Hi Sisters! Way to hang in there with Bible study for the summer! As usual, I’m putting the bare bones of instruction for your gathering here in writing for those of you who aren’t able to watch the video. If you do watch it, you may quickly note evidences of a ample technical difficulties, all of which were caused by yours truly. For instance, at one point, I got out of my chair to grab my car keys on a side table for an illustration and nearly tore my mic off and my shirt with it. That is why it will appear that I have done a magic trick. Other technical difficulties arose when, suddenly, the cold that I’d caught from my darling Annabeth lapsed me into certain phrases that sounded exactly like I was holding my nose. Only on words with the letter “b” was it most apparent which made the words “Bible” and “humble” particularly intriguing. We are a slick group of filmmakers around here. You’re a patient group and I love you! I am so honored to serve you guys and I know that God is really speaking to you through this study journey. Let’s persevere to the last page for the joy set before us!
The following interactives are based on Weeks 3 and 4 of your Gideon homework:
1. We can get no further than p.70 to stumble on something we could talk about all day. My small group and I loved the whole portion on weakness being a key. Glance at the bottom of the page and talk about the effect that your weakness tends to have on you when you focus on it.
2. Turn to p.75 and discuss the first paragraph and your answers to the second question: How have you seen misdirected credit lead to misplaced trust or unhealthy desires for you or someone else?
3. Turn to p.97 and share which answer you chose in response to the following question and explain why you tend to lean that direction: If you are in a season of life in which you feel insecure or doubtful about God, His Word, or His calling on your life, how do you honestly feel God is responding?
4. I so loved the teaching on p.101! How did the 4 Steps in Giving Our Gifts to God resonate with you or open your eyes? Conclude with the quote Priscilla gave us in the middle of p.107 – “honest doubt in which faith lives.” Give an example of honest doubt that you have had at a time when you were still full of faith. A time when those two things were not at odds but part of that same stretch of journey.
OK, Sisters! Finish your last 2 weeks of homework for our final gathering on July 23rd! You guys are fabulous! Thank you so much for participating. You are dearly loved here at LPM.
Siesta Summer Gideon Study – Week 3 from LPV on Vimeo.
Kristi. Rogersville,TN. Solo
1. When I focus on my weakness, I become an emotional roller coaster. I feel regret for so much time I’ve wasted that i could have been serving God. Then I get mad at myself. Then I get depressed and think God can’t have a use for me. But then after a time of prayer some longer than others i feel like working twice as hard and letting God use my weaknesses that through His strength In my weakness He can truly help others. What an honor to be a tool used by God.
2. I have seen others do this and get so mad that they are taking credit they don’t deserve. Then I catch myself saying or thinking “I” instead of “God”. One thing that has help me a lot in this area is when I was studying in my quite time and whatever it was reminded me that I can’t even love or worship God without God’s help. I would not even have the breath to praise Him
3. I have had so many of these situations in my life (I’m ashamed to say) that i was able to mark the last choice: He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainty
I am in a situation right now that. I have no idea why it happened. I did spend an amount of time mad and questioning God. Then I found peace through much prayer and scripture. I still don’t get it but I know He does. After all He has done for me in my life,I am just going to have to work at it but keep saying and believing that God always knows what He is doing even when I don’t. He is the only one i can always trust to come through for me even if I don’t quite get it. I will one day.
4. I am in a situation right now dealing with honest doubt in which faith lives. I have recently made a major move spiritually by leaving my church of 10 yrs the second church i have ever belonged to. I left the first because i got out of church and than lived somewhere else when I got backin church.
I was touched by the part of preparing gifts for God. The fourth step of pouring it out hit me in a way that may not be how it was intended at all but it sure hit me like a ton of bricks.
When I have problems i can give them to God. Then I go pick them back up. If i can just grow enough to have enough faith not just to give it to God but to pour it out, I can’t pick that back up. I picture this a instead of handing God something solid to hold for me until I decide I need it back that I need to trust Him enough to pour it out at His feet like a bowl of soup. Then it is His and He will take care of it Romans 8:28 and I can’t go pick it back up. It is His completely. I know this is problems instead of gifts but i can’t shake that visual image when I did this part.
Suzi Bloomington, In solo
1. When I focus on my weaknesses it causes fear, defeatism, degrading of self leading to an ugly pity party. My self image looks lacking, my confidence plummets, and I am unable to move forward.
2.When I have taken credit in ministry then not been chosen to move up I’ve found fault with those that are chosen, I’ve had to fight hard to keep a positive attitude in the position I have been chosen for and honestly it is just ugly and leads to lose of fellowship and loneliness.
3.When I find myself in a season of insecurtiy and doubt I drift and feel that He isn’t interested in the smaller details.
4. Many times I struggle with doubt concerning my family and decisions made. One thing that has blessed me is a prayer card with specific concerns involved in decisions, praying specifically and later seeing how perfectly He has answered specifically … but struggles continue.
Margaret, Centennial, CO –
1. Emotionally, I try to avoid so that I can keep control (atleast I think I do).
2. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be allowed to be used by God and see how the Lord’s Word helps someone. Unfortunately, I can’t be the deliver of good news all the time. They have to seek it for themselves.
3. I know He still loves me but I fear he is frustrated and impatient with me. Then I just ball when I realize He’s just sitting there waiting for me to get over myself.
4. I honestly doubt when I am waiting for my teenage son to get a clue and shape up. I know He has such plans for the boy… but I struggle since it may be a life span before I see the deliverance.
Monica, Draper,Utah -Solo
1.) pg. 70 When I focus on my weakness, I feel insecure and stupid.
2.) pg. 75 Misdirected credit lead to misplaced trust in my husband. Thought there were things he would never do in our marriage, especially as a believer. That came to a screeching halt. The pedestal crumbled & so did I.
3.) pg. 97 “He knows me, understands my weaknesses & is patient with me,” I am impatient with myself, I shoot myself down not Him. I have to reiterate who He is in my life & believe His voice & not my own.
4.) pg 101 Loved this! I can prepare, present & be hopeful that everyone likes it, is pleased, tells me what a good job I did- & God just wants me to humbly put it down at His feet & pour it out to Him to do what He wants with my talents. Pg 107 “Honest doubt in which faith lives,” This is when I wish I wasn’t doing this Solo! Almost 7yrs ago God called me to stay in my marriage, which was difficult to believe in, so I doubted my place. Faith & doubt can co exist unfortunately.
Steph, Solo, Scottsdale AZ
Session 3
1. We can get no further than p.70 to stumble on something we could talk about all day. My small group and I loved the whole portion on weakness being a key. Glance at the bottom of the page and talk about the effect that your weakness tends to have on you when you focus on it.
When I focus on my weakness I tend feel down and want to withdraw and be alone rather than be around people. I also start talking down on myself and feel hopeless.
2. Turn to p.75 and discuss the first paragraph and your answers to the second question: How have you seen misdirected credit lead to misplaced trust or unhealthy desires for you or someone else?
It has made me feel angry and jealous because someone else was getting attention for something they didn’t do.
3. Turn to p.97 and share which answer you chose in response to the following question and explain why you tend to lean that direction: If you are in a season of life in which you feel insecure or doubtful about God, His Word, or His calling on your life, how do you honestly feel God is responding?
I feel like even though I have doubt that he knows me inside and out, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties. God has always been with me since I was born and I have seen how he has faithfully worked through out my life.
4. I so loved the teaching on p.101! How did the 4 Steps in Giving Our Gifts to God resonate with you or open your eyes? Conclude with the quote Priscilla gave us in the middle of p.107 – “honest doubt in which faith lives.” Give an example of honest doubt that you have had at a time when you were still full of faith. A time when those two things were not at odds but part of that same stretch of journey.
It showed me that we all have gifts to give even if we feel like we don’t contribute anything! God really opened my eyes that I need to know what my gifts are and that I need put effort towards sharpening the gifts I have. I am going through honest doubt right now, the lord showed me a couple of months ago that I should break up with my boyfriend and he contacted me about two months ago and wanted to start communicating again. I prayed about an answer that I should give him and the lord said that I should not be communicating with him. Again tonight this guy called me and left a message. I will continue to pray and confirm that I should not be communicating with him. I am feeling very at peace right now and have strong faith in the lord and his answer!
Sarah Marion, Wenatchee, WA
Group – Skype Siestas
1. My weakness is either the roadblock that keeps me from doing what God wants when I focus on it or the key to humility and doing what God wants me to do in HIS strength alone.
2.Placing my trust in anyone or anything above God is idolatry and is easy to slip into if I do not keep my faith in God fueled.
4. When faced with any opportunity to speak to a large group I was wondering if I should accept or not and had several concerns. God addressed and answered each of my concerns very specifically. I knew he was giving me the green light to accept the invitation and I knew it was what he was asking me to do.
1. Looking too long or close at my weaknesses gives me a feeling of hopelessness and insecurity. Thankfully, this study is helping me see them differently. 2. Pride can lead to unhealthy outcomes if let loose, both in me and other people. It is especially damaging in the church where we can set other people up and strive to get our egos lifted at times. 3. The question on page 97 is interesting. I am seeing more and more how God truly loves me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with me.. 4. Lastly, “honest doubt in which faith lives” is where I am currently at. There are many unknowns in my life at this time (husband’s health issues, our financial state) but I am trusting the Lord in spite of my questions and unknown outcomes. Going solo from Sydney Australia, Pam
Paula, O’Fallon, Solo.
4. An example of honest doubt at a time when I had great faith: About 20 years ago, I believed I was a very strong and matured Christian with unshakable faith. I prayed and felt God was leading us in a move to another state. When we arrived, the situation was pretty bad and I wondered how I could have misunderstood God. Surely this was not what he wanted for us. The year we lived there was a turning point in my spiritual journey. I understand now that is exactly where God wanted us but not for the reasons I supposed, our happiness and prosperity. He wanted us there because we each had areas in our lives that needed to be dealt with. We weren’t maturing, we weren’t relying upon Him, we weren’t participating with Him and His will for us. It was hard but He took perfect care of us. His strength sustained me as my weaknesses were exposed. I don’t think I even thought I had any weaknesses at that time. It was humbling and I am grateful.
Wow Paula, that’s nearly a mirror image of what my husband and I are going through right now. Right in the middle of it and trying to navigate through, with the Lords help of course….honestly not all the time, but am learning many things.
Sharon, Boigu, Queensland, Australia
Melisse, Slippery Rock, PA, Solo
1. Weakness tends to consume my mind and affects my security, interactions, decisions, language. How different my thoughts and behavior are when I allow myself to be filled by the Spirit!
2. I have seen myself or my team take credit for successes of project at work. When clearly, it was an answer to prayer. Praise be to God for delivering us victory!
3. God will never give up or be disappointed in me! He is waiting for me to trust and learn in him.
4. A particular work project — doubt in certain in people or circumstances but full of faith that God would provide and make a way. And He did!
Cassia, Spring, TX, Solo
1. When I focus on my weaknesses I feel myself edging toward fear and despondency. I start to feel awkward and unworthy and become stymied. What’s so weird is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: I become less able the more I focus on my inability.
2. My propensity for hero-worship has gotten me in trouble more than once. I liked what Beth said about when we put people up on a pedestal (whether they wanted to be there or not), we set them up to let us down. God tends to move me out of relationships where I start doing this and it’s painful but for my own good. He will have no other gods before Him.
3. I am oh so aware that He knows me, understands my weaknesses and is PATIENT with my uncertainties. He is training me to see that every weakness, every shortcoming, every absurd impossibility is opportunity for Him to show up BIG, not just for His own purposes, but amazingly, for my good as well.
4. I am in this paradoxical state right now of being full of faith alongside honest doubt. One of the things I asked God for in this study (back when we were praying to see our summer fruit!) was that I would more clearly recognize His confirmation and react by rejoicing in thankfulness. Over the course of days 3-5 of Week 4, He brought to mind 12 different confirmations! As I think about that number this morning I smiled to suddenly remember the story of the loaves and fishes–the disciples took up 12 baskets of fragments afterwards and nothing was wasted. Thank you Lord for showing me this summer fruit so that nothing is wasted.
Katie g; Knoxville, Tn; solo
1. When I focus on my weaknesses, I’m not focusing on God, the One for Whom nothing is impossible. I then am stuck in a way, and can’t move forward. He gets all the glory when I acknowledge that I can do nothing apart from Him. If I’m focused on myself and the weakness or weaknesses, then I get nowhere.
2. Misdirected credit can lead to idolizing people, when the Lord is the One we should be seeking after. Giving credit to ourselves or to someone else for what God has done can’t be good. I have seen it in myself and in others. You think someone is fascinating and you follow after them, when you should be following after God. If I credit myself with something, then I tend to trust in my ability, etc. forgetting the One Who gives the ability and sustains it in the first place. Not good either!
3. I checked the both of the last two options, because I have felt both, but I would like to understand how He views me in truth instead of my own ideas of how He views me. I tend to compare myself to others in terms of how much evangelism I do, or what kind of things I’m doing for the Lord compared to what they are doing, and it makes me feel like I’ve disappointed Him or that He is frustrated or even angry with me. If I understood His character better, then I would understand how He views me better. I love what Priscilla said at the top of page 101-both paragraphs!
4. The 4 Steps in Giving Our Gifts to God makes so much sense to me. God knows when the timing is best, and how I should use the gifts He has given me. That is a relief to me in a way. I don’t have to be anxious about it. If I’m doing those four steps, then He will bring serving opportunities to me at the right time. His time. I have had honest doubt before, and I have had unbelief before. Wanting to make sure that He is leading me in a certain direction has prompted me to seek out a confirmation from Him…I’m thinking that a bunch of unbelief would be taken care of if we focused on Who God is more; things like His attributes, and His true character.
((HUGS)) to you always Beth:) Blessings to you and LPM today.
Cindy,St. Louis: #1 the way weakness plays on my emotions is that it keeps me from being peaceful & content. #2 I have trusted friends & teachers rather than God & I’ve held these people in far higher esteem than is healthy & they have been my security instead of God. I have learned this lesson the hard way & now realize trust & security are only truly possible in God alone. #3 my answer is two fold: my heart & emotions say “He still loves me but is frustrated & impatient with me.” My spiritual answer, the intellectual side of me that KNOWS better says, “He knows me, understands my weaknesses & is patient with my uncertainties.” On the good days, my heart & emotions agree with my intellectual side. #4 when I was contemplating going to She Speaks in July 2010 for speaker training through Proverbs 31 Ministries, I definitely needed my faith strengthened. This was the biggest step of my life & even though I was pretty sure it was the correct next step, before I spent the money & took vacation time from work, I wanted to be sure I wasn’t misunderstanding His direction. The enrollment was limited & I didn’t want to take a place that rightfully belonged to another woman.
The two biggest things I have learned are about using my weaknesses (BRAND new thought) and about presenting my gifts back to the Lord. I never thought about them in that way & this has been so helpful for me. I am getting ready to go back into leadership in the fall in a new church & the study could not have been more timely – God does love to show off!!!!
Betty M Voltaire ND goin it alone!
1. When I focus on my weakness it undermines the work of the Holy Spirit and it results in negativity which never fortifies anything good but broods a spirit of doubt!
2. When I give credit to a certian individual for leading a particularily good Bible study I am forgetting the One who gave them the ability to do it. Heaven help me not to give credit and honor to any created thing but rather the Creator of ALL things!!!
3.I have to say I know He is patient with me sometimes I wonder how He can, but like a sculptor He takes every imperfection and He molds it patiently and with great care so the end result will be a total transformation into the vessel He wants it to be!
4. I too have problems with each step. For me it is doing this manuscript. I feel I need ot prepare it by seeking out wise teachers to help me to prepare this thing so it is a work to the best of my God given ability and not just a haphazard, not well presented work. Tha tinitself is difficult. Where do I find funding to learn this craft?? Finances are always tight! Presenting it to God would be the next step in gathering the thoughts all together and working it through asking Him to take these thoughts and use them in His way! Putting them down suggests an element of peace with it realizing this is how He wants it and being at peace with it. Pouring it out to me is finding it worthy of sharing if we pour out something we are giving it a new use. Whether it is puring water on a wilting plant or pouring a cup of coffee to sustain our minds!! If we keep it “containered up” noone is gona get any benefit from it!
I love this study it is so encouraging!!
Tiffany Rowland Solo
1. Focusing on weaknesses has an impact on my emotions that make me fearful and INDECISIVE. I can’t make a decision for fear that I am wrong. This leads to poor self image and low confidence or self esteem. Makes me seek approval of everyone which makes me become a chameleon trying to change to suit everyone= exhausting!
2. I believe we give and receive misdirected credit because of our need to be accepted. This I believe can result from our sick emotions and poor self images and just a fear and desire to be accepted. There is such a fine line between striving to be better and becoming prideful when we accomplish something!
3. He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties. I know this because it has proven itself over and over. In my late 30’s and still trying to figure what I want to be when I grow up. Have an idea of a calling on my life but do not believe that I can accomplish it. Have to remember that God does not call the equipped but he equips the called!
4.I have a hard to placing “it” down. I have had a struggle with my hearts desires and God’s will for my life becoming in sync. I have struggled through the years with my desire of staying home and raising my boys and being a financial contributor to our family. I keep lay it down and pick it back up. Maybe my trouble is not laying it down, instead it is not pouring it out! Love these steps! other areas this spoke to me involved relationships (spouse/children) and finances!
1. The emotion of fear and guilt paralize me everytime. I then question who I am and my self confidence hits the bottom of the pit and can’t take a step out to move ahead though my weaknesses.
2. Misdirected credit takes my eyes off the Lord and all He has done and can do for me. Doing life on my own strength.
3. I want to believe He still loves me but is frustrated and impatient with me. I keep going around the same mountain!
4. I lovd seeing those steps before me. I tend to balk if the task seems too hard so I won’t move forward. This spoke to me how important that preparation is to using my gifts for the Lord. I know I have had times of doubt when I questioned my faith. Now I do believe it was an honest doubt where my faith needed to be strengthened. On page 108 I love how Priscilla comments not to count on signs to do what His Word and His Spirit have already been given to achieve. Searching His word will speak to honest doubt!
Burlington, NC
1. Focusing on my weakness always undermines my confidence.
2. If I take credit, then I trust my own abilities rather than trusting God.
3. Anger-I should be doing better at this stage of my life.
4. I prepare it and present it but always wonder/worry if I have done enough, done it right, etc.
Connie, Turlock CA – solo
1. My immediate reaction is to cry, shut down, feel the burden so heavily as though I’m crushed; sinking… and just feel overwhelmed. I know I cannot do it. After some time, when I realize my focus isn’t on the Lord and I switch, that is when all of a sudden things are lifted off of me and everything’s OK.
2.My initial reaction is to look to myself to fix, figure out, do, etc – again and again. I plan on my own strength and ways. Just simply, I assume, it’s because of all the time/years I before knowing the Lord does it all and it is his strength and ways that get us through and makes things happen.
3. I feel that the Lord knows me, understands my weaknesses and am LEARNING that He is patient with my uncertainties…that it is OK to turn to him for my faith to be strengthened.
4. These steps are definitely eye opening to me and I am looking forward to going through the process in giving my gifts to the Lord. There is actually a relationship in my life that I have been consistently struggling with for 6 years. Through it all, I know it’s in the Lord’s hands and timing but sometimes I just question ‘what’s going on’ because of how long it is taking for restoration, or opportunities for moving towards that do not seem to be available or things seem to be getting worse. It has definitely been a lesson of waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing.
Jamie, Crossett:
1) I readily see my weaknesses but have learned to focus on God and His Word and voice & push through. I understand weaknesses are part of the human experience.
2)I think this happens in the church as well of course in our main-line culture. Anyone that is “front and center” usually gets way too much credit. But it’s usually the “others” faults and not the one front & center.
3) He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient w/ my uncertainties.
4)a: This section really resonated w/me.
b: Almost daily I live with this…in a personal relationship…of knowing God is able & trusting His Word over my circumstances/feelings, but then there is this honest doubt that He may not change it. He can, but He may not.
April Jones; Springfield, IL – Going Solo
1. When I focus on my weaknesses I become – Frozen; Apathetic; Have No Desire to Try
2. I have definitely placed certain teachers and pastors high on pedestals and then am very disappointed or broken when they have not lived up to the perfection I have required of them.
3. He still loves me but is frustrated and impatient with me. (I feel this way because this is how I would feel if someone kept failing in the SAME ways OVER and OVER again)
4. I loved that God waited for Gideon to prepare his gift. He didn’t grow impatient or leave and come back – but he promised to wait and he did. That was a pretty awesome lesson. God is so patient with us even when we don’t deserve it. Honest Doubt – When my Dad died – I know that he was a mighty man of faith and is with the Lord – my doubt revolved around how could his dying so young be a part of God’s plan for me? I believe God has a plan for me – but I really still don’t see how that was or is a good part of that plan. I guess I’m still struggling with that honest doubt in the midst of faith.
1. When I focus on my weakness I am paralyzed to move forward. All I can think about is what I lack and why I can’t do something. But when I focus on His strength, suddenly I am free to move where He wants. His resources are limitless, so there is nothing to hold me back.
2. When you misdirect credit, it usually leads to misplaced trust, because you are placing your trust in a person for their abilities, when God was the one behind it. In the future when that person falls below your expectations you don’t trust them anymore, when in reality it was never them to begin with.
3. Out of the choices, I chose ‘He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties. I have so many doubts in this season, that I don’t even know where to begin, but I do trust He will walk me through them.
4. When I was really sick, I never doubted it was His will to heal me. But I greatly struggled with when and how He would heal me. I also had a firm faith that He loved me and wanted what was best for me.
Linda, Tomball, TX, Solo
1. I tend to pull back or pull away when my weaknesses come up.
4. Loved the part about preparing my gifts, and presenting them to God. “You cannot expect God to use what you have not taken the time to prepare.” Good stuff!
1. I find that i get pulled into depression and despair when i have been reminded of my weaknesses. i have also found that my emotions are so fragile that this leads to condemnation and a desire to leave this world quickly before i can hurt anyone else with those weaknesses.
3. I know God knows,understands,loves me but at times of despair and heartache it feels like just a knowledge and not an experience.
4. I try to see my gifts but come up empty. then i try to just trust that God has a plan and purpose for this season of life but nothing changes in me. i sometimes think i am trying to “work” something up or a feeling and perhaps it’s just a “goin on faith” kind of time in my life. i am just lost without my children.
Marney-going solo
1 depression
2.seen it destroy ministry
3.He knows me, understands, my weaknesses and is patient with my uncertainties
4. when I was being called into a new season of ministry after a life threatening illness.
Marianne, Carrollton, TX (solo)
1. I feel helpless, hopeless,lost,out of control when I focus on my weakness, but then I remember to look to God. And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 ASV)
2.i like to help others but have to be careful that I do not play “god” and feel my works will save me. I must remember that God has given me the gift to give to others and be grateful for the privilege to help and remember that God is in control.
3. He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. a.The four steps were awesome and I loved them all, but the one that spoke to me was:Pour it out..
Christ poured out His blood for our salvation. This says to me to fully commit to God pouring out my love, my heart, my thanks, my praise. Let it go, pour it all back to God, from which it came..
b.
I need help for my imperfect faith that needs to be strengthened…”I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24
Ashley Jackson -Denver,Co – Solo
When I focus on my weaknesses it effects my emotions by me feeling unstable, angry & worried.
My self image is poor, have no confidence, and feel stuck in being able to live forward.
When credit is misdirected to people rather than God it makes me look to them as the source of power. It also makes me trust them and set them apart as the answer rather than remembering the power given to them is no different than the power I also have been given.
God has me in an intense spiritual recovery at the moment so He’s taken me to the place that I can now say that “He knows me, understands my weakness, & is patient with my uncertainties.” I have been learning to trust His voice than my own unreliable voice which is much harsher than myself.
The 4 steps of giving my gifts to God opened my eyes in that I feel like God has me in a prep time and how He uses them I knew was completely up to Him. But I also realized I hadn’t given them back to Him and that I was scared to because I felt like Ge would want to “put me in my place” about them. I did it anyways realizing gifts aren’t things you give yourself and I want to remain completely dependent on Him for all ways they may be used for Him.
An example of honest doubt for me is happening currently. My husband & I have our 2nd son due in September with zero money to buy him a stitch. I heard God loud and clear to tythe and we did on my husbands last check. We obeyed but had to borrow money from my parents as we were short the amount we had tythed for our rent. I was upset with God for it ” not working” but have sensed the Lird speaking to “press in & move forward” and not retreat back to my old ways of depression & anxiety. We are waiting with our 300 looking at an insurmountable enemy if bills & needs looking for our miracle & expecting it. I was reminded asking is easy, receiving is fun, the middle in the storm or unknown is the place faith is supposed to happen and it’s impossible to please Him without it!
Great study, seriously couldn’t be more timely for me. Thank you Lord!
Diane E. from Charleston, IL, Solo:
1. When I focus on my weaknesses, this leads to a cycle of anxiety and depression that I recently learned runs deep in my family. I get to the point where I shut down and feel completely stuck.
2. When I misdirect credit back to myself, it ends in bitterness and greed. I have also put pressure on my husband when I attribute his successes to him rather than to God. Of course, my husband is a great guy, but he’s not perfect and I have learned that when I expect perfection, I’m not very nice to live with!
3. I know that God is patient and understanding, but truthfully, I tend to believe that God is frustrated and impatient with me. I think that’s the case because that’s the way I usually felt about my parents, and how I often feel about my own kids! I am getting better at believing that God is a far better and more patient parent than me!
4. I’ve had a lot of honest doubt! I recently struggled with my decision to continue staying at home even though my kids are both in school. While God has shown me over and over again that this is the right path for me and that he has plans for me that don’t involve a working-outside-the-home paid job right now, I’ve asked plenty of times for confirmation and have struggled with this calling.
Hammond, LA Solo
1. Yes I do tend to focus on my weakness. It really effects my emotions by making me feel like everything is my fault and impossible.
2. Yes I’ve seen it. The past two years have not been easy for my once thriving church. God clearly showed us the the problem and we were giving credit to where it didn’t belong. We’ve grown a lot this year and have experienced much needed healing which I don’t think would have happened if we hadn’t gotten to the root of the issue… PRIDE. We still have a way to go but I do believe we are past the eye of the storm.
3. He loves me but isn’t interested in the smaller details of my life.
I tend to feel this way because I feel guilty knowing there are bigger issues people are dealing with.
4. The 4 steps gave me a new perspective and reminded me its a sacrifice as a whole.
I’ve experience honest doubt and faith at the same time. When we starting working with youth. I knew this is where God wanted us but I doubted whether or not my husband needed to take the job.
Marcie, Wenatchee, WA (duo)
#1 When I focus on my weaknesses I very often end up with the “blues”, not full blown depression, but just a “blahness” that tends to keep me from moving forward. I worry about what others think of me and hesitate to move forward on the path God has shown me.
#2 Unfortunately, I believe I am witnessing a well-known Christian leader (not in my town) allowing pride to take over and it is destroying his ministry team. It’s very sad, because he does have a remarkable ministry. But it’s not good when your fellow workers feel mistreated.
#3 There may have been a time when I would have answered that He either wasn’t interested in the small details of my life, or that He was frustrated or impatient with me. I have been through some rough patches in recent years and also have seen Him guide me and my husband in a miraculous way in the last 10 months. So now, my answer is one of strong assurance: He knows me, understands my weaknesses, is patient with my uncertainties — and LOVES me anyways!
#4 I loved the quote “you cannot expect God to use what you have not taken time to prepare.” I am in a season now of preparation and am finding this is exactly where my insecurity and weakness reside right now. I am trying to consciously dedicate my preparation and offer it to Him as a gift; I am pouring out my own strengths and abilities and asking Him to replace them with His strength and His alone. I am in unchartered territory and feeling inadequate, but I think that’s where He wants me! My Gideon-like battle cry is: When I Am Weak, Then He is Strong!
Karlys, La Place, LA, solo
1. Focus on my weaknesses paralyzes me. I lose all confidence. Then I become hostile, mean, even cruel.
2. Even when I give HIM credit for the skills HE gave me, I can almost feel the ground give way beneath me. Pride begins to take hold and spread to other areas and situations, with less and less dependence upon HIM.
3. So many times my insecurities and emotions begin to overshadow my knowledge of Who HE is. HE is the Creator Who loves me.
4. So many times I have begged HIM to remove my doubts. HE has responded in lots of different ways. A great example is Scripture memory through this blog. HE gave me a practical way to know HIM better. This led to memorizing verses on love. Within 6 months my husband and I were asked to join the marriage ministry of our church. We now counsel couples about to be married or whose marriages are in trouble. We get to talk about love. We serve an amazing God.
Emily McAnear, Corona California, solo
1. My weakness plays havoc with my emotions and contributes greatly to my weak self image. My confidence can get very low which makes my ability to move forward non-existent.
2. When we take credit, it is an insult to God. It takes God’s provision out of our perspective.
3. He knows me, understands my weakness and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. The preparation is the hardest for me-the long perserverance it takes to prepare. I had honest doubt in our fertility procedures-I doubted it would ever work but still believed that God would provide. Honest doubt in which faith lives.
Mary, in New Hampshire. Solo
1. My weaknesses leave me feeling depressed and anxious. I feel awful when I get stuck in the same old rut, again, making the same mistakes. I get anxious because I feel things will never change.
2. When I think, “I know what’s best,” I can assume too much control of situations. This can cause hurt feelings in the home and hostility in the work place.
3. I am thankful that my father-God knows me, understands my weaknesses and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. I’m in stage of “honest doubt” over something specific I know God’s calling me to do this summer. He’s asking me to reach out to some immigrant families in my town, and while I have faith the He’ll support me in my efforts, a more fearful “What will people think?” attitude sets in. I keep looking for Him to open doors to make this journey a little easier.
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale, Solo:
1. When I focus on my weakness, I get discouraged. I think discouragement is a great tool of the enemy. He gets our focus on “self,” rather than on the fact that the Christ who is all-powerful and conquered death itself dwells in me.
2. I have been a Christian for a long time — since middle school — so I have learned this lesson well. My hope is in Christ, not in man. I can admire someone else’s walk, but I must remember that that person is a sinner who struggles just as I do. I need to extend grace to others when they fall, rather than putting them up on a pedestal and then getting all upset when that person doesn’t meet my expectations. I am here to follow Christ and emulate Him. He alone is my hero.
3. I am so thankful that God is so patient with me. I am pretty quick to get irritated with people who are insecure… God, however, loves a wounded soul. His compassion is overwhelming. — Thank you, God, for Your grace.
4. I loved Priscilla’s explanation of giving God our gifts on page 101!!!! I am in the “put it down” stage right now, so this really encouraged me. I loved, loved, loved on page 103 where she says “…the best use of our gifts is seldom what we imagined. If we’ll put them down and pour them out, we’ll be surprised at God’s unconventional ways of using them.” I needed to hear that. (Thank you, God and Priscilla!). Right now, I am praying about my desire to be a mom. We will not be able to conceive, and adoption may not be an option for us either… but I am praying about this and yielding it to God. I know that if he does not give me a child to mother, he may be calling me to mother in another way — to mentor or to be-friend or whatever He wants. I am just trying to pray and keep my ears open for His call. I am giving Him my doubts because I know that He writes spectacular endings to stories.
Michele, Liverpool, NY
1. Emotions- fear & shame; self-image- failure; confidence- zero, ability to move or think – paralyzed.
3. The fourth of course but I hate the generic use of faith and doubt. Faith in what? Of course God is sovereign and caring, etc., but do I doubt that I am hearing or doing His will? Of course I do because I have tried so hard for 5 years now and still nothing and no hope on the horizon.
I have thought about Gideon often in this past few months as I wrestle with an important decision, yet I cannot tell if the fleece is wet or dry or which way means what. Paralysis of analysis compounded by much alone time. Just like Sheldon, it is hard living in my head.
4. I don’t know that I have ever been full of faith, I am still trying to grasp what exactly that means and feels like. Mark 9.24 was my 2nd SSMT verse this year. απιστεύω• βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ
I am comforted by the “imperfect faith that needed to be strengthened.” I was praying this morning about whether to abandon a few other options and go all-in to promoting Scripture memory with my book and teaching. Yet can I as a good steward focus solely on that when it offers no evidence of income in the near future?
Life on planet earth is hard. Come, Lord Jesus.
THIS is exactly what I am talking about!!
Not 10 minutes after I just posted these questions in my response, I received a phone call from a lady who wants me to teach a workshop on Scripture memorization for leaders of churches in their area – and they have offered to pay me.
Seems like a dry fleece answer, right? Or wet. So does that mean…? But what about…? Wait, what? Tornado in my head. Make. It. Stop.
That’s great opportunity. . I will pray for you Michele.
Praise God for the offer to teach a workshop. He is faithful. Love you, Michele.
Sasha, Bellingham Wa, solo
1) My weakness makes me terribly insecure about EVERYTHING when I focus on it. And not only that, but it makes me start to think that everything is suddenly my weakness. It’s a nasty snowball effect that leaves me feeling like an utter failure. Ugh.
2) I have just recently given someone close to me credit for something that God really deserved credit in. It has caused me to doubt God and put more faith in the person and their ability to handle the particular situation. Grateful for this portion of study that convicted my heart.
3) I answered two- that He is mad at me for taking so long to know what He wants me to do… and that He still loves me but is frustrated an impatient with me. (Truth be told I am the one that is feeling all of those things toward my own self.)
4) I am living in this place RIGHT NOW. Honest doubt in the midst of faith. We are waiting to hear on a job transfer for my husband, and this has been a four year journey for my exhausted and broke family. I am weary and ready for the next season to begin… God specifically answered the most random prayer about this on the first day of this study, and at the time I had SUCH confidence, but I’ve had silence for the last 3 1/2 weeks now and I am daily questioning if my answer was total coincidence. Your words really brought tears to my eyes just knowing I’m not the only one and that HE really can be trusted with my fleece.
Thank you.
Sasha
Sandy, Bryan, Ohio, solo
So many going solo….Unfortunately, I find it is easier to slack, easier to skim over the tough questions and much less fulfilling than a small group would be. Maybe next time.
1. I’d say when I focus on my weakness, it affects every one of those things listed! Probably the most though would be my ability to move forward. Right now, my big weakness is physical, most notably my lower back. I focus so much on what I can’t do because of my life-long lower back problems. For example, go on a church mission trip? Are you kidding me? What could I possibly do with this darn lower back? Exercise? Are you kidding me? Get my house cleaned, painted, etc. There is no way I can do that….I can’t even get down on the floor….well I could, but then I’d never get back up. There is no end to what I can’t do….
2. Well here I’d just like to reiterate something Beth said on the video: (I reworded it) Sometimes people let us down….because we have put them up on a pedestal, where they didn’t belong in the first place. (Me here:) Then we are “let down” or hurt because they don’t meet our (unrealistic) expectations. We have given them much more power….or credited them with our spiritual growth, our successes, our joys…..
3. I am DEFINITELY in a season of life where I feel insecure or doubtful about God, AND His calling on my life! If I’m honest with myself (and you) I’d have to say that I feel that God loves me, but isn’t interested in the smaller details of my life. I don’t think He’s frustrated or impatient with me, or mad at me. I just feel that for some reason I can’t see him in my life. I mean, yes, I see my blessings and I know they are from Him. But to be able to say that He has led me down a certain path, or he has shown me what He wants for me…..I can’t say that. I don’t know what to look for.
4. I love the idea that the doubt is not necessarily expressing unbelief in God…but an imperfect faith that needs to be strengthened! This is definitely where I am right now. (I know that didn’t really answer the question.)
1. Seems very easy to focus on my weaknesses because I know them & I tend to struggle with not knowing what are my strengths or gifts. My weaknesses have very negative effects such as becoming defensive or angry & suffering from low self- esteem.
2. Not sure how to answer this one, but I do know that people let us down on a regular basis. I would also be guilty of this. I’m thankful my Lord does not let his people down.
3. I answered this with the 4th choice, but I still worry that He grows impatient with me when I keep messing up in the same area in my life.
4. Not sure about this answer, either. I think the time most recently in my life when I had faith we were making the right decision about a career change, but still kept asking God over & over because I had so many doubts. I finally got the message loud and clear! Thank you, Jesus!
1. When I focus on my weaknesses, I tend to isolate myself or freeze in indecisiveness.
2. I have attended a church that idolized the pastor, with more focus on him and how awesome he was that on Him and how awesome He is.
3. How do I feel God is responding…I feel He still loves me but is frustrated and impatient with me but I know He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties…because He loves me.
I’m doing a summer study with my church (Mercy Triumphs) but I can’t keep myself away! Reading about what other women are going through, struggling with and overcoming through Christ is such a tremendous encouragement.
Angie, Shelbyville, ky, solo
1. Focusing on my weaknesses tends to make me feel down & takes energy from me that i
don’t have. It makes me angry & makes me feel worthless & incapable of doing anything…but I’ve learned to change my focus & thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed on me (though still makes me feel unworthy). Thanking God & recalling what His word says helps me know that no matter how weak or small my effort is I can trust God to do something great with it (p. 73).
2. I can’t say I took credit for many things but I prided myself on being independent. I have job, care for self, husband & family with little help from anyone. Then I was diagnosed with sleeping disorder & my world came crumbling down. There’s days I can’t trust myself to do much of anything due to fatigue/having to sleep but I’ve learned to trust God for even the smallest details of my life. He never fails me!
3. He knows me, understands my weaknesses, & is patient with my uncertainties…because what God has been calling me to do I KNOW full well I don’t have the energy & what it takes to do it.
4. I loved the 4 steps. In this season of my life I feel what i prepared is probably missing an ingredient, it’s presentation isn’t all that pretty but Lord here it is & i pour it all out to you because without a touch from your hand (a miracle) it couldn’t possibly be of any worth or value.
Leanne
Mississippi
2of us studying together
1) my main weakness is worry. I can’t seem to stop worrying over everything big or small. That takes a toil on my confidence, self image, work ethic, relationships, etc.
2) I tend to put church leaders and “strong Christians” on a pedestal when I know that God works in all of us. I also put my husband on a pedestal instead of making God my number 1.
3) I believe that God understands my weaknesses and He is patient with me. What I can’t understand is why I don’t make Him the most important thing in my life. I know His truths but I don’t always have the Faith to believe and trust him.
4) I always doubt and worry even though I know God’s truth. Through building our house, family issues, our new business, and financial issues I have had faith and I know what God wants us to do and He is with us through all the issues. There is just this deep down part of me that still doubts God.
Hey Beth & Team,
Thanks for this. I am not doing the study but felt led to check in on your blog this morning. (It’s morning here in NZ. My husb and I are working missionally here.)
I appreciate this word about keys… using our weaknesses, God being our strength…. the last year I have gone through a lot of setbacks that have made me physically and emotionally weak… but God has proven to be my strength through each step… and has slowly given me resolution along the way as I walk out of that dark season. He has taught me so much about different areas of weakness that needed to be addressed.
Last week I had a strong prophetic dream about keys so I really appreciate God leading me to this post. I’ve been praying about what the keys specifically referred to as I can try to interpret it several ways. I can see how through this journey God is giving me opportunities, or keys, to grow and be used more effectively when I really die to self and let him live more and more through me. =)
Love you guys. You’ve been a warm ray of sunshine to me while we’ve lived here without friends and family. Praying for your protection as you continue to live out your call.
XO Kate
Whoops. Just to clarify, we do have friends here. Ha! I meant, just generally we moved here not knowing a soul and thought this journey your ministry and warmth have been a blessing =)
kelly, Glenwood MD–
Responding to Q1: dwelling on my weakness can incapacitate me- can bring any forward movement to a stop.. The “key” message was a great concept to focus on– my weakness as a key that opens a door where God is highly exalted and honored.. giving me boldness to move forward in hopes God will be revealed more fully in my life as my source of joy and hope/ Where my skills and abilities are lacking- He provides what I need to accomplish things for eternity.
Judy Grieve, Clarks Hill SC, solo
1. The statement about weakness is such an eye opener. So even when I wander in that murky area, I know that God can do something with those thoughts and that weakness. I often say, He created me and so there are probably no surprises, just his shaking of his head… disappointed.
2.I am honestly at a loss for an answer here. This is where a small group would be so wonderful. Others thoughts and observations help trigger my thoughts.
3.My answer here was #3 that goes along with my statement in 1. I believe firmly in his presence as I wander crooked paths, wrong turns, dead ends and bumpy roads. I know He will lead if I will just follow like I say I do but often do not.
4.It is strange to have the most convicting feeling that God is with me and then to hear a strange voice going, really? or how does this honestly work? Now,I listen knowing it is an area I need to turn and look at. Discuss, read, pray and challenge. And I think I find a stronger feeling of presence that incorporates my disbelief. God is beyond my comprehension. He is enough.
Brooke, Southern IN, solo
1. I do focus on my weaknesses more than I realized! I feel like I’m on the outside looking in a lot. My weakness is effected socially, thru self image, which leads to no confidence, and inability to move forward. I don’t like this question! Need to read so long insecurity AGAIN! UGH!
moving on 2. I see this a lot at church. Others take credit for something God did. Then they are asked to do it again and again instead of letting others try. Like “that’s her THING!” she is so good at it. PLEASE! It was God and others may have the same talent. Anyway, which leads to my unhealthy desires to say something. Ugh again!
3.#3 and #4… I know He loves me, but I think He has gotta be getting tired of my requests. Seeing gideon have so many and seeing God’s patience and long suffering nature, reminds me that He knows, He understands, and He is patient!!!
4. The preparing the gift part opened my eyes. I don’t spend enough time here. AND I need to fully pour it out!!! Not hold on to it and try to reuse it. Each time, each day its a new gift.My honest doubt has been there for 3 years now. God told me to witness to someone but I didn’t follow thru with it. I need to do this thing and stop the doubt! It’s not my gift..but maybe God is telling me it IS my gift to HIM. it will be about GOD. Maybe God wants this sacrifice, maybe this is the thing I need to prepare, present put down and pour out. This isn’t about me and my fears, my lack of confidence my inability to move forward, it’s about God using THIS ONE WEAKNESS, Yes I too have MANY KEYS on my chain letting God OPEN this door with HIS STRENGTH. Oh LORD, give me strength..
Karen, solo, beech Island, SC
1. Self image. I feel like failure and then I get defensive and then shut down and this just serves to make my confidence go to nothing.
2. Yes and it was not good. For me or them.
3. at first I am at he loves me but isn’t interested in me or my small details then I study to show myself approved and go then to he knows me, understands my weakness and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. The part of preparation spoke volumes with me. I realized I need to put more prep into my presentation. I will in future do this step and will not forget it at all. I will prepare first with the prayer then lots and lots of study and the more prayer.
1. It begins in my self confidence with a sense of failure and then I get all emotional and sensitive then I go defensive. I hate because then I shut down and back away.
2. Yes and it was not pretty for me or for them.
3. I begin with he loves me but not interested in me or my small details then I begin to study to show myself approved and I go to he knows me, understands my weakness and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. The prepare it spoke volumes to me. I am and will put in more prep time. I will begin with prayer and end with prayer with lots and lots of study in between.
Oh yes Karen, solo Beech Island, SC
Marie- Franklin, TN-going solo
1. Feelings of fear and worry. Getting stuck and unable to move forward.
2. Putting too much faith and confidence in others who will sooner or later let us down….greatest hurt ever came from spouse who is now ex.
3. I feel like he’s mad at me…so much hurt and pain in life have lead me there.
4. The honest doubt in which faith lives I feel is my honest, earnest seeking to know Him while having to live with so many things I truly don’t understand.
1. My weakness makes me defensive and it also makes me think how can I strength myself in the area, only thinking about what I can do!
2. I have seen pride rise up and swell, which causes for a large explosion! Uugh!
3. I really feel that He knows me, understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties.
4. I loved the four steps, and thought so many times, it is hard for me to Prepare it, Present it, and then Put it Down and Pour It Out. I pray that God will help me to let it go!
I also wanted to share quickly, this past week our church went to serve a meal at a homeless shelter. I was asked to share something with the women after we had arrived, with only a few minutes to pray and ask God to give me the words to share. I shared what I have been studying- Gideon; I talked about his hiding, just trying to survivor. The women were so moved and God poured out this spirit upon us. God is faithful, and I was so blessed as He moved among us! To God Be the Glory!
Pauline.
!. a weakness of mine would be fear of failure in the task of teaching..which is what I feel God is showing me that I need to do. this weakness hits all points..a bit depressed feeling like I’m not good enough ..perhaps pride 🙁 I have a lack of confidence and it paralyzes me, and I come up with all sorts of excuses why I shouldn’t lead Bible study or teach. God has used this study to show me such amazing things and has opened my eyes in this area!
2. I have seen people put pastors on such a pedestal that they want to follow the man, not the message. This can put a pastor or teacher in a bad spot where if not careful pride can get a foothold. I’ve seen musicians put on such a pedestal “your so talented” that can lead to pride as well.
3. I and my family have been in a “holding pattern’ for three years. As a pastor’s wife. it has been extremely painful and many times discouraging…waiting..watching God shave off the thousands, bringing us to our 300. In my heart knowing He hasn’t forgotten me and my family..yet that doubt..maybe I’m not good enough to be used more..maybe,maybe, maybe.. I can torment myself..yet I know He knows me ,understands my weaknesses, and is patient with my uncertainties.I’ll continue trusting in Him Waiting for Him to lead because I have to cling to His promises. God is responding with this Bible study..He has been encouraging our family and providing..oh the precious patience of my Jesus!!
4. I guess I answered this question with the last answer..I know God hasn’t forgotten my family, yet doubt creeps in as we wait..doubts like what if He’s forgotten, what if we aren’t skilled enough, what if no doors ever open..
so my sisters..please pray for this Pastor’s wife, my husband and family…I love this community.
Beautiful