His body was broken. Literally.
We listened to the emergency room doctor as he described the state of my husband’s shoulder, which was now in too many pieces to count. One small misstep on winter’s ice and a nasty fall had shattered not only bones, but also the next few months of our lives.
Not one surgeon in our town would touch him; the breaks were too severe. After eight excruciating days of specialist visits and waiting, a trauma team finally tackled the long process of putting the pieces of Tyler’s shoulder back together again. It was a rare and risky surgery. Major muscles would be detached, nerves would be severed, and hardware would be placed in places where it simply didn’t fit. No promises for regaining use of his shoulder, arm, or hand were made.
And so we cried out to God as we waited in the storm.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s tempting to ask why in the waiting: “Why us?” “Why now?”, instead of “What do you want to grow in us, Lord?”
It’s tempting to worry in the waiting: jumping ahead to all of my uncertain tomorrows instead of trusting in the work God wants to accomplish in me today.
It’s tempting to wander in the waiting: into rebellion or my own warped version of independence, instead of resting in the complete sovereignty and sufficiency of my Savior.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
But oh, the comfort of a compassionate Savior who never leaves us – and never leaves us how He found us. In our brokenness, He began to gently show us that our need was much more deeply rooted than just physical healing. In our brokenness – our greater weaknesses now exposed through these cracked vessels – He longed to come near and lovingly put us back together more like Him than we were before.
On day one of Tyler’s rehab I wrote:
“Tears ran down my cheeks as I listened in on his rehab goals. Today I heard an independent man say out loud that he wants to lift his arm high enough to wash his hair. I heard a faithful husband voice his desire to work in our yard and fix things around the house. I heard a committed father dreaming of swimming and throwing a baseball with his boys. I heard a passionate servant say that he’d give anything to play drums again on the worship team. In the last few weeks he’s endured tremendous pain and daily limitations with hardly a complaint. Instead I’ve seen humility, bravery, gratitude, grit, and an intentional commitment to not waste this trial. For a couple of stubborn people who love self-sufficiency, order, and the pursuit of excellence, this road has certainly had its character developing moments. And maybe, just maybe… that’s exactly where God wants us. Jesus, continue to transform us to be more like You… for our good and Your glory. There’s a whole lot of hope right there. And so my tears quickly turn to joy, because resting in the sufficiency of God’s grace and power is the only place I want to be…”
What if instead of questioning we surrendered?
What if instead of worrying we trusted?
What if instead of wandering we rested?
Oh, He may very well call us to do hard things in the process. Do them with the power of Christ in you. But what if instead of just impatiently trying to fix the thing or bitterly wishing it away, we stopped and embraced the nearness and ability of Jesus? We can rest because we don’t walk this road alone. There is no one more qualified to come near and save us than the One who made us and whose body was broken for us.
When his broken journey was just beginning, Tyler’s prayer was this:
“Thank you, God, for blessing my life so abundantly. For your gift of salvation and then for never leaving nor forsaking me. I am far from perfect. Thank you for slowing me down. Thank you for providing perspective. You have already begun to reveal some of the greater purpose you have in store for me through this. Let my eyes and ears be open and my will remain humbled as I continue down this path of dependence on You.”
Whether it’s our broken bodies, our broken hearts, or our broken relationships, only in God’s economy can brokenness become so beautiful. Because Jesus made a way our brokenness can make us more aware of His presence and, by His grace, bring us one step closer to who He wants us to be.
“When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.” – Corrie ten Boom
It’s time to rest, you broken and weary. You are not alone…
At His feet,
Let’s talk: Are you currently walking through deep waters? Let the truth in this song wash over your weary soul, and let us know in the comments how our team can pray for you today…
When I walk through deep waters, I know that You will be with me
When I’m standing in the fire, I will not be overcome
Through the valley of the shadow, I will not fear
I am not alone, I am not alone
You will go before me, You will never leave me…
If you can’t see this video, you can view it here.
____________________________
We’re in Week 1 of our Broken & Redeemed study! Grab your favorite beverage, crack open your Bible, and together let’s rejoice with the broken and redeemed of God.
You can grab a copy of our Broken & Redeemed journal on Amazon here or download it at this location.
We also have a corresponding kid’s Broken & Redeemed journal geared for children in elementary grades. You can grab a copy on Amazon at this location.
Today at 3pm, I have an appt to see an Oncology Surgeon. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. It has returned. The difference between then and now is that I am recently separated from my husband and recently more dependent on God. I know that God is already there. He already knows what will take place today. He knows exactly what the surgeon will say to me. Nothing takes God by surprise. To say that I am not shaken, or anxious would be an understatement. God has given such a great spirit of peace and I praise Him for that this morning. Whatever comes from today’s visit I know that God is holding me by His strong right hand. He has never left me. He called me from a situation that I thought would devastate me and instead has given me new hope. This too will be a way for Him to shine in my life; surgery or no surgery.
Thank you for this new lesson. I’m already enjoying each moment of it.
Marie, it is so beautiful how through all going on you are grabbing the hands of Jesus and saying let’s go, let’s do this, I trust you! I’ll be praying for you, and I’m sending big hugs to you. Heavenly Father, your daughter Marie has put her trust in you, her heart is yours. Father only you know the outcome of her today and all her days to come, I pray you keep her close to you, comfort her, bring healing to her. You are our shepherd, our rock, our salvation, our hope and I pray that you will keep Marie close to your heart. Amen
Mondee~LGG Encourager
I will only have to have a procedure done in his office. They caught this early. Not even stitches will be needed. It will take place on a Wednesday and I can return to work on Monday, which is great because I’ve been blessed with a wonderful job. God answered prayers and done more than my mind can comprehend. His love amazes me!
Marie, as you sister in Christ, I carry you to the throne in prayer. God knows
all and delivers ALL, not just some troubles. He will always be with you and never forsake you. May His peace that passes all understanding infuse your spirit. May he give you supernatural strength to put one foot in front of another, as you continually praise His holy name. Let Praise and Thanksgiving be continually in your mouth.
Know that you are loved, , , Another cancer survivor.
Dear, dear Marie, I am adding you this morning to my book of prayer and will pray for the will of God in this situation. You have so eloquently and faithfully stated your faith, trust and love of God. Seeing this message today, helped in ways you will never know. Thank you and blessings to you,
Marie,
I am saying prayers for you now as I read this. God Bless You♥
Marie,
Thank you so much for joining us in this study and being brave enough to share your story! I know God is with you now and on the other side of this journey. I will be praying for you, as are many others that have read this. Let go and Let God!
Marie,
Your story let me know that my trials are nothing compared to what you are going thru right now.
May GOD continue to lift you up and carry you through the storms in your life.
May be bless you with peace that surpasses all understanding and strengthen and heal you as you stand firmly planted in faith.
Praying for you.
Much Love
This brought me to tears. God bless you Marie in everything you are about to face. I am happy you found peace in the middle of it all. Will keep you in my prays.
I’m broken in multiple ways and it shows in every aspect of my life. Can you pray that God helps me rest in him and understand that Jesus is enough and that I’m forgiven
Good morning Nia! I’m so glad you’ve joined this study! In our brokenness, he is a healer and loves us through it all. I don’t know your situation Nia, but I know jesus will walk every step of the way with you and help guide you and heal you along the way-just ask, pray, dig into his word with the help of this study. You ARE loved and you ARE forgiven and you are never alone! When I’m feeling like I’ve hit rock bottom one thing that helps me throughout the day is Christian music. Prayers and hugs to you!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Nia Joe,
Thank you for being with us today! Even though I don’t know your current situation, I can hear the pain and despair in your post. Know you are not alone, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are with you each step of your journey. You have many women praying for you today. Take time to be still and quiet in this dark season so you can feel His presence and the direction He is leading you. God Bless You!
Nia, I will remember you in my prays. God will see you through just keep holding on.
A quote from my journal, December 16, 2016. “God has purpose in my life. Through the trails and pain of the last 6 months, God has purpose. There have been many nights where all I could do is cry with the verse Joshua 1:5 underneath my weeping body. ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’ I have cried so much, I don’t think there is a tear left. There is trouble, and God knows there is trouble, and God rescues us in the midst of trouble, not from trouble. I find this even a deeper promise than you won’t have trouble, but I’m going to be with you in it. This draws me to God, suffering, pain, makes me need Him deeper. Going through the fire makes me know God is real. I know Him in a different way now. ‘The One who walks with us.’ Isaiah 43:2. It was God’s grace to give me suffering because it has made me love God deeper. A merciful intention to draw me back to the cross of Christ. The greatest gift of all.”
Connie thank you for sharing your heart! I love your words and I’m going to write God has a purpose and set it by my bed to read everyday. I am inspired by those who I hear putting their trust in our Father, thank you again. Prayers to you!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Connie,
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal part of your life with us! What an inspiration your story is for me and others reading this. God has a purpose for everything we experience, and we must have open hearts and minds along the journey of life!
I too slipped on ice and broke my wrist. it is slowly healing and I am achieving more each day. I am learning that my plans are easily shattered and I need to lean on God instead of myself.
Sylvia so sorry about your fall! Heavenly Father I pray for healing for Sylvia and that through it all you fill her with your love and comfort and strength. In your name I pray. Amen
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Lord I surrender my brokenness to you, I pray for increased faith and trust in your word and I rest in your love. Thank you for being my Savior.
Joy thank you for sharing this beautiful heartfelt prayer. I loved how you said I surrender my brokenness to you-this can be so hard. I’m so thankful to be able to be surrounded by women striving for increased faith and trust in Gods word!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
On a walk last Tuesday, I knew the dip in the sidewalk was just ahead of me and I planned it to be careful, yet still, I fell on my right knee, and twisted my left ankle. I was only two houses away just beginning my stroll. I went to the dr. the next day and learned that I have a small fracture, need to where a boot for the next three weeks. Life is very busy, I have places to go, things to do….alas I take this that God is telling me to slow down as I cancelled plans for the remainder of the week. It is necessary as I realized in slowing down, there are blessings taking place, including taking time to Be Still, Know God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pauline isn’t it funny how God gets his point across to us? I’m sorry about your Accident and pray for complete healing! I know how it is, my life is so hectic at times and I know I need to slow down and focus. Prayers ND hugs to you!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
This is one of those moments I consider a “God Wink”. I felt like God spoke directly to me through your words, Whitney. Thank you for sharing! My grandmother passed away early this morning. I would certainly appreciate prayers for my family as we face the next few days especially. Thank you, Love God Greatly team and members across the world. You are a blessing in my life!
Trina,
I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family during this most difficult time. Pray that Jesus shines his light upon you and your family and fills your hearts with the great memories you have of her!
Trina I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers. I loved the way you said the blog was a God wink! Hugs to you my friend!
Trina,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, sweet friend. Know that you are loved and being prayed over by Christian women all around the world. Celebrate your loved one’s life on Earth and eternal life in Heaven. God Bless You!
I am completely broken. My 2 sons were taken from me because I let someone watch them who should not have. I knew this man from high school and he showed up on my door in December with no where to go and had no money. I thought God had put him in my life to help him and we started a relationship. Everything was going ok but I could tell something was not right but I ignored it. One day last month I left my 11 month old home with him and picked up my oldest to take him to his karate lesson. We returned home where I saw my baby had a fat lip and a little bruising. I asked what happened and he said he did not know and that he put a toy in the playpen with the baby and he had fallen asleep on the couch. I totally ignored my gut feeling (not knowing then it was the Holy Spirit talking to me) and believed him. The baby seemed fine and was playing and eating. The next day he was throwing up and was acting lethargic. I took him to the hospitial where of course they called DCF. His face was much more bruised now and looked horrible. They did xrays and cat-scans and thank the Lord there was nothing wrong with him other than an ear infection and a cold. At first I told DCF it was just me in the home, I don’t know why I said that, I guess I was just scared but after about 20 minutes I told them the truth. Come to find out my boyfriend had a warrant out for his arrest for a violation of probation for Domestic Violence among a few other things. They arrested him the next day. Then the following Monday the DCF investigator came to my house and I told her I really did not think he could hurt my baby because he was always good to him and the baby was never afraid of him. I also told her I had talked to him on the phone because he called and asked her what she thought. 2 days after that she came and took my boys. There are now in a foster home but I do get to see them very often but it’s just not the same and my heart is truly broken from this. How could I be so trusting to let someone into my home with my children. When I read Ruth 1, I knew God was talking directly to me as well as reading last night scripture Psalm 119:28. The more I am diving into the Word the more trust I am able to place in God and understand the reasons why this has happened. Today is my son’s 1st birthday and I do get to see them and celebrate it with them, which makes me extremely happy. I have to go through parenting classes and therapy in order to get them back but I think it will be good for me and to help me see these red flags about people and not ignore them. I think part of this happened so that I would return to God and put my full trust in him! Praise Jesus, He is Awesome
Trina,
I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family during this most difficult time. Pray that Jesus shines his light upon you and your family and fills your hearts with the great memories you have of her!
Kelly I’m truly sorry to hear of all this! I always look for the good in people so I too don’t always see the signs that they may not be what we think. God has a plan and a purpose for everything, even though we cannot see it! I pray that you cling to him and let him fill your heart and actions and help you keep moving forward and closer to getting your babies back! I’m so glad your in the LGG group, it is so comforting to be surrounded by women that will help lift you by locking arms and digging into gods word. Keep looking to him and praying, you can get through this.
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Hi me too. I married a very abusive man I had my son with him. My then husband abused me in many ways.. Then one day I felt the Holy Spirit lead me and my son away from him…he started stalking me…I had a nervous breakdown…my son was taken away from me and returned to his father my abuser….I too went through parenting classes and now counseling with my now 4 yr old son…now my abuser is trying to take control again…I pray to be back in court soon…trying to get my son…joint custody….praying for God’s will for us…relieved and so thankful not being abused anymore…I will pray for you and your boys….me too still learning about how to spot an abuser and a bad person…?
God is so good!! This verse is very timely for me today. Yesterday I got same news that an action I took in faith didn’t work out so well. Ive been estranged from my family for 5 years and Friday I followed God and reached out and tried to open communications. While I did get a response, that response was cloaked with distain. Then yesterday I was told that my text was not taken on face value and that my parents are not willing to let go of their hate at this point. Reaching out was difficult and I felt I spoke from my heart but it seems it made things worse. I know God works in mysterious ways and I’m prayerful he’s working in this situation. Sorry for the personal story.
Jennifer, joining you in praying for reconciliation in your family this morning. You did the hard, obedient thing, and no matter what, God is going to bless you for being a grace-filled person who is willing to reach out. Hugs
I, too, fell on the ice last winter. I had a broken wrist and then later, 2 months of pain later, it was discovered I also had a broken pelvis. Yes, it was a long recovery time where I had to depend on God and look to others to help me. It was a very humbling experience, but now I am so grateful for the many things I learned during that time. And now I am very grateful for all the things I can do once again.
Birdie, thanks for sharing your story. What a blessing to be able to look back and see how God has worked through a difficult circumstance! You are encouraging those who are still in the valley to keep at it. Their healing is coming. Blessings to you!
I am in a season of waiting right now. All human hope is extinguished. My only hope is in God. Please pray I would surrender to this season, keep my eyes fixed on him, trust and rest in him…instead of listening to the lies of the enemy and acting on fears….therefore doing something foolish and causing more long term problems for myself.
Vickie, praying for God to encourage you today. He is at work. I have experienced that deep darkness of despair where I thought no change would ever happen. But God is able to redeem any situation. A verse that really encouraged me during my valley season was Proverbs 23:18: ”
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” — I pray that this study will give you strength and courage to keep moving forward until your breakthrough comes.
Blessings,
Lyli
Pray that my broken relationship with my son would be healed.
Cynthia, prayers for you and your family as you go through this tough time.
Lord, please be with Cynthia and her family, wrap your arms around her and guide her to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
I am so ready for this study! I’ve had a lot of loss in my life: first my dad, then my 8yr old daughter to cancer and five weeks later my sweet mom, my husband walked out two weeks after the first anniversary of our daughter’s death and my only remaining child left home and never communicated with me again. She was then 19, and is now 32. My only remaining relative, my cousin, to whom I was close, died unexpectedly three years ago. I did remarry, and am still married. He’s a good man, but I ignored red flags. But, through it all God has been with me and my relationship with Him is stronger than ever before.
Sweet Janet, I am so sorry for all your struggles. Isn’t great that we serve an amazing God? A redeeming God? Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your story!
Today marks exactly a year that I went in to have what was supposed to be a routine procedure called an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy went well however what I didn’t know was 16 hours later I would be deathly ill. It just so happened at the time that I had the biopsy I had group B strep in my body and the biopsy gave it an entry into my bloodstream. 32 hours later I was in a coma where I remained for eight days. I had toxic shock syndrome and septic shock syndrome. My organs were shutting down. I had a 5% survival rate. I spent a total of 32 days in the hospital and even now a year later I’m still in recovery. I have minimal use of my left hand but considering they discussed amputating all of my limbs, I’m thankful that I have any use at all. Almost losing your life definitely changes your perspective! I see things differently now. In today’s study you talk about finding God in our brokenness, im now realizing that he had to break me to make me see that he’s right there. As I sit here today I give God all the glory!!! My prayer request is that God will continue to mend me and that I don’t forget that I am not alone!
Stacie, what a remarkable story! Thank you for sharing with us. I am sure your road as been rough and will continue to be rough, but with God anything is possible and you might realize that more than others. You are indeed an inspiration and I am so glad to hear that you have overcome some great odds! As you said, to God be the glory! Again, thank you so much for sharing your story and prayers for your continued recovery!
For the last 6 months I have lived 1100 miles from friends and family. It has been the worst 6 months of my life. We moved for a job for my husband that never took off, so….we are moving back home. I have prayed and prayed for this time to come. Only now I am doing the packing on my own and I feel overwhelmed. My husband is working a new job which is getting us home.
I have given the last year of my life to caring for 2 little boys who call me grandmake but I’m truth are my husbands nephew’s boys. It has been a long year and I am ready for my old life back. I feel selfish for not wanting to care for these boys any longer. My own sons are grown and have lives of their own.
I am moving without the little boys as their dad thinks he has found a suitable girlfriend to tend them but I seriously have a feeling they will be back on my doorstep.
I have felt broken and abandon in these last 6 months. I am so thankful for this study. I have been sick for the last month and am starting to feel better. My body and mind had given up and my husband saw this so he decided to take me to my home. I miss my family, my friends and my house. I want to feel whole again. I need to feel whole again. Please God, give me through patience and strength I need to get through this.
Vicki, they always say there is no place like home. We are so glad you are joining us for this study. I personally cannot wait to see what God will make me see through it. Prayers for you as you go through this transition time again, prayers for safe travels and moving.
Lord, place your comforting arms around Vicki as she goes through this difficult time, let her feel you love and support. Be with the boys during this time of change as well. Thank you for answering her prayers to move back home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I’ve read the previous comments and it makes my trial seem trivial. I’ve said a prayer for many of those whose comments I’ve read. My husband left me back in October. I was betrayed and I was angry, I was sad, I was depressed. I prayed, I cried, I questioned God. God would remind me in various ways how much He loves me and that He was always with me. I had to grab hold of those promises and others just to make it though the day. The hardest thing has been to surrender my situation to God. I would surrender and then I would take it back. Last week, it came to me that there is a time to fight and there is a time to surrender. I asked God if it was time to surrender. Of course it was. And by leaving it in God’s hands I found a certain peace with my situation. It’s still a day-to-day thing and I’m still a work in progress. Doesn’t mean that I don’t stop praying for my husband. It’s a simple prayer…Make his heart tender towards you so that He can become the man You want him to be. Thy will be done. On a side note, I asked God this morning if I should move. So many memories here that make it hard sometimes. I know you will think I’m crazy, but God said, “not until you get your act together.” God is good. I am thankful and blessed.
Oh Patty, my heart goes out to you. No situation is trivial in the eyes of our God. He loves you so much that no matter how big or small the situation may seem here on earth – the outcome of it being for your benefit is His top priority. I keep hearing these two verses and I am typing this up…
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11
Lord, I come into agreement with Patty…Make her husband’s hear tender towards You so that he can become the man You want him to be. Thank You for Your plan and purpose. Thank You that through this valley You are holding Patty in Your loving arms. Keep her close, safe, and strong through Your strength. In Jesus’s name, amen.
I am broken is so many ways. My life has been falling apart lately. I have been angry at God for allowing these things to happen to me. So I stopped talking to Him about 2 years ago. I have been at my lowest for about the last week. To the point of not wanting to be here anymore. To be honest I have been a member of this group for years and never done a study. For some reason today I opened the email and saw what study was happening right now. I knew then that He was reaching out to me. He has been reaching out to me and I haven’t been able to see it until now. Today I start my first study with the group… Because I have to listen. He has a reason for my pain. He has a reason for my brokenness. I will find the answers or I will just rest finally. I so need to rest because I am so worn out.
I wish I could just give you a great big hug, Joanne! I’m so glad that you are here and have allowed God to grab hold of you! He loves you so much…He wants to make it so you lack nothing, your soul is refreshed, and you are on the right path for your life (Psalm 23). May He continue to pull you close as your spend time getting to know Him better.
Joanne I’m so glad your here! The LGG studies came to me in a similar time. I felt angry at God because I thought he must hate me by the way my life had been. But in my despair I prayed for him to send me something, anything to let me know he was still there. And I’ve done the studies since then. The little spark of hope I felt and comfort in his words led to much more and it’s changed my life. I know he is working in yours too, give him s chance. I always felt like he ran away from me, but in reality I was running from him. You are so loved by Jesus and his love and mercy covers you like a warm blanket on a cold night. Join the study and let his words settle in your heart and comfort you. So glad your with us!
Mondee~LGG ENCOURAGER
Thank you for this devotional. I happened upon it this afternoon. I could use prayer for my mom who has been in the hosp n nursing home suffering from hepatic encephalopathy as well as an anoxic brain injury that has brought about other medical issues since nov 18. One day she will know my name and other stuff but other days like today she won’t say my name & doesn’t say I love you back to me. As well my father is suffering from severe anxiety and depression and this situation has not helped. Also prayer that I will never ask why but remain resting on Gods grace daily and learning whatever Hod wants me to learn thru this. ThAnk you!!
Hi Lisa! I’m so sorry for all your going through, it has to be hard. Just know your not alone! Heavenly Father, wrap your loving arms around your daughter Lisa and her mom and dad. Help her stay strong in her faith during these hard times. Father I also pray that you watch over her mother and father and heal them in ways only you can. In your name I pray. Amen
My marriage is failing, lies, and deceit cover the past 23 years. My children have not learned one single thing from me, only from their father. I am far from perfect, no doubt on a daily basis, but I have tried and failed at being a parent. A godly one. Now, they are 19 and 21 and as I watch my world dissipate in front of me, I am forced to say, I know I want to be happy, I am 43, shouldn’t I be happy for what time I have left? But God, what do YOU want me to do? And I am bitter, and resentful, the abuse, whether it be the past physical, mental and emotional, or the present I’m over all of it mentality that leads me to long for what LOVE truly is like from a man who loves Jesus, that I will never know from my husband, it seems, makes me sick. I want to live for Him, and my home is filled with constant chaos and vulgar talk etc. I need help. And yesterday’s reading really hit home with me. But I have no idea what to do with it. His word, but knowing where to go. Pray for us please. I don’t want a divorce, but I am far from done.
Amy, your story touches my heart. Your marriage reminds me of my own. The best of you is your identity in Christ Jesus. Trusting Him, obeying Him and crying out to Him is what worked for me. Spending time quietly listening for His voice and reading your Bible is a start. Answers may not come right away but God doesn’t forget us, He will direct your path, He has a plan for you and He loves you. Those are truths you can rely on. I will pray for you and your family.
It’s amazing how God shows up to help you with what’s going on in your life! I feel broken in so many ways in life lately from family, relationships, my job–this study is just what I need along with a lot of prayers even though I know there is others who have it so much worse and it makes me feel so petty for thinking I have it bad. God Bless you all and prayers.
FN, God is simply amazing when we see Him showing up in our lives. No matter how bad our storm is we can trust He is near. Your trials are seen by our God as important and no matter their magnitude He cares for us through them all. We are happy that this study is impacting people in their brokenness and causing them to trust God as our healer and redeemer. May He continue to complete His Good work in you.
I had given up to God the thought of fignding a spouse. The day I prayed with my prayer partner giving up the desire I met the guy I thought I was to marry. There will be no wedding, he broke up with me and has moved on to another girl within a week. Texting all of this while at my job. I am devastated and fighting the temptation to get stuck in the grovelling whys. (I have been mostly failing this part). I had so much crazy confirmation in prayer along the way. Just at the heart wrenching part of starting over and trying to keep taking the steps I know to do in keeping my trust the Father.
Mandolynn, take heart my dear, God hears your cries and pain. Be confident and continue to work for His glory and goodness. I will Pray along with you for healing from this relationship and that God will provide what and who you need according to his plan. You are faithful and know the steps to keep trusting in Him and you have a great blessing of a prayer partner ?.. You are a soldier marching on to victory in Christ.
Hello,
My name is Fabi and I am a Naomi that went away and is coming back to the arms of her father and to her people. Please pray that the Lord will soften my heart and allow me to fall in love with Him again.
Thank you so much for doing this!
Fabi, welcome back to your people. May you find your soul sweetened with love. May you renew the love and trust in God. And may your trust in Him deepen and blossom new fruit.
My prayer request is related to my current employment situation. I have been with the same practice for almost 14 years now and have been the practice manager for 7 years of my time there. Recently it seems though that my integrity and opinions have been in question. There is one employee in particular who has always had a difficult time with my authority to the point of pretending to be my friend to get out of doing what was required, it honestly worked for a while. Since I have had my eyes opened to the unfortunateness of the situation and have removed myself from the friendship, she has been trying to destroy my character to the others in the office and even those outside. It is a very sad situation. So ultimately my prayer is for this particular person, for God to fill her heart with love and close her mouth when nothing positive can come out. And I pray that the ones that have been influenced have their eyes opened to the truth. Thank you all my friends for your prayers and I will pray for each one of you and your requests.
Tiffany. What a great request to be praying for the woman who is having issues, often we may miss the opportunity to spur others on who are struggling with being faithful followers. We pray along with you for integrity and eyes opening to the Truth of all.
My husband and I have been in a time of waiting for the past 4 years with adoption. Recently it had been so hard and we have been asking God if we should move on or really try and see if we get pregnant. We feel like we have been trusting God, but recently I’ve been wondering if we really are. I feel like I’ve been trying to control everything about our adoption and its exhausting! We need prayers as we hear from God and see what God has for our lives.
Sweet Bethany! God doesn’t forget us, He directs us, He has a plan and perfect timing. Waiting and watching is difficult, and you and your Husband are trusting God and what an incredible blessing to have such faith in the time of expectant waiting. May you hear His voice calling you to where you need to be, may you walk boldly on His path and may the sweet fruit of your faithfulness bloom with love.
” and an intentional commitment to not waste this trial. ” Thank you for writing this, it really hit me! Very profound and wise words.
Teri, that was a good point and one that sticks with me as well. Thank you for being here to study during Lent with us. We are so very blessed to have a ministry touching so many lives for God.
Good morning. A couple of weeks ago my life changed in a way that I did not expect. For months I noticed a change in my husband and it almost ended our marriage last month. I expressed these changes to him for months but I felt that he wasn’t trying. But he finally opened up last month about what has been going on with him. His PTSD has been getting worse each month but he hid it from everyone for the fear of how he will be judged and losing his job. He has gone from being this happy, kind, and loving man to someone with anger and the desire to hurt people. My kids and I are now living on edge everyday. I feel like a single parent again because his medication has affected his focus and it wears him down to where he sleeps all day. Currently he is still working but even his coworkers have noticed a change and have been concerned. My first marriage I lived with abuse for 8 years, and now here I am again living in fear of not knowing what will happen from one minute to the next. Sometimes I don’t know if I have the strength to help my husband. I know deep inside I can do it but my stress has caused me to be sick and weak. The man who took care of me can no longer care for me. I’m tired and don’t know where to begin to recover. My God I know you are always with me but I have no strength.
My heart goes out to you, Marilyn. I will be praying for your and your family, that God would heal your husband and help him be the man he was created to be and that he would strengthen and protect you and your children. Know that you are loved and that you don’t have to do this in your own strength!
“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
(Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)
I’m needing prayer today for what seems I’m my mind a hopeless situation. I know that the enemy loves to magnify our troubles, lying to us & enticing us to seek alternatives that lead to doom & destruction. So I’m aware that my perspective may be skewed. I’m in a marriage slightly over a decade now and feeling like there is nothing motivating me to love the man I married, the father of my children. He is a good and patient dad, however his focus seems to be on other things and I feel like our marriage is not a priority anymore. The intimacy has gradually disappeared.. There hasn’t been unfaithfulness or abuse, which makes me feel even more bewildered and angry – at least if I could blame on it on either of these 2 things I’d have real reason to be resentful. We are both believers and love Jesus and teach our children all about him. I’m so sad though, as I realize my husband is simply just a friend, not a lover. Pray that I can forgive and submit this area to God. I feel really ripped off as we have everything we need….but the intimacy is gone. I’m so frustrated and have been tempted to leave.
Heidi, I’m so sorry that you have been going through this. I will be praying for God to help you see how to reach each other. One thing my husband and I did when I learned he was cheating on me 5 years ago was read together. We read scripture together, but we also read Christian books on marriage like Love and Respect and The Marriage Miracle. We must make sure that we are not allowing our emotions to get the better of us (I know I am so guilty of doing this sometimes!) Here are some verses that I meditate on when I am feeling hurt or angry:
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:12-13
Thank you for your encouragement Elizabeth! You are so right about the emotions part of it…sometimes they rule & really mess things up! My daughter’s Sunday School memory verse yesterday was exactly the one you just gave me! Colossians 3:12-13 was glued onto a beautiful hand-traced set of open hands she cut out with a smiley face for a head between the hands, opened wide as if to hug me. God used my 6 yr old to send me the message loud and clear!! The resentment that had been building slowly is starting to dissipate. Praise God!!! Keep praying, thank you:-) bless you sister!
What a timely word was yesterday and today’s study for me…as I sat down this evening to it I felt so broken and I tears…but as I read the scriptures, my tears of sadness turned into tears of joy because indeed the Lord was near to this broken hearted and crushed in spirit girl…those words melted my heart and I can feel my Savior embrace me…i had prayed for an encounter with him and I did…and then he still went the extra mile and gave me the promise that what I have been praying for, “It is done!”…i couldn’t contain my tears as I smiled and said thank you my sweet Jesus!!!
Thank you @ Love God Greatly for allowing the Lord to use you to touch the heart of this grateful sister in Christ!!!?????
So glad to hear you are walking in the joy of the Lord, Vicky! May He continue to bless your time with Him through this study!
It’s been a great week 1! As I’m looking ahead in this study – How does everyone use the My Response section at the very end? I’m sure if varies for each person but just wondering how everyone uses this section to get some ideas 🙂
What a great question, Kristin! I typically use it as a prayer section at the end of the week. Kind of to summarize all the things I learned throughout that week’s study time. I know some women use it as an “application” section after answering the Reflection Questions for the week. But, like you said, it does vary for each person so whatever you feel led to use it for will be right for you!
Thanks Elizabeth!
Almost 2 years ago (on March 19th) I was in labor for my 3rd child. The whole pregnancy in itself was a journey that grew me closer to God but the labor was the true test.
You see…I wanted to have everything prepared for my home birth after 2 c-sections. I trusted that God would bring this child to earth the way He had intended; naturally. I thought that I would have playlist after playlist of my favorite worship songs to focus on while in the birth pool; positive affirmation posters and scriptures to look upon and remember that I could do this thing called birth. Yet even with 3 extra weeks (labor started the morning I hit 43 weeks gestation) I was not prepared. In the wee hours of the morning I sat quietly in anticipatation of what was happening…not sure if I should wake my husband or let him sleep before going to work, I let him sleep.
With no playlist on hand I turned KLOVE radio on and was blessed to listen to song after song of my favorite worship music…including this very beautiful song by Kari Jobe. I closed my eyes and focused on the words of each of the songs that played…most of them talking about water (birthpool), shoulders (the support I needed), trusting that I was not alone (even when my body was the only one able to do this enourmous task).
I cried. My eyes started closed for about 90% of labor. Even after I made the decision to transfer to the hospital because I felt something was wrong. I cried out to God “I NEED TO FEEL YOU JESUS!” as my husband helped me walk backwards down the stairs out to the midwives vehicle. I needed to know that He was there with me because I was in so much pain. Only when the doctor did the surgery did we find out that my uterus had ruptured and our baby was in my abdomen.
There is no other way to describe it without saying it’s a miracle my son and I are alive. He was the healthiest 11lb 7ounce 23 inch long fellow that I ever did lay eyes on. I had prayed that God would use this baby to change the world for His Glory and he started the day he was born by changing me.
My son (Alistair) is a daily reminder as is this song whenever I hear it that God has a plan for everything…and it may not always line up with what we think we want/need…but His way is Always best for us. (
Hello I’m lashawnda I have been going through a storm this past year and it has not been easy! I lost my apartment in early July 2016 and have been living here and there every since not only that I have 4 children right along with me but I wanted to share my faith and want you all to pray for me as well! On top of the instability I have been going through I still manage to get the kids to school and get up and go to work daily! This journey is tough for me but I will not give up I will continue to lean on God I just pray for peace and stability it’s hard when you have kids too!
Nia, I have learned that brokenness is a pre requisite step to rebuilding. I am praying that through your brokenness Jesus shines even brighter as He rebuilds you in every area of your life.
I am requesting prayers to help me fix and strengthen my marriage. Restore it and renew it and make it better and stronger than before. I have many issues I’ve been dealing with most of my life and decided to try learning about the Gospel to help. I’m so glad I came upon this resource.
This was so fitting for me. In my current situation I definitely feel broken. Yet day by day revelation is happening. Im currently in a long distance relationship, or so I think. And although its stillvery fresh, weve already had a major hiccup. So major to the point he wont communicate with me and its been 3 weeks since Ive spoken to him over the phone and a week since Ive heard from him via text. Ive hurt this man in a way that I can only hope he forgives me and we can try and fix this and mov forward. The hurt I caused was more detrimental to his ego I think. Accusing him of things he wasnt doing but the accusations came from triggers from a past relationship. So now I feel broken, crushed and alone. Reading the story in todays devotional reminds me of what my friend said, this situation may seem really hard and really bad, but i think this is a great thing. God is preparing you and hes helping you see things. This is so true and through taking this time to reflect is where I realized I took this man for granted. And its hard to praise God in the storm, but definitely going to try my best to do more because without him I wouldnt have been able to see the things I needed to see and come to grips with. They say everyday gets easier but I definitely have my moments of anger and craze. My anxiety kicks way up and its hard to bring it back down even when Im begging God to remove the heaviness in my chest and the ill feeling taking over my body. I definitely need prayer in all of this and Ive learn to pray for not only my man but also for myself and pray that God continue to reveal and heal me because there are days this is too much. I definitely have to learn patience, that is what I struggle heavily with. Thank you for sharing this story. There is so much Ive learned and a few other things revealed, like I need to spend more time with God and trust the process, more importantly trust God in all of this.
Please pray for my close friend. She needs strength now more than ever.