on the new revised book.
Bless you Beth and Bless your whole family.
Cheri C.
Vancouver, WA
Married
40
After praying the prayer late at night, when I woke up, I had a lightness I haven't had in a long time. My parents instilled a very deep fear of just about everything into me. I usually go nuts if either one of my kids are gone from my sight for more than 30 seconds (they're 12 and 14 for crying out loud!).
Today I actually walked away from my daughter at the library and said I'd be looking at cookbooks. I didn't have one single panic attack. You have no idea what a miracle this is for me.
I'm going to keep reading and doing the work!!! Thank you so much for this book!
key phrases for me in Chapter 9:
if i do not seek healing and wholeness, i will instead end up perpetuating the cycle of insecurity… flood my life with purpose and compassion…i am capable of tremendous transformation with You!…please restore to my sould all that insecurity has stolen from me… for i am a wise woman who has shifted her trust to You!!
i couldn't narrow it down to 5 verses. the ones i chose were so powerful for different reasons:
God will bring the victory (ps 44:3) if i will wait on Him (ps 27:14, ex 14:14) and stand firm in battle (gal 5:1) using His powerful weapons (2 cor 10:4). it is His will and His plan for me to be victorious in this fight! (rom 12:2, deut 2:3, isa 43:18-19)
yes! and amen!
Melinda
34 years old
Married
Jackson, MS
Chapter 9 was very special to me. My husband is deploying this coming Sunday though, and while he is gone over the next many months, after we finish this book from this study, I want to read "Get Out of That Pit!" and "Breaking Free" (I have never read either of them) and then I want to come back to this book and re-read it again and I think that I will have learned and grown to where, spiritually, this book will mean even more to me. This book and this special prayer time with the Lord have really opened my eyes to the fact that I have some real baggage to move out of my life so that I can take the necessary steps to allow God to make me really, truly secure (not just pretend for church on Sunday secure).
Thanks also for all the wonderful scriptures – I'm off to pick out my "Top 5!"
I've been praying the ch.9 prayer all week…and I'm sure will revisit it often. What sweet release. God has a way of strengthening me when I know my struggles are not unique to me. He has met me powerfully every time I've called His name…one bummer…I need to vaccuum more often…didn't realize my carpet was not as clean as it looks til my face was in it daily. 🙂
Julia
Whidbey Island, WA
40's
separated, but still married!
Like I've said before, I've strongly believed that I'm not worth all the things you listed on page 73. The last couple of weeks, God has been totally reshaping my thinking. It's like I never really got the point of the cross. Jesus' eath on the cross is proof that I am worth all of those things. I've also started to drop the belief that I'm worth that to God, but not to many other people. Because God says I am worth those things, I am worth them no matter what anyone wants me to believe. I am finally starting to believe this. Also, God has had me focus in on John 3:16. First, He had me repeat it. Then He showed it to me as, " For God LOVED me so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that he could KEEP me FOREVER," and had me repeat that. Then I heard Him repeatedly tell me, "I LOVE you so much I gave my one and only Son, so that I could KEEP you FOREVER." It's made such a huge difference so far. This also made a difference in the prayer time for this chapter when I got to the part about God not giving us a spirit of fear. God revealed that He took the spirit of fear I've been living with to the cross with Him, and if i let it, it can remain nailed to the cross and I can be filled with His spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Today, I felt like I died to insecurity, and when I've noticed it trying to stop me, I remember that I prayed a prayer to die to it and don't let it hold me back. It truly is freeing.
Elizabeth
Escalon, CA
Single
20's
1. Do Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific you received from it.
I am frustrated with myself for not taking a more intentional approach to finding time to do this chapter this week. I tried to squeeze in reading a bit between PTA meetings at my daughter’s school, then in carpool lines during the week. It just hit me that perhaps that is why deep, lasting healing has never come to me in this area and it won’t unless I stop and carve out time for God and for Him alone. Lord, forgive my lack of effort and pitiful attempt at praying to you. Let’s try this again.
What a precious time of early morning you just provided, Lord. I am so thankful. Thank you Beth for writing this God given prayer and I pray that it will sink in so deep that all of the insecurity, unbelief, unforgiveness, and fear is driven out. Lord make it so. I am ready and willing. DO YOUR THING LORD!
2. Go to last Saturday’s post and look at the verses in the comment section. Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you fee like you need the most – and write them on the inside back cover of the book.
Look to the Lord and his strength, see his face always. – Psalm 105:4
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Wait for the Lord,
Be strong and take heart
And wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14
My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. – 1John 4:16a
You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north. – Deut. 2:3
Kendall
Simpsonville, SC
30's and Married
I did Chapter 9 yesterday. I had to find a time when I was alone, when husband was at work & kids at school. I started it a few days ago and I got a couple of pages into it when I heard the kitchen door open and my husband walk in. I stopped because I was doing the "ugly cry" and wanted it to be a special time with just me & God. So I started over and did it all the way through yesterday. It was very freeing as I cried my way through it. It was a good time of confession and saying things that I had never put into words before. And as I already know, but don't do enough of I must speak His Truth into my life. I found the neatest verse that has just resonated with me this week.
Psalm 107:20
He sent forth His Word and healed them,
He rescued them from the grave.
(Or as the New King James says: And He delivered them from their destructions.)
I've been walking around all week saying, "He sent forth His Word, He sent forth His Word!" So if you see this crazy mumbling girl at the mall, it's just me saying, "He sent forth His Word".
My verses are
Galatians 5:1
Psalm 105:4
Psalm 107: 20
Proverbs 31:25
Psalm 119:32
Tesa
Perry, GA
40's
Married
Wow….I needed chapter 9. I haven't posted for the last couple of weeks because I felt so raw I just wanted my responses to be between me and God. The prayer was so powerful and such a healing experience. It's hard to wrap appropriate words around the experience so I'll just say Praise you Jesus!!!!!!
Heidi
40's, married
Cary, NC
I prayed the prayer in chapter nine this morning. God opened my eyes to many things. What a tangled web I have woven. I am so thankful He knows every fiber of my being and is willing to straighten me out as I humbly confess my sin to Him. My eyes were opened by this prayer. Beth, I think you peeked inside my heart. However, it is God who is working through you to teach me. Thank you Lord and thank you Beth.
Mary
57
Married
Arkansas
The part of the prayer that most spoke to me was pg 172, 2nd paragraph up until we write who we are particularly thankful for. Beth could have wrote "Now Stacie, this part is for you. God told me so!!"
Chapter 9 really spoke to me! I realize that the insecurity that I sense in my relationship with God is me putting human tendencies on Him. So that all the things I fear from people I translate to my Father/daughter relationship with Him. And NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!! Asking Him to make me unafraid of things I see in myself because of the light He shines on it is so freeing!!! Realizing that my changing circumstances do not have to affect my security – tremendous!!
I will continue to ask Him to "transform what drives me…to help me make conscious decisions about the cost of what is being sold to me is worth it, and asking for discernment to call a lie a lie!"
And finally, since my granddaughter is due to be born in 6 weeks, I am asking Him to make me a woman that she can follow in dignity and security!
Thank you Beth, for being and providing the vehicle that God is using in my life to help me come to wholeness in Him!!
Rhonda
Lima, OH
48 (for 1 more week!)
married
I actually prayed my prayer on Feb. 9th during our snow storms here in Mississippi. I'm a teacher, so snowbound gave me plenty of time. Like the other siestas, my time was very moving. It has come on the heels of finishing Breaking Free. Only God could have timed both of these to fit in my life right now. I also appreciated it coming after the chapter on making a fool of oursevles. In my life "talking too much" has been my big "revelation" of insecurity to other people. So my prayer time was definitely a time of confession, new enlightenment from my God, and choosing to trust PERIOD. But God is SO incredible that the moments I choose this trust and make decisions accordingly, He absolutley surrounds me with love and affirmation for trusting Him. Now, right after this, I had to do something I didn't want to and it ended up not turning out the way I hoped, yet. But God helped me for the first time in my life to NOT react out of insecurity. I decided to trust period and see how God wanted to fight this battle for me. I've gone a different direction and He's working and soon I believe it's going to be resolved. Priase Him because this is very important to my life and I'll always know HE DID IT. I am clothed with His strength and dignity and as I walk in obedience to Him, I CAN laugh at the days to come.
Thank you Beth, for writing this book and letting God heal you; your healing has led to mine with God in the lead for us both- Bless You. Please pray that my healing will lead to encouragement of others to allow God to heal them.
Amanda
divorced
40's
Olive Branch, MS
Jariza
33
Married
Alburtis, PA
I did Chapter Nine Assisgnment and bawled while I read through it but was so refreshed at the same time. There were things that came to me that I remembered that I hadn't because I had blocked so much out and tried to always put the strong face on. I even shared it with my husband afterward because there were things I didn't even realize were driving my insecurities and it just felt so good to know that I can walk differently and still be considered a strong woman. What a relief to unburden myself to my Lord. I am so ready to fight back. Thank You Lord and than you Beth for every single word in that prayer.
I completed Chapter nine. I was having a hard time finding the time alone, but I asked God to get me up extra early this morning so I would be alone for a while and lo and behold, He did. He is so faithful! I enjoyed my prayer time and am ready to move forward. I especially enjoyed reading the many scriptures from the previous 3/6/10 post. Wow. This was the first time I have had the chance to read through some of them. I had a very hard time writing only 5, every one I came to was fitting enough to write on my back cover. I started just writing down the verses by number. Thanks to everyone who posted on that day!
Joni
Animas, NM
30's
married
Lonna
40's
Albany, OR
Married
I read the beginning of Chapter 9 right away but held off on the prayer part until I could block some time. I have to say though I was so excited to get to that part. Meanwhile, my insecurities ran rampant. I think they knew it was nearing the end for them. I think the enemy knew it was nearing the end of his control. But I finally had time yesterday to cry my way through the rest of chapter 9 and realize the blanks were too small. I think what I love most about this journey is the way my thought processes are changing. Now when I mentally slam myself or someone else, I follow up immediately with "oh honey, you don't have to do that, you are crowned with dignity, you belong to the everlasting Father". Or something similar to those thoughts. I'll tell ya, as I dwell on those things (dignity,strength belonging, power, love, sound mind, etc) I relax more, I smile more because I know. I know that my Redeemer not only lives, He's redeeming me on a daily basis. (One of the definitions of Redeem is: "To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of" What??? Oh yes! And another definition is: "To set free; rescue or ransom."!!!!! )
So daily, daily honey, I am having my honor, my worth and my reputation restored and I am being set free!!! Hallelujah. I am tempted to follow that up with an insecure statement like, "don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect…" but I'm not going to because that would be falling into my insecure pattern of apologizing for being positive, filled with hope and knocking myself back down. I am excited about these changes and I am going to take everything one day at a time knowing that "You are my security, O God. You are the ONE SURE THING". When everything around me shakes, You are unshakable". (pg 171). And yes the voice inside keeps saying; "well you don't know what is around the corner, you better be careful being so happy and positive" and you know what, it's right, I don't know, but what I do know is that God is unshakable and He is my security, He is my peace, that I do know and if I have to memorize chapter 9 along with all the verses that go with it I will because this battle is fought so much in the mind and I want my mind armed and guarded with the true Word of God even more so than it ever has been.
Thank you for providing us with this forum to share and encourage each other. And Beth, thank you for hearing from God because I'll bet there have been times you look back over what you have written and have been encouraged by your own writings because you know you have been and are the willing servant and let God write these things through you. I can tell this prayer was inspired by God Himself and for that I am grateful. Being raised in the ministry all my life I can smell false Christianity and shallowness a mile away and I haven't even had a whiff of it in your book. And I do have to confess that normally I avoid these books (Christian, self help type) like the plague, but this one I didn't even hesitate to buy and jump on board. That's because I guess God kicked me in the attention getter and said "get to it girl". And here I is, gettin' to it. Love it, Love you, Love God!
To Florida, 39, Divorced,
Anonymous:
My heart goes out to you. I've been divorced for some years. I've prayed the very prayers you have prayed. But so far I'm not remarried. I've been asked twice but it's just not been "right." I don't know how else to say this and hopefully you will even read this: But God has drawn you out ALONE so He can heal you. God made us to serve our husbands, we cannot possibly do that well if our whole life depends on that man. God will never allow this for you. He loves you far too much to allow you to stay in that sickness. I am praying for you that God will give you courage to break off that relationship and let God surround you with His fullness and love so He can heal you and give you a right relationship when you are ready. Lots of Love and Encouragement from a fellow siesta.
Amanda
divorced
40's
Mississippi