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One of the most lovable and charming characters in the history of cartoon animation has to be Winnie the Pooh. He simply oozes adorableness and positivity.
In the movie, Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin, Pooh and Christopher Robin, who are the closest of friends, have a moving conversation high in a tree where strength and love flow heart-to-heart.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: “Oh, Pooh. If ever there’s a tomorrow when we’re not together, there’s something you must remember.”
POOH: “And what might that be, Christopher Robin?”
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
POOH: “Oh, that’s easy. We’re braver than a bee, and, uh, longer than a tree, and taller than a goose . . . or, uh, was that a moose?”
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: “No, silly, old bear! You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we’re apart; I’ll always be with you. I’ll always be with you. I’ll always be with you.”
This conversation reminds me of the conversation Jesus has with His disciples after His resurrection. He gave them new marching orders and assured them that though He had to leave, they would never be alone.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5, 7-8)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19- 20)
May these last words of Jesus serve as a reminder to you today that you are not alone or ill-equipped in your life. Because of this truth, you are enabled through Christ to be a woman of great courage and faith! Live like it. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think because the Spirit of God is at work within you to embolden, strengthen, and guide you.
Above all, remember this: God is with you. Always.
Lord, Thank you for the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Please open my eyes wide to all the courage, strength and wisdom you have for me in Christ. Crush my insecurities and doubts so that I might be an effective witness of Your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
Fill in these blanks: “Today, I will face ____________ with the courage that the Lord provides for me instead of trembling in fear. In this area of weakness, ___________, I will ask God for strength and will trust that His grace is sufficient to provide what I need. And I will pray for wisdom and direction concerning ___________ so that the Spirit of God can guide me with divine wisdom which is far greater that anything I can come up with on my own.”
Did you do it? If so, let me know! Hit me with a direct message on Instagram or leave a comment on my blog and say, “I filled in the blanks and am trusting God!”
Thanks for doing life with me, friend.
I hope you are taking time each day to reflect on the wonder of the hope we have in Jesus! Christmas is so special. Don’t miss the beautiful!
Hugs and Love,
GWEN 🌸
PS. Ready to grow even MORE brave, strong and smart? (You said YES, right!?) Then JOIN ME for Part 2 of our Psalm Adventure beginning January 14th, 2019! It’s a 4-week online Bible Study that will rock your world in beautiful ways! SIGN UP NOW
PSS. Missed Part 1? No worries! Work through it now here!
Today’s post is an excerpt from my book, I Want It ALL.
Comments 110
I filled in the blacker trusting God to help me with my financial problem
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God. Thank you Gwen and know that I’m trusting God in my time of fear and the unknown.
Author
Great! Love it. Happy New Year, Vicky!
GWEN
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God. Thank you, Gwen. God continue to richly bless you and yours.
I filled in the blanks. Thank you so much. Good bless you.
I filled in the blanks & am trusting God to equip me for every challenge. HALLELUJAH!!🙏🏼🙏🏼😘😘❤️❤️⭐️⭐️😇😇
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God!! Amen!
I filled in the blanks and except the challenge. I am believing God for salvation and peace for my daughter Sam. He has never failed me yet
“Glory to God”
I filled in the blanks. I am trusting God to help me deal and get through this battle with brain cancer. I have such a difficult time staying focused and concentrating. But God knows my heart and I am grateful for each day with my family. I pray God gives my life purpose.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
GIG has blessed my spirit so many times. Than you for following the minister God has given you.
Hi, Margarita! I like that you are “trusting God to equip you for every challenge!” So be it in my life, too. Thank you. May God continue to richly bless you!
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”}
Thank you JESUS!!!
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge! HALLELUJAH!
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to equip me with strength for every challenge I face. Today I choose me.
I filled in the blanks and I’m trusting God to equip me for everybody challenge…towards my studies, I’ve been struggling to believe I can through Christ, but am renewed, thank God for Gwen and G.I.G…God bless
I filled in the blanks. I trust God to break the addiction
to leave me stronger and braver and smarter.
I will no longer be a slave of food en feel powerless over food.
God will set me free
I filled in the blanks and know that God will be my guide and help me in this time. He is my strength and my stay. But at times I do forget and He reminds me. Praise the Lord.
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God!!
I have filled in the blanks and am trusting in God to show me the way to deal with my personal problems and to become more understanding in his word…Thank you God for always being with me …..
i fill in the blanks i pray that God the give me faith to believe that through him all things are possible. please i ask in Jesus name for my son freedom (victor s hamilton).
I filled in the blanks, Gwen, and am trusting God to meet me, guide me,
give me wisdom, strength and grace to face the fear I experience in this one particular challenge in my life. Thank you Jesus.
I filled in the blanks. I’m trusting the lord for strength each day and for direction concerning my children
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every Challenge….This devotion spoke to me at the very right time. God bless you Gwen 🙂
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I am trusting God to give me wisdom and discernment with my alcoholic husband….He is very foul mouthed and disrespectful.
Filled in the blank, need to move mountains that have been in the way too long.
I filled in the blanks & trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I am using your daily devotions, Girlfriends in God, alongside a new program that I started, First Place 4 Health, and this devotional today fits perfectly in the things I’m supposed to be working on this week, self-talk… I filled in the blank with my food issues and am looking forward to how God answers that today! Thank you for speaking so perfectly into my situation, another testimony as to how God uses multiple people to get the same message through to us!
“I filled in the blanks, and I am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”…
particularly for the Holy Spirit to provide me with discernment, guidance, protection and HEALING for abdominal aching and pain, which has caused me great distress physically and emotionally.
Thank you, Jesus! and the Wonderful Encouragement and Support System provided via Girlfriends In God and Gwen!
I love the Devotionals, which I read on a regular basis. The Service provided via GIG is Invaluable. Thanks Again!! God Bless all you Ladies.
I did It!!! I filled in the blanks and I am trusting GOD to equip me with every challenge I am facing today. You’re BIGGER, BIGGER, BIGGER YES YOU ARE!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU GOD AND THANK YOU GWEN FOR THIS MESSAGE I SO NEEDED IT AND I AM I PASSING IT ON TO THE OTHER WOMEN IN MY EMAIL WHOM I KNOW NEED TO HEAR A WORD THANKS AGAIN!!!!!
I DID IT! I filled in the blanks and I am belieivng in the Lord Jesus to make it so. Thank you for such heatfelt devotionals that truly touch the areas of our lives that need more maturity
I filled in the blanks.
I filled in the blanks! I am so grateful! This really blessed me today. Thanks
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!” Thank you Gwen for this insight. I always trust in the God Almighty! He is my “Rock”.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge, situation, crisis I may face at any given moment! Knowing that I am never alone, that He is always with me and loves me beyond what I could ever ask or think!!! Love your devotions!
I fill in the blanks and trusting God to help me with every challenge
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge! I know he’s put me on this path!!
I have filled in the blanks asking for courage and strength in my work and living after the death of my little 9 year old grandson. I feel like you spoke to me today and felt Christopher’s spirit when reading your blog. Thank you for your generous spirit.
Today, I am facing another day of teaching at my college. I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge! In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to guide me with discernment, wisdom, and direction in his word and will for my life!
I have filled in the blanks!! Thank you for this devotion. Winnie the Pooh was my favorite as child and slept with a stuffed Pooh bear as a child….still have him!! This devotion came at a time when I was down and floundering around in my life!! Doubting myself with decisions that were made. If you ever start doubting yourself all you have to do is look up!! Thanks Gwen and G.I.G for this!!
I filled in the blanks and I trusting God for strength, wisdom and blessings.
Yes! I filled in the blanks….specifically
My son, Oliver’s, new diagnosis of schizophrenia
My doubt and co-dependence
Praying for guidance, discernment and wisdom to navigate this horrible situation and to BELIEVE, that my Lord and Savior has it under control and He’s holding my son in His mighty hand.
My prayers are with you and your precious son. Our family was hit with this horrible illness many years ago and I know the pain of dealing with it. Stay strong and hopeful. You are not alone.
I filled in the blanks! Today’s message spoke to me. It was like you wrote it for me; God has been doing that a lot lately. Thank you!
I filled in the blanks!
I filled in the blanks and YES I am trusting God to equip me so that I can face every challenge.
Thank you Gwen for such a timely message. May God continue using you in such a mighty way.
Yes Sister i fill the blanks & i Trust God in my life & also Required His Blessinsgs & Grace & His Presence,in my life . I, Thanking You With Warm & Best Regards
Veerendhar Borra .Reddy
May.25th.Thursday.2k17.
Dear Most [Rev]. Dr & Pastress & Sister in Christ [Mrs].Gwen Smith ,
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think because the Spirit of God is at work within you to embolden, strengthen, and guide you. Sister, i, fill the blank in my day today life i’m alone going to find a job with sufferings with my neighbours every morning time from 7.00 a.m & till i step out from the house that the enemies are surrounds me ,disturbing me ,in the areas of my weakness is no support for me , & nobody is helping me in my life , but in spite of all my sufferings ” it’s b’cause of our lord & saviour Jesus Christ ,His Blessings , & His Grace i’m alive today believe me sister , more than 46 long years nobody is helping me till today .And i’m praying God to grant me “Wisdom,Knowledge,Understanding ,and Remembrance Power, in my daily life .So, that i’ll be in his path’s .I,fill the blank with the above mentioned , that i submitted to you sister , thank you very very much for your’s word every day i’m receiving the “Word Of God”,form the “GIG Ministry” every day ,but i did not send my “tithes , offerings , special offerings , thanks giving to this “GIGMinistry ” i’m feeling ashamed of myself everyday that i’m not sending offerings till today .O’ LORD PLEASE HELP ME LEAD ME ,GUIDE ME & DIRECT ME IN RIGHTEOUS LIFE . HAVE MERCY ON YOUR CHILDREN’S O LORD .YOU SAID LORD .I’M WITH YOU ALWAYS .Well,sister i ,take a leave from you for the day .See you Bye ! Bye !
Thanking You
With Warm & Best Regards
Veerendhar Borra .Reddy
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to help me with every challenge!
I filled in the blanks and trust in God. Later I was on pinterest and there was a sign with the same Winnie the Pooh quote. How funny.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge. He has given me a task that leaves me breathless.
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
Thank you Gwen for this precious gift you all give freely to us. I enjoy so much your daily Devos. I have filled in the blanks for focus at work and wisdom for my 20 year old son Matthew.
Blessings to you. Praise to our lord Jesus Christ.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”}
Yes, I filled in the blanks. I pray for courageous to speak the truth in love.And listen to his voice,be still, be fully present in any area of my life.
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to equip me for my challenge!
Thank you Very much for these daily reminders that I am not alone. May God bless the writers and readers of these devotionals!
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
Yes, I filled in the blanks! I am braver than I believe, stronger than I seem, and smarter than I think.
Powerful lesson!
Thank you!
I have filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me to over come every challenge. 🙂
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to repair my marriage. Thank you so much for the continual reminders that God provides for all things.
What a wonderful devotion today! Just what I needed to be reminded of. The ” fill in the blanks” idea is so awesome & personal. I filled in the blanks in need of reassurance for multiple health issues I’m facing. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We should never forget His words of Truth.
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!” I know that WITH Him, I can face anything and He will be there for me and with me!
I filled in the blanks! Thank you Jesus!!!!!
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to support me and give me what I need.
God is great, thanks be to God, god bless you all!
I filled in the blanks and I’m trusting God to provide everything I need and meet every challenge!
” I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip for every challenge!”
I filled in the blanks…my challenges are insecurities about being a good wife, housekeeper and teacher. I struggle with organization and staying focused. I Pray that I can focus to complete a task well and focus and hear God. I know that if i keep God in my heart, I can do this!
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to provide what I need ,no matter what the challenges ?
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”
I filled in the blanks, and I am trusting God to be with me, during this time.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting god to equip me in every challenge in jesus name amen . God bless you all
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me with all the strength, courage and intelligence to conquer any fears or doubts I have about myself and my abilities.
I filled in the blanks and ready with confidence that God will bring me through.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to lead me in His direction..
I filled in the blanks. I will trust God to guide me through the Holy Spirit.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge.
This was so timely! Thank you for obeying the Lord and being such and encouragement to women! Be blessed.
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge.
I filled in the blanks. I have a lot of insecurities!
I filled in the blanks. I trust God to get me through all He has assigned for me to do.
I filled in the blanks and trusting God for every challenge! “Praise God !”
I filled in the blanks and I trust God to help me. Thank you so much.
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to guide, direct, and strengthen me.
I filled in the blanks & I’m trusting God to get me through every challenge. In Jesus name Amen!?
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge! Amen
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to help me to do, say, and be what he would have me to be. Pray for my grandson who is in the hospital with cystic fibrosis.
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I filled in the blanks
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I enjoy so much your inspirational blogs. I share them frequently with others and have been told that they bring so much joy and comfort. In Philippians 4:13, which says “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Be Blessed to God be all the glory!
Amen for all the spiritual words.its elated me Alot
I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to help me meet every challenge.
I filled in the blanks and I’m trusting God will help me. Thank you Gwen! Your Faith is an inspiration! Blessings as board by board & step by step your home is rebuilt! Sincerely! Jacque
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!” God is good…all the time!!
I quickly clicked and am trusting God to strengthen me in these trying days as my husband is recuperating from knee surgery. Having to administer IVs and care for him were very daunting tasks at first, but I just prayed every minute for God to guide me, and give me strength, wisdom and patience. He has truly provided all that and more, and I am very thankful for his love and grace.
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”} =)
I filled in the blanks! I am trusting in Him who supplies all of my needs. I have recently had yet another set back at work. I am believing in His promises that His plans are better than my plans and that He will do greater works in my weakness. I am clinging to my Jesus with all that I have. My auntie shared a story of the opihi…(shell fish in Hawaii) The opihi must cling to the rock during the stormy seas in order to reproduce. I must cling to my Rock Jesus so that I can bear much fruit. Mahalo for this devotion. God used this to strengthen me today.
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!” I know that GOD will answer me in ‘due’ time and my season Will change!
I filled in the blanks and I am trusting God to equip me for every challenge! I am believing the words and promises of Jesus! And yes, I am braver than I believe, stronger than I seem, and smarter than I think! Thank you for these much needed words of encouragement this morning! Blessings!
“I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!” My challenges are great, but my God is greater than any challenges I could ever face. Thanks for reminding me!
I filled in the blanks and trusting God to help me. My fiance has stage 4 cancer which metastasized to his pelvic region causing him extreme pain. He is not able to stand or walk for any period of time and his appetite has suffered from taking pain meds. Many days I break down from weariness as I am his sole caregiver. The devil tells me I am losing the battle but my faith tells me all things are possible. I need and must be strong!
Shirley! Stand true sister in who you are! Your fiancé and you are Gods pair, he will give you all you need for one another during this struggle. Every time you hear satans unworthy voice, yell out for Jesus and allow Him to step in. He will strengthen you and raise you above your fears. I’m here for you sister, praying you will see yourself in the beauty that our great Lord does. Love and prayers to you both. Hugs!!
~Mina
I filled in the blanks, thank you Gwennie for this great devotion today. Love and hugs! ~Mina
I filled in the blanks. I suffer that I’m not smart enough, not as good as others. I have so many insecurities. I pray about them, but something always seems to break through, and then the depression sets in.
Dear Juanita, as a child of God, you are the apple of His eye, His beloved! And so much more He has said to you which rings true for every blood bought, redeemed daughter of the Most High God. I don’t know what type of emotional abuses or lack of affirmations you received in life, but for every lie you’ve been told or believed in your past, present and future, God’s Word and your faith in Him & His Word will annihilate all those lies. I’m standing with you sister for your deliverance. I just wanted to encourage Juanita for my heart went out to her. And yes, I filled in the blanks and strongly believe God is at work in us all today & forevermore, God bless you, Gwen & G.I.G.