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
Hi Beth,
I am 51 years old and really believe that women need to be mentoring other women….how do you think the church can help facilitate this? Thanks!! Renee
My question is how do we banish the problem of fear in our lives?
– God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (2 Ti 1:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)
I struggled with fear all through my life and just now in my older years have I come to a place where I am leaning hard on God and his promises. What would you tell a younger me about fear and how to dispel Satan’s hold on my life? It appears that Paul wanted to point the way out of fear for Timothy.
I’m 60-ish (your age, actually), from Smyrna, Georgia – and what I’ve always wanted to know from you is similar (but not exact) to “CC” above: I love Jesus and the Word and Bible studies, and I’m serious about growing in Christ and living my life by scripture. My husband, however, is not really interested in any of these things. How do I pursue God, and yet remain submitted to my husband’s spiritual leadership (or lack of leadership) in our family? Unfortunately I have used my tongue sinfully in the past in trying to take control of that area. But it breaks my heart that at least one of our children have seen what they believe is his hypocrisy, and she has fallen away. How do I respect him? How do I love him? Especially when I long to have a spiritual relationship with him, but know that it probably won’t happen this side of heaven.
This is Karen from AZ. I can relate well to Kandi Eberle’s question of really internalizing our value in Christ when in real relationships there has been such devaluing. How can we settle into that more? A pivotal moment for me, years ago was when I did your study on A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place you made a comment in one of your video sessions about how God sometimes gives us something supernaturally when we look around us and do not have what we see others having in the natural realm. Like I have struggled with knowing I am lovable. I am in the process of ending a 20 year marriage that was abusive and the aloneness of it all is so overwhelming. I did not have value shown to me by my Father and continue not too even though he is alive and well. It can turn into bitter envy and I know that effects my relationship with God. When you said that years ago, it so encouraged my heart because at the time I was alone in a marriage. Now I am alone in divorce, even though I have 3 boys they are teenagers and were not modeled to value me so it feels in some ways like the cycle continues, even though I am doing everything I can to break that cycle. I have a burning passion to help women overcome the things I have struggled with. I got training to facilitate a Mending the Soul group after going through it and was so healing. Really looking forward to this study as your studies have helped me grown in my relationship with God and this one sounds awesome!
How do you consistently put God first and obey Him, instead of giving in to busyness, laziness, the desire for comfort and safety, wanting to keep everyone happy, fear, etc.?
Christy, Cape Girardeau, MO
Hi Beth,
First let me say it would be so wonderful to have the opportunity to chat with you! I’m a 33 year old mom and wife from Kentucky. Right now in my life I am on FIRE for JESUS! I want to be completely obedient to Him and serve in whatever way I am led to go and do! I guess my question would be… How to I tell the difference in something that I want to do versus what God wants me to do? I have been asked to take part in a ministry called Beloved that goes into strip clubs to minister to women. I don’t feel very comfortable with this idea and frankly it scares me. How do I know if this is what God wants me to do or just something another Christian woman wants me to do?
I would like to second Samantha’s question about doubting your salvation. I have struggled with this in the past and come to peace and assurance. But it makes me nervous to teach about it because I don’t want to give someone false hope that is not saved.
At age 54 I was asked by a young lady to be her mentor. I have no idea how to do this and where even to start. Why she picked me I don’t know. I feel like I am not worthy of this task. Any advise? God bless you, Marilyn
Love this question. I want to know too Beth.
I honestly can not tell you how excited to see this post this morning. I am 52 & lead women’s ministry at my church. Some younger ladies & I have really been discussing how incredibly hard it seems to get the different generations to do community life together…where we can share life experiences & pour into others as we basically live our daily lives. I know this is where things like quilting & things of the past helped bridge the gap, but women don’t have or do much in community together naturally these days it seems. I KNOW how effective & needed these discipling times are, but don’t have ideas for ladies to do this in ways that seem & feel natural. Because of this I see the older ladies grouped together & the younger ladies hanging together, but not much discipling is taking place with older to younger. Any suggestions on how to be intentional about helping this get started & keep it going…naturally in life? Thanks in advance!!
Hi Beth – I’ve been doing bible study for 10+ years now and through them I have learned to deal with stress and anxiety – give it to God!!! How can I get my husband to get interested in bible study? He recently had some health issues due to stress & anxiety. He does pray but I think he needs to delve into scripture and learn his value according to God’s love!
To love at all is to be vulnerable. With that being said, how can a leader in Ministry acquire thicker skin but not a harder heart?
Hi Beth,
I am struggling to know what God would have me do in the little moments of life. I can’t tell what is my own idea and what He is prompting me to do. I feel like I miss opportunities because I am so unsure. It seems as if timing is a big indication that God is moving, but in the moment I can talk myself out of acting because I don’t know. Perhaps this indicates a lack of faith on my part!?! My feet feel glued to the ground!
When my son was but a baby a word was spoken over him that said… “He is a Timothy. The Lord is teaching him things even now that he does not understand but he will.” He is 26 now and loves the Lord and he has a quiet sweet nature but a fierce faith in God. God told me almost audibly that I was to teach him about the Lord and His word but it was His (God’s) job to decide how and when to use him. He has been through many trials but God taught him a strength through those trials. Always wanting to be a soldier, he told me after the trials he had that he knew that yes, he wanted to be a soldier but he was in truth a soldier of the Lord. My question or comment would be… God calls Timothys to come alongside. He also denotes Timothy as teachable and loyal. There is a strength and beauty and stability in a Timothy and that it is important to truly work in the gifts (even those God given personality traits) you are given and such tremendous value in the position of a Timothy who will work alongside others in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Hi Beth, I am a 42yo single from Glendale, AZ and am heavily involved in service at our (very)small church. My question is this: How have you kept your love for the church alive? You often share of how much you love the church and as much as possible arrange your travels to not miss your local church gatherings. I often struggle with burn out, frustration and yes, anger at the hurt, disillusionment and lack of others involvement (typical church issues!). I really, really, really want to love the church consistently. How have you managed to continue to love and want to serve your local body? Thank you!!
Praying for these same matters here. May God show us how to serve gracefully, gratefully, and without discouragement as we follow Jesus.
Yes, this question! I quit attending church but I want to want to come back for the sake of my children. I miss loving church but I don’t miss church if that makes sense. I became disillusioned working at a church that misused money and then my skepticism compounded as I watched church politics play out and people get burned. It didn’t affect me at all but I resented my powerlessness to help, really everyone’s powerlessness except the pastor who had all the power! Now I am extremely distrustful of pastors and have a hard time not wondering what shenanigans is going on behind closed doors especially regarding money. The church establishment to me seems very little different from worldly establishments (power or fame focused, money oriented, numbers oriented, upward mobility or social climb driven, etc) that I have very little taste for church as it is. Teach me how to love it again!
I’m in my fifties (living in South Carolina) and have loved Jesus most of those years. I hear many older folks that have served a long time say that they’ve reached the point where they think they’ve done enough and that it’s time for someone else to serve and serve them. My question is WHY? I realize that one day I may no longer physically be able to do anything, but I still want my mind and heart to want to. After decades of service and growing weary of this world, how do I not fall into the “I’ve done enough” mindset?
Dear Beth,
Im a 56 year old woman who looking back on all these years of “doing church” am wondering if I have gotten it all wrong, or at least could have done much more. I know your coming from a totally different point of view because you’ve been in ministry all these years, but I would just like ask you about how to go forward staying connected to church while getting out of the church trap. I just want to follow Jesus with all my heart!
Hi Beth,
It’s an honor to be able to ask you a question. I’m a 41 year old woman who feels called to open a Christian wellness center. This is something God planted in my heart 16 years ago. It’s been a looooong and sometimes painful growth process since then. My question is: how do I know exactly HOW God wants me to do this? I’ve asked that He close the doors I shouldn’t go thru etc but I mean it when I say, “I want every last nail, every piece of inventory, every service I offer, to be there because He wants it there”. I do NOT want to screw this up. How can I keep my ideas and wants out of the equation and make sure that HE is the only variable? Thank you for your ministry, Beth! ❤️
Thank you for this opportunity, Beth. I spent last year developing a Bible curriculum for new believers and for Christians who may be intimidated by the Bible, especially the Old Testament. It is a 12-week reading plan that surveys the Big Stories and Major Figures (the title of the study), and it is accompanied by other materials, including a list of discussion questions. Developing the discussion questions was the hardest part for me and I’m still not sure that they are very good. I’ve used the curriculum in a life group that I hosted, but wondered if the questions really hit on the most important points. Can you give me any tips on how you develop the questions for your Bible studies? Just FYI, I’m a 60ish single mother of four, grandmother of six, and great grandmother of five, who wanted to be a teacher, but settled for secretary. So I’ve come late to this table! Thank you again, Beth. You’ve been an inspiration to me.
Donna from Athens, GA
Hi Beth! I am so excited to hear you are bringing out a new study!! God used your studies to bring me back to the Lord in a powerful way. I so appreciate your kindness and your emphasis on unity in the Body. The Lord called me into the Catholic church, and that has left me feeling that I’m where He wants me to be; at the same time I wasn’t really prepared for the hostility still remaining in Christendom. I’m a sensitive person who experienced emotional abuse growing up, and my heart is really broken over the divisions in the Body of Christ. I feel called to study and perhaps even teach, but the doors have been closed and hearts have been closed. The evangelical studies I attend are wonderful and the ladies are sweet and amazing, but there is always that bit of fear left. I don’t know quite how to find my place in the Lord’s kingdom here on earth. Thank you again for pointing me always toward the Lord and showing that He loves me. Perhaps keep this comment anonymous.
Thanks Beth! Long story I’ll try to shorten….I’m 49 and am not at all inexperienced in ditch dwelling or being yanked out of it by my hair by my loving God, whom I sometimes feel must get frustrated with my seeming consistent refusal to just hand him the reins so he can KEEP my wagon steered out of the ditch.
I connect with your story in so many ways -childhood illness treated with tetracycline left me with facial deformity and an overbite so severe I had two surgeries in my teens to reconstruct both of my jaws. I have a history of sexual abuse from two different neighbors. My mother was mentally ill and suicidal and my dad left and married his long time girlfriend when I was 8. Self esteem, fear, self-loathing, uncertainty, responsibility, isolation……I didn’t turn to drugs, alcohol, or sex, but my inner demons drove me to other self destructive behaviors that have ruined my reputation and threatened my testimony.
God is Good, and He has repeatedly saved me from myself, and He has often used you as His mouthpiece. I can’t tell you how important Breaking Free has been for me. And A Woman’s Heart. And Daniel…and all the rest of them. Thank you, and Bless you for these.
My question is centered around the conviction I feel to write, and I feel compelled to write on the theme of living forgiven in an unforgiving world. I believe that even though we have been given healthy fear (respect for nature, the sense not to bungee jump) and shame (better referred to as conscience), I know the specters of fear and shame to be demons walking among us, feeding off of our own self doubt and loathing, keeping us from stepping out of our own pasts and into the glorious futures God has called us to. I know this empirically, and I want to tell others living under that kind of bondage that God’s Forgiveness is the only way to live a healthy and restored, even kingdom building life. I keep stumbling over how much of my story to share – I agree with you that not all dirty laundry needs to be hung out for the neighbors – but I want to be honest about how deep was the slimy pit/ ravine that He pulled me out of.
Here’s my problem though. I don’t have much spiritual support from my husband. We’ve been married 22.5 years, and that’s it’s own saga…..history of neglect, emotional abuse and financial infidelity…. But we’ve made it somehow. We have two kids we’re devoted to, and we have a determination, or a grudge match, to keep our home intact. My husband is saved. I don’t doubt his salvation, and he certainly proclaims Christ with his lips, but his way of living, at present, doesn’t go much beyond that. I don’t really know if he has an inner prayer life, but I know he’s not very interested in Bible Study or discussion. He appreciates my faith and knowledge of scripture and often refers to me as Church Lady. Though we have God talks from time to time, he is not the spiritual leader of this household, nor does he really care to be. Once upon distracting me from some morning in depth study he told me “I can’t go where you’re heading.” I guess he sees, or saw me as a zealot with tunnel vision. Jesus had just picked me up and dusted me off, and I was very intentionally keeping my eyes focused on Him. I haven’t taken my focus off of Christ, but I sometimes sense the resentment, even jealousy, my husband has for the fullness of my heart given over to God. I pray for my husband, and that the Holy Spirit will swell within Him – that he will have a radical experience with the Lord on his own. It ain’t over yet. But how to do now? How to act on my calling when I don’t have prayerful support from my spouse?
I don’t mind you’re sharing part of this story – Lia isn’t a pseudonym, but it’s not the name I’m known by. I’d prefer to remain anonymous in an open discussion though.
Thank you and God bless you! Thanking God for you.
If I were sitting down with you I’d talk about my 19 year old 100 pound precious baby girl whom is a
Virgin, I came from a sexual,physical,emotional abusing home. I was abused by a close relative several actually, but the main abuse was in my home with this said I have prayed for a Billy for my daughter ( of course I’m speaking of Billy Graham). I have protected my daughter to the point of suffocation but she is is pure, and I thank God for that. If I were sitting across from you I would ask you to pray, and then ask you to ask your staff to pray that God would send a man to my daughter, one that would treasure her,honor her,encourage her one that would grow her up in the Lord one that would strengthen her relationship with the Lord and a man that would love God above all things also a man that would protect her and guide her with wisdom. I would then ask you to pray that my daughter would have the heart of Ruth. I love my children so much it just hurts. I would ask you to talk about purity in your teaching and discuss the difference between lust and love also if ask you to talk about emotional abuse about the trappings of the mind that can happen in a relationship that is not grounded in Gods word. Our young women struggle with this issue theses days. That’s what I would talk to you about. Thank you Beth
Hey Beth, I am a 59 year old Sista from Pulaski Va. I have had this question since my children were born…where does ‘desire’come from? I have always had a desire to love God and love people, to serve God and serve people. I pray that for my family too…but does desire come from God? What about people who don’t have a desire for spiritual things? Psalms 37:4 says God gives us the desires of our heart…does that mean He gives us the “THINGS” we desire or the desire for the things.. Hope this is making some kind of sense. Thank you for your obedience to God.
Hi Beth! Loved SSMT! THANK YOU!
How does a leader (I happen to be the pastor’s wife) inspire more of a desire for and understanding of God’s Word and discipleship in general in a group of people, particularly ladies in our church, who are also fighting the “busyness” that is trying to take us ALL under, and the fear of what it will “cost” them?
Here’s my nevertheless statement…The ladies at my church are fearful of a deeper, personal, more mature and intimate walk with the Lord which leads to discipling others, NEVERTHELESS I will continue to lead by example and bear the standard for making disciples…our Great Commission!
Dear Beth,
What a blessing you are to me personally, not to mention to my ladies that participate with me in your Bible studies! As a pastor’s wife for 31 years at the same church, approximately 200 ladies take the challenge to plunge into the life-changing Word with me at each Bible Study! Please don’t stop writing them and may God let His Word pour easily through you onto paper!
2 Timothy 1:14 says Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. NIV
Having been entrusted with ministry to a growing congregation in the Atlanta suburbs for 31 years, the last three years have been all out war for our personal lives. My husband has suffered severely with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. This debilitating illness has taken him from his pulpit for 3 1/2 months having only returned last week. We are still working on building stamina and strength so he can return to being the visionary for this body of believers. Paul’s writing to Timothy is not only an admonition to guard and give the entrusted Word to those reliable, but it is also a letter in which he is comfortable to vent his ministry frustrations.
My question is: With so many ministers (and God’s people) suffering from depression, burnout, disappointment, and hurt, how can we better guard those to whom the Word has been entrusted? How can we maintain our confidence and continue to persevere?
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” [Heb. 10:35-36 ESV]
God bless,
Valerie
Newnan, Georgia
Beth- First, beecause I struggle with legalism and you told us if we ever run into you to DO THIS, over our delightful coffee I’d ask what verse you were working on memorizing and have you recite it for me. :-). I have only done four of your studies and read a few other of your books, but I am just praising God for your reach and honesty because each question I can think of I can also think of one of the pieces of yours I’ve read that already answers the question right from your heart and the Word! I think that is exceptionally awesome. You are already “Paul-ing” so many Timothys! And you’re an obvious Lois and Eunice to your crew! Praise Him! And thank you.
If this doesn’t open a theological can-of-worms, can you speak to the role, if any, prayers of elders/others in Christ (especially healing prayer – including possible laying-on-of-hands) has had in your experiencing freedom in Christ? So many still struggle with strongholds even after years of Bible Study. In your books and talks you’ve told about the powerful experience of holding newborn Amanda in your arms and desperately crying out that she not bear the STUFF of generations. (My words, certainly not exactly yours, but I think you get the gist and how I’m trying to get this right without the source in front of me.) As I’ve ministered to other women and worked with prayer ministry at my church, I have seen that even those getting good, Godly therapy and those seeking freedom through His Word have benefitted huge – like chains dropping left and right – when they’ve sought prayer as described in James 5. So, short question: did you experience that to some degree in your freedom?
First I chuckled when I read the subject of your study. I remember you saying you had a friend with 2 boys and the older one was named Timothy and they looked so much alike she called them 1st &2nd Timothy. Don’t know why that’s stayed with me but I think about it as I turn past those chapters. Anyway, my question is God’s timing and how to know if He has answered “no” or “not yet”. It gets harder and harder to not see answers to very real needs that are in alignment with scripture. How do you know?
Hi Beth❤ I’m Ashley, 34 yr old stay at home mom to 2 and 6 yr old boys in Chico, Ca. My question is one youve alrwady answered but has impacted me so much I thought I’d share it.
One question that was asked to you at Propel OC was about our calling, how do we know if we are right about it or how to pursue it? Your answer hit me so hard and has stayed with me. You said don’t be commited to a calling but the Holy Spirit and let Him blow you where He wants. You told us that what you do now didnt exist when you started and if we follow Him with open hands who knows what will exist? The Lord spoke to me about His creativity through a nature documentary that He could be just as creative with my life and to just serve Him with what I currently have in my hand. To jeep following His Spirit, believe like Joshua and Caleb when Im tempted to doubt, and pray big audacious prayers.
It definitely freed me from feeling a burden to try and figure out how to “make it happen” myself. Dont know if that is helpful but there ya go. I so appreciate you and have been loving your Periscopes, even more like were actually having coffee☕
Hello Beth, i am a single 46-y-o woman, and irrevocably saved at age 16. I have been leading bible study for a few years and I want to say that it took me a long time to take a leap from attending, participating, facilitating then to teaching. My biggest regret to date is that I wish I had started much younger to get serious about sound bible study 1 Tim 4:12 talks about others despising your youth, but sometimes you yourself can take it for granted. I desire for younger people to understand this capacity, and that the mature around would affirm it. Another aspect of this delay in learning is that my local church spoon-fed or gave twice regurgitated food. If you could continue to lead others to the Fountain to drink for themselves in your writing and teaching – that is priceless. As you write Entrusted I hope the fire to advance the baton forward in the relay-race spills to us all. You can use this as you wish. With gratitude, CJ
As a minister’s wife, how do you see the church as a whole, but particularly for minister’s families? In specific, how can and do we finish well? I am so discouraged over the fact that I see more and more minister’s and their families not attending worship after they retire. I don’t think we are supposed to retire from The Lord. I have some folks very close to me who have health issues. However, they can do all the other things of life except find the body of Christ to worship with and it has hurt my heart so badly. I have to believe based on other information there is a forgiveness issue at hand.
My business serves young mom’s. I am a 57 year old that KNOWS I am only 30 (hehe). I am seeing young mom’s group together outside the church (community is valuable). They are receiving their advise and support from each other and don’t reach out for wisdom from those who have “been there”. They tend to devalue what you experienced if you aren’t in the “experience”. How do we brake down that barrier? Sheryl, Oregon
Hi Beth: I’m Sharon from Nanaimo, BC. I have loved doing your Bible Studies as well as leading them or facilitating them for a number of years now, and am VERY excited to hear about your new study in Timothy – I can hardly wait. 🙂 At 70 years of age I have a list of questions for you, can we meet at Starbucks in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island and I will have them written down for you. For now though, What would be your top suggestion for passing along to our granddaughters (and sons) a LOVE for the Word of God? It is my greatest desire that all 6 of my grandchildren will love Jesus, His Word, and continue to pass that along to the “many” generations.I keep telling them that they have to because GOD promises they will 🙂
You are a blessing dear lady – keep looking up to the ONE who does it all.
Stranger here in Riverton UT
I can’t remember if that was exactly what we did at one of your LPL events but something like that 🙂
Anyhow, my question.
I am a 37 year old wife, mom of four, and church secretary. I was saved at 22 and felt God’s call to teach within a few years of being saved. I have faithfully served Him and His precious church. I have felt the need to pursue what he has given me by faith yet I feel pompous to ask to teach.(this is hard when you feel called to do something and it isn’t like something that seems like you can ask to do it..) I have taught a variety of venues and had many confirm this is a gifting.
How does one pursue their calling without forcing things. I keep hearing God say “I have given you this but you must step out in faith. ”
I do believe I am doing this as I just keep pursuing and following his lead.
So often I hear teachers say “I never would have been able to d this” or “this is so not my strength” meaning they new it was God because it was very other than there natural tendencies.
I love the idea of teaching, I am naturally a gifted communicator, and I am not afraid of it.
Believe you, me! I am simply nothing with our sweet Jesus I just don’t feel weak in these areas.
Wow I can’t identify my question.
Did you pursue teaching or did it just pursue you? I have always been waiting for it to fall in my lap and I would be ready because I prepared myself.
IF you can make sense of the question – it’s yours for the taking.
Beth,
I would love to sit with you and talk about why God chose to take my entire family (Mom, Dad, and Sister) and leave me here on earth
alone. I know that I am not alone because I have God with me every where I go but I am so lonely and even though it has been two years I still miss having a family. I hope that maybe I will learn from Paul and Timothy that life goes on no matter what your circumstances and God will be with you all the way.
I am 53 and find that I am thrust into leadership roles with younger women a lot. I have been walking with Jesus for 36 years. I still feel like I am learning and growing everyday and often feel like I am not where I should be in my walk. I find new verses all the time that I feel I should know. But these women still look to me. I want to do what God would have me do but I really don’t see myself as a leader. I know God can make so much out of broken vessels but what I feel really inadequate.
My one question would be: Beth, what are the 10 most important things you would want to impart to someone you were mentoring?
I am 53, live in Alabama. My question is similar to that of Connie Harper, I grew up in Southern Baptist church, still attending and very active in a Baptist church. I also desire to follow Christ with my whole heart and whole being. My parents (my father was a pastor, just retired with 50 years serving in different churches) raised me to love and serve God, God blessed me with 3 beautiful babies to raise, always being active in our local church. I feel I missed the “mark” in so many ways, in looking back, I feel I did so much “doing” and somehow missed “being” The church age I am serving in now and the church age I grew up in and the age I raised my children are so different. I truly believe we are more in line with Scripture now. I want Jesus to be what others see in me. I know I cannot change the past but I sure do want to make the time a have now to count in the most meaningful way for the Kingdom.
I’m a 42 year old military wife who has lived all over the world; we are the nearest we’ve ever been to our family – a 14 hour drive. This last move has been the most difficult and challenging in that even after 3.5 years in this location – with consistent service, involvement, and extending hospitality – we (even my children) feel like our acquaintance basket is overflowing with nice, friendly people; however,the genuine, authentic, deeper, “we care about you and will be intentionally thoughtful toward you” friendship basket feels light, if not empty. It’s clear that God says His heart is wrapped around (1) our relationship with Him and (2) our relationships with others. Therefore, my question is how do we teach how to build and cultivate those meaningful relationships {within the body of believers} in a cultural consumed (& apparently content) with social media “friendships” and in a culture that has made busyness its god? Or conversely, how does one deal with that type of loneliness when actively trying to create margin so that God’s priorities are hers?
Hi Beth! This is Melissa from Cypress, TX. My question is, how did you develop the confidence to speak with such authority and to step out to lead other women after your seasons “in the pit”? I ask this because I too have been delivered from some really deep pits and I struggle daily with feeling worthy enough to even consider that God might use me in a mighty way. I’m good with knowing that he delivered me and I praise him every day for that, but I hesitate when it comes to getting involved in church and developing deep friendships with the ladies in our church. I feel “tainted” and I’m afraid if they really knew me and the paths I have walked, I would be rejected. You have been so instrumental in my journey back to God and I am so thankful for your ministry.
Hi. My name is Kimberly and am currently in the States, but working full time in a clinic in Uganda I’ve been reading through the questions and realize my entry is probably not what you are looking for. I landed into Dallas the other day for a layover and seriously prayed that you would somehow be at the Dallas Airport on a layover and that you would somehow be willing to give this lady you don’t even know a hug. How absolutely ridiculous. But though I don’t know you, you represent an (I mean this respectfully) older woman in the faith. Someone who has walked through similar paths and yet is more than a cheerleader for Jesus. You exhale Him. Perfectly? no. But none of us do. We are all fellow sisters walking through this life. Walking through the shadows of my sister’s very unexpected death has been one of the hardest things. Not knowing where she is this very moment has only deepened the pain. It’s rather nauseating to be blunt. I yearn to sit with someone who has walked a few more miles than me (k, many more miles) and to tell me the battle has been won. I know it… but somehow I need someone to say it over and over when my heart struggles to believe it when those muscles feel exhausted. That God is good. He is. Even in this. ( we all have “even in this” situations?) Had you posted this a few weeks back, I would have asked you a totally different question. Today, I think that if I could sit and have coffee with you (or with a fellow sister a few kilometers further in the journey) it would be to simply ask you to speak His truth over and over to my heart. His truth. I know you wanted a specific question and so this may be eliminated. But maybe the questions can be asked silently. And the answers can be through a hand squeeze or a hug or simply by sitting. Oh, I’ve done a bit of tearing up writing this and have succeeded in pretty much not answering your question. But, I’ll still submit. There might be a bit of meat in this post. And so as I sign out, with tears burning my eyes, I say my God is good. He is good. He is good. He is good.
How do you know, positively know, what Gods will is for psrticular situations, especially when there are several good paths, but you want the best!
Hi Beth, I tweeted you when I finished the Woman’s Heart study because I adored it so much:) You graciously replied to it.
How do I seek the Lord with my whole heart? What are some practical ways? I really struggle with this and I really want to follow/seek Him.
Thank you!
Dear Beth, Thanks for all your hard work and efforts in spreading the good news of Jesus. I have enjoyed your books and studies, blogs, and videos. Scripture memory review is helping me, and so are the sweet encouragement God brings in my time alone with Him, and the people He sends my way! There are some stinkers who muddy the joy, but they seem so miserable that I cannot envy or let them dominate my thought life. These are wonderful questions (I’ve read 350-plus today), but mine is like some others—how can I interest women of other generations in building friendships and mentoring one another? It’s never all in one direction. I’m 51, and learn from people of all ages at various times. Filtering everything through the truth of the Bible helps. God bless you and yours, Miss Beth—Jennifer in Ohio
Woodlawn, VA In this day and age where we have so much negativity and sexual references, how do you keep your marriage strong?
Hi Beth! So excited about a new study and especially one involving mentoring. I’m a part of a mentoring program called “Apples of Gold” (Huizenga)that my church has been doing for several years. It even includes cooking classes:)
Since I’m almost 65 and have been a believer for over 35 years with LOTS of Bible studies under my belt, my question is similar to Christy’s: “How do you come to the point of letting Jesus be LORD of your life?” I always tried to maintain some form of control over what He could do in my life. (I know, laughable, isn’t it?) At this point, I realize the only control I had was to limit the growth of my transformation into the image of Jesus, and I have so many regrets. Somewhere in the mix, I think it had something to do with trust, but not sure. I’ve always envied those who just let go and fall freely into His everlasting arms.
By the way, I’m from Montgomery, AL.
Hello, Miss Beth.
I’m a 31-year-old gal who’s been pummeled, medically-speaking, for the last couple of years. How do you keep the faith when you’re just so tired?
I know how you feel Marie. I too have been medically beat up. I don’t have the answers, but I know throughout my almost 44 years He has never forsaken me. He will not forsake you either. When you are too tired to go on ask Him to hold you and breathe HIS strength into your body through His Holy Spirit. You are His child and He loves you. I will pray fr you.
Deuteronomy 33:26-28 New Century Version (NCV)
26 “There is no one like the God of Israel,
who rides through the skies to help you,
who rides on the clouds in his majesty.
27 The everlasting God is your place of safety,
and his arms will hold you up forever.
Oh Beth, if I could sit with you at Starbuck’s I would have a million questions! Just one?! Oh my…
Here’s what I want to know, Beth. How…HOW…do you get that burning love and desire for Jesus? I remember in one of the videos for one of your studies (maybe Believing God??), you said you used to watch your mentors, Marge and Buddy, speak, and their love for Jesus and His word was so evident, and you would say, “God, give me that! I want that!” And He DID give it to you. Ever since I did that study – probably ten years ago – I’ve prayed that prayer so many, many, many times. I WANT to love God and His word the way you do, and *sigh* I just don’t. I still have to force myself to read His word, to spend time in prayer, to have quiet times. It seems like this would be one prayer God would always be willing to say yes to! I WANT to want Him. HOW does one get that crazy love and desire for Him? (p.s. I’m in Texas :))
Hi Beth!
If this applies to the current Bible Study you are doing, if you could please talk about anxiety. I struggle with this daily and have went to His Word and am trying my best to be a “doer” of the Word… but this seems to be an ongoing thing that I have to do. Perhaps this is the “thorn in my side?” This has been mentioned a lot in others questions. Thank you so much for all that you do!
Sue Johnson from Wellington, FL. Hi Beth, I would love to ask you your thoughts/doctrine on women pastors. I’ve always been taught against it in accordance with Scripture in Timothy and I was fine with that. But now our pastors at my church are incorporating female pastors and I am just confused. I love them and know they are godly people. Is this something that I should accept or change churches. I really need godly counsel in this area. Of course I’m praying about it as well. Thank you so much.
I’m a 54 Christian who lives with a believer, not follower of Christ who is very negative and angry at the world. He hates that I’m the go to person for so many of our family and my girlfriends… Frustrated that I’m the “only one they trust” with life troubles. For years I’ve been that type of friend to so many. He Hates it when people use me as Dr. Laur … yet I feel in so many ways this is how I serve Jesus, to be an encourager and teacher for struggling women and those who struggle with drugs and drinking (and recently suicide/PTSD)
.. Everytime I throw myself into deep study he gets resentful and verbal attacks all my beliefs … Thoughts .. advice ..
I am 59 and doing your study, A Woman’s Heart. We just watched session 3. I was struck by God putting Moses in the cleft of the rock and passing by. Also, being BFF’s and knowing the secret things. I so long for that but I’m not really sure how to get that deep. I love Jesus with all of my heart. How do you find that deep intimate relationship with Him? What do you do in your quiet time? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
Thanks so much!!
Carol
Hi Beth, This may not be the kind of question that you are looking for but it is the question that is on my heart, so I’m going to go for it. I currently teach and feel called to teach, but struggle sometimes with the preparation. I remember in Mercy Triumphs, Melissa making the comment that you were the one that taught her how to make an outline and I’ve heard you refer to your outline before you teach. I have often wished I could just shadow you for a day to see how you prepare your lessons. My question is, how do you prepare your outline and do you go off of that only when you are teaching? Sorry, if this is too technical of a question, but in my opinion you are the best, and I want to learn from the best :)) I am so excited about 2 Timothy!