Hey, you lovely things! This morning early I got a very touching text from someone that made me start reflecting on so many ways that God seems to go out of His way (if that were possible) to make sure we know He’s got our backs. You know what I’m talking about. Ways that He whispers in your ear or maybe reverberates from the mountaintops that He’s aware of what you’re battling and where you’re hurting. Ways He tells you He has NOT forgotten. Ways He assures you that your prayers are not just hitting the ceiling. That He’s on it and that your life has not for the merest instant been swallowed up in a black hole. That in your WAIT He is at WORK.
So I tweeted these two statements this morning, one right after the other:
First one:
Sit up slack-jawed over all the ways God lets you know He’s got your back. He’ll tell people to pray for you who have no earthly notion why.
Second one:
Per last tweet, I’m glad God can tell people to pray without telling them why. Sometimes I want people in my burden but not in my business.
The responses that almost instantly flew up on my phone exhilarated me and built me up in my faith as numerous people told me that they’d experienced the same gorgeous phenomenon. The one bad (and sometimes GOOD!) thing about Twitter is that the space is too limited to get super specific. Now that my curiosity is piqued, I want to hear some testimonies! Tell your sisters here in this community one way God has done this kind of thing for you. Tell us a specific incident or sight or encounter or correspondence He used to make sure you knew that He was with you, intimately aware of your situation. Girlfriend, you ARE very much on His radar.
Let’s testify about some ways God leaves you thinking something like,
“You hem me in, behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high; I cannot attain it…How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:5-6,17
In other words…
Can’t wait to hear! Just so you know that no one was posing as your own Siesta Mama in that picture…
And that bleached blond right there loves you.
Why would we think it was anyone but you? It is obvious God did your hair. š
I have been quite depressed today but I am thankful that I received assurance directly from the Lord this morning in my quiet time as a few verses spoke directly to one current situation.
I also just wrote this morning about a comforting word right in the first verse of the Bible – And: http://michelencindy.wordpress.com/
I am a worrier, and here lately I have been overwhelmed with anxious thoughts. Sunday morning at 6:30 God woke me up to see a message by Charles Stanley on Fear – Through this message he also gave me my Siesta Scripture Verse for March 1 (Isaiah 41:10) I was in tears as I realized that the God of the universe saw me (in my anxious condition) and whispered a verse over me!! Praise His Name!!!!! God is so Good!!! I know he has my back!!!
God made sure I saw that message on fear, too!! So, so good and just what I needed. God is incredibly amazing in that way! Blessings to you. š
Oh Beth! What a great post! I loved your tweets too.
Okay, so one time I was in a terrible season of spiritual attack. I remembered the passage that says “no weapon formed against you shall prosper.” I wanted to find it in the Bible so I searched and search and COULD NOT find it! I looked online and for some reason, I couldn’t find the reference. I was bummed and thought “I know it’s in there SOMEWHERE!” I wanted to stand on that promise.
Then out of nowhere, a text came to me, “Hi friend, the Spirit just prompted me to share this verse with you Isaiah 54:17”
I was BLOWN AWAY when I looked it up and realized what verse it was! Later the friend said that she was minding her own business, about to hop in the shower when the Spirit pressed her so strongly that she had to leave the bathroom, grab her phone, and send me that reference. Apparently, God wanted me to stand on that promise too!! š
I just had this happen a couple weeks ago. I’m in the midst of some medical testing that could end in really bad news, and out of the blue someone I love dearly sent me a message saying I had been heavy on her heart and she had been praying for me although she had no idea why. I was so awed by God moving on my behalf and her obedience to respond. I’m almost through my medical tests, and things are looking good so far. God is so good!
Hi Christi,
I know we do not know each other, but I had to tell you that after reading your post, I could not scroll past it until I prayed for you. I know waiting for tests and results can be stressful, but trust in the unfailing truth that our wonderful God DOES have your back and He knows exactly how this will all work out.
Thank you so much Pamela!
The morning following my mother’s death, I received a phone call from an old friend. Although we get together twice a year to celebrate our birthdays, we don’t have the luxury to keep in close contact and rarely get a chance to talk on the phone. She told me she had felt a burden to pray for me and called to se how I was and if all was okay. It was such a blessing to know God had her praying for me as I was dealing with my grief, and it was a blessing for her to know she was hearing from the Lord and had been obedient to follow through with prayer and a phone call.
Over a decade ago, when I was in college, a spiritual mentor to me pointed out a penny she had found on the ground. She told me that every time she found a penny, it reminded her that God was watching over her ā like he was smiling down at her, that he had her back. She then challenged me to begin looking for pennies, and to tell God thanks every time I found one. So I started looking, and I began finding them. Thatās when this special game of hide and seek between God and I beganā¦ and itās been going on ever since.
They always pop up at just the right time, in just the right way. It amazes me the places I find them, and I imagine Godās joy when they are discovered. I think of it as a special game between Father and daughter.
Let me share 3 examples from my penny escapades. One day, I was struggling with
patience. Iām the mother of two small girls, and sometimes they get the best of me. As I
was cleaning up toys and straightening up their bedroom for what felt like the umpteenth time, my attitude needed a lift. I began to make my 1-year-oldās bed, and as I pulled up the sheets to straighten them out, there it was. A shiny penny. God smiling at me. My spirits rose and I recognized the impatient attitude in my heart. I prayed a quick prayer of repentance and was able to refocus my spirit to what was really important ā loving my girls, not being frustrated at the chaos.
Last month, I was sitting in a local coffee shop working on preparing a message I
was going to be preaching in church. I was strugglingā¦I had severe writerās block. I went to the bathroom, and guess what? I found a penny on the floor. Right in the center
of the restroom. It was impossible to miss. I immediately thanked God for his presence.
He was with me, and He would provide the words I needed.
Then there was two week ago. I was driving to work — my heart very tender, as I have been in the middle of a challenging situation involving my job. I was leaving a bible study and something the leader had shared with the group had spoken directly to my heart. I felt like the Lord was asking me to lay something down at his feet, and it was painful to do so. It represented a lot of time and effort on my part, yet I knew he was telling me to loosen my grip. As I got in my car, I began to worship God in song. I then began to pray, asking him to allow me to feel his presence. I said, āWhereās my penny going to be today, God?ā
As I got to work, I had no idea the situation that had been going on the past week was
about to get worse. It was like another punch in the gut. As I was faced with some more
difficult news, I was working hard to stay in the Spirit. In a conversation with some co-
workers, I made a conscious point to share how I was trusting in Godās provision. I desire to be open and real about my faith, and today was a day where I was trying to do that.
I confided in a fellow coworker who also follows Jesus. I felt like my spirit was lifting,
when I got one more discouraging piece of information. The situation took one final spin down. Ugh. Keep my eyes on you, Lord. Thatās what I am trying to do. I know You are here, but where?
When the day was over, I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I walked to my car,
ready to begin the half-hour drive home. Thatās when I opened the door to my car. And
sitting in the middle of the driverās seat, there it was. My penny. Godās simple reminder
to me that He is always there. I smiled. And I felt Him smiling back. My faith gets re-
energized, and I tell God Iām looking forward to playing the game again tomorrow. He
hides, and I seek. But the best part of this game is that He wants to be found.
I love how far God carried it to put His penny in the driver’s seat. I’m going to look for pennies, too. Bless you for sharing this!
A few weeks ago, my daughter lost her precious mother-in-law. She lives in another state, and called me crying. Just as she told me she had passed, I had walked in to my study and my computer has hundreds of pictures scrolling across the screen (Grandkids). Her mother-in-laws picture came across the screen just as my daughter told me. The only picture I have of her. I told her about it, and the Lord wanted to let her know she is safe with Him. I’m thankful I was looking at the screen! and Thankful for our compassionate God.
I’ve been worrying a little (okay a lot) about my daughter-in-laws and my relationships recently. We had 2 boys and I’ve never had to deal with girls until daughter-in-laws came into our lives. There thinking is just different than my thinking! So I’ve been to the point where I wake up at night thinking about it, I worry about it during the day, and then I’ve brought my husband into it and he worries about me.
I’ve been doing the memorization with all of you and I already had mine for March 1st but on March 3rd God laid on my heart Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” So that will be my verse for March 15th BUT God knew I needed it a little early. It has put my heart at peace knowing that God has my back and I don’t need to worry when I let God know my requests.
Back in Sept. of 2008, a few days after Hurricane Ike had roared through, I was in my back yard with 2.25 acres of trees. I was feeling overwhelmed about how I was going to clean up all the branches that were down and take care of several of the trees that were down, including a huge oak. I had been on the phone with my sister, who lives on the west coast, moaning about how it would be a great time to have a man around the house. She told me that she had been praying for me and had specifically asked God to send me some help. No sooner had I put my phone down and turned around, my prayer was answered. There stood my neighbor, whom I had never met, offering the services of her husband and his chain saw. They are now my dear friends and I have told them many times that they were God’s answer to my sister’s prayer for me.
Wow! I’m tearing up even thinking about this! I have 2…
In doing the Stepping Up study by myself(with videos!) I was faithful with the study every single morning. One day while I was traveling for work and going through a tough time, I couldn’t get to the study that morning and but made time right before bed. Amazingly, the topic of the daily study was night prayer! It was so easy to picture Beth’s words of coming into the city and seeing all the lamps at the tents because I was studying it at night. It made me feel special.
Secondly, I’m going through a lot of changes. I’m about to have a house payment by myself for the first time in 25 years. I’m nervous, scared, and spend every morning on my knees! I’ve been praying about whether I should sell my car and cut my expenses and I asked God to give me clear direction about my car. Last weekend, my company not only took my car payment over, but required I trade it in on a Mercedes! He took care of it so much bigger than I ever could have!!! I’m thinking trade down, and He said, “I’ve got this Becky.” I can’t even type this without crying! In taking care of every one else, it feels incredible to be taken care of by Him. God is so good to me and I thank precious Jesus for carrying me through this!
Well, there was this one time (2011 … all of it) that God was workin on me in an area of bondage that I had set myself free from (HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah … as if) time and time again. He was ALL up in my business over it and I kept tellin Him I was over it. Surprisingly (HA!), He knew better. So He sent this really Bossy Woman (I won’t mention any names, but it starts with a Mama and ends with a Beth) over twitter to challenge me to REALLY Break Free by doing the study Breaking Free. Then He made her stay on my tail ALL. SUMMER. LONG. so that I would keep doing it and not give up when it got hard. At the same time, He had me memorizing scripture (and yes, same Bossy Woman was involved there too!!!) and kept bring me Words with the same message … hmmm… And THEN … THEN … I went to a celebration for those of us who memorized scripture and an amazing gifted (and bossy) teacher taught on EXACTLY what God had been workin on me over. She kept saying all the things that God had been speaking over my Spirit all along. And I FINALLY started hearing it. Amen!!!
So, thinking I had heard it all, I went to church the next day where another AMAZING Word was brought (Bossy Woman’s daughter married a man who can PREACH!). I fell on my knees at prayer time, just sobbing before the Lord and letting His love wash over me in ways I never knew. And a hand on my arm lifted me up and SOMEONE prayed directly over me speaking the Words of affirmation that I had struggled so very long to believe … HE LOVES YOU BECKY JO! He LOVES you! (How does Bossy Woman ALWAYS know what to say?!?!?!?!!) (Cause she listens to HIM, that’s how … thankful!)
Thank you Beth. Love you so!
I relate to everything about this post! Style, content, and author. I don’t know you (or Beth) personally, but I love you, too, Becky Jo!
Awwww – So sweet!! XOXOXOXOXOX Love ya back!
Praying for the season ahead, it has Breaking Free in it, pretty sure!!!
I can’t even begin to list the times God has had my back. When things have had me worried, I’ve come home to the answer in my mailbox, my email, or a phone call. Other times it’s my Bible; sometimes it’s a roadblock stopping me from something.It’s always so exhilerating to know that big or small, God has it covered. I praise God even when I’m annoyed behind a slow driver (or whatever!), because I know he’s keeping me from something I don’t need to be part of it (like a speeding ticket! lol), or out of an accident. On the flip side, I’ve read devotionals/blogs that get sent to my inbox and have felt the “urge” to forward to specific individuals. Or the same urge to pray for the unknown for someone. Later, I may follow up with that person and tell them that I didn’t know why I was to pray for them, but felt strongly to do so, and everytime I have found that the other person very much needed that prayer or that message. I don’t pry into the why’s, but listen if they want to share. Mostly I just share in the joy that God had a purpose for putting that thought, that prayer, into my heart, and that someone felt it in theirs. We serve the MOST AWESOME GOD! And if you open your heart to listen, you hear Him speak to you in so many different ways, all of which lead you to where He wants you to be at that time.
I feel like there have been so many times!!!! God is ridiculously good to me!!!!
This story may not seem like the biggest deal, but it was a big deal to me. A few years ago, my church had it’s first women’s conference. I signed up to be a greeter. My church is filled with pretty people and great fashion. I am not the most fashion forward person nor do I have the resources to be super fashionable. I had been stressing over not having cute clothes to wear. I didn’t tell anyone b/c it would sound silly when I said it out loud. The week before conference, my friend and Pastors sister-in-law, Candace, called me to meet her at the mall. She said that she wanted to buy me some shirts for conference. I couldn’t believe it! She had NO idea!!! God answered my prayer and showed me that He cares about details and if it matters to me, it matters to Him. (During that conference, Holly Wagner shared a similar story about a similar gift from Candace’s sister DeLynn which reaffirmed His care for us)
Here’s a more recent one on my blog…
http://forhisnameandhisrenown.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/god-answered-before-i-even-prayed/
Five weeks ago, I found out I miscarried for the third time. Having experienced two prior to this, one naturally and one medically, I wanted this one to happen naturally. I waited for two weeks. Hoping. Praying. But it didn’t happen.
Against my first wishes, I proceeded medically. I just got a call today to confirm that because I had to have surgery we were able to do lab work and we now have a cause for the miscarriage. This is huge considering we don’t have a likely cause for the first two despite the very same testing done on one of them. Very quickly, He reminded me that He went before me. If He had allowed the desire of my heart, we would not have these results. His provision is great!
I attended Priscilla Shirer’s event in Kansas City over the weekend. In one of the sessions, she taught the 5 P’s to studying the Bible on your own (without a resource). i started practicing her principles this week in the book of Luke and even though it’s only been a few days, God has spoken clearly to my heart. Who am i that He would do that? nothing and nobody, except His daughter! i am eternally grateful!
I was one of those women who immediately tweeted back after that first tweet–even before the second tweet which was just as true and powerful.
I write a blog in which I share my faith walk. I’ve been waiting on God to take my husband and me through a season of …not really sure what to call it. Challenge? Change? Growth? We are okay, marriage wise. It has to do with security and finances and I don’t want to get too far into it. Suffice to say, it’s been difficult. Oh the waiting! It’s so…slow. But God is teaching so much and I shared that in my blog post. Only that God was teaching me about waiting and how if something is affecting me, it’s because He brought it or He allowed it. My blog post was to encourage others (and me) to embrace the wait. I never asked for prayer.
Fast forward 12 hours later I get the most beautiful email from a friend who says, “I have been impressed to pray for you every day from now until Easter.” Uh…wow?
So I wrote her back to let her know how to pray specifically, the specific things we are currently praying over.
But God…He intends whatever I’m going through for my good. I have complete confidence in that. And He continues to show me that through experiences like the one I describe. “You’re not alone, daughter. I’ve got people. And together, We’ve got this.” He sure makes it easy to trust Him.
I sure love my Father.
I am in a very difficult situation right now. It is totally out of my control. God had allowed it, so it must be for my good. So with all that said I can’t tell you how many times this last year during my quite time and study that the verse from one of my devotionals has been exactly the answer/comfort/whatever I needed that moment. It is like GOD just sent me a text!!! He knows exactly what is happening with each of his children!!!
Now Beth only you wiil understand this next comment!! I like your jacket in the pictures. I just watched session 9 from believing God last night. This is my second time doing it. Believing God Bible Study is a life changer!!!
…and we LOVE that bleach blonde to the MOON!
I am the {busy} Mommy of two little ones. Many of you may be able to vouch for me that every now and then, Momma can get a little tired and {par for the course} every now and then, Momma may just have a lil mini meltdown as well. That was me yesterday morning…overwhelmed and stretched to the max, I had me a little cry session. Believe it or not, the Lord too saw this one in particular coming.
Side story {which will collide with the previous, I promise} a few weeks ago, my mother-in-love placed in my hands the “Lifeway Women Devotions” cd. I’ve listened to all of them a few times at this point and it was still just sitting in my computer at work.
As I arrived to work yesterday morning, the pink cover was peeking at me in the corner of my eye, longing for my attention. {Mind you it had been there for a couple weeks at this point.} I pulled up my media player and sure enough, the title of one is “Weary and Worn Out” by Angela Thomas. I listened. I cried a little more…and she reminded me of Isiah 40:31; “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Simple and some may say a stretch, but let me tell you this, Siestas…THAT Word is what I needed at that moment. That very Word. It had likely been recorded months ago, put on that particular CD, mass produced, placed on the stand at Lifeway, me put on my mother-in-law’s heart, the CD even played a few times prior…but right then, right there, the Lord had meticulously planned for that Word to be placed within my earshot…and I was healed.
Will I still get tired? Of course. Will I still have meltdowns? Absolutely. Will I always remember that HE HAS MY BACK and will ALWAYS have a way to pull me back up by my boot straps? Without question.
Oh, I have soooo many instances of ways God has shown me that He has been watching, listening to my cries, dried my tears, and upheld me that I could write a book. Instead, I journal these things because I don’t want to forget them.
I’ll just share two recent examples. A few weeks ago I was fervently praying about a matter very close to my heart. It’s a particularly vexing situation that’s been going on for a year. I cried out to God to help me understand and see the situation through His eyes. I opened my Bible to a passage that I’d read just the day before but this time one particular verse in the passage just pierced my heart. The verse spoke to my heart and confirmed what I had already suspected. Just knowing the Lord was willing and quick to help me understand meant the world to me.
Then yesterday after I was praying again over the same situation (which has me in WAIT) mode, I read a post on Facebook that said God hasn’t forgotten me.
Sometimes God does something so amazing, it makes me laugh out loud. I just know He loves that!
This morning I was struggling to do my last couple of days lessons in Stepping Up the Psalms of ascent in particular day four. I needed that so badly today, I have such a battle raging for my soul and my joy. I have loved 2 Chronicles 20 and the victory of King Jehoshaphat since I first read it. God met me there today and a little while later you send this email. Thank you for all the ways God uses you in my life and so many others. Your life is a gift and precious to me Beth. Thank you twice today for pointing me to the Word my soul needed. I love your heart so much. I am choosing to praise God Now and have done my lesson and am on my way to bible study.
My husband recently turned in his letter of resignation to our church. We felt very led to do this, even without a job possibility in our future. The next Saturday, a family handed us an envelope of cash and said “god laid it on our hearts a few weeks ago to give y’all this. we couldn’t understand why… Now we get it!” Not that god has to confirm with cash, but it was a reminder that “he’s got our back & he’s our faithful provider!” Praises!
Since January,I have been doing Embraced by God,a Bible study by Babbie Mason. During that time my 93 year old mother fell and has been back and forth between the hospital and rehab.She will no longer be able to live alone and I am chiefly the one to find a place for her to live.On 2/2/13 I spent the day with her in the e.r. because she was having trouble breathing. The next day the verse for the lesson was Psalm 55:2, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you…” Babbie also wrote, “He shines best when your situation looks bleakest.”p. 78-79. Thanks be to God who always helps me!
Well Ms. Beth, your read was much prettier than what I sent out to a few others this early am. I guess I put my business out there in a rather blunt, truthful way, and added the scripture that kept flooding my heart. I will spare you the details and just say, “Thank you.” A much needed word today! I know God’s got my back; My God has been all gracious and precious to me. It’s just been a life of six seasons lately. Yes, life can actually have six seasons.The best that can describe mine right now was written here while back while at a lowly, yet grateful place:
Love never fails
Thereās something in my mind that I canāt seem to find
So you lay me on a couch and say, count all the swine?
Thereās a cling and a clang and an unearthly clatter
When I spring from the cushions you ask me whatās the matter
So I twist and I turn and I look you in the eye
And finally I find whatās been hiding in my mind
Prunes, and prunes, and prunes, and dates
Suddenly I know why Iām racing outah this place
I gasp, I run, into a nook for my life
Only to find I had left it all behind
My purse, my phone, my lipstick, my keys
Whatās a girl to do in a moment of relief?
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
I count, I twiddle, and soon begin to rock
“Nowās the time I really shouldnāt talk”
But grab a pen and get ready to write
Iām sure Iām a book just waiting to recite
If only I had, my purse, my phone, my lipstick, my keys
Iām sure you and I could pinpoint my disease
Love that is, scars of human sacrifice
Maybe you know HIM HIS Name is Jesus Christ
Did you get that down?
Peculiar and found, beneath a risen Crown
An unending story, but itās surely no tale
Cause no matter where Iām at, Love never fails.
“Praise the LORD! HE is good, God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1 (CEV)
You are absolutely right. I know HE’s got my back or else I would be dead. A cancer survivor and extravagantly blessed.Thank you so much for reminding me.
I love this! I was just journaling last night about some ways that God has been very personal to me lately. The other day my son was listening to his playlist on youtube. Right smack in the middle was the song, “Remind me who I am” by Jason Gray. I had not heard the song or artist, and thought it was strange to be in the middle of the toddler tunes. I clicked on it, and knew it was a gift from God. It spoke into some places that I’m currently walking, and was such an encouragement to be reminded that I belong to Him. It was so personal that only He could have known.
A few years ago, my husband and I were going through a very rough patch. I had taken my son (who was 3) to our Church Daycare. Before I left there to go to work, I went upstairs and prayed at the altar… just me and God. I poured my heart out to Him, and kept telling Him through many tears that I just needed to know that HE (God) loved me. I knew it in my head, but at that very moment I just needed reassurance in my heart. My heart was so troubled at the situation with my husband, that I just needed reassurance that God still loved me.
When I got to work, I opened my e-mail. There was only one new e-mail. It was from a college roomate that lives a couple of hours away. I opened it up… and much to my surprise it said just three little words in about size 48 font in all capital letters …
I LOVE YOU.
Later, I called my friend and started to tell her how she had been an answer to prayer that morning. Then, she told me that while she was getting ready to go to work, she had such a pressing urgency come over her to pray for me. She got on her knees and began praying, even though she didn’t know the need. She stayed there praying until she felt like she had done all she could do. Then, she went to work. She knew that she needed to reach out, but only had time to do a quick e-mail before she had to rush off to a meeting that she was in charge of. She said that she didn’t know what to say… but knew she needed to say something. The Lord kept impressing upon her to just simply write I LOVE YOU in big capital letters. She did… and it was exactly what I needed. A message of love from God Himself.
We had not talked in a while. She had no idea what was going on. But, the Lord spoke to her and used her mightily that day. I will never forget it.
Awwwww, that bleached blonde right there gets more and more beautiful
with each passing day! What a blessing you are my sweet sister! Love you lots!
Receiving an email last night from an old tenant asking if I was interested in selling my house. Do I? A YES in all caps. Seriously amazing. Just moved to Uganda Africa this year and owning a house halfway around the world is a lot. No matter if it sells or not…. doesn’t really matter (though in all honesty, my flesh would be so happy!) but watching God remind me that He’s got my back as you put it…. hits a deep cord in my heart.
Beth – you know my father came close to death around Christmas week this past December. I appreciate your prayers! He was in the hospital for 54 days. He came home January 23, and is still weak, but getting stronger every day. I praise the Good Lord for healing my dad from severe pneumonia.
About a week before Christmas I was bone tired…fatigued from daily trips to the hospital after long days at work, and emotionally spent too. Many of you know that weariness I’m talking about well. It’s so draining to sit and wait and wait and wait.
One morning mid-December the verses from Isaiah 40:28-31 ministered to my heart as I sought His strength to “soar like an eagle.” While driving to work my sister sent a text…”you’ll never believe what was in my front yard this morning.” When I was able to check my phone I found a picture of AN EAGLE! In middle Georgia! I shouted all the way to work. The rarity of an EAGLE is one thing – but God landed that eagle in that tree for me. I know He did – and I felt His nearness and I thanked Him over and over and over. Oh the JOY to know He cared enough to do that for me!
Here is a picture from my blog: (#915)
http://granjansjoy.com/2012/12/1000-gifts-901-to-927/
The EAGLE has landed š
GJ
That is just precious, GJ!
We have been in a deep season of hurt and bitterness resulting from a church. My husband is a youth pastor. As a result we have also been in a huge financial strain. My husband is working a full time and part time job and doesn’t even touch the salary he was receiving. (Not that we were wealthy, he is only making minimum wage now)We randomly visited a church while in our “waiting” period and it has became home! They have spoken some hard truth into our lives in amazing love and love our beautiful daughters too. We have also have some friends and strangers help us out financially. The latest was a man who had spoke to my husband on the phone sensed what a hard time we were having and mailed us a check. A man neither of us know!!! I could go on and on, but God is restoring our hearts and preparing us for the next step.
I needed to hear this today. I feel like I’ve been hearing nothing lately, while going through what seems to be a prolonged season, and it’s really discouraging. Thanks for this reminder that He always has my back:)
We have a 24 year old son with a failing multi-organ transplant. We are from WA state and are currently in CA at UCLA hospital. So we are far from home and our normal support system.
Without going into much detail…we found ourselves without a place to stay one night. Unexpected circumstances that left us without warning to book something in a city with many events going on and everything booked out. With our son being in the ICU and things so uncertain, we didn’t want to be far from him.
We were in an eating establishment when a beautiful Jewish woman ended up striking up a conversation with us. She was accompanied by three darling little boys and her husband. She invited us to stay in her home just 10 minutes from the hospital. We stayed with her parents the following evening and by then rooms opened up for us.
Our Father has us in a very painful and uncertain season right now but I could shout from the roof tops of His creative ways…those random ways He stamps His love across our foreheads and claims us as His.
It doesn’t end there. I had been clinging to and enjoying the story of Esther….how God can turn what was meant for evil to amazing goodness for His people …for life.
I shared what I was enjoying with my new Jewish friend and she broke out in exclamation. She went on to share with me her heritage of being a Persian Jew. Her father was born in the town where Esther’s story took place. Her Grandmother was the one who raised the funds to repair the burial site of Queen Esther when it was destroyed.
As we spoke of God’s rescue of His people from the hand of Haman and the resulting celebration of Purim, she exclaimed again, “Beth we are celebrating Purim this Sunday!”
God not only gave us a place to stay with complete strangers but He gave me a 3-D picture in living color of what He had been teaching me in His word.
We still sit in the ICU with much pain and uncertainty but we have an Advocate who makes Himself known in the most amazing ways! He is our Love…He is our God! Praise His name
What a marvelous testimony, Beth! I’m so sorry for your pain and uncertainty. If the Lord wills, I ask in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that He would restore your son’s full health. May He provide for your every need as you wait and trust Him with your son. Your heavenly Father knows what it is to watch a son suffer. He loves you and is very near to you in this brokenhearted season. We do have an Advocate. May He keep sending you these gentle reminders of His love and goodness wrapped around you closer than the air you breathe. Thanks be to Him for hearing this prayer because of Jesus.
OH MY GOODNESS – ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I LOVE THIS!!!
I pray God will envelop you with His peace, comfort, and love and provide healing for your son and that the GOD who created Him will bring those organs to life in his body. I am so sorry for your pain.
Your story blessed my soul today!
Jan Morton
Hes shown up in so many ways for me over the past month right in the middle of a giant WhINEfest sans the cheese or chocolate. He is faithful even when one of his daughters (who should know better) is continuing on her whine journey about having to leave my beloved Tennessee and move up North. It’s so different here and I am a Sothern gal right down to my bleached blond roots (thought you could appreciate that Ms. Beth;) ) having such a hard time adjusting but God is showing up all the time.
Lamentations 3:
22 Because of the Lordās great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, āThe Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.ā
Well, about 3 weeks ago I was getting ready to start a spring Bible study (Breaking Free), and about 70 people had signed up for it. I have not led a Bible study that large before and I the whole week before it started I started questioning myself. I was down right scared, I’m not talking a little pre-Bible study nervousness. I couldn’t even concentrate on getting prepared and hearing what God was saying to me. I was still having my quiet time and praying, and I was telling God “You have said that you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you.” And I kept telling God, “Mind mind is on you, I know you are in control.” But I could not shake my fear. The Bible study was supposed to start on Thursday night, and the Wednesday before God started speaking into my situation. At Awana one of the children’s teachers brought everyone (including me) a bookmark that was the “Footprints in Sand.” And the teacher kept telling the children “God is ALWAYS with you.” (I am typing this at work, I hope I don’t start crying.) I knew God was talking to me through that, but my fear was just as heavy. The next morning (morning of my Bible study), in my quiet time I said again, “Lord I know you are with me, my mind is stayed on you, please quiet my fears.” He spoke to my heart, “Your mind is not stayed on me in this situation.” I knew instantly that I needed to ask him for a verse and he gave me Joshua 1:9. I have taught on it often in VBS, and felt a little silly going to it. As I started reading that verse and praying over it and meditationg on it…I felt my fears melt away. I was still nervous, but it did not have a hold of me. God reminded me that my mind is only stayed on him as it is stayed on his word, specific to my circumstances. Later that same day, before the Bible study, I drove past a hair salon and on the sign it said: “Jesus: I am always with you.” And I really felt like Jesus was saying that to me right then. I was reminded God is always talking to us, we just need to slow down and listen.
Well, kind of coming through the back door on this one..many times I have sent prayers or devotionals or verses via email to specific people that pop into my mind. Their responses have been just what you tweeted.
I can only imagine how exhilarating it must be to experience it from the other side. It is exhilarating to know that I was listening to the prompt and obeyed and someone was helped.
In 2007 I had surgery to correct Trigeminal Neuralgia. When I called to set up the surgery and all involved in pre-surgery stuff they told me (Mayo Clinic) that it would be 18 months to 2 years before I would be on the list for appointments. They said they would keep me on their list but suggested I try other avenues. That was April 2007…July 2007 I received a call from the Mayo Clinic and they said it had never happened before but they had a few cancellations and I was next on the list…I fell to the floor and Praised Jesus and CRIED!!!
I had the surgery Halloween Day 2007 and have been pain free since I woke up.
God truly had my back in that situation. He blessed me by giving me an opportunity to be pain free on earth and to spread my story to those who need hope.
Praise Jesus!
BTW – I can not even begin to count the number of people who prayed for me before, during and after my surgery. There were people I didn’t even know praying for a positive outcome – on all fronts. I praise the Lord for those prayer warriors and I know they made a HUGE impact.
Oh my! How do I wrap words around such a phenomenon? It started on a Saturday evening. I went outside in the midst of the night, battling and crying and begging my God. It seemed very much my “Garden of Gethsemane”. Before dawn broke, I was broken. I finally yielded to Him in the quiet hour: “Not my will, Lord God, but Yours!” I knew that He was faithful no matter the journey. I knew that He knew what was best for His Glory…
By morning I was too tired from the pure struggle of the battle; I crawled up into bed instead of going to church. My husband had no idea of the turmoil that I had be toiling over. I had yet to voice it even to my closest friends. At church a lady that I didn’t know other than who she was came up to my husband. She told him that God had woken her up to pray for me through the night. When he came home and told me that I know that my face had to whiten as it lost its color. I told God, “I knew it was serious, Lord… but if You’re waking people up!!!!!” The seriousness almost at first horrified me. And then I realized, that God’s got this! If He’s waking people up over this for me, then He’s got this thing covered, and that I can rest in Him!!! I’ve never felt so bathed in prayer! It crazily seemed even more special that it was coming from those that I’d never met! Only God… and the sweetness of Him!!!
Love this and YES this has happened to me. In 2001 I had breast cancer and had chemo and radiation. Some days I would have an especially rough time – no energy and just plain drained – spiritually and physically. And then….I would feel a surge of well-being and joy within my soul. I call it ‘an undeniable, overwhelming awareness of Jesus’ presence’. I knew without a doubt that someone or many someones were praying for me at that very instant. Saints praying for you just when you need it most – nothing better!!! By the way – 12 years cancer free – and an overcomer by the grace of God!
So funny this post came today, because a situation occurred just yesterday that blew my mind. I have been learning to set boundaries at work over the last year because I have a tendency to take on too much sometimes. Something happened on Tuesday that I knew I was going to be confronted (donāt like confrontation much) with additional responsibilities and I needed to have an answer ready to deflect what was going to be handed to me. Before I could even formulate a response in my mind, or even tell anyone that I know that would pray for me to pray for me (not too many praying folks at the work place), the decision came down so fast (on Wednesday) and responsibilities were distributed amongst everyone but me. Just like that. I felt like I was surrounded by a force field (the hedge of protection??) and the bullets were just whizzing past me and I was in this little circle of peace. I literally, sucked in my breath and snapped my neck back to look up to the Lord! He protected me. I didnāt even have to say a word. I didnāt even have time to ask anyone to pray for me. Did someone pray a hedge of protection around me yesterday, not knowing anything that was going on with me?! Tears just come to my eyes every time I rethink this ā and I like to rethink it.
I had the priviledge of being the giver of that today.
A friend of mine and I are starting a new Bible study next week. My friend is nervous about leading. I emailed her this morning and asked if she had thought on what to do for the ‘intro’ session. She emailed me back what a relief it was to hear from me because she found herself fretting about it just as I emailed her. It’s good to help someone out. Even when you’re not sure if you’re stepping on toes. š
Hi Beth!
This just happened to me last week! Being a former pit dweller of my own making, I am still dealing with a lot of guilt and self loathing over my own stupid mistakes. I know that I am forgiven, but my mind has been so broken for so long, the healing is taking some time. Although I have been a Christian since my childhood, I have never been one to read and study my Bible on a consistent, daily basis. Over the last couple of years, I have begun to do formal Bible studies and daily devotionals. However, I tend to avoid Proverbs. For me, it always felt like a session of self condemnation, since every time I delved into it, I would feel so convicted by the things that I had done wrong. Through the Bible studies, I have met and developed a friendship with a precious sister in Christ who also happens to have a degree in Christian counseling. She has graciously agreed to meet with me privately to try to help me work through some of my lingering issues once and for all based on the promises found in God’s word. One of her suggestions was for me to go and read some specific passages in, you guessed it, Proverbs. During that reading, I came across a verse that, had I stumbled across it on my own, would have caused me to close up my Bible and place it on a shelf for good. I know that sounds awful, but you have to understand that these verses seemed to confirm what I secretly feared. Thankfully, I knew that this woman and I had a session coming up and I knew she would be able to help me understand based on the full Word and not just that one passage. I believe with all my heart that God orchestrated that entire scenario. He is so gentle, so kind. He knew I would need help and he provided it to me. She had no idea when she suggested that reading how it would effect me. Nor did I. But my Heavenly Father did. He took a situation that could have been an opportunity for the enemy to use the Word against me and brought me through to victory! Praise His name!
I know this has been long, but I thank you for providing me a safe place to share this testimony. I don’t deserve God’s love and gentleness towards me. But he so freely gives it. How can I not take every opportunity to tlell about it? So thankful for you and this blog.
Whenever I am at at stage in my life when alot of things seem overwhelming and discouraging and I can’t seem to see the LIGHT for the darkness, one memory from childhood always comes to mind. We were poor and my oldest brother had no pants to wear to school that were not what I call high water pants. It was just like God to send a lady from out church who came with two bags of clothes that her son had outgrown and asked if she could share. Of course they fit perfect because that is who God is. I still cry when I think about it and thank God for His love and concern for our every need. And this morning as I drove to work, I look to my right and there was a beautiful eagle sitting in the tree looking right at me as if to remind me that He is watching over me and I have the strength today to soar like an eagle. Thank you Lord for having my back.
This seems like such a small thing, but it really touched me. I’m a new mama to an amazing 5 month old little man, and as amazing as parenthood is, it’s hard!
Last night, we were driving home and I was in tears because my normally easy-going baby was inconsolable. My heart was broken for him and I was so frustrated that I couldn’t figure out how to help. I cried out, “Lord, help my baby feel better” and almost immediately, the little one stopped crying, sighed and fell asleep. I was instantly reminded that God is there ALWAYS. He sees me and hears me, and it was EXACTLY the reminder this mama needed!
My son’s desire to be in his daughters life (we just found out she existed in November 2012). God was so there for us in court just this week – my son was praised by the judge for so many things and then given 50/50 custody of his precious daughter who is almost 8 years old. We have our grandaughter back and have a schedule for when she is with us. THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU Beth for reminding us that He does have our backs, Not just in the days where He works in HUGE ways but even in the days of “life” when He is working quietly!
Let’s see… where do I start. I have been currently dealing with extreme anxiety and depression. My go to scripture has been Psalm 70. I have read it over and over outloud for the enemy to hear for months. I am also doing your study “Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only.” I was overwhelmed one day when the prayer page was Psalm 70, the very verses I had been quoting over and over. I knew instantly that God was letting me know He has heard me and “had my back”. Another example… this past Sunday I opened the bulletin at church and our secretary had typed 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Another great reminder that whether I feel it or not He is right here loving me through this very rough time in my life! One last thing and then I am done… Just yesterday as I was getting into my car I had the thought, “why do I always question everything, why can’t I just have faith?” I started the ignition, the radio came on and the song playing was Paul Colman’s The One Thing… the chorus says, “But the one thing I don’t question is You, You really love me like You say You do.” WOW!!!
Lately God has been using my word that I am focusing on for the year. This week every verse I have read in my bible has focused on being still and breathing. My devotions have focused on breathing in the moment and slowing down. I think that is so cool that God is letting me know he understands my season and where I am and he is here to literally breathe his very presence into my soul and heart.
I think this is such a timely post/tweet! While traveling yesterday with my “trusty” google map on my phone I ended up on the wrong Main Street in a town VERY unfamiliar. I just started praying out loud, “Jesus, I am soooo lost…..help please!” I passed a church and the sign read, JESUS SAVES. I’ve seen that kind of sign many times, but this time, this one time, it was like He was saying – “I’ve got you!” – So I kept driving, and low and behold a few miles later I was on a main road and on to where I needed to be. His timing is so perfect and I DID ME SOME PRAISING AND SINGING!
Christmastime 2005, still a baby Christian. I was looking for a job so we can have money to buy Christmas presents. I just finished applying at a temporary agency that did not seem promising. Sat in my car, frustrated, about to cry and prayed. A phrase from a then favorite song (Days of Elijah) came to mind:
“Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes.”
Then as I started the car, I turned on the radio and guess what song came on? That very song. It does not get played much because by that time it was already 9 years old.
I cried – but this time out of joy and not despair.
{Thank you for bringing that back to my memory.}
So, so true, Beth! I was recently the maid of honor for a dear friend’s second marriage. She and I have walked through much together (and that’s a whole ‘nother redemption story!).
Needless to say, having never been married myself, I could’ve been bitter (not outwardly, mind you!) about my status, but God had other plans. I walked away from the wedding weekend SO ENCOURAGED! And it came from different people speaking words of affirmation over me in unexpected ways. My favorite encounter, though, was at the post-wedding brunch. God sent a man I had just only met to pray for me. Here’s what happened:
http://www.doughignell.com/blog/2209/Serving-is-a-Privilege-Part-3-Ten-Minutes-with-Maggie
I’m so amazed by the love our Father in heaven has for us! Uh-mazed. š
Dear Beth,
I was so brokenhearted the last couple of weeks. I
praise God that some things came to a head. I would like
to share with you what God did for me by sharing a email
I shared with my bible study buddies March 5th:
“I come to all of you broken, today, but in awe of our God. I realize how little control I have. I can’t control my husband, my family, and my circumstances, but I have a God who is in control. He knows the beginning from the end. And He works everything out for good for those who love Him. I cling to Him and His promises.
Sometimes, God teaches us the scriptures right as we are learning, studying them and even memorizing them. I’m learning about trials. Are any of you learning about them, too?
In my brokenness, God has reminded me, He is here. As I
prayed, I opened my eyes and saw my 6 panel door. Okay, so you are thinking that’s nice, but what does that have to do with God? I’ll tell you. What I saw was the cross, in the door. God reminded me, He is right here with me. He also reminded me of what He showed me to share with our study group, 2 weeks ago, about the door.
Here is the scripture:
“A Ask and it will be given you;
S Seek and you will find;
K Knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Whatever doors are locked, in our lives, God has reminded me that He has the key. All we have to do is:
A – Ask Him
S- Seek Him
K- Knock on His door”
I praise God for speaking this, into my heart. Thanks for letting me share!