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I’ll be the first to admit that I am a woman who is easily distracted. More times than I care to even discuss. Sigh. I would love to say that the detail-oriented-woman in me rocks my days, but that’s not always the case. One crazy day, a few years back, the absent-minded-scatter-brain in me dominated big time. Here’s what happened…
After I dropped my kids off at school, I swung into the local gas station and ran inside to prepay. I handed the cashier forty dollars in cash and headed out the door to pump my gas. As I left the mini-mart, I held the door for the woman behind me. As she passed in front of me, we recognized each other. She is the secretary for a local church where I had ministered in the past. We chatted for a few minutes and then each went to our cars and went about our days.
My next stop? The coffee shop.
I grabbed a piping hot dark roast, added a happy little splash of half and half, and settled down with my Bible and journal for some one-on-One time with the Lord. In the hour and a half that followed, I read, prayed, and chatted with a few friends that came through. It was a very peaceful, pleasant morning… until a horrible realization hit me full force: I never pumped my forty dollars worth of gasoline!
Oh. My. Glory.
I had pulled up to the gas pump, paid the cashier, and then drove away!! And, to answer the question you’re surely asking, “no…I didn’t even have a receipt to prove that I had paid.” This was not good. The detail-oriented-woman in me hid as the distracted-absent-minded-woman in me snickered.
A cold panic washed over my heart. I felt awful. My husband and I run our household with on a cash budget. We try our best to be good stewards of our money. To make wise financial decisions. This was a possible forty-dollar blunder!!
In a flash I was out the door and on my way back to the gas station. I felt like such a ding-dong! I prayed the whole way there, “Please Lord, let the same cashier still be working. Please let her remember me!” I screeched into the parking lot on two wheels, ran inside, and blurted out, “Do you remember me?” The cashier turned to me with a smile and a receipt in her hand and said, “I know exactly who you are! You are paid in full. Go ahead and fill up!” I thanked her and breathed a big sigh of relief.
As I pumped my gasoline, the panic faded to peace. In that moment, the Lord spoke to my heart as if to say, “My sweet daughter, so many times you pull up a chair to spend time with me and fill up your soul on my daily bread, only to be distracted and leave empty. Rest assured, each time you return to my heart and to my Word, my response is the same to you: “I know exactly who you are! You are paid in full. Go ahead and fill up!”
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) {TWEET this!}
Holy Father,
Who am I, that You are mindful of me? Thank You for always remembering me, for engraving my name on the palms of your hands. Would you please be my portion today?
In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION:
Is there a place of panic in your heart that needs to be handed to the Prince of Peace? Pause to pray about it now.
RESPONSE TIME: What do you need to hand over to the Prince of Peace? Got a story about a time when your panic faded to peace? Got a prayer need? Let’s take the conversation deeper! CLICK HERE to leave a comment.
We really need to learn to trust God, and that can sometimes be hard. Need help? Order a copy of the book, Trusting God, A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an index of trust-building Scriptures, this book is a resource you’ll refer to time-and-time again. Click here to get the book from Amazon.
Comments 47
Tomorrow my grandson will have an operation. He is 12 and broke his finger (catching a football). They putting a temporary plate in. I am asking for prayer. Although he knows the prayer of salvation he does not walk with Christ. I am praying for him and my son for salvation. That my son will go to church and bring my grandson. Also that God will guide the doctors hands tomorrow . That Hayden will be ok and heal physically . They live in another state and I can not be there to take my grandson to church. My heart is heavy that they do not seek Christ. I need to Trust God and not be anxious. Christ tells us to ask and it will be given on faith and believe according to His will. Please pray for them. Thank you.
Author
Praying now, Maura!
Gwen
I am not striving for perfection because I will never attain it. My heavenly Father has covered me with His perfect love which is all I need.
Only the peace of God can calm the turmoil in my mind.
God is so gracious, kind and loving. He knows my name!
The Lord reminds me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I immediately call on the name of the Lord, Jesus, and peace fills my soul. And in all honesty, I take deep breaths in, and out, and reassure myself, that God is with me, and is already at the end result.
This passage in Psalm 139 reminded me that God cares all the details of my being. Sometimes I feel like nobody cares. Thank you Lord for loving and caring .
I ask Jesus to send me the Peace that passeth understanding…and soon I am calmer. I remember the many times he has met me in my circumstances…having already prepared my way.. and I remind myself that He suffered the most and all my trials He understands and he is merciful…I am so grateful for his constant presence in my life
Every day before work I read “The Girlfriends from God” email and I find all 3 writers very inspirational as they relate their stories to regular human problems. I like how Gwen said “She is easily distracted ” and she left without getting the gas. I found Psalm 139 inspirational as “Lord, you have examined me and you know me” I also like Philippians verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I new to reading the bible but I’m slowly adding it more to my life which is helping me get through some tough storms but I do know God is on my side.
Good morning, Gwen!
Thank you for sharing your life w/us.
My own panic-peace moment was years ago, bit I remember it and feel like it was just yesterday.
Our marriage was in shreds. And I was having a very hard time coming to grips that my husband was done w/US. It was also Christmas time. Oh how my heart was hurting. It was so hard to keep it to myself. NO one would know that our “perfect lil family” wasn’t so perfect.
It all happened a few nights after he told me that he wanted a divorce. We were still talking to each other and had agreed not to say anything to our two teenagers.
He asked if my car needed gas. As it did, I followed him to the gas station and filled up. He was able to pull out before me and headed “home”. I turned left and headed to the beach. I parked and walked out and sat down. Then my phone rang. (Rolled my eyes. Mom.)
We talked. Well, she talked. And I bawled like a baby. And bawled.
I had to let her go. This conversa-tion was going absolutely nowhere.
I got into my car and headed back to our not-so-happy home.
As I started to cross the bridge, I just had a complete meltdown. How did this happen? Why didn’t I see how unhappy he had become? And WHO was this homewrecker? How long had this been going on? On and on. Then, I hit the gas like I was Danica Patrick! I was gonna show him! Let her have him! He was gonna be sorry!! I was done!! I don’t even remember how fast I was going. Then, clearly I heard, “Angela”, like this person was right IN the car w/me!! I immediately straightened the car up from the side of the concrete barrier of the bridge. Shook my head. Stopped crying.
WHAT on earth was I thinking?? I couldn’t do THIS to her! She’s my babygirl.
As soon as HE spoke my daughter’s name, His Peace was absolute!! And since then, I have felt it sooo many times.
I am truly one blessed woman.
This part in Psalm 139 hit me today:
139:5 “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”
I have 3 children with their spouses who will soon be effected by hurricane Dorian. I have prayed over them since before they were born and know God has them, but this mama heart worries for her children. This helped me so much.
I’m so happy to read this devotional today. I’m in need of a prayer. I’m miserable with my job and need a change. There is an opportunity in another town but it comes with risks. Should I take this job?
Hello, thank you for share with us… About ” to remember me” I’m blessing with this block I understand how is very important to focus in my quiet time with my God, I will like to share with my friends in my country venezuela…because I know she will blessing like me…
Thank you
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalms 139:23-24 NLT
I am having dinner with a former close friend and we are seeking reconciliation and I am so anxious that the damage to our relationship is irreparable.
I wanna share today how He changed my sorrow into peace, after reading Psalm 139, I discovered three truths: First, I know that God took a long time crafting me and God does not make worthless things. Second, I understand that He knows my future very well, “And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Thirdly, God knows our anxieties and He is more than willing to change them into peace and lead in the way of righteousness.
Hi, Gwen – thanks for sharing – I can so identify with you – “detailed oriented, but also absent-mindedly forgetful! I call that my “senior moment”! I’m 65 years old and with my husband raising our 9 year old granddaughter! I ask for your prayers for us and for “Madison”. She’s been through alot. I love your music immensely – the lyrics are so inspired.
I think going to the coffee shop with your Bible is a great idea that I want to start doing too! – sometimes I just have to get out of our apartment to get alone with God and get some perspective. Please keep my family in your prayers.
Hi Gwen, thanks for sharing! I love reading your daily devotionals! You are such a great encouragement and I really look up to you as a role model! (All the way from the UK)
I have a story of panic to peace I’d liek to share 🙂
One afternoon at work, my boss asked me to save some confidential data from a laptop on to a memory stick before some men came over to collect the laptop and wipe the data from the machine….Can you tell where this is heading?
So…..when the men came to collect the laptop and wipe the data, for some unknown reason, it hadn’t even occured to me that I hadn’t yet saved the data on the memory stick as I was too engrossed in completing another piece of work!….UNTIL the moment the men walked out of the door, WITH the laptop!
The penny dropped.
In a shear panic, I ran after the men down the street like a headless chicken, shouting ‘Is it too late?’
YEP.
‘Nooooooo, my boss is going to kill me’ – was the very first thought that popped up in my head.
Slowly walking back to the office, I was praying panic style ‘God, please be with me, I know you’re always with me, but I need you to be with me even more! I’ve messed this up and my boss is going to sack me, and I’ve never made a mistake like this before, oh please help me make it right, aaah, can you work a miracle or something? God, what if they call the police? What if, I go to prison? I’m not going back to work’ All of the worse possible situations running through my mind. I was so scared of my managers reaction, as she’s not the most approachable woman in the world.
Anyway, so I get back to the office and my boss looks at me. ‘Everything OK?’
‘Erm. Not really – I’m so sorry, I forgot to save the data on the memory stick and its impossible to get it back’
I remember my managers exact response. She said it in the most calm way I’ve ever heard her speak: ‘Well, its not the end of the world. Mistakes happen’ – and that was that.
I was like you’re kidding right? I just had a huge panic attack outside, screamed at God, made a mountain out of this molehill and you’re telling me It’s not the end of the world? (I didn’t say this out loud!)
Then God spoke to me “I give you my peace to rule in your heart!” I couldnt help but laugh. If only I’d known that 5 minutes ago!
Lesson learnt.
Love it!!! 🙂
Thank you for your story today.
I have done similar things. Like today, I forgot my purse at home and realized it when I was almost to work.
Our Prince of Peace – helped me stay calm today. I mean, what could I do?
Another time, I was rushing to get somewhere, stressed and had a disagreement with my mom…. then, ALL of a SUDDEN…. I heard a voice saying “you are not in control” – I knew right then GOD was telling me to slow down, not to worry that HE was in control. The feeling of Peace I had was unexplainable and one I will treasure forever.
peace – light & love ~ shari lalaine
I have a 28 yr old daughter who has made my life unbearable. She has called me ugly names and has told me she wished I were already dead. Her words have hurt me deeply and I have cried so many tears over her hurtful behavior towards me. Yet I forgive her time after time because I love her. I think she may be bipolar but she refuses to get any kind of help. I pray to God to touch her heart and to heal her emotionally and strengthen her spirirtually. My daughter – Cindy does not believe in God. But I KNOW one day she will fall to her knees in total surrender before my Almighty Father and that she will do wonderful works in His name…. and so I continue to pray for her daily and for myself that I may always stay strong in God and that I may have the strength, the courage and the preservance to do His will.
I really enjoy your devotions every day, it helps me in every day life. Me and my husband are having financial problems now, I did something for my daughter-in-law a few months ago that put us in this place. I didn’t talk to God or husband, the two most important people in my life. I ask forgiveness from both of them. I know that God has but my husband still hasn’t completely forgiven me. Please pray for our financial situation and for me and my husband that we can get past this. Also pray for us to refinance our home next March. Thank you for your devotions. May God keep blessing you and your family!
Thank you for sharing this reminder. I let go of 4 week old pain and hurt today and i feel good. I know God has better things in store for me. Thanks for sharing 🙂
That rocks, LR! Yes. Surely He has better things for you! 🙂
Blessings,
Gwen
dearest speak in my mind. I understand. I to feel
so alone I ask and pray and beg the lord to at bring my Lisa to be saved. but she doesn’t even believe. I too feel forgotten. I know well I hope no I do believe God LOVES you and me and Lisa too. I live in Albuquerque if you live near .you are welcome to stay with me.
i am a Christian. But sometimes well almost all the time I am terrified because my eldest baby girl (32) is a heroin addict. I have tried and tried to give this to God and the verse no weapon formed against me can prosper well Imust repeat ccountless times a day. but I still live in terror of getting a phone callto that she has overdosed aand would I come identify her body. I know thisiI’ddSatan’s way of keeping me in private hell. but I can’t find the way to just trust God like all my friends. well both of them anyway keep telling me. its just not that easy. pray forher pplease. she is Lisa.please don’t judge me by the email address it is 20 years old.I was interested in Wicca do you think that’s it maybe God won’t forgive this.
I’m praying for you and Lisa
Dear Lord, You are loving, compassionate, righteous and holy. Thank You for forgiving us faithfully as Your Word promises when we confess our sin. Your grace surely is enough. Please empower Lila to experience Your rest even in the midst of her natural concern for her daughter. When negative emotions try to grip her heart, please beckon her toward Your peace that is beyond our circumstances. Draw her to Your Word. Remind her that you are her refuge, her ever-present help in time of need, her Redeemer, Restorer, and Hope. Bring Lisa to the end of herself and crush her addiction, Lord! Lead all of us in both your grace and truth. Bind us to Your will and to Your love that casts out all fear. Grant strength where there is weakness because of the new life we have in Your son, Jesus Christ. We ask this in His name, amen.
I’ve forgotten things before such as this, but now at this stage in my life, I have lost almost everything. I lost relationships that meant so much to me, and I’ve lost my brother and my sister, who was also my best friend. Her husband, my brother-in-law (who had been like a brother and at times a dad substitute to me) died a few months ago. I lost my job 2 years ago and then I lost my home. When I lost my home, I lost my kids. I had to move in with a relative and there isn’t room for them. Where I am now is like a desert. Scorching, hard to breathe, no rest, and alone. My friends, my BEST friends, turned their backs on me as all of this was happening. I have had family members throw me away as this has happened. This has been going on for the past three years and I will honestly say I am totally worn out. Why God put me here I’ll never understand. I receive your devotionals in my email and they really speak to me. Your topic today was when we forget something. But what about when we’re the ones forgotten? What do you do with three years of holy silence??
Sorry to hear about the pain you are going through. Sincerely. I am stopping to pray for you now.
Here are a few posts for those with a weary, distressed heart:
http://gwensmith.net/a-choice-that-changes-everything/
http://gwensmith.net/can-you-really-hug-a-porcupine/
http://gwensmith.net/healer-of-the-broken/
http://gwensmith.net/what-to-expect-when-you-are-not-expecting/
http://gwensmith.net/im-exhausted/
Hope some of these point you to peace as they point you to JESUS.
In Christ,
Gwen
Thank you. Despise not the day of small beginnings.
Hiya…you are not alone in feeling like this and in having these kinds of things unfold in your life. I did too (I recognise my own role in things) but also felt completely bereft, empty, betrayed and alone – the sorest of all being friends. Later, I felt incredibly angry, in a way I had never felt before. A tidal wave of fury overtook me and it was such an alien thing for me to feel that it also just felt horrible)For a very long time, I struggled very much – every day. I thought the pain and hurt (and memory of my own failings) would never go away. It’s a sore and raw place that you trudge through ( like grief) Almost 5 years on, I feel better (it really does take time)and I kept on praying all the way through…even ( a lot of the time) when I really didn’t feel like it. When you are so weary and all cried out, even if all you can say to God is “Help” full-stop. Or “I don’t even know if you’re there” …just bring it all to Christ ( he knows anyway!) …and keep on. Even when Christian friends keep their distance….keep on telling him, praying and draw closer. When everything seems against you, what a huge, warm comfort, to lie down at night after prayer and just ask to be kept in the shadow of His wings. And know that there is a reason for being taken through all of this and having to face life in the desert. You’ll know it later on. But keep strong, no matter how long yit takes. And you are never alone! X
Thank you….I am crying as I read this. The anger….yes. The anger is just overwhelming. Anger at myself, anger at those who hurt me and walked away when I was losing everything, anger at my ex-husband for leaving and now doing so well, anger at my mother for things that are so far in the past, or should be. Anger at losing my sister and best friend. Anger at losing my brother. Anger at losing my home, my job, my car, my savings, my life with my kids. And I know how useless it is to feel anger, but even that makes me feel angry. It’s destructive, and it seems bottomless. I’m in this tiny cramped house and there are days I don’t talk to anyone but my dog. Everyone has their own life, everyone assumes I’m ok, I guess, and are probably not wanting to hear that I’m not. My kids are starting their own lives, and I want so much for them, and I won’t lay this on them. Sorry….anyway, the anger is just overwhelming. It’s changed me. I can almost see it on my face, the stress and exhaustion and worry and fear and grief and the ANGER. I try to keep praying, and the times when it seems so very useless are the darkest, loneliest times. I don’t know that any reason right now for this could be enough for me. I don’t know what would make all this pain and loss worth it. I just do not know. Thank you for your post. For telling me I’m never alone.
This was such a blessing for me this morning. I am a mother of four, career woman, wife, and most importantly a follower of Christ. Sometimes it gets so difficult to take some time out for God, so to know that Jesus has not forgotten me; that he knows who I am and to hear that I am paid in full is no less than amazing and definitely my word of peace. So blessed to be carved in my savior’s palm. Thank you Lord for always being mindful of me!
Love it! Thanks for the response, Nicole!
Gwen
Thank you for this reminder. I re read it again a day later and it addresses all my frustrations. This is me. Distracted and so easily sidetracked. I don’t even know if I know how to fill up on God and his love for me. I’ve had a lot of panic moments. I feel some days like I can’t keep up with work and kids and house and such. Let alone find time to actually get something out of God’s word. I’ve been trying to do the Psalm adventure and it has gotten me into the word more than I usually do. I thought I could make time to keep up with the pace but I’ve decided now my goal is just to get it complete. But trying to find alone time is not easy with 2 teens and a 3 yr old. God has spoken to me but I want more. I desire to fill up on God’s word and let him make changes in me. Pray that I will have time and take it, and learn how to fill up on him. So many things keep distracting me. I will not give up.
Praying for you, Laura. Father, I pray for Laura as she struggles to fulfill her many roles. Lord, she needs you! I pray that you would fill every corner of her heart with your love and undeniable presence! Remind her to slow down and to be still. She plays the role of wife, mother and career woman and plays this game called balance – but I pray that she is overcome with reminders that she is a child of God! Father, I pray that you would call Laura & her family to church where faith filled people would surround them, causing them to become involved together in learning your word and strengthening their faith! Together, they can fill up on your word without all of the distractions. I pray that you saturate Laura and her home with your Holy presence. Remove the many distractions and calm her heart, allowing more time with You, Lord. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for praying. Really means a lot. God bless you. God is working to help me with the scheduling and overwhelmed feeling. I have a hope knowing that I can soon change my schedule so it’s not so chaotic. Praise God.
Thanks Gwen for knowing just what my heart needed to hear so many times I feel like I let God down. I want to spend time with Him I mean to spend time with Him and even plan on spending time with Him. Then “things” get in the way and I don’t spend the time I wanted to. Thank you for letting me know that is OK and God sill loves me. I continue to strive to spend quality with my Daddy and believe I am getting better. Instead of daily sitting I find I can do a little every day and then spend a longer time on a weekend day when I can really be alone.
Thanks for your encouraging words I love them!
Well, had a similar story at the gas station, I parked behind a guy that was currently pumping gas on #2 when I pulled behind him. I got out the car and went side got a few snacks and got in lined to pay for my items paid for my gas on pump #2. Well by the time came out no gas to pump, went bk in to tell the same cashier no gas coming out, for some reason he said he put gas their for me to pump… I explained I never pump the gas yet! Within a matter timed I guess was pumped from guy parked front me 20.00 worth. Well the cashier said the gas was pumped. The moral to the story I didn’t want to argue with the cashier and my boyfriend told me always get a receipt when pumping gas no matter what. I had no proof that I didn’t pay and the cashier was not kind at all. I count it at ass a loss and a blessing for some else who needed the extra gas.
Thank you for reminding me of a similar story. My daughter-in-law had asked me if I would be willing to arrange to use the Party Room in my condo complex. Originally it was to be a Sunday and then changed to Saturday the same weekend. I got it approved and everything was fine. A few weeks later I was checking my calendar and I thought Oh, dear the shower was supposed to be on Sunday. I called the lady that handles the party room and she said I had never asked her for Sunday and it was now taken. I was feeling terrible there were 30 people coming to a baby shower. I called my daughter-in-law to tell her the bad news and she assured me the shower was for Saturday. I was so relieved. After that I thanked God that I had done what I was supposed to and realized he
hadn’t heard from me for a few days and thought it was time to thank him for always looking out for me. I’m making sure I get in touch with him everyday.
I love the articles and issues that are talked about here in GIG, every issued discussed has a way of dealing with d issue i might be currently facing..it isa a divinely orchestrated message and i thank God that i subscribed to this newsletter. God bless and continually inspire you to write to bless others
My name is Linda, there was a time where I was in Walmart and I was shopping with my daughter..And I had my cell phone in hand and for some reason I laid my cell phone down on the shelf of can goods I had just got on the other iale when dawned on me I didn’t pick it up when I had got done what I was doing.So ran around to the iale to get it and it was gone I paniced ,I thought Ii would never see it again. I was so scared what my husband was going to say when he
got home that night. I thought and hoping and praying someone turned it in at the servicedesk. All the way up there I was thinking some kid found him a really nice phone but when I had gotten there someone had turned it in. But the scary part was I had some really important numbers in it that know one needed to see.I was frantic they were looking thru it. But nothing came about it of them doing that. I thank the Lord for someone turning in my phone. From now on I keep it right with me at all times now.
Then there’s a time when I was at the check out at the store remembering paying for my groceries putting them into the basket and walking outto my car looking for my keys could not find them so I went to the service desk asked if anyone had turned any keys in. Well not at this time so I went looking for them again going up and down the isles and I herd over the intercom we have just got some keys turned in.If anyone has lost! I thank God for good people out there that turned them in.
time so I told them I was going to go look for them as I was looking I heard over the enercom the person that had lost some keys come up to the service desk we have them here. I was so relieve. Here I am again thinking maybe they slepout of my pocket I was frantic because I could not find them,so I am going down every iale that I was on and not finding them and so I went to the service desk asking if anyone had turned in any keysw.
They said no so I went looking for them again going up and down the isles and I herd over the intercom we have just recieved some keys.If have lost any come to the sevice desk. The ladies reconized me and smiled these must be
sylvia i really was feeling forgotten by god today everyone around me seemed to be getting on in life and god just didnt seem to be answering my prayers for extra work. Thank you for encouraging me today, i hope he will answer my prayer soon
This was so timely that it brought tears to my eyes! I have struggled with “distractedness” far too much lately and have been very frustrated with the diminished accomplishments of my days because of it. The Lord reminded me of my often hurried, distracted or sometimes absent time with Him and that without seeking His direction and power daily to accomplish my tasks, I’m basically attempting to do it all on my own. No need to ask how that’s been working out for me! My peace came today with God’s words to you, “My sweet daughter, so many times you pull up a chair…only to leave distracted and empty…each time you return to my heart and my Word…I know exactly who you are…go ahead and fill up. His addendum to me: “and go forward today following My lead in My power”. He’s so awesome. Thanks for following His lead and sharing this devotional today.
Please pray for me. My husband and I have been married nearly 22 years, and he recently filed for divorce. It was completely unexpected. We are both Christians, have two teenage boys, and have always been involved in church. My heart is completely shattered. I love my husband very much. He is a good man. I just feel in my heart that this divorce is very wrong, a big mistake. I’m having a hard time understanding it, much less accepting it. I cry out to God incessantly to deliver me from this, to stop this divorce from happening. The bible says we should pray that God’s will be done, and I want God’s will to be done, but isn’t staying married God’s will?
GIG’s are great friends to me. I have being in a legal battle for three years and I finally saw the end, only to discover that is not over yet. I cried so much yesterday in pain, I cried to the Lord and ask him to remember His promises. This morning the rainbow was in my way to work, its a special sign to me that reminds me his pact. The verse of the day at bible gateway is in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Its a full-total-directed answer to my wondering heart. Top it up with your devotional….I feel so special to my Lord, he replies straight to my heart although his is not obligated to do it. Thank you Gwen for sharing your day to day with us. I’m so like you! “I know exactly who you are! You are paid in full. Go ahead and fill up!” those are words to have it handy and to be reminded often.
Thanks
Thank you for sharing Gwen! Most recently – a $40 Oh. My. Glory. moment happened to me. I was in the self-checkout of a grocery store – hardly ever do I ask for cash back, but I did. $40. I got home with my 3 items but forgot my 2 $20 bills. I called the store, asking “by chance” the monitoring store associate saw it and turned it in. Nope. I just said a small prayer and wished the receiver of the $40 cash well and thought of a “pay it forward” scenario. Wouldn’t it be a feel good blessing if a mother on limited on income with mouths to feed came behind me only buying milk and said “thank you Jesus” for this blessing – now I can buy more. 🙂 That was my peace. Giving it to God.
Such a sure and timely word for me this morning. I am finishing up my book on my experience with the Father’s amazing love, displayed to me through a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. Through that experience I have learned a whole lot about how the Lord loves me and knows me so intimately. I can now remember the panic and feeling of total abandonment and hopelessness until the Lord just flooded my heart with his peace and the thought of His awareness of me described in that same psalms you gave. (psalms 139) and is still reminding me of His awareness and love even now after 5 years “cancer free!” What a Mighty God and Father, He is!!! Minnie Jones
I was teaching a workshop at a high school, and had a sitter watching my toddler. This was the first time she had baby-sat for us, but the baby loved her instantly. After my morning workshop, I went to Target with my co-worker for coffee, and she left and I stayed to shop. I realized about 20 minutes that I couldn’t find my keys. They were nowhere. I went all around that place, and I called my friend, who thought that maybe I threw them out! The sweet people at Target dug threw 3 trashcans and couldn’t find them. I kept going back to customer service, and to cashiers, and people felt bad for me, but no keys. And I felt horrible. And stupid. And embarrassed. I am also easily distracted but I usually find things. Not this time. AND the clock was ticking with the sitter, who I now had to pay more because I couldn’t get home. But God gave me a realization: I had a beautiful son, an understanding husband, good child care, a car that I currently couldn’t start but I still had one, and that more than anything, I had His grace. Not finding my keys was a temporary inconvenience, but did nothing to erase my state as a child of His. The sitter came and got me, and we were locked out of the house, but my neighbor had a spare key, and my husband drove me back to get my car with his spare. I never found my keys. But I have His peace. And that’s better.