Hey, you guys! I bet you can guess what my head’s down under right now.
Oh, man. It’s a ton of work but I love it so so much. Researching then writing in-depth Bible study curriculum is still my happy place. I’ve never gotten over it. Every few days I get a tweet from somebody who has just started or finished A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place and I think, often with a lump in my throat, what an invasive virus I caught from that very first journey. There in the pages of Exodus and in the detailed construction of that Old Testament Tabernacle and then in all that flipping to the New Testament to see it fulfilled, I fell so in love with Jesus and the Scriptures that I knew I’d study them in pursuit of Him for the rest of my days. Gah, I love it. I know so many of you do, too. The divine brilliance and beauty of the Bible still slays this woman right here.
The series I’m working on right now is on 2nd Timothy and will carry the title Entrusted. It will hit the shelves in September of 2016 so it won’t be a long wait at all. You will be so glad to know that Melissa is jumping in on this one with 2 articles a week like she did in the James series Mercy Triumphs. She also has a huge stack of resource books for her part of the study but the difference is, neither you nor I can read most of the titles of her books. I mostly point at her resources and say, “Man, that must be a real nail-biter.” But, boy, do I love what she does with them.
We won’t complete the written part of the series until June but the taping for the six sessions I’m teaching takes place next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I cannot beg your prayers loudly enough. Please ask God to pour out His Spirit on every part of the taping and on every participant and upon me as I serve and teach. WE WANT JESUS. We are seeking such a powerful and fresh work of His Spirit in this series. We’re looking for an Ephesians 3:20. Please intercede for us!
One of the concepts we will develop throughout the series is the profound connectedness between generations so poignantly illustrated in the relationship of Paul and Timothy. Our effectiveness for the sake of the gospel dramatically increases when our journeys overlap and our spiritual gifts converge and we learn with one another and from one another. We will be challenged to become vastly more deliberate in equipping and encouraging one another, on cheering one another on, and helping each other navigate difficulties and get back to our feet when we’ve been thrown on our backs. These things are invaluable in the journey of faith. They can be the difference between us staying the course and quitting.
Needless to say, our biggest objective will be to thoroughly study the verses of 2nd Timothy, deliberating on each exhortation and taking note of the process of connectedness between Paul and his son in the faith. But as an older woman who gets a huge charge out of seeing what Jesus is doing in fellow servants my age and watching Him raise up mighty servants in younger generations, I’ll also be weaving in whatever I have to give from my own experiences and my own journey where it seems appropriate. Things I learned the hard way. What’s been hardest and what’s been the most gloriously rewarding. Lord help me, there’s so much I don’t know and much I did wrong and much I can’t offer but, what I have, I want to give to this study. This is where you come in if you’re willing. I don’t just want to share aimlessly. I’d love to know what you wish I’d address.
So, here’s what I’d like for you to do. Think about what you wish you and I could talk about if we could grab a Starbucks together. Form it into a clear question – just one – and present it in a succinct blog comment to this post. You might even tell me very briefly why you’re asking. (For instance, I’m a 22 year old who feels called to…) Your question can be about walking with God in general or about leadership in particular or about teaching or communicating or about navigating ministry or family. What would you, a person of faith, ask of a woman of faith who’s been around the bend a few times? Anything’s game if it’s genuine and I’ll consider questions from brothers in Christ, too, if any feel like pitching one my way. I will carefully go through your questions and answer as many of them as I can through the process of teaching and writing this study.
If you read the comments and see that someone has already asked your question, tell me that you wanted to ask the same one. That will make it stand out in my selection. I’d love to be able to mention your first name and the city you call home when I share your question and my response if that’s okay but, if you’d rather I pose the question anonymously in the series, just say so and I’ll gladly do that.
Sound like something you’d like to take part in? I’d be so grateful! I want to serve. NOT JUST TALK. I want to know what you’d find most helpful from a woman of my sort, whatever that weird sort may be. This blog community proved absolutely invaluable in the Esther series (The Red Book!) and in So Long Insecurity through the surveys I offered to fit those themes. Your input would be solid gold in this one.
I’m so grateful for your help! Honored to serve you. Please pray for me as I prepare for next week’s taping! Bless you today!
Beth
I am 57 and am in a new place now where my children are grown and out of the house and find myself feeling lonely. I am happily married, but can’t seem to connect with other ladies and honestly, am fearful to try. I gave most of my time raising my children and working in our own business while not taking time for other relationships. Is it too late to form new friendships and how would you suggest I try?? -thanks
If I could take the one moment in Starbucks and sit across from you and discuss one thing — as if it were Paul and Timothy — I would want to know: How do you keep going and not give up the hope of serving after so long? I was once very active, but where I was at they used me till I reached burn out and I could not find any joy in my position. I tried to tell them and they did not understand and I ended up having to leave the church there altogether. Now I have been sitting on the sidelines so long because I have not been able to find exactly what ministry I am supposed to be in. It seems like I try but then it doesn’t work out… Is God done with me or do I still try to hang on and hope I will find my place?
I am 56 and was raised in a Christian home with loving parents, who were involved in church. My parents raised 3 Christian women who married Christian men. We all have good marriage. All of us raised our children in Christian homes and our families were active in our churches, but all our children but one have fallen away from God. They are really good young people(their ages are 26 to 34) but live as the world see fix. And this seems to be something I see a lot of parents deal with in the church today. My question is why do you think this is happening?
I’m a 36 year old married to an amazing woman who is the mother of our sweet 19 month old daughter, and probably your biggest “fan/follower.” My wife is always giving to others and encouraging, mentoring, and coming alongside them in their struggles and trials. How do I help her to see that it is okay for her take time for self renewal and have some boundaries, as she ends up often just feeling guilty or selfish.
Hey Beth,
My name is Joanna. I live in Austin, TX and I’m
27 years old. My question relates to 2 Tim 1:7 which states God has given us not a spirit of fear but of power, love and self control. I understand love and self control but POWER?! If this is true, which I believe it is, why is it that power isn’t something most Americans would use to describe their walk with the Lord and what are mark are we missing as women?
Thanks,
Joanna
P. S. I know that I technically asked two questions…I couldn’t help myself.
Hi,
I am a 36 year old mother of 6 children (3 biological, 3 adopted from foster care) and I work hard to maintain a daily relationship with God, but what do you do when you feel like you’re doing everything right and sticking with your prayer routine even when you don’t feel like it, but God doesn’t show up in your closet anymore(or wherever you pray) or at least when it feels like He left?
If you choose to use this, I would prefer to stay anonymous. I’m sorry!
Hello Ms. Beth, thank your for being transparent and honest about who Beth Moore is. I am 60 years old, have been a Christian since 16 years old. By Gods grace, much heart ache from making wrong choices or consequences from others i continue to learn quicker surrender. My question to you is: remind me how to be still, when God hasn’t revealed the next part of His plan, a be still and know I am God time. Praying for God’s blessings and guidance as you begin your taping.
What’s been the hardest thing for you to let go of? H
Carmen from Minnesota
Good question.
Beth, you talk about hearing God speak to you and I’ve heard other people say that too. I’ve never experienced anything that I could say I definitely knew God was speaking to me. What am I not doing or what am I doing wrong?
Kristen Wedan, Manhattan, MT
How do you move past guilt for deep sin into deep love for God?
ello. 🙂 I’m 31, married to a pastor, and a mom to three sweeties. I grew up in church and my heart stirred for missions and the Kingdom so much as a teenager and in college (I was a part of all the Passion conferences and my heart just beat with it). I graduated from seminary, which is where I met my husband. Our marriage has actually been extremely difficult and strained in most every way. In a word, I feel STUCK. I miss laughing, exploring, and sharing life with my friends and family…the way it was before getting married. I miss dreaming of how I might serve in the Kingdom. I feel like I’m drowning and wish I could just start over. It just feels like my husband and I could never “work” and that our marriage was just a mistake. We’ve had various professional counseling, read marriage books, you name it. But then I know what God says about divorce. So, my question is when dreams have died and you feel totally stuck, how do you have hope that God would still do a beautiful work in you and actually use you to draw others to him? It feels like we’ve marred our testimony of his goodness because our marriage is such a mess and it’s just hard to see out…
I can relate to this! I also met my husband in seminary, and we have had (more than) our share of struggles as well. Like you have no idea.Thankfully (or not, I don’t know), we aren’t in ministry, so we haven’t the pressures you must be facing. I hope Beth speaks to marital frustration but I will say from my own experience that I think a lot more people struggle in their marriage than they let on. Maybe with your platform as a ministry family, God wants to use you through your weakness? If the divorce rate is 50% and many others not divorced are unhappily married, I think you have a great number of people in your congregation you can influence. Not to add pressure, but to say that if I were in your church, I’d enjoy the community and solidarity in knowing others are struggling to make things work, but trying to make it work nevertheless.
How do I as mom and grandmother break the bonds of generational sin that seems to plague my family? Two of my grandsons have fallen into drugs and addiction.
Also we are called to love sinners so how should the church show love to the gay community?
Hey Beth,
My question to you over a cup of coffee would be, how do I know my purpose in life now that my kids are grown and married with a family of their own. I was widowed in 1994.
I’m on disability and financially it’s hard to make ends meet. I know the Lord don’t want me to struggle financially, but what do I pray for.
I know the Lord don’t want me living the way I do.
I haven’t been able to go to church for awhile due to a surgery on my ankle. It was getting better, then I twisted it and the Dr put me back in a cast.
It seems like I get over one thing and something else happens.
Dear Beth, I would love to have you drop by for coffee, a heart-to-heart chat and a warm thankful hug. I am in my mid-60’s and have come to realise that my main mentor (Paul) is you, and other dear women like yourself who write and have a passion for Women’s Bible Studies. Right now I am deep in your Children of the Day study and know this is what the Lord directed me to for this time of my life. Thank you for being so honest, compassionate and transparent and it encourages me to be the same for other women who walk beside me and sometimes need a hand, some counsel or just a listening ear.
I’m so looking forward to your new study on Timothy and will pray for you as you continue to serve our Lord. Thank you.
Hey, Beth
I’m 51, and I lead our church’s women’s ministry, teach the adult Sunday school class, run the church’s facebook pages and have served as church treasurer for four years. I feel that it’s now time to end my time as treasurer and will soon be letting the pastor and church board know that I will not serve any more terms in this position. I feel God has something new in store for me to do, but He has not yet revealed to me what that is.
My question is:
How do I deal with a sense of guilt I feel for not continuing in a position that I do not feel called to do, (actually have never felt called to do, but remained in due to a sense of obligation and desire to be a help) but that I know others in the church expect me to remain in due to convenience?
Or to rephrase my question: How do I deal with trying to follow God’s leading for my areas of service in the church while having this sense of guilt because He is not leading me in directions that others in the church expect me to continue in and I know they may not be happy with me? God’s leading for me vs. expectations of others in the church for me….
Both, love all your studies!! I’m 64 & been a Christian all my life. I agree with Marsha about being held back.
Thanks. Psalms 27
Hi Beth – My name is Yvonne and I’m a 52 year old married mother of 2 grown young men and live in Kingman AZ. Boy would I love to sit across from you at Starbucks! I have been blessed to facilitate 10 of your in depth studies and have loved every one of them. I grew up in church and then ran away from it all at 17. Crash, burn, and lots of pit time. A couple of years ago I was very wounded by some people in my church which is now no longer my church. I’ve found myself in a place of some confusion and uncertainty lately with a huge battle in my mind that is quite exhausting. All the different denominations and variations of Christianaity has me asking the Lord, What exactly are we “the church” supposed to be doing and what it is supposed to look like? Having been taught or indoctrinated since childhood in one particular denomination and then all the different ones shouting at us what they believe over the years, I’ve found myself feeling like I wish I could start from scratch and have Jesus show me the truth without all our human opinions tainting things.
The bible tells us to keep praying, asking, seeking, bringing our burdens to Jesus. Such as a young healthy couple praying for a child, but unable to conceive year after years. Paul asked 3 times for the thorn to be removed,and Paul accepted God’s answer of no, that God’s grace is sufficient. My question is: How do you know when the answer is no, instead of wait, or not now?, should we keep praying faithfully, even if God has given his answer, how can we really know for certain the answer? The answer yes is always clearer than, wait or no.
Hi Miss. Beth!
I am 28, I am a mother to two daughters. I am being raised up as a disciple in the hopes of serving women in ministry.
How do YOU stay humble? With all that you have experienced and the growth of the ministry God has given you, being in the spot light, on TV, writing books and curriculums, serving woman all over the world, how do you stay humble?
You have enriched my journey with Christ greatly. Many blessing to you and praying for you as you embark on this new journey with the Lord. May 2 Timothy be ever as fresh as the first time you read it.
Katherine,
Ontario, Canada
Hi, Beth. I’m Candi, and I brought Moon Pies to you at the Pentagon a few years ago when you spoke there for the National Day of Prayer. I wanted to ask you about this then, but there were so many other people, and my ride was leaving….I have thought about emailing you about my situation before, but I talked myself out of it. Now, since you’ve asked:
My question echoes Melany’s situation, only it concerns my sister (only sibling), and I’m 27 years down the road in it. I read 2 Timothy 2:23-26, then 3:5, then 3:9, and I wonder how to live it all out with my sister. She abandoned my parents and me, abandoned her own children, abandoned Jesus–all to stay with a man who abuses her and murdered one of their children. (Longer story.) We were raised in a Christian home, but now she has practiced Islam for 20+ years. I cling to a conversation we had years ago where she told me she had asked Jesus to live in her heart, but she is so far from Him–even hostile toward/about Him–now. We live on opposite coasts, so I haven’t seen her face to face since 1994 (her choice). Phone conversations were non-existent for years (again, her choice), and now they are sporadic at best. Yet every conversation goes nowhere real because her agenda seems to be to justify all the choices she’s made that have hurt us so much. In her last conversation with my parents, she blamed me for many of her choices. She also tries to point out how Islam is better than Jesus.
My question for you, if we were sitting at Starbucks, would be: how does Jesus want me to love her? I do love her, and I grieve for her constantly (my Great Sadness), and my continual cry is that Yahweh will bring her home, if not to our family, at least to Him. There’s the hugest hole where only she fits. I have forgiven her (years of work), and I miss her so much, and I want to be in a real relationship with her again. I know Jesus wants me to love her, but how do I do that in practical ways without arguing over our vastly different beliefs, without clearing the air of all the past betrayal and abandonment, without any seemingly common ground with her? How do I actively love her when I don’t trust her anymore?
Thank you for listening.
Hi Beth,
I lead a women’s Bible study at my church here in Lake Tahoe.We are currently doing your updated version of “Breaking Free”. We have a number of women whose past is filled with painful dives into sin, painful loss, painful disappointment or painful betrayal. I have also had my share of these experiences, but am never sure how much to share of my own “things” with women who are in study with me, but are not necessarily close friends who I am seeking advice from. You are often vulnerable with your past in a delicate but appropriately revealing way, How do you know how much to share, and when to share, to be an honest encouragement to someone else in a study you are leading without sharing too much?
Hi Beth,
How does a person who is passionate about Christ, who spends time digging in His Word, who intentionally prays and invests so much to serve others still be incredibly sad, discouraged and lack joy and feel like they are not making any difference in this world for Jesus’ sake?
Katie
Colorado
Hi Beth! I have attended and embraced many of your Bible Studies! I do love Starbucks and have often joked with my daughters how fun it would be to have coffee with you and soak up your wisdom!
I too, live in Texas, and just attended Grace CC where you spoke last fall.
I am a 63 year old woman of God/wife/mother/grandmother.
But for the past two years, like some of the other women have posted, I am going through a season of great hurt and sadness from the falling away from the Lord and His ways that one of our adult daughters has done on purpose. With that, she and her spouse have said very hurtful things to me personally because of our family’s commitment to Christ and serving in a local Body. She has completely walked away from the church and is not allowing our grandchildren to attend with us anymore. She has placed her loyalty/devotion/dependence on her husband who is a very angry man. They have told me NOT to talk to our grandkids about anything to do with church or we again will not be able to see them. Then, our youngest daughter’s husband is an addict and blames me for brainwashing our daughter into not wanting to be with him anymore and says I am a hypocrite. Crushing, cruel words. Our daughter, attends Celebrate Recovery and AlAnon meetings so she makes all her decisions based on her program.
In spite of the hurtful things that are repeatedly said to me or about me, I know, and try to the best of my ability with God’s help, forgive them. I know that their minds are full of Satan and not really them.
I don’t really have a question. I just get tired from trying to stay joy filled when we get bombarded on a daily/weekly basis with Satan’s attacks. When we pray and pray and pray but see no change – going on two years now.
Your studies always help me with that. I am looking forward to your 2 Timothy study! Hurry!!!!
God Bless You
I’m praying for you, Amy. Please be encouraged: God is faithful, and He isn’t finished. He and Jesus are always working, and nobody works like they do!
Hello Beth,
My question is: How do we, “Share in sufferings as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” without being overwhelmed by our own feelings and deep concern for those we minister to? 2Tim 2:3
I’m 60 yrs old.
(I want credit for all the other questions I”m not asking) (….its really hard) (….just saying)
🙂
I am 60+ and now retired. I am more time to study the Word. I adore your Bible studies as well as other Lifeway authors. My question: what guidelines would you offer learn to study beyond a formal written study? Some days I would like to do some research & study on my own to discover what God has to show me. I don’t know how to begin to study.. Thank you for opening your heart to us on the side of the screen.
Hey, I’m not Beth but I’d recommend a good Bible software program. They have advanced search options and can tie in multiple translations and commentaries. Just sayin’
The Lord continues to give me bits and pieces of my calling over, what feels like, such a long time! I continue to (as best as I can) live out the, ‘do the next right/best thing’ policy, and pray that it will carry me to the point where the portrait becomes less blurry and I suddenly find myself doing exactly what it is He has, in fact, called me to do. How in the world did you prevent yourself from jumping the gun, or even worse – missing an open door?! I’m so excited, I can’t stand it but, I know I have years of fulfilling the callings before THE calling: raising babies, making disciples in my community, mission work, etc.!
One Cinnamon Dolce would not even be enough 😉
#crazyaboutJesus, 29 year old, Cypress, TX, Mother of four <3,
Michal M.
The topic of authority and ministry particularly as it pertains to women in ministry. How and what (scriptural study, advice you’ve been given that has tested true, examples you have followed) has shaped your personal story regarding this issue and what is your grander vision for women you teach?
Appreciate you and your ministry!
What about Christians who believe themselves very devout but distort scripture to suit their purposes or pick and choose what they will follow and mislead others regarding Gods word? I’ve encountered some very devout Christian people who really believe that their version or interpretation of scripture is correct, when they are clearly deluded and can’t see the truth? Can you be saved and still be so blind regarding your own sin and perversion of the truth of the Word?
Hi my name is Courtney! I love your books Beth! You are incredibly used by God! I have your bible study breaking free and my manager and I are trying to work on it together.
So what I would love for you to pray for me about is that I’m having a difficult time in school right now! I’m involved in a two year program at San Diego Mesa community college in ASL English interpretation! I love this field! I’m so passionate about this language! God has called me to this no doubt! He put the passion in me for wanting to use it for ministry purposes and I can’t wait to see what He has does. I need Gods strength thru this whole process cuz it is very very challenging! These first two weeks the enemy has really discouraged me and involved thoughts of failure and I questioned God! I have no need to question God! He literally allowed me to get the financial aid I needed for school! He worked it out so I could afford to go to Christian counseling! He also has made it work out to where I can attend disability counseling at school next week and get help from the disability department regarding my OCD! Plus He allowed my deaf friend that I met at Grossmont College to have time to meet me with me every Sunday for an hour to practice our skills! He is so good! He has really been intervening for me! Gods on my side and I’m on His without a doubt! Love you Beth! Thanks for always trying to encourage us! Keep looking to God
Coffee with Beth?! What a treasure!
My name is Charlene and I’m from Winnipeg, Canada. I have been married for 15 years and have 3 amazing kids! I’m a Pastor’s wife and do a lot of counselling (as God brings His hurting people to me – seems to be more and more) & thoroughly enjoy being able to encourage others!
I’m realizing more and more that I have a deep rooted passion to see people healed. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, marriages healed, families healed and more!! I know down deep that God is preparing me for a new ministry (seeking His face in that)… My problem is that the friends who’ve I’ve enjoyed deep, meaningful friendship with over the years are fading away. People who I used to pray with (about everything) on a regular basis have no interest in partnering in prayer with me, or even to be in relationship with me. It’s like they’ve moved to a foreign country and we don’t speak the same language anymore.
So my question is: How do I move forward into whatever God has for me in ministry with minimal close relationships (my husband and maybe one other) to support me in prayer and do you believe God allows us to have these seasons in our lives where He wants us to press into Him so much that it’s ok to not have deep rooted relationships in our lives at times?
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read my question and hear my heart! God Bless you as you film next week. May the words you speak be His and His alone! May He guide your every step and bless this study in ways you’ve never seen before. Covering you in prayer as you go into next week. Thanks again and God Bless You!!
I am a 42 year old single mother of four children, ages 14, 15, 18, and 21. I curently hold a position (it’s a paid position, if it’s relevant) as the youth leader for our junior high and high school groups. It’s a position that presented itself at a time when I was praying for a change and something that would provide more financial stability for my children. To be honest, I laughed out loud when the idea was first proposed to me by my pastor. Once I allowed myself to process the request, I was led to accept the position. That was almost 5 years ago. Since then, I have been challenged multiple times with the idea of a woman in my position. Sometimes it comes from someone directly (comments). Other times, it comes from my own fears. Attending youth leader events or youth camps where I am the only female leader are definite triggers. I want to stand with FULL confidence in the position I am in and trust God’s calling, but I also do not want to overstep God’s will. It can be overwhelming to discern things that have “progressed” over time (women’s roles in church’s and in society) and reconcile these things with Godms word. I do not want to be a part of the church becoming like the world if it goes against God’s word. So here is my question,”What have your learned through scripture that helps you to draw lines regarding women in leadership?” I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you.
Kimberly, Idaho
I’m a wife and a homeschool mom to four beautiful little girls. I’m learning to believe and see the glory of God this year. (John 11:40) When I first read your blog it brought tears to my eyes, thank you for having a heart for us, for giving us a chance to ask you questions. i couldn’t ever figure out how to ask you, siesta mama, one question. I read and reread the other siestas questions and can hardly wait to read your answers. My heart feels so full I can’t even begin to know what I should ask, so here it is, if we were sitting across from one another I would ask you, “will you pray for me?” I don’t know if this qualifies, but being a godly woman is hard, add to that being a godly wife, godly mom, and godly teacher, etc I want sisters praying for me and teaching me how to hold tight to Jesus, so I can teach my girls the same.
Hi Beth I’m 46 single and a struggling, broken, confused and angry Christian. If we were talking I would be crying. As a Christian I am ashamed that I have let the devil have my joy these past 7 years. My sister who has 10 kids were taken and after 4 years of doing everything she was asked we couldn’t get them. It was an set up with neighbors and family from her husbands family that called in and told untruths. None of our family could get them they were adopted out 7 of the 10. I prayed and asked God for them to come home and for things to work out but it didn’t. I became angry, bitter at the system not at God. I so long to have a relationship with Jesus again. The devil is so good at kicking me down when I start to stand again. I long to raise my hands high and fall to my knees and just praise my Jesus. My question how do you break bondage? How do you get back up and live move on? I know what I need to do but I just can’t seem to break free.
I’m 58 and have moved around all my life so I’ve never developed any close friends, How do I find a place to fit in with women who will allow me in? So many people have been together forever, raised their children together and have intertwined lives that there is no room for someone new. I would love to be in a small group of women my age where I could feel safe to share prayer requests and really discuss the word and not feel like an outsider.
Dear Beth, does the battle get easier? Is there rest up ahead, with joy and peace as companions or will I still be fighting off attacks the same way in the years to come?
When facilitating a group and members are attending group, how do you encourage they change the type of sharing they post on social media to be more reflective of the Christian they express desiring to be rather than the sinner they know they are? Does this make sense? I cringe at some of the posting, the drama, the unchristian names of some groups they apparently follow or read.
When God haters posts a profound thought, I still can’t “share” or retweet it because it was “God hater” that posted it! What a conflicting message! Am I crazy?
Over coffee I would share I am 41, married, we have two children. I struggle with forgiveness/assurance. As a child I felt the spirit calling me to the alter…I did not go. My dad were an alcoholic, mom didn’t go to church, I was a bus kid. ..what would ppl think of a 11 yr old at the alter…my feet felt glued to the floor. The bus driver saw me crying and asked what was wrong, I told him I felt I rejected Christ. He pulled over and said well we will settle that. We prayed, I asked forgiveness, repented and was baptized a few weeks later…but I still struggle. I still feel I rejected Christ and I worry as to wether I was truly saved. Yet I go to church, raise my kids in church. Our son is in bible college to be a youth pastor. I love the Lord. I thirst for him. I ache to know him more. Also, my husband who is 47 feels a calling into the ministry…has since he was a young kid. However, his life took a detour into the military. He is retired military now and I pray that God will open doors for him and our family in the ministry. My question: Did I reject Christ? Did he still forgive me when I did pray? Assurance…that’s what I’m seeking. I want my life to be full of Christ yet I let doubt hold me back from things I feel led to do. Seems doors close before they open- at least for me that is. How do I receive assurance? Sorry so long. Thank you for your time.
Hammond, La
The roller coaster of life.
The changes.
The highs and lows of ministry, marriage, motherhood and everything in between… How do you keep your attitude/ emotions and perspective in check?
I want my heart to right. Not fearful or cynical.
Hi Beth! Thank you for this! I’m from Memphis, TN and am wondering how do you know if you are truly hearing God’s direction/calling/instruction for your life (and situations in it – moving, career changes, etc.) versus just what you “think” he wants you to do?
This question is definitely related to the questions above regarding our callings.
Thank you so much from League City, Tx. How do we discern how to pray for something specific when we know God’s will is best for us and is what will prevail. For instance, and this is a tough one for me. Praying for physical healing. We know that God does not love a well person any more than one who is sick and maybe even dying. If it is God’s will for someone to be taken from Earth to be with the Lord, how do we pray for physical healing. Been struggling with this for a long time.
Hi Beth, I have just gone through a brief study in I and II Timothy ,Titus . I can’t wait to study with you. We are all so blessed to have someone come along side of us, to help us reach our full potential that God created us to be. I have also been fortunate enough to have had many. They have passed on and its my turn to help prepare the way of next generation.
I have found this to be just as challenging. Some have asked me to teach/facilitate.This scares me to death.How in the world do you do it? I can sit and talk with you at Starbucks, but put me in the spotlight and I am a wreck. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your studies. Sue from Wilmington, North Carolina.
Hi Beth
Over the last 6 years,I have been leading women’s retreats at my church. In the beginning used mainly DVDs ( First one “Loving Well”). It was at one of your LMP in Columbus Oh, I said to Jesus,” I want to go deeper. I want to teach!” So that is exactly what has happened. I do women’s retreats and branching to other churches and denominations now with Jesus writing them though me . I love to teach and speak!! It just does something so hard to explain.. I am now beginning to write a study, I hope to publish. My question to you is, when you teach, whether in front of a few or multitude, how do you manage the feeling of “I am so not worthy to teach because I am so flawed?”
Thank you and will pray for you over this next study!
Karen
Beth, I’ve facilitated several of your studies in my home in Esher UK. I am originally from Zimbabwe been the Uk for 7 years. I feel as if I know you and if I saw you in the street would run up to you a suggest lets go for a coffee. My problem is I am on leadership in my church but in this past couple of years I have been hurt over and over. My defence mechagnism has been to withdraw. I now do nothing in the church but am still on leadership because of my husband. I thought I was beginning to find my way a little again when boom … the same hurt has been thrown at me again. I have been very ill for the past 10 years I know I have so much to give to women and especially parents. I am 47, married to a wonderful Godly man for 27 years, with three children two boys 19 and 21, the 21 year old is about to marry a beautiful Godly lady. I also have a delightful 14 year old daughter. They all love and serve God. How do I handle this? I do hope you can adress this in your Bible study. I wish I could talk to you personally, I hope you get to read this as there are a lot of comments to read through here. Liz
I struggle with my awe of Jesus getting in the way of my feeling of love. Can you help me put these feelings in perspective..
I am a 64 year old elementary art teacher from Oklahoma. Your life seems balanced and prioritized. How do you compartmentalize your work to enjoy family and grandchildren ? My job also goes on and on and invades my personal life at times.
I’m in my 50’s, and with my husband, learning to let go of our adult children, some of whom may end up living quite far away. The prospect of losing them is a a weird struggle. Our family background is, people marry, and live close enough to get together often. The idea of having close family that requires a plane ticket to visit is overwhelming.
I am 73 years old and so want to not “settle” for status quo. I want to be about mission and purpose in my later years. I do not want to succumb to what I have labeled as “recliner rot”. Traveling, decorating, face lifts, parties do not do it for me. Not that there is anything wrong with any of that. It seems like older women often become isolated, as our society tends to feel like they have nothing more to offer. I can’t just go up to some younger woman and say, “Hey, can I mentor you? ” Please encourage younger women to ask if they see someone older who they sense can be of some help.
I’d love it if an older woman asked if they could mentor me! All my mentors in the past have sought me out rather than vice versa. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d be too insecure to ask an older woman to invest in me, like “who am I to be chosen by them? To take up their time?”
ditto
I am 54…love Jesus with all I have got…have spent my life praying for my children and husband to love God with their whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
What do you do when your heart and vision are global but you are in a family, none of whom share your aching heart of living this short life all-out for His Kingdom? Translation: Alone.
Georgia
I am a 33 year old wife,mother of one, and public school teacher. I know that God has called me to write. How does one balance the blessings of a home, family, and a career and still live out the calling of God in her life? I am so overwhelmed by it all, I don’t feel like I do any of it well. Much of the time, my writing and obedience to God is what suffers the most, not to mention the crazy, messy house.
Hi Beth, I’m 28 years old from Tampa. How have you learned to discern the difference between God’s direction and your own feelings/emotions? I have been wrong in the past and it causes me to doubt a lot when I do feel the spirit speaking to me.
Thank you! Amy