Hey, Siestas! Thank you for such an outpouring of support in my blog break. God has already caused it to bear fruit the way I’d hoped. He’s so faithful. I miss you so much and think of you daily. I hope to see some of you Houston area girls at Bible study tonight. I’m so blessed to serve tonight with my friend, Christy Nockels. OK, here’s today’s TOPIC for Talk To Me Tuesday.
Talk to me about a time in your own life when God called you to an area of obedience that was particularly difficult but ultimately (and surprisingly) led to joy. Limit your story to one meaty paragraph so we can read as many as possible. Let’s hear it! I surely do love you girls.
As a Special Education teacher I was working a contract position that was coming to an end. I saw a posting on the wall in the staff room of the school I was teaching at for a Teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in a secondary school. The job was to start the Monday after my position ended on Friday. I felt this overwhelming feeling to apply for the position even though I did not have the necessary qualifications and it was in a secondary school (I never wanted to teach high school..I thought the students would eat me alive)!! Trusting and wanting to be obedient I RELUCTANTLY applied. I remember walking through the halls of the high school with my application package, looking at the students and having this internal argument with God that went something like “you have got to be kidding me if you think I am working here, etc.” Long story short…I got the position as no other applicant was as close to qualified as I was. I have loved, loved, loved this position and my students. So much so that I applied and was accepted into a program to get my Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher qualifications. I could not have imagined myself in this position a year ago. The job will be coming to an end in the next month or so, but I am very excited to see what God has in store for me next!!
The Lord required us to move to NC. I never imagined moving away from ‘home’, and had absolutely no desire to do it. But, through our obedience I have seen His hand move mountains on our behalf. There were times we had no income – yet He provided faithfully from food to mortgage payments. We never were late with a bill and never missed a meal. He has carried us through and I would do it all again. Hard is just hard, not bad.
A recent one hasn’t led to joy yet but I’m believing somehow it will. We have a 2.5 year old that’s been very sick and spent much time in the hospital ICU. As we emerged from ‘critical’ mode and attempted to get into normal life I found a wonderful preschool program for him to attend. I was so excited for him to play with other children and get some social interaction. It isn’t a Christian school but many of our Christian friends go there and I felt it was a great environment.
He was attending and LOVING every bit of it. I happened to notice there were Buddha statues tucked into various corners of the offices and hallways and this troubled me. When I questioned the administration they assured me that it was just artwork but I couldn’t get it out of my mind. My husband and I prayed and fasted for a week and we clearly felt the nudging to pull him out of that school. Seemed silly over a few statues. We pulled him out without fussing about it…and truth be told I would have felt silly saying it was over some meaningless(to me) statues. But I know it was God’s leading. No great joy over it, feel sad that I had to pull him out of something he enjoyed so much
and I guess I’m hoping that at some point we’ll have and understanding of God’s call to obedience.
ps Mama Beth…before I made the decision I thought of you at the airport getting up to brush that man’s hair…obedience is better than a sacrifice, right?
I know God is calling me to take another step of obedience in my life in letting someone in to help keep me accountable and to face up to some of the unspoken sins in my life. That’s where I’m at right now. I’m meeting with a lady mentor on Friday to ask for her help in this. I keep talking myself out of it, because of my pride and Satan keeps telling me I’ll be embarrassed and ashamed. And I already am those things, but I know God has called me to so much more than to live in the dark and my fears. So I know in the end that there will be much joy and freedom in this act of obedience. I would just ask for your prayer as I step out into this scary moment.
Oh Beth, I am so happy to share this with you. 8 years ago I was a major career woman – totally seeking my significance in my job and advancement. I began your study of John The Beloved & through that God spoke clearly to me to “forsake ambition for affection” and to give up my career to become a full time mom and seek my satisfaction in life from purely being a beloved child of God. I dragged my heals and tried somewhat to make a few deals with God to keep my career, but he spoke louder and made it very clear what he wanted me to do. So, I quit my job – walked away from a dream opportunity it had taken me 10 years to achieve and became a stay home mom to my 3 sons. I was pregnant at the time of this study and my third son is named John at a reminder of the lesson and the blessing I received for my obedience. Thank you for writing that study. It truly changed my life!
Sticking around, pressing in, and waiting on the Lord as He restored my marriage after my husband attempted to bail. Working through the healing process after he confessed to two affairs and repented. That was 4 years ago….today, I am astounded at just how HAPPILY married we are! All by God’s grace! He is SOOOOO faithful!
One more thing–must share a “funny”….the Chapmans are on tour, and they came through our little podunk town of Thomasville on Saturday night. When Mary Beth spoke, she got one of the biggest episodes of applause when she was untangling her microphone earpiece from her headband, and she said, “I was trying a new do with this headband…wanted it to be bigger with moore poof…like Beth Moore!”
You’re such an example to so many! 🙂 Love you, Siesta Mama!
First of all, I just wanted to add that I was at the college age women’s event you did with Christy Nockels in Chicago several years ago and was so blessed by it. The things God did in me through both of you at that conference are still bearing fruit in my life today, over 4 or 5 years later. And not just some kind of vague connection – the truths taught at that conference stuck with me big time.
Time of difficult obedience? Long story short, after I graduated from college I helped launch a youth outreach through my local church. For two years I poured my life into the “at-risk” youth and the team of leaders God brought us. God was doing a tremendous work and just as I was thinking that there was nothing else I’d rather do with my life, He called me out of it. Two years ago, the international ministry I was working for at the same time decided to start planting churches in our home state. My first several years there had been rocky, stressful and demanding to say the least. After weeks of praying and debating, I knew God was calling me to leave the youth ministry, my home and my friends to help start these new works. No one in my life at the time thought it was a good idea, and in the natural, it wasn’t. I didn’t even think it was a good idea, but God was incredibly clear. Two years later I can look back and honestly say it was, hands down, the best decision I could have made. It certainly hasn’t always been easy, but God has done such a work in me that I wouldn’t trade for anything. He’s expanded my vision and developed the gifts in me beyond a point I thought possible. He’s opened so many new doors and just two months ago I had the opportunity to preach the gospel overseas for the first time, something I don’t think I would have done if I had stayed where I was. I had to lose my ministry to gain my calling – and it was so worth it.
For years, I had been begging my husband for a new mattress, but he thought the one we had was good enough. He is a saver and I am a spender, so you can imagine the fights we’ve had over money. One morning I was changing the sheets on our bed when my eyes fell on the large crater on my husband’s side of the mattress, and I thought of the spring we had recently discovered that was poking through the opposite side, boring a hole into the wood platform. I looked up at God, pointed to the crater, shook my head and said, “SEE?! SEE WHAT I HAVE TO PUT UP WITH?!” And I just welled up inside with resentment and anger towards my miserly husband. Just then, this thought came to me: “Turn it around. Turn the mattress around so the crater is on your side.”
As the reality of what the Lord was telling me to do began to sink in, I responded, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! You seriously want me to turn the mattress around so the crater is on MY SIDE?!” I just stood there for about ten seconds and then suddenly I let out a whoop and starting laughing! It was one of those Lord-I-don’t-know-what-You’re-up-to moments when I questioned God’s logic but simultaneously knew I had no choice but to obey. And girl, don’t TELL me God doesn’t have a sense of humor, because He surely DOES!
And don’t ask me how HE did it, but two weeks later I had a new Swedish foam mattress and OH.THE.JOY!!!
This is so cool to me! I am 17 and praying a lot lately about ways to start preparing myself to be the best wife I can be…I love seeing how God will bless us when we respect our husbands, even when he may be wrong. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh dear Chesney, you will have such a blessed marriage. My first clue, you are praying a lot lately and preparing yourself and seeking God. Then, that you have begun to be under the direction and guidance of Beth Moore through her studies and blog. Wow! God is creating a new generation of servants, I am in awe of Him. I love your smile Chesney and I will pray for you as well. This will make you an outstanding mom and friend too.
Terry that is wonderful! thank you for the laughter and love.
LOL!! 🙂
Hello Beth and All you Beautiful Siestas,
Mine has been obedience in submission to my husband. We have been married for 16 great years. I was single until in my 40’s and set in my ways. During the first year we were in Home Depot shopping for a faucet and I was so tired of it. Finally I said, lets get which ever one you want. My husbands eyes opened wide and he got it. Both of us felt the shift and God’s hand on us. It is not always easy but when I feel angry or pressured about wanting it my way only….. I hear “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ep. 5:21 and God shifts what is happening. Obedience is possible and there is a blessing that comes with it. May God bless each of you with obedience.
Love, Cynthia
About six years ago the Lord asked me to lay down music ministry. I’ve been singing since – well since before I could talk. I LOVED singing, leading worship, directing choirs – anything involved in music ministry. I fought giving it up for months, but finally yielded. I can’t say that the joy was immediate, or that since it came has been constant – I still miss what was. However, what I have found is that I now have the time and energy for something that gives me MORE joy and satisfaction that music ministry ever did – that is one on one mentoring. Joy comes through obedience. It comes – but sometimes it is a discovery not an instant feeling.
Well said, Vicki – “sometimes it is a discovery not an instant feeling.” Thank you for sharing that insight, it really helps.
I hope your day is blessed.
Patti Hayes
I am going through this right now with praying if I should step back from serving on the women’s ministry team. I just feel my hands are in too many pots and I can’t do the job to my fullest. I’m praying God will give me peace about what to do. Any other advice you can share?
The time that comes to my mind right now happened a number of years ago. I was finishing up college, when the Lord asked me to remove myself from all the friends I had made. I was living lukewarm. I knew that He was calling me to work with youth, yet He needed to do a work in me before I would be effective in that role. I wanted to obey, but I knew it would be a difficult decision. However, I was obedient and removed myself from those friends. As a result, I went through a very, very lonely time. But it was during that time that I feel madly in love with Jesus!! He began to replace my friends with a group of Godly friends at my new church. I started working with the youth group and became a girl’s SS teacher. Out of this group of friends, fourteen of us are now in full time ministry. I also married one of them!! Three beautiful kids later and a husband who loves me deeply was my long-term payoff. My joy is over flowing as I write. It was definitely worth it! Praise God that I listened!
How true it often is that the Lord uses a lonely season to bless us the the beauty of his love- then when we do receive the direct fellowship of others again, we’d think twice of trying to go at life without Him at the center again. Once you taste the depth of God’s love- it compels us to keep so close to him. What a beautiful reminder, thank you! As cliche or “cheesy” at it may be- nothing is more beautiful than a season where you can say- I fell in love with Jesus there…
Hi Bethie! I’ve been thinking on this topic all day because I just can’t come up with one particular scenario. It seems that right now my entire life is marked by my obedience or sadly, lack thereof, to God and his glory being seen in my life. I have been on a walk with the Lord that has led me into a new town to live in, a new set of people to live with (after more than 6 years living alone!), and a new job soon to start after 4 months of being unemployed. God is calling me to obey him by following his lead. I remind myself of the animals that I used to raise to take to the fair. Training them to walk with a lead was very difficult. They had to learn to trust me and submit to my will. Weird parallel, but that is me and God right now. I rest in the promise that I will experience blessing and reward when it is finished (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Bethany, I look forward to a good long phone conversation or to see you face to face! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in your life. I can’t wait to hear about the new job and roomies and hear what you are learning in the Word. Maybe we need another plane ride. 🙂
actually the season i’m in right now is very close what you are asking about: God called us away from our friends and family to a very small town – in a different part of the country than we’re from. after 1 year, i pleaded with God to open a door elsewhere – to move us out, but He said “stay” and it took many months of anger and bitterness before i realized that in staying, God opened up several doors to build friendships and ultimately led us to the church we are now members of. it is still a trial, and is difficult to be so far away from family, but he is blessing us in this place, for this season, and slowly, my heart is letting go of the bitterness and searching for contentment and joy once again.
I relate to your situation. I moved to Colorado and had such a difficult time making friends. I met a lot of people, but I never felt like this was home. My husband and I put our home on the market when my baby was a junior in high school, nobody was happy and we felt God was leading us somewhere else. Apparently not. We have been here for 5 years and now it is home. I love our church, love my job, love my friends and through it all am now the leader in our Beth Moore Bible Study. I have always had a passion for pre-school aged children, but God had other plans. He is always faithful. Hang in there, it will keep getting better.
thank you, marla – i needed this bit of encouragement today. i’m missing my family and friends tonight. thank you for reminding me that God is ALWAYS faithful!
In 2007 God called me back into teaching high school fulltime. At that time, I was a stay at home mom and working part time for a women’s ministry writing devotions, editing Bible study materials, maintaining the website – anything that was needed. I was devastated but knew through extenuating circumstances God was putting me back in the classroom. I loved working with the ministry and absolutely did not want to go back to teaching.
This year afte 17 years of marriage, my husband decided that his addictions were stronger than his desire to be healed and married and he wanted out of the marriage. Had I not been obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit I would now be a single mom of 2 great kids without a job and with no teaching positions available. Through this I truly see how God goes before us and provides when we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Pam,
I have been where you are. Praise God that you were faithful to Him in obedience! Hang in there, girl – you’ve already learned what was hardest for me – that He will provide your every need, often before you even know it’s a need!
Wendy, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. It would take a book for me to tell you how many different ways and methods in which God has provided for us! It has been amazing!
wow pam. i’m sorry your husband made that decision, but i LOVE hearing how that decision was no surprise to God and how He provided for you and your kids. my dad left us too… love you, siesta <3
Amy, I’m so sorry for your loss because it’s not how life is supposed to be! I know that God’s grace sustains you just like it does my own children!
Oh, Pam! Thank you for sharing your story of God’s faithfulness. He is so loving to have gone before you and prepared you for something only He knew would come to pass. My own husband left me when I was 9 months pregnant. I know firsthand that our loving, faithful God is a husband to the husbandless and a father to the fatherless. You obviously know that you are not alone! Thank you for your wonderful testimony of obedience.
Father God, I pray for Pam and her children, that You will be a Shield around them, O Lord! I pray for healing and deliverance for her husband. We know that You are able to do abundantly more than we could ask or imagine, and I praise You for Your provision, Your protection, and Your faithfulness toward Pam and her family. We love You, Lord!
For me it has been about being willing to open my heart to friends, to my husband and most importantly, to the Lord. I heard Beth say in a DVD today that we defend our hearts by growing calloused and cold. Due to a deep-rooted sense of shame and some rejection, that’s where I have been for 20+ years, but God has told me clearly that the only way out is to become a servant. To take my eyes off of me and look around at the people He has called me to serve. So, by faith, that’s what I am doing. I’m leading a small group and loving seeing people find freedom…really loving it and really learning to love Jesus.
The Lord called my husband and I to start a church plant six years ago. We were in a large denominational church at the time. Our hearts were burdened for those who did not feel comfortable (for whatever reason) attending a traditional style church. The Lord burdened our hearts for years about this ‘adventure’. Much prayer and Godly counsel went into to our decision. We knew that the Lord was calling us out to an unknown area and we knew we must obey Him, no matter the cost. One of the challanges was that many did not understand (even family). I had been divorced many years ago so that disqualified us from being a church plant connected with our prior church. Therefore, we started in our den with 20 people, 2 dogs and no support (no resources, no financial backing, etc.). Three weeks into the church plant we had to rent a school to meet in each week. Six years has passed and The Lord has blown our minds!! We have seen many come to The Lord. We are so blessed to have an amazing group of brothers and sisters at the fellowship. I look around on any given service and see old, young, tattooed, no tattoos, educated, uneducated, balding, mohawks, hearing, deaf, married, single, black, white, Hispanic. I am in awe at Him. My husband and I say it is all The Lord’s work, we just have a front row seat. He called us out by faith and keeps us in by faith. We have experienced joy in so many ways we can not explain (especially in a paragraph..ha ha!!) We serve an amazing, living and faithful Lord.
“He called us out by faith and keeps us in by faith.” That really resonates with me, Becky. Thanks for sharing. I have a special place in my heart for pastors’ wives and delight to pray for all of you.
Hugs and blessings,
Patti Hayes
Beth I believe that you have outdone yourself girl. I have enjoyed reading some of these Tuesday Talk to Me’s. Well, Sunday afternoon I sat outside while watching the family pup play in the nice air. I brought God’s word out there with me and read in the book of Numbers chapter 11 vs 16-23. I will not go into all the verses but only the heart of the matter. Moses was asking the Lord about the seventy elders that God gathered to assist Moses not to bare his burden alone and the question on how they would be eat was the of question. I love the answer that the Lord gives to Moses in vs. 23 “The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s power limited?” my favorite part of this vs. is the end..The Lord contunued, “Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.” The “not” word struck me, where is faith in trusting the Lord to provide? Why do we always second quess Him? I’d like to believe that the Lord said that question to Moses rather sarcasticly with a smile you know,with a since of homour, like DUH! In the NKJV version the Lord says to Moses, “Has the Lord’s arm been shortened?” As I reflected on where I was at that point in time reading those questions and answers, I remember a list of blessings the Sunday before I wrote on a list and placed it on the refrigerator as a reminder. Yes, my marriage has not been the healthiest over the years and like one comment above my husband and I are seeking Christian marriage counceling at this time (we both are believers in Christ) and things are going well now and I began to ask the Lord if counceling was needed? His reply, “Has My arm been shortened to you daughter?” No, Lord! So, He confirmed to me that going was still His way of streching out His arms to help me and my husband and using others to help carry our burdens. Just like Moses and the elders. God’s word is so amazing and how real it is today. I thank you Beth for letting me share this story today. God Bless~ Becky W. (North Carolina)
Thank you for this post, Sis. God has spoken through you <3
I seem to always come back to my high school baccalaureate. I grew up with a small stutter…everyone else thought it was small but it was HUGE in my eyes! When the high school class was asked for speakers at the baccalaureate I immediately signed up. Crazy? At the time, yes! I thought, “What the heck did I just do?” It turned out to be a great speech about the fact that “God’s Plan Is Perfect”. Since then, God has healed me of my stutter. It use to really have a grip on me…something that the Devil made sure that I never forgot. But now, it’s forgotten! Praise God! See ya in Spokane next week Beth!!!
I am currently in the season of God calling me to obedience and looking at His face and I’m waiting for the joy that I’m confident will come. Actually, the joy is here – I am ready for this journey to be over. I’m going through an unwanted separation which is moving towards a divorce. God just keeps telling me to look to Him. (I’m reminded of Measureless Love (Where is God??) and Esther (if this happens, then?)) I’ve rebelled some (cough) but I have clung to Him and His promises. God is faithful and so good! I love you!
Cathy, I’m writing your name in my prayer journal so I will remember to pray for you.
Blessings to you, dear sister. Keep holding on.
Patti Hayes
Dear Cathy, our God IS faithful!!! Keep looking up, keep fixing your eyes on Jesus. May you know His presence, His peace, His provision and His protection. I pray He will hold your tender heart in His loving hands as He leads you through this difficult season.
You are loved with an everlasting love.
When I was in my 30’s I was desperate to lose weight. I manipulated my way into getting a doctor to order me Fen-Fen the diet drug compo that hurt people’s heart. The night before I was to start the drug God woke me up and told me I wasn’t to take the drug. period. I’m not sure if the voice was audible but I “heard it”. Disobeying was out of the question. Next day got rid of pills. Years later I have seen the damage that compo caused.
P.S. I’m still fat 🙁 but healthy praise the Lord!
I’m struggling with obedience as we speak. My husband started his own business 3 1/2 years ago and I half heartedly gave my support. He is a hard working, good Christian man and I didn’t stand beside him when he needed it. Today, after 3 years of unemployment, he has fallen into depression, alcohol and lost his heart for Jesus. God is calling me to bring His son back to him! It hasn’t been an easy road. I started the Revelation study several weeks ago and Beth told us we can’t hold onto our resentment AND our first love, God. I’ve given my anger and resentment to Him and I’m working on being the wife God planned. Most importantly, I’m witnessing to my husband and returning him to a relationship with his Heavenly Father. We’ve not experienced the joy, but it’s coming! He is SO faithful, sisters!
Over the last year I felt like the Lord was saying to give up TV at night, which was considered my time!! (you know after the kids go to bed and you sit down with a coke and popcorn time) Well, I resisted for awhile but finally did about a month ago and it has been such a blessing. I really feel like God is taking me to a new level! I’m excited to see what’s in my future!!
Annie, that is so funny! Years ago, when my boys were 3 and 1, I was participating in a Bible Study Fellowship class with lots of homework. I had been complaining to the Lord that there weren’t enough hours in the day for me to get the homework done! Simultaneously, I was spending my boys’ nap time each weekday afternoon watching As the World Turns and Oprah, and I half-jokingly called those 2 hours “My Time!”
One early morning as I was looking up Scripture for the BSF homework, I read this in Psalms: “MY TIMES are in Your hands.” It was one of the first times I recall the Lord using the Word to convict and instruct me (I was a new Christian) and like a sharp, double-edged sword, that verse of Scripture revealed my hypocrisy. In an instant, I saw that I did, indeed, have 2 hours a day to do Bible study! And God amazed me even further by completely removing any desire I had to turn on the TV during the day. (I wish obedience was always that easy! HA!) That was 20+ years ago, and to this day I do not watch daytime television!
I was a single parent of a young daughter and had been very happily teaching 7th grade Sunday School for a few years. I periodically visited an adult Sunday School class to get some “feeding” myself and one Sunday I clearly heard God tell me that I should lead a Single Adult Sunday School ministry. I let it drop because I loved what I was doing. A few weeks later our Director of Christian Education pulled me aside and said she had recently talked with a friend of mine from Elementary School who was now a Single parent and commented on how much we needed a Singles Ministry. Long story short, I ended up co-leading this ministry and during the very first meeting, met my future husband. My life has changed so dramatically for the better, all because of obedience to God’s call.
Tammy Elrod
Mechanicsville, VA
Hi Beth! How fitting that you posted this question. God called me to direct obedience just last week. I knew I needed to speak to a friend about an issue between us. In my human flesh I just wanted to run the other direction and not give the relationship a chance. Multiple times God brought to my attention (through scripture and my Bible study group) the need to call my friend and I finally did. Last week I learned (at Bible Study) that “delayed obedience to God is disobedience” and that has really impacted me. God has indeed blessed my obedience to Him. There isn’t complete healing yet with my friend, but we’re well on our way!
Hi Beth-
Thank you for this opportunity to allow me to share God’s wonderful work. I’d like to start out by telling you that God sent me to your blog today because he knew you were hosting a “Talk To Me Tuesday,” He certainly knows that I have some sharing to do. Today, I sent my husband off for his second deployment in Afghanistan. As a young wife, I have found my strength in the Lord and well, in you. I will never forget when, in a video-hosted bible study, you made a reference to Joshua 1:9 and your topic was FEAR. You then continued to explain that “fear will hold you back from being effective,” and you are so right. How can I be a supportive wife, a stabile human being, a confident young women while I am in fear of what God has set out for you, me and others? I pledge to keep positive and instead of feeling Fearful, I will be Faithful and have trust in the Lord’s word and the plans that he has carefully created.
Kortnie, I was challenged to pray for someone today that I do not know. All day I have looked at people and prayed for them so I would be obedient to the challenge. As I am closing out my day and reading the posts to Beth, the Holy Spirit prompted me after reading your post that YOU are the one I am to pray for…dear sister, know someone has brought your needs to the Father tonight. Blessings on you and yours!
Kortnie,
God bless you and your husband for your service and sacrifice! My husband is an army chaplain and we see daily the incredible laying down of self from soldiers and their families. Your faith and determination to be supportive and not fearful will speak volumes to those around you. What a blessing you will be!
Praying for God’s mighty courage poured out on you and your husband, Kortnie. Thank you for serving!
Kortnie, your comment brought to mind a verse that will probably be familiar to many reading this – Psalm 112:7 – He will have no fear of bad news, his heart steadfast, trusting in the Lord. I’m not sure which translation that is, but I have quoted it often, especially when my youngest son (whose now married) still lived at home and I always waited up for him. Your husband may be the one who is deployed, but you are making an equal sacrifice for our country and you have my heartfelt gratitude. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and blessings,
Patti Hayes
Oh, I’m so gald you asked. I have never thought myself to be a lead singer kind of girl, but when my guitar playing fiance and I were preparing for marriage, my pastor suggested I join the praise team so we could be in ministry together. This was 2006. Last sunday was our last day ministering (musically) at our church. In the time I was there, God grew me SO MUCH! I can’t imagine life without those experiences. The greatest part of this journey was to see God’s promotion. I had been leading.. LEADING! for almost 4 months before God told us “time’s up.” I give him all the glory! I could have never put myself there, but he did 🙂
The decision to homeschool was the hard thing for me. I didn’t think I could stick with it, and I always said that it wasn’t for me. God kept pressing it on my heart,though(funny how He does that,huh?) When I brought it up one year my husband wasn’t thrilled about it, so I had people pray for God to change either my heart or my husband’s. The next time I mentioned it , my husband was supportive of it so we went ahead and did it. It was a total God thing! We homeschooled for 6 years. My girls are going to a public high school now and they like it as much as any teenage girls can. Have an awesome week, Siestas!
I was at Bible study tonight. You said something about a woman who said the first 25 years of her marriage were difficult. I am almost on year 24 of a very difficult marriage. Today we had a discussion that make me think for the first time that we may not make it. I’m still not sure what to make of your comment, but I want you to know I was listening.
I know this is not unique to me, but honestly, there have been so many times when I have had to be obedient and…Submissive to my husband when I did not want to! Every single time, God has blessed my obedience. Every time! Oswald Chambers: “Every time I obey, Absolute Deity is on my side.”
I am thankful to serve a Faithful God.
My husband and I have taken several of our son’s friends into our home, several of them at one time, especially when they were between the ages of 16-20. You know the time period where the parents realize they have a teenager living under their roof and all of a sudden decide the teen should follow their “rules” and the teen is like ‘why I’ve never had rules before”; so it’s easier to throw the teen out of the house.
It was often difficut to keep the fridge stocked but the most amazing thing of all was when we all could see and knew God’s hand had provided it ALL for us.
The bonus, joyfull experience is to see several of those boys now young men walking with the Lord. The latest of which one of those young men, made is walk to Emmaus two weekends ago!! God is so good; everything we’ve gone through has been well worth it. Praise You Jesus.
My sweet Evie, I love you so! I had no idea you guys had kids live in your house!! It is so hard at times isn’t it!! That fridge thing is a doozy! None the less I eagerly await some of the kids we have had to really walk in the ways of the Lord!
Sooo…glad you are feeling free to write! We are praying for you …
Six years ago this month, the Ministry Trips Director at the Christian school I was teaching at asked me to consider leading a team of high school students on a short term trip to France. Although I have always had a love for missions and travel, have the gift of administration, and my husband and daughter had even been part of this trip the previous summer, I really had no desire to take this group to France! But God’s Spirit would not let me go, made me miserable for over a month, until I finally decided to step out in faith and do it …I can’t begin to tell you the joy God has brought to my life as a result of that trip! I have fallen in love with our French brothers & sisters, have friends all over their beautiful country, and will be returning for the 5th time in February! My junior high girls’ Bible classes were blessed to be ’email pals’ with French youth group girls for several years and we are getting ready to host our 5th group of French friends in our home. I have been blessed beyond measure by the 30+ students & co-leaders I have traveled with, the history and cultural exchanges have been rich, and I have come to know God in ways I would never known had I stayed in my ‘comfort zone’ and not followed Him on that first adventure…instead, I have been filled to overflowing with joy:)
My husband was transferred to California from Washington state. I didn’t want to move away. All of my family was nearby and I was beginning to roll out a ministry that God had been speaking to me about for 7 years. I loved my church so much and moving to a place where I knew no one and finding a new church depressed me and made me so sad.
Well we moved a year ago. God went ahead of us and made the crooked places straight!! We found a church we love! And He provided friends that are wonderful!!! And He opened up ministry that we couldn’t have predicted. And I haven’t even mentioned the weather yet. Can I just say that it feels like a miracle every day that I wake up to sunshine!!!
God is so good!!!
Good evening Beth….
My husband and I were able to build our dream home in Oregon 8 years ago. I manipulated, demanded, threw fits and the like to get my husband to agree. It was bad. It was security, it was my treasure. Lots of room and beautiful finishes, it reflected so nicely on my pride and fleshly desires. It didn’t reflect so great on my heart. About a year and a half ago we needed to move to Central Oregon for my husband’s work. Our home was vacant in the Portland area. Then the verse rang true like never before. “Where your treasure is, your heart is also.” God was moving us to sell it. My husband just about fell over when I suggested it. After some prayer he knew it was right. We sold the home in 30 days (unheard of in OR right now),rented in Bend for a year (must see place for your family) and were able to pour resources into the Eternal Kingdom like never before. I have joy because my treasure is in Eternity where my bride groom is getting everything ready! Now we live in Kansas City, KS so I am on a new adventure of obedience and pressing in for the joy.
Praying for annointed break through for you!
Jina
In June I was told that our leader of a very popular Women’s Bible study was stepping down. I was always a quiet attendant over the years and enjoyed my place of peace and simplicity in that role. I had never lead anything in my life. The next day God told me to call her and tell her I would lead. YIKES!!!! I said, “Lord are you sure?!” He said like a father to a daughter, “You’re already in, start swimming.” The study has been a blast, the Lord is showing giftings and the 170 gals that come are being blessed all over the place. Its amazing when its of the Spirit how the Spirit soars.
So,about 2 years into my second marriage, God was calling me to forgive my husband where he was at, in the middle of his sin, careless spending, drugs, and being unfaithful. I was so caught up in my self rightousness, I forgot that I was no better than my husband or anyone else for that matter, and God was calling me to forgive him. And I mean He blessed me with scripture everywhere I went, God was saying, this is not your fight, this is my fight, let go of your trying to catch him and love him. That is what I did for you, ughhh.. I did, thankfully, my entire attitude toward him changed, I decided that if I was going to be spending time with him, I at least was going to enjoy it! I went to the women in my small group and asked them to pray for us, for whatever ugly was coming our way. That God would flood me with His grace. They did, two months later,he confessed to all of it, and with God’s grace, now, 8 years later, we lead/coach couples in crisis. He is more of a man I could have ever dreamed of, one that I genuinely honor and admire. And the transformation in our family has been amazing. Jesus is a perfect gentleman, He will not play tug of war for control, Thankfully I obeyed.. Thank you Lord for what you’ve done,and what you are continuing to do in each of us.
Hi Beth!
Oh, how amazing God is and how blessed I am. Rewind to August 2009, 5 weeks before my husband deployed to Iraq for a 1 year deployment he shared with me that he was not sure he wanted to be married anymore and would let me know his decision when he returned. I was devistated, blind sided and heart broken! After the first month, he stopped communicating with me and my son left for college. I was now alone, in a new state, not knowing anyone. While he was gone, I learned of his affair with a married woman. During this time, God revealed Himself in such a big way! HE enabled me to spend hours upon hours, pouring myself into His word asking Him to take all of me and teach me. Despite the pain, He kept my heart tender towards my husband,(which the world did not understand) desiring to only mirror, His nature and walk in obedience. It brought me so much joy, to not just know Christ, but experience Him!! Fast forward a month, Sept, 2009, God leads me to a local church, with a womens ministry gearing up for the Esther study, which taught me the importance of “Timing” and “If my husband leaves me, then Christ”! In January, 2010 I was introduced to Paul, in to Live is Christ. Paul taught me the real meaning of joy! Now, I have just started Breaking Free, God is sooo cool how He knew exactly what I needed and when. I love Him so much for that and am so thankful for your studies. My husband has now returned, stating his intentions of divorce, not allowing me a voice, yet God as kept my eyes fixed to Him and I know my God is big enough to Heal!! I am free in Christ, still love my husband and will wait on the Lord! HE is my joy! Oh, how I love HIM. Thank you Beth!
Praying for you, Melissa.
Patti Hayes
Hey Beth,
I am in the midst of “the thing” right now. I feel that God is at this season calling me to be obedient in EVERY aspect of my life. There are just some things I shouldn’t be holding onto that I still am and can “justify” know what I mean? Anyhow, there’s this one thing in particular that I just wasn’t letting go of despite the Holy Spirits patient prompting. Well its been two weeks and God has just filled in those empty spaces and I haven’t missed “it” a bit! Praise Jesus! I have a long way to go but I will continue to rely on HIM my strength and my strong tower and most importantly “My Deliverer!”
I had to travel to visit my brother and his wife who live an hour away from me. I have had anxiety driving on the freeway,and found an alternative route,but still had to spend some time on the freeway. I became anxious driving,because my mind would not stop thinking about how far i would be driving till i got to the road that I felt comfortable driving. I would call out the name of Jesus Jesus Jesus when I was anxious. And the storm passed! But the following week I was returning to visit them,and the racing thoughts began,the day before i was going to visit.I was upset with myself,because I know the Lord has always been with me,no accidents have happened. I opened up my Bible to Ephesians 6 :Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.I claimed that verse,prayed the armor of God around me,traveled with Gods power,and no anxiety. The joy came to me knowing I put my full trust in the Lord in something that seemed impossible.
I can so relate. Praying for you.
Patti Hayes
Becky G I love you. We are kindred driving Spirits. I know you’re anxiety, I have said the same prayers! Last night in the parking lot of Houston First Baptist I called my sister twice (she lives near the church) asking where to park in the parking lot! Twice I called from the parking lot. I am using the verse you shared a new way next time I hit the freeway! 🙂
7 years ago I found a lump in one of my breasts. I know right away that it was breast cancer, and I knew that God was going to ask me to do the walk. When people asked if they could pray for healing, I asked instead that they pray for the strength to do God’s will. That, in fact, was one of two or three prayers that I prayed for much of the journey. It was the most incredible walk with God that I have ever done. I could feel His hands upon me … carrying me. Through it, my mom came to Christ, my brother came to Christ, and God spoke to many people. I was sooo blessed in the fire. There was such joy in a time when joy should have been impossible. I knew I was directly in God’s will, and to quote a great teacher I know, “It was a wild ride!”
Today I went for my yearly check. When I checked in the person doing my intake had just found out that her sister had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and is not doing well at all. I told her my cancer testimony and asked if she wanted to give her sister my phone number and e-mail address to contact me if she wanted to talk openly with someone who has been there, and is still here. She was so very grateful and is passing my information on. God continues to use the walk that he asked me to walk 7 years ago. There is sucj joy in that!
Oh, and my mammo … came back clean. (Just a few tiny cysts that mean nothing.)
Today I lift up my Ebenezer stone: Praise you Abba Father who is my healer and redeemer … who has brought me through such valleys and used me in my brokenness.
Rejoicing with you, lisa! 🙂
Your testimony is a great blessing to me this morning, Lisa. I loved hearing of your mom and brother coming to Christ through your faithful witness. Thanks for sharing.
May you be filled to the measure with the fullness of God today.
Patti Hayes
Obedience is sometimes difficult for me. I know that God is wanting me tell the praise group I am sorry for not having a christ like attitude moment at practice. Now I’ll let you know if it led to joy. I absolutely do not want to say sorry to one of them. So I’ve been thinking about this and I believe I am going to say a prayer out loud in front of them (they all know this is difficult for me to do) asking God to forgive me for not having a christ like attitude and to change my heart to match his! Because I really do want Jesus to see himself when he looks at me. Love you my sweet moma!!
My area of obedience is submitting to my husband (Why is that always so hard?) He is not a believer and it took me a while to listen to God about this. God never said submit yourself only if he believes in me too…it just says submit. As soon as I started to be obedient and humbling myself along the way…it made a HUGE difference in my life and our marriage. One of the best parts is that my husband has noticed to. (I keep praying 1 Pet 3:1-2)
Hi Beth,
At the time I became a child of God (5 years ago) I felt that He was calling me to a life in woman’s ministry. However, because of the past that I had, the sinful life I led, I thought maybe it was just what I wanted and I was making it up. I thought…How could God use me? I fell back into a pit of sin, of my own doing. About and year ago I again felt God calling me to go to school for woman’s ministry . This was after that devastating season of sin was over. I finally gave in to God and started school. I was working a full time job and being faced with my sin every day at work. I prayed daily that God would deliver me from the shame and quilt. God answered that prayer and moved me to a new position at work which, because of the complexity of the job required me to put school on hold. I truly believe that my obedience to Him regarding ministry allowed Him to free me from the shame and guilt of my sin. I still plan on going to school, I believe this is His plan for me. But for now He has given me a new start at work, He is allowing me to heal, and has shown me that I need to listen to Him and I will truly be set free!
It is only through obedience to Him that we can discern what His plan is for us!
My prayers are with you always!
OK . it has been at least 6 months since I have shared on the blog . .as my husband of 23 years . . and I separated almost 6 months ago . .
Obedience. .. . tough one to write about .. . this separation has been a lesson in obedience. I would say God has called us to forgive ..and I knew that I had to forgive my husband for the hurt and betrayal of infidelity. It has been VERY painful. It has been the greatest struggle I have had to face. I believe I have felt every emotion. However, I know that My Lord had to KILL the love and adoration I had for my husband and repleace it with love and adoration for HIM. I wanted a deeper relationship with my Lord. I knew and even stated in my journal over a year ago . .I know I don’t love you Lord, as much as I love my kids and my husband. . .and well, God is sovereign and HE did allow this hurt. And in obedience .. ..I sought out forgiveness.
The beauty of this . . . a month ago, my husband called me and stated, “I want to come home if you will have me. . I know our marriage will survive this hurt I caused because of how you have handled this. You have forgiven me and I can so see that .. how I don’t know, but you have and you have shown me unconditional love and now I want to show that back to you.” I believe we will get back the years the locusts have taken and God has /is bringing beauty out of these ashes. .
That is my act of obedience.. it has hurt . it still hurts and each day I will choose to leave that hurt in the past . and be obedient to what God has asked me to do. To love . .my husband. and hang in there . .for year 24!
Sorry Beth. .it is a little longer than one paragraph . .but. .. . I pray this will encourage another . to hang in there and FIGHT for her marriage .
Do not give us .. God can heal and You can love again . ..the one HE gave you of your youth .. don’t give up!
Michelle
Okeechobee, Florida
Michelle, you are so brave! Hold tight to God; He is faithful and He is able. I pray you will continue to seek Him with all your heart and that He will provide you with an abundance of wisdom and strength for the journey ahead.
Father, I trust that even now You are holding Michelle’s tender, hurting heart in Your loving, healing hands. I pray, Lord, that You will be her advocate, her strength and her shield. Provide her with wisdom as she needs it. May she know Your strength in her times of weakness. You, O Lord, are mighty to save! Amen.
my marriage. Oh the joy of an older marriage that has weathered the storms….hurricanes and tornadoes.
When I graduated from Liberty University, with my Music Education diploma fresh in my hands, I was determined to go teach in the public schools to “give back.” I was excited to be a witness. I even said that I would never teach in a Christian school and never, ever teach middle schoolers. You know what’s coming next :)…God had other ideas for me that did not involve public schools at all! I learned quickly that there was a big mission field in Christian schools AND that middle schoolers were fun to teach :). God provided the job in the place I said I would never work. I am so glad I obeyed!
After helping my husband lead a church as pastor( him not me) for 12 years, I became very attached to a church we were visiting for around 2 years. When my husband decided to take a church I rebelled and became angry. I had never felt this way before. But God began doing a work in my heart and finally I found joy and peace where we are still pastoring after 5 years in. Praise the Lord!!!
Carla
Hi Beth,
My experience that I can think of happend a few years ago. Basically, I felt that I needed an answer to a question I had in order to have closure over an issue. I wanted to ask the question but…after much thought and counsel from others, I decided it wasn’t in anyones best interest. It wasn’t easy to let go, but I learned about listening to God and trusting his will and ways.
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you during your time with the James study. God Bless
A year and a half ago while I was crying my eyes out sitting on the floor of my shower wondering “what will I do if…” and, “If happens THEN what will I do if …”. I’m firmly convinced that while the devil lives in my mailbox, God lives in my shower. This amazing feeling came over me and God said to me – oh ye (yes, ye) of little faith. ALL that we have been through and you still doubt. Trust in me.
At that moment I surrendered ALL my worry – present and future to God. Now, I’ve prayed countless times for God to take away my worry. I would “hand it over” to him BUT deep down I knew I had a back-up plan IF things didn’t work out. This time was different. I didn’t have a back-up plan because my present situation was completely out of my control and I had no way of fixing it myself. I decided to trust in him completely and not just trust him but to follow him. The clouds did not automatically part and the sun did not shine on my face at that moment. I was tested. I was put through the fire and in the end, I was made new. I don’t think I can put into words the release that I’ve experienced. I’m not saying I don’t have concern or stress but the overwhelming feeling of dread has been lifted from me. My perception is different now.
I found a journal I kept from right after high school. In Sunday school we had to pick a person from the bible we wanted to emulate. Do you know who I picked??!! Job. Yes, Job….not Mary or even Esther….but Job. I wanted the faith of Job. Ask and you shall receive!
Beth, I am blown away by God sometimes. I just updated my blog 10 minutes ago and the topic was “obedience”. My sweet husband/minister of 33 years went to be with his Jesus 10 months ago; Christmas Eve 2009. During these past 10 months, God continues to call me to a place of submission and obedience as never before. He calls me to obey Him in believing that He does love me, even though my best friend has been called Home. He calls me to obey Him by knowing that He will never leave me, is always here for me. And ultimately, now that He is my husband, I am called to respect, honor and serve Him…being His helpmate. Until that day when I get to see Him face to face. I’m learning to obey in lots of new ways…but I’m also seeing that He is sooo worthy of my obedience.
Praying for you as you write, Debbie
presently, I am struggling with obedience and submitting to my husband. We have been married for 5 years. I am a stay at home mom and have two beautiful pre-school age boys. I got saved 4 years ago and ever since, I made the decision of raising my children in the word and being the family that God wants us to be. My hubby on the otherside, is not interested in joining us at the moment. Even though, we have a good relationship, I know God has something bigger that this for us. Last week I found myself crying to God in prayer about my situation…at the end of the prayer I meant to say Amen…but…the word “LOVE” came out of my mouth?! I was confused since I didnt even thought of that word to end my prayer with. I thought:”GOD, are you asking me to LOVE my husband?! which I already do, but…God wants me to LOOOOVE my husband even in those moments when I dont want to…in those key moments when it feels SOOO much better to show an attituted. I am going to have to hold on to Gods hand and do what he is asking me to do (the hardest thing of all for me). I know that there is JOY on the other side and I cannot wait to see what God has for us.