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Four years ago we installed a new bathroom sink in our downstairs powder room. While I love the way it looks, I have not loved the way it has worked – because the water pressure has been a dreary drizzle.
I asked my husband Brad if he could fix the water pressure a few times. Let me say this: my man is awesome at a million and one things – he’s super smart and awesome around the house – but he has no plumbing experience. Being the great guy he is, he dutifully checked what he knew to check on the faucet, but had no success.
Recently, we had a plumber come to our house to install a new kitchen sink. While he worked, he and my husband chatted away. Eventually Brad casually mentioned that we had an issue with the water pressure in our downstairs powder room.
Once the kitchen sink was fully installed, the plumber asked to see the bathroom sink. Within 30 seconds he not only identified our four-year-old problem, but he fixed it!
In 30 seconds!
It was a simple filter problem. Our filter had been clogged. For four years.
Get. Out. Of. Here.
He unscrewed the tip of our faucet and rinsed out the filter, then put it back in place. Problem solved. The water flows perfectly now.
The sink is the same sink, the faucet is the same faucet, but now it works great because we finally asked the right person about our problem! The plumber knows all about sinks and he knew just what needed to be done.
Hello!
It really doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the God-connection to all of this is heading, right? We need to take our questions to the One with the answers. We need to ask God first.
I mess up on this all the time! I look to other people for help with my problems instead of first asking God. Don’t we all do this? We go to our friends, we ask our husbands, and often we ask Google! All of which can be good and valid sources for knowledge and direction. It is very easy, however, to go to the phone before we go to the throne, isn’t it?! We run to people with good intentions who possess limited knowledge and subjective opinions.
If you and I are looking for answers, direction, or wisdom – we need to go to God first. God gives guidance in everything that we inquire of Him. He is the source of all wisdom, all knowledge, all understanding… all that we need.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
The plumber had the know-how to fix my sink. He’s a sink expert! God is all-knowing and is the One we need for the answers we seek. He’s a life expert! Imagine what our lives would look like if we always asked God for help first. We could avoid so many troubles and gain great vision, clarity, and direction. It’s for a good reason that we are told to “pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
Dear Lord,
Please lead me in your wisdom, knowledge and understanding today.
Direct my choices, my behaviors, and my heart.
Forgive me for the times when I look to others or to myself when I should be looking to You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE: Who else are you calling on first? Consider why. Read Psalm 63. Respond in personal prayer or write a public prayer response on the wall of my blog.
Thanks for doing life with me!
GWEN
My new book, I Want It ALL, gives practical help that will connect your struggles to the solutions and strength of God found in the Bible. Order yours today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com or your favorite retailer.
Comments 104
“2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for You are my safe refuge, … ” Psalm 61:2-3a (NLT)
I find it so easy to forget to obey the commands in I Thess. 5:16-18-
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
I tend to lean on my own strength and understanding which I know is foolish but the old nature wants to fight against our surrender and submission to God. We must keep reminding one another to look to Him and His Cross and not make any move without His holy guidance!
Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to look to You first and foremost and to make You our number 1 desire! Please, help us to put away our old self each morning and chose our new redeemed nature that You died for us to offer us the opportunity to receive “newness of life.” (Romans 6)
In Jesus’ Holy Name,
Amen
“4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,”
Romans 6:4-5
It’s best to call on God first, He knows more about me.
As I still try to figure out life without my husband I realize there is no one who can give me the comfort I need except God. The word widow is merely a label, but being God’s child defines me.
I am seeking God first. I want to follow His will for my life.
I am seeking God first. From know on about anything/ everything before I asked anybody else. What would God do?? Thanks for being there for me when I need you most. I’ll pray.
I am praying for patience to God for responses to loads of prayers for my daughter. I am seeking and feel unheard. I will stay faithful.
Thanks Gwen
I needed to be reminded to seek God first . Sometimes u think u can do it yourself. Thanks for reminding us we can’t do it alone.
Im going thru some struggles right now health wise .just need your prayers that God will give me direction on how to handle it. Thanks Gwen.
I’ll be praying for you. That you make the right choices. Take care & be strong you can do it.
We sold our home of 25 yrs last week and put a bid in on a smaller one. I’ve been trying to FIGURE it all out on my own but realize that Satan has stuck his sneaky snake head in my business and is feeding me lies that im not good enough for this little perfect place we found…..someone else with more $ deserved it more than me!
Through this devotion, Gwen has brought me back to reminding me that God is in Control!! It’s HIS decision….
I will put on my Armour of God…..protecting myself from Satan’s lies and will say out loud how much God loved me and remind myself…I’m His bride and He will always provide whats best for me! Remain in the Word for Truth and answers! Thank you gwen!
I am seeking GOD first! I grew up going to church but it’s only been the last year I’ve been going to our little country church just across the road here. I am learning so much from reading your emails, reading scripture and just learning! It’s like suddenly I’m thirsty and can’t get enough, does that make sense? Thank you so much for sharing and I appreciate reading the Girlfriends in God!
I’m seeking to follow Jesus first.
I know that I am being listened to.
His ways bring excitement!
Thank you for this devotional. I have a question. What if God made something so plain to you, you obeyed Him, But now it’s turned into a nightmare and you wonder if you really heard or understood God in the first place? And now you have a mess? And You don’t know what to do anymore..
I’m seeking God, again & again. This devotion is so true. Lord help us to first seek You.
I can honestly say my OCD kicks in and I want to take control of everything. I know that I need to go to God first in all walks of my life. My prayer is that I turn to him more than I have been lately.
Author
Jennifer, keep pressing on, friend! God’s got a great plan for your life.
I am late posting my comments because I keep trying to go to myself to fix all my problems. Have always been self sufficient, don’t need anyone. But lately it has been one wrong thing after another, starting with loosing my job of 32 years. Immediately went into identity crisis, but did not panic. It has been hard to find a job. The process today is very complicated and impersonal. Applying online, interviews, short list, never hear again… same circle again. My children in college, issues with husband, ministry has been affected. Family has been great, but I haven’t felt worthy of going to God, I mean really going to Him humbly and faithfully. I have been struggling with my quiet times. My talk with God has begun to be very short because of that I’m embarrassed to ask Him for anything in I
have felt distant from God. This devotional and your story was I needed today. Thank you for allowing God use you as a blessing to all the girlfriends who read our column. God bless.
Please pray for me. Tomorrow at 2:00 PM EST I will have a second interview for the permanent position I really want. This article remind me that I can ask God for what I want also. His Will will be done.
Author
I’m praying for you now that the interview will go great!
thank you for sharing this! It most definitely relates.
I’m seeking GOD First! I just made this committment A-gain! I have to constantly remind myself that I Must go to GOD first with my issues, concerns, worries, and questions! Other people can only give you an opinion, But GOD!….HE Can and HE Will give you nothing but truth!
I Pray that HE will help me to remember that the Holy Spirit will not let me be ignorant of what I need to know and like HE has brought truth to me before HE Will surely do so again! LORD help me to forgive those who hurt me and betrayed my trust. Help me to completely forgive them once and for all and not hold a grudge and to not be looking to be betrayed again at every turn!
I Pray that we remember to take everything to GOD in Prayer and leave it there, and that we not speak ill of our mates to others, and that we be careful how we speak of one another to others!
Please Pray for me that I increase in trust in my GOD, Amen!
Author
Roslyn, you’re on the right track! Keep leaning on the Lord. Praying for you, Gwen
Thank you for your post, it spoke to my heart this evening in a special way, at the perfect time. I have been so afraid to ask God with all my heart to give me the strength to leave an unhealthy relationship with a man. I’m afraid that I won’t meet someone like him and I’ve convinced myself he loves me in spite of my imperfections and all the disagreements. But deep in my heart I know I have to let this go!
Can you pray for strength to walk away once and for all, and trust in Gods plan for me?
Author
Praying for you that you will have that strength to let go and to trust that God has better for you.
I love this article. I also make a public commitment to always seek God first. I have been seeking God first for about 8 years now. I know I have been baptized through the fire with some trials that I have had to endure. I also know that if I hadn’t of had God holding my hand I wouldn’t of made it.
I use to seek God first and try to handle everything on my very own. I mean God doesn’t want us to throw our hands up and say that’s it. Now I know God wants us to seek him, wait for him to guide us and if we really listen he will say, “you have done enough, the rest is up to me.” It is also our responsibility to listen and to” hear” him. I believe God talks to us through the scripture, when words just jump off the page. I believe he talks to us through sermons, and even dreams at night if we are paying close enough attention. And amazingly, I believe he carries us sometimes, even when we don’t know exactly why. I love it when he carries me. I have perfect peace, I’m strong and know that “HE” loves little ole me. What I know that has saved my life…is that even though people can be so mean and treat you so badly- their opinion of you doesn’t matter. All that matters is that God Almighty in Heaven above knows my heart. He knows MY heart ! He knows my sensitive, heart .He knows what’s true and that is the only one I care to impress. That’s really something. When you learn that, feel that, your whole life changes. That is something to share with the world. When you can hold the God of the universe’s right hand… That’s all that really matters.
I would also like to add that if you sincerely pray to God, he hears us and he answers our prayers. I’ve had so many answered , some immediately . Some he answered with “No”, but in time I realize it was for my own good. Remember to thank Him for the yes and the no’s.
My prayer every single day- Let them see You, Sweet Jesus in me, and use ME to change the world for the better in your Precious name. There’s no turning back.
Author
Keep walking with HIM, girl!
This message was right on TIME!!!!!!!! I have been struggling this weekend stressing over my job and marriage and I haven’t wanted to bother anyone with my problems because I still feel extremely blessed despite my circumstances. But I am glad that I was reminded this morning that I am not alone and there is someone that I can bother with my problems ANYTIME who will have the answers ALL the TIME! Thank you! Thank you! I feel so happy and filled with light.
Author
That’s right, you’re not alone! God bless you!
I needed this this morning. My family is struggling financially. I have made the wrong decisions trying to do it on my own. While I should of been praying to God for directions. I am praying to God for directions, strength and victory through this situation. Sometimes in life we get so distracted with our problems, that we forget to run to our father for guidance. I’m praying for everyone on this blog. Have a blessed day.
Author
Joyce, thank you for sharing. I pray that you will be able to lean on the Father and let Him continue to guide you.
I’m seeking God first. I need prayer for the restoration of my family after my father’s death 5 months ago. Praise the Lord Who has been faithful and merciful during this hard test.
Author
Amen!
Wow!!!! Is all I can say. I and a few of my coworkers get together on Mondays to have prayer circle. Today this is what we needed to hear. Knowing to go to God for all of our needs. Worry and prayer cannot work for the good. Pray and let God take care of your worries, he already knows all anyway. Amen.
Author
I’m so glad you and your coworkers were blessed!
I love this and thank you for sharing. When I go to God first i have to learn how to be patient and to wait on Him. I get anxious and then I start fretting that God won’t help me, I have to do something myself which in the end causes more problems for me. I need prayer on waiting and being patient and not lose hope. Right now I have more bills than money so I need Gods help desperately. And for all the prayers before mine I stand in agreement with all of you.
Author
Jackie, praying that God provides for your needs and that you will continue to lean on Him and grow in your patience.
I really appreciate your message, I have been having some financial challenges in my marriage, which I have been praying to God about and also promotion for my husband in his place of work, recently I had a miscarriage with our first baby after marriage & so many other challenges here & there, I have prayed & prayed but it seems God wants more because I still feel not satisfied, I really do not know what to do. I want to get it right but each time I try it seems like I have done nothing & i get that cold mute response from God. Am so confused but one thing I know for sure is that I am not giving up on God. My quest to know more about God and how to surrender totally to him led me to this blog & am happy I did. God bless
Author
Mercy, I pray that God will show Himself to you in a mighty way. I also pray that you will be able to fall back into His loving arms and know that He is there. He never leaves us, even though sometimes it feels like we are alone. But He’s there still. Blessings!
I’ve been giving my all: mind, body, heart and soul to a man whom I love with all that I possibly can. But the hard truth is I’ve been giving all of myself to someone to only feel like I will never be “enough” not because he made me feel that way but because I felt unworthy of his love. I didn’t feel
Pretty enough
Skinny enough
Loving enough
Smart enough
Fun enough
Wild enough
Innocent enough
Good enough
But to God I am enough. I am worth fighting for. I am worth saving. I am beautiful with all my flaws and scars and past. I AM ENOUGH. So instead of putting my all into man, I am putting my all into God and he will take those hard steps for me and show me the path I should be on.
This man left me and took away not only a piece of my heart but two beautiful girls that I love like they were my own, and left me heartbroken. See we are both divorced and found each other just out of the blue. Having known each other our entire lives. We felt comfortable together and started a life together but it wasn’t lead by God, and that led us to a path of destruction. After he left I felt I had lost everything and I then turned to Christ where I should have turned to begin with. I have given my life back to the man it belongs to which is Christ. He after several weeks sent me a message saying he also has turned back to the light and would like us to start over and do things right this time.
Thank God for being an all knowing God!!!
Author
Wow! Surely our GOD delights to heal broken people, of which I am one with you! His grace is so beautiful!
Hugs,
Gwen
Lorie,
This is an amazing story! May the Lord continue to bless you!
Glory to Jesus!
Good morning im blessed by your prayer and devotions.Right now im facing eviction.Last Tuesday I was sick in bed when I hear confusion in my apt.My landlord and his secretary let themselves in my apt.my daughter said to them im in my bed sick trying to sleep can they com back tomorrow,but instead he shoved her out the way,he had a camera and it drop then she pushed himself in my bedroom taking pictures as he watch me lying there in bed,he was screaming at my daughter how she assulted him and broke his camera,the same one he was using to take pictures as i lay there in my bed.Then he went in the kitchen taken more pics,in my fridge,the oven,I was told he came in my living room and stand on my sofa with his dirty shoes,this is where my children sleeps when they comes to visit.It got so bad my 12yr old granddaughter had to call the police.Then on Thursday my daughter found eviction notice demanding we get out of the apt.by September 14.We are both on disability and would need 2months rent to pay before we could move in the new place.What little money the government gives me is just enorent and my phone bill, sometimes my not even the full amt.of phone bill paid.I have other bills pilling up dont know how im going to pay them by September 15.I need a miracle both finacial and a new place if i have to move from here.My daughter needs a place for her and 2 children,her husband is in Jamaica and is getting his papers to come here,he has a son from a previous relationship and need to put his son on his documents but the boys mother is stalling,he has given her money to take care of the boys papers but instead she used on herself and didnt do what she should for her son.Right now I understand she is in the US while her son is with strangers insteadof with his father,now she is telling him he has to wait until she goes back to Jamaica in November before she would do any thing about their son.Please keep us in prayers on the matters thank you and God bless.
Author
Dear Lord, I lift us Eithel and her family to you. Please lead her in your righteousness, grace, and provision. You know her deepest needs, Father, so we ask that you would meet her there and move her toward the direction you would have her go. Raise up your church to come along side of her in this time of need. Let your mercy fall on her heart and her home as you lead her through these trying times. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name, amen.
I sooooo needed this devotional this morning. My family is struggling financially. I have kind and f prayed about it in a hap-hazardly kind of way. I have been trying to find every way possible to make it work. Borrowing has mad me a slave. If only i had went to the “throne instead of the phone”. Thank you so much for your work. Praying for wisdom, understanding, strength and victory.
Author
Tami, aren’t we blessed to have such a forgiving God? Just trust in Him to light your path.
Thank you! This devotion was exactly what I needed to be reminded of. Please pray that I will continue to seek the Lord, even when I don’t hear from him. When I don’t see or hear direction from him I tend to then seek others opinion or advice. I recently had a financial turn with my business and seeking wisdom and direction for my next steps.
Author
Keep that focus on Him, girl! He’ll light your path. 🙂
This devotion was exactly the reminder I needed this morning! Yesterday, I asked advice from someone who was less than encouraging. I was disheartened and feeling defeated the rest of the day. Lesson learned and hope is found once again! God bless!
Author
So glad you’re back on track!
Heavenly Father I ask that you lay your hands on each of these beautiful sisters. Lord we have all been through hard time but with you hold us strong have made it. I thank you for the Christen women ministry.Life is not easy and I know I have teun the wrong and end up falling. God has always picked up me, dust off and redirect me. I still learning and growing. Stop and be still for god is there we just need to ask. “I’m seeking God first!”
Thank you so much for your devotion and the girlfriends in god. I have grown stronger in my faith.
Author
You go, girl!
Good morning Gwen? This devotional truly spoke to me and was needed. I’ve going through a breakup, I wanted so bad for things to work out. Everytime I have an issue, question, or in need of some advice, I always call on a girlfriend, it only left me empty and confused. I went before God in prayer seeking only His guidance, and I feel so much better. I know the road ahead won’t be easy but I’m rest assured that whenever I’m hurting or just need someone to talk to I can go straight to God, after a talk with Him, I always feel better! Thank you for allowing God to use you, I’m truly blessed by this devotional?
Author
Yes, keep trusting in God and seeking His will for your life.
Good morning, thank you for this devotional this morning. I really needed to hear this….again. I’ve been in a very hurtful marital relationship for 25 years, and separated for the last two. I’ve prayed and cried, and grieved, but far too often taken my needs to my friends and family, instead of to God. I wanted someone who would instantly hear me out and make me feel better, instead of going before the throne and pouring out my heart to God, who can actually help me be better. This is a hard habit to break, but I truly want a God filled life, and pray to trust him with this messy mess and lead me through it.
Author
God desire for you to depend 100% upon Him. I can tell that’s what you desire too. Just keep your eyes focused on Him.
Wow! This morning I woke up and said I can’t wait for my 10:30 brake to talk to my sister about the situation I’m facing. I have three choices expose the issue and walk out,expose the issue and work at it, or leave it alone. Just learn what is need to do is to ask the one who made me. He has the perfect answer. I need to saturate it with prayer and patiently wait for the answer.
Few days ago while going through the situation I wrote this reflection: I
sit here reflecting on the days that have past once again I felt trapped In a whirlwind that’s spinning out of controlled. Baffled by the circumstances. Questioning the why? Trying you understand and putting it all together to make sense of it. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks that leads me to a clarification of things. If it was that simple then I didn’t need to depend on Him. If life doesn’t through curveballs then I have no dependence on Him. I feel overwhelmed and hurt. My heart becomes numb and I can feel or think. At these times is when he immobilizes me so that I can be still and know That He’s in control of all things In my life. He needs to put me in this state so that he can caress and tightly embraces me and not let go until I succumb into the peace and acceptance of His unconditional love. Then He takes the brokenness and mends it to a new better thing then before. My heart becomes a heart of flesh where I feel compassion for others. Where I take and realize it’s not about me is serving others
Author
Love this, Sara. Amen.
This is exactly what I needed to wake up to this morning. Not only do I need to clean my filter, I need to ask the right person to “unclog” my life. I’ve been divorced 5 years, raising a daughter. I get lonely, to say the least. One person in particular has remained a part of my life for the last 2 years, on and off again. I have so much compassion to share, but it’s definitely not reciprocated. I turn to my girlfriends to ask “Why doesn’t this seems like it’s going anywhere? What does this mean? Omg!!! We had such a great weekend, maybe things are going to turn for the better this time” He has never physically mistreated me in any way. But my heart focuses so much of my day on this person, that my flow of faith is just at a drizzle. I need to return this over to God, once and for all. Honestly. I do this often. But I always seem to take it from His control the moment I get the next phone call or text message. I have a hard time putting God’s guidance and wisdom before my very own. Today, I pray that I can give it to God ALONE! I know that my girlfriends cannot help me. All they can do is listen to me, give an opinion, make me feel better about myself and when we hang up the phone, I’m still at square one. So, before the sun comes up I’m turning it over to the Holy Spirit to allow him to guide and protect my heart. This won’t be easy. I have so many feelings for this person, but I know Jesus loves me more than anything in this world and need more of Him in my life today than any earthly being.
Author
God really and truly is the only one who can fill those heart needs that we all have. I think you’ve found this out too. Just keep letting Him speak to your heart and resist the urge to fall back into the trap of letting a person fulfill those needs.
I would like to start of by saying your devotions are ALWAYS on point with my daily walk with Christ. I stumbled upon your blog through a google search about 2 weeks ago. I have ben hooked every since. Ive been a Christian since 5 yrs old and now I am 27. With the pressures of college life and simply “running with the wrong crowds” my life is just now on the path to righteousness. I am newly engaged to an awesome man whose struggles with Christianity are very trying as well. Its very easy for us to turn to a friend or our parents for advice, but here I have learned go to no one before HIM. I am on an optimal career path trough the scoop of EMS. I thank you my sisters for these devotions that have really kept me grounded. Please pray for me as this week will be yet another milestone as I prepare for my first EMS exam. Thank you all for the encouraging responses and I will continue to lift your names up in prayer.
Author
Love this. Praying for you now, Krystal! 🙂
Gwen
Wow!!! What an amazing devotion this morning!!! Thank you Lord that You speak through my sisters Gwen, Sharon and Mary and thank you ladies for listening to Him and using your gifts here to help so many people!!!
I am really struggling today with this exact issue and I opened this devotion which I recieved yesterday and didn’t get to read. I read it at exactly the right time. I have gotten convicted of this quite often lately. Thank You Lord for the gift of conviction AND repentance. I am going through some really tough trials and refining right now and some attacks to say the least. I am the director for a Pregnancy Resource Center that is faith based. Our mission is to reach the abortion minded woman, to walk along side everyone know matter where they are. My biggest trial has been, “pausing (yes that’s right) when agitated or doubtful and ask God for the right thought or action” I pray for this in the morning but I dont always do it and I’m sure I never will. But that’s not what the lies say. So sisters please pray for me today as I meet with the Board on Tuesday. Pray that I can rest in the Lord until then with a close mouth and a heart full of trust and when I wonder (cause scripture says I will wonder it doesn’t say “if” we wonder) off to trying to run the show that I go right back to the Lord. Thank you sisters and I will be praying for all of you❤️
Author
Praying God will give you strength to fight those battles!
Thank you for that word I stand in need of prayer…I Know that God see’s and know about it ..could you please stand in agreement with me over my finances I’m behind on my mortgage I do trust God..in this situation. I’m also praying about my disability I’ve been out of work since 08 and God has kept me Amen…I also have a personal issue.thank you and God bless.
Author
Praying for God’s provision for you!
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us first. Thank you for Gwen, and the words you give her to inspire so many. I thank you for her reminder today, to seek YOU for our answers. To seek you for everything. To seek YOU first, and all things shall be given to us. Today is a hard day for our small community as we lay a child to rest, but we know Lord, that you love us all and you have a plan that we can trust. Thank you again for giving us people like Gwen, that use the gifts you give them, to encourage and inspire others to live in grace and truth. Amen.
Author
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for God to comfort all of you.
Dear loving Holy Father. I praise you and thank you for loving me and providing for all of my needs. I love you! As I ponder in my heart Gwen’s devotional today, I remember your words to me in the gospel of John. Truly I am nothing apart from you. You brought me out of the pit and you have shown me that you are awesome and mighty, my loving Father. You are my rock, my strength, my joy and my song. Your awesome favor and loving kindness fill me with gratitude that overflows so I can love others as you love me. Create in me a pure and undivided heart, oh my Lord, my God to serve you with unwavering strength and wisdom in every season. Protect my family from the evil one and draw them close so they will someday know you as I do. Thank you, Father! I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus’ precious Name.
Just last night I was praying and I realized that I try too hard on my own and ask for advice from others and I prayed that God would help me to go to Him for all my worries fears joys and delights first instead and that I need Him to guide and help me! And then this evening I read this devotion and chuckled to myself like God purposely had this decotion today to reaffirm what I realized last night. He is quite Amazing isn’t He??! But… I have a dilemma I have been trying to overcome for a long while now, and I could really use the power of prayer from my fellow followers of Christ and it is that I may be able to overcome my fear and uncertainties and to grow in strength and courage and determination to have the courage and ability to leave the devastating relationship that I am trapped in with the help of God. I can not figure out if I need to lean on Him more or if this is a situation that God wants me to overcome my fears and do it on my own with His help, because it was my choices that got me into this mess, and because God has helped me out of 2 really bad situations before with dire repreccusions so He might b giving me a chance to gain strength from do it myself without having something bad happen to release me from this bondage this time…. I could just really use some support and prayers….
please pray for me.
i’ve lied to my husband about my previous relationships (out of fear) (these are more than 32 years ago, we’ve been married 32 years). these relationships happened when i was not serving God and because i was so ashamed of myself, i’ve actively worked hard to forget those times. i’ve asked forgiveness, but he states that i must cover each lie with the truth of the matter – this would be repentance. i honestly don’t remember all that i’ve said, but want to give him his request. i’ve tried to do this only to have him state that i’m lying again. i’ve done my best to tell the truth, but because of my mannerism or that i’ve repeated the story, he says that it’s not true. this has affected our intimacy greatly and he does not trust me.
please pray that the Holy Spirit will bring to my mind all the details of what he needs and to restore our relationship. thank you, i will uphold you to our wonderful God as well.
Wow reading your prayer request this morning really touched my heart! I am knewly married and just after we got married I was faced with telling my husband my entire past. Things I have never shared with another man ever. My girlfriends yes people I dated NO! This was a difficult road but God … right? don’t we just love when the bible says that? keep praying sister and keep praying for your husband! Sharing what I’ve shared with my husband has never come back to bite me. Don’t get me wrong there were many many trials and refining us and the enemy did TRY to put a wedge in between us but God … He is faithful and sovereign and never left us just like He said and His promise is for our marriage ALWAYS … What God brings together man shall not tare apart … I will be praying for you and your husband as my husband and I pray for marriages every Wednesday … This is is the biggest place the enemy TRIES to devour stand firm sister
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Thank you for sharing!
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I will pray for you. I will also pray that your husband will be able to forgive you for your past as Christ has already forgiven you, and that he will let it go without needing you to dredge up every little detail. It’s just not beneficial to you or your relationship. Blessings, Gwen
Good evening, this word spoke to me because I have been having trouble with physical boundaries. My boyfriend and I are virgins and have been dating for 6 years. The temptation is strong but culturally, we can not get married until I finish school. Therefore 2 more years. I have been searching the bible, asking other christians, reading christian blogs, and so much more trying to figure out what the boundaries are for a couple in our situation. We love each other so much and are committed to be married. However, God has told us we shall marry in his right timing. So here we are waiting but finding it difficult to contain the emotions we feel for each other. This blog reminded me that God is my refuge and when I cant find the answer, I need to talk to him about it. Thank you for that.
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Yes, God is your refuge. He desires for you to seek Him first. This means in every area of your life, including your sexuality. I pray that you will find the strength to resist falling into sexual sin and that you will make it a priority to avoid the situations that will lead you there. If you must wait two more years before you can be married, then you will have to work really hard at making sure you and your boyfriend are not alone. Find people that can help hold you accountable for your actions. Also, remember that when you put so much emphasis on things like sex and try so hard to make sure you avoid it, then when you do get married, you’re going to have a difficult time letting go and enjoying what God gifts you with. Sex is just one aspect of marriage and when we put too much pressure on ourselves in that area to avoid it, it can do damage. So I challenge you to make sure you don’t have the opportunities to stumble and that you and your boyfriend really commit your prayer life to seeking God’s will for your purity.
I have a lot of trouble with this too. Looking for answers from others instead of God. God is supposed to be first in my life. Seek Him first and all these things will be added to you. Understanding. His will. Guidance. Peace. I struggle with peace. And my life is so busy with so much going on that I have real trouble making priority of seeking God. Then I have questions and want to ask of others instead of Him, who truly knows the answers. I have some strength issues, questions of what I should do with work to make my hours better. Not all over the place. I have not given that over to God again. Pray for me. I work as a janitor. Cleaning for my boss. They are in our church, I appreciate working for him. But a year and a half ago I took on a second job, cleaning at a restaurant in the morning. Opposite of the evening job. Except now I’m struggling with out late at night, then right back out in the morning again. It’s quite hard work most places I do and my body is not keeping up. I’m having trouble with eating properly I think, and I’m losing strength instead of gaining it. But we are comfortable financially. And in the beginning stages of a construction project on our house. I can’t reduce my hours, but don’t know what I can do to change things. I’m spinning my wheels being too busy to keep up with everything, plus the building project. I Pray that God guide and provide a way. Help me Lord to find my strength in Him, my joy in Him, He is my All in all. And every moment of every day I so quickly forget that. Ask Him first, not every one else, not books other than the bible. Thank you for the reminder.
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Thank you for sharing. Praying you can keep that focus on God!
Good morning everyone! I am 15 years old and I was having a very rough morning. So I turned to God in that situation. I went onto bible gateway and I am so glad that I found this specific devotion series that I can follow with. Lately I have been trying to conform to the world and that is something that I am really working on because I don’t want to, but sometimes it’s really hard to stay true to myself and not try to be like everyone else. I would often find myself always turning to my friends on what to do and I am constantly on google everyday looking for answers on so many different things. Today the devotion made me realize that I don’t have to keep turning or looking for other people’s answers when really God is the only true one with the right answers. I pray that you all have a blessed day and I will be praying over more of the posts below.
Anna, iam so glad to read that you as such a young woman are trying hard to stay true to yourself and to God and your beliefs, and yes it is very hard to stand strong in the midst of worldliness, but I will b praying for you to stay strong and find your strength in Christ!! My younger sister is 16 and I am heartbroken at how much she has turned to the world and I pray for her endlessly for her to find her way back to God and when I read your post I was truly happy to see that there are still young women striving in the right direction!! So I thank you for sharing and I pray u will continue to seek Gods answers for your life instead of the worlds!! May God bless you and your choices Anna!!
Its evening as I read this. My daughter is staying with me and her knee is sore and the MRI says Vague. She was saying I don’t know what to do about this…as I read God gives guidance in everything ….. And we prayed!! It was a God moment.
Thank You, for this post. I try to talk with God first but often fall short. Thanks for your daily devotions and encouragement. My prayer need for today is for a new job. I feel I am serving God at my job but I am being held responsible for things beyond my control. I need to move in a NEW direction.
Hi Gwen I got inspired by today’s reading it touched my heart it is true that we have to go to god first with our problem that is what im tring to. Do
Guilty!! Google has been my gospel for answers. That’s the Past.. I’m GOOGLING GOD Thru Prayer (no internet needed!) and I’m SEEKING HIM FIRST!
I am so thankful for GIG. It is amazing how helpful your devotions are in helping me with my walk with God. I am putting God first in my life. I go to Him first thing every morning and last thing every night.
I am praying for all the women who have written on this blog page. I pray for their families and for their spiritual health.
I have one prayer request and that is for my ex-husband, the father of our four beautiful daughters. He is very ill and his faith is very small right now. My prayer is for him to open his heart completely to God and if God is willing to heal him, he will be healed. But mostly I want him to know how much he is loved by God and his family.
Thank you for your prayers. I thank God continually for GIG.
Hi Sheila , I’ll be in prayer with you for healing for your ex husband
Wow! I read these comments and am amazed that most all of them could be a biography of my life. One thing I have realized and not always easy to accept and go with, is that GOD is using my wilderness’ (Pits’) for my own good. He is nurturing me, drawing me to him, helping me to grow and mature as a good Father would. So many things I am learning and re-learning. God never said we wouldn’t come to it…but that he would bring us through it…IF we allow HIM. I think of Jehoshaphat (think it was) going into battle and putting his choir in front to sing praises to God….the enemy turned on itself and the battle was over when their army arrived. Is that not AWESOME! I want to be like that! One prayer that helped me through a situation like Laura’s was that I started praying for Jesus to strengthen my heart. Not to become hard hearted but to help me get through and not give in to my emotions because of the hurt. The Lord answered that prayer and brought me thru and out of it. But it was so ugly and I had no peace. Seems I am a person who, when I love someone I love them no matter what…I believe it’s an Agape love that is only from God…That doesn’t end! But God uses it. Through alot of prayer, God brought some peaceful ground between us and it was such a relief to me. I still love and pray for him regularly as I do others that have come into my life…sometimes I think maybe that is part of Gods plan and purpose for me. God will always put people in your life you need and need you. He turns bad choices into good results.
Part of my regular prayer includes “Lord please continue to strengthen my heart and fill it with your love for others, especially those who on a human level are hard to love. Open (today I said “Unclog”) my ears that I may hear your voice. Open my eyes that I may see your will. Thank you Lord for loving me!”
Finally, I try to always remember that if someone hurts others the reason most times is jealousy, fear, insecurity in themselves because they see something good in you and ahead of you that they don’t have and in the devils case can never have. So they want to destroy it. Don’t accept it, give into it or believe it. If we are not a concern to the enemy, it doesn’t give us a thought. So when trouble comes…Give it to God! He will use it!!!
Wow! I don’t do blogs and only intended to post “I will seek God 1st!!!” 😉
I thank GIG also for following God’s will as your devotions have become my morning devotion and have been a big part of my journey the last 9 months that God has spoke to me through.
Brenda
would appreciate pray for an adult child suffering from depression due to an abussive marriage, have been praying for her for over a year and she just can’t seem to get better.
Wow, so me…. I’ve been so struggling to figure out which direction to take my business. Months later and months spent talking to this person, that person, researching that product, that IMO, yada yada yada, I “KNOW” I need to be quiet and listen to what He is telling me. Until I do this, this just won’t work for me. Thank you Gwen for this post – it was divine timing. Praying for you Donna!
Wow!
I have been
struggling with my quiet times. My walk with God has begun to slowly crumble in
the last few years, through recently it has been getting gradually better I
have felt distant from God. But this devotion spoke to me. The story about the
plumber while it was humorous pointed out in my life, even this morning, I woke
up and called my Grandmother because I needed advice and though I prayed about
the situation last night, this devotion made me step back and pray and look
carefully to what the advice was to make sure that it was the same answer God
gave me. I am horrible at going to other people for advice (I love getting an
immediate response!) But starting today I am striving to be in constant prayer
and SEEK GOD FIRST!
Thank you,
Mrs. Gwen Smith
I need prayer- my family needs prayer. I love the Lord with all my heart. I love my family. At this moment my son, who used to be on fire for God, is addicted to pornography when he gets stressed. His father cannot help him due to past shame and guilt for the same problem. My son is blinded by the enemy right now. I am praying and fasting. My daughter is afraid to live- she won’t try to get a job and is afraid. My boss is controlling and dominating. I hate my job and pray daily for God to move.
I am trying, but find myself frustrated and angry.
I have struggled many years and I recently became a born again Christian. My daughter is struggling with her sexuality and lies continually, to get attention and sympothy. I was a single mom for 12 years even though I had a boyfriend for 9 of those years he was more a roommate. So I worked a job that I was there more than I was at home. I enjoyed it to a degree but I placed making money and being able to provide for them over spending time with them. So they learned to go to friends and others as there family. Well I met my husband this past July and he was sent to me by God, an answer to my prayer. He has a love of God that has brought me closer to God. My children weren’t respecting me and were running the house. So I was at work one morning and I went I to the back of the store knelt down and prayed that I could have a job where I can be a mom as my current one had me away for my famy too much. That night I was at my second job and I met a couple of men and was told to apply at the business they worked for. So I did and didn’t hear anything than My daughter ran away and even though she was brought back home safely by the middle of the night no one at my job would cover my shift that next Saturday. So the following Tuesday, as I worked Tues-Sat I prayed again about putting in my resignation and I emailed the guy about the other job and he called me back within 20 min so I typed up my letter and turned it in that day. since than my children turned on me continuing to disrepect me and my youngest two , the daughter and my youngest son, have moved out to there dads full time instead of every other week. My oldest son whom I have never had problems with has also turned on me since I have devoted my life to god and put him first. Him and his girlfriend came to visit and she feels god is a mythical creature and that I have foresaken my children. I have continued to pray for all my children and three of the for have come around however non are with me but my faith has continued to grow stronger everyday as I continue to pray. So I know this was a lot but I hope I helped with sharing some of my story. I have come to learn to life verses that If you don’t have one feel free to take one or both of these that have helped me through my trials. “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge him in all your ways and he will set straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 and “For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares The Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. So just continue to pray and ask for his guidance and trust in him. God bless you in your journey. Your girlfriend in god, Becky
Praying for you and your family Donna! God’s got this for you. He hears you and is ready to rescue you! (Psalm 34:17)
I am seeking God first….thank you for this post. God bless!
Wow, this hit me right between the eyes. Yet another area for me to work on! How often I’ll get upset or anxious about something, then go vent to somebody, and then maybe go talk to God after that. In His strength, though, I’ll keep fighting the fight. Thank you so much, Mrs. Smith. I’m seeking God first!
Every morning when I open up my email at work the first thing I do., look for my daily devotion from Girlfriends of God. This morning, after reading this, wipe my eyes and go for the cup of coffee. Sit back down, re-read and lead to write to you. The “faucet”, my faucet has been clogged for 6 years believing lies. Those famous lies that Satan dwells in…..manupulation! Allowed a man to treat me badly for six years with my mind twisted of a “hope”. There is NO hope when someone has a hardened heart, lack of respect, and every narcissistic characteristic known to man. SO, as of this week, I finally “unclogged” my drain and removed the problem. With constant prayer “Lord do not let my mind be clogged again with that kind of “hope”. Amen.
Dear Laura I couldn’t help but feel ur “clogged” situation! I pray for u, cause I too often have a hard heart! God will help us and guide us! I just know it and when we just don’t feel it or see it, look up He is there!
Laura, please read what I wrote. To add to it…while reading the devotion it said to read Psalm 63. When I opened my bible to that scripture there was a little note from the person I speak of from about 6 years ago that he gave me 5 years before we became a couple. On top of that, just as I was finishing the blog he called (we don’t communicate regularly), but we had a good conversation and he said he’s been going to church some!….now tell me Gods not doing something. We can only strive to be the person Gods wants us to be while we’re here…He will do the rest!
I think I replied to Jenn instead of you….I’m blog CHALLENGED! 🙂
Thank you for blessing me with today’s word. I awakened to a discussion with my husband about the problems with the place we just moved into on Monday this week. I started to cry because I felt overwhelmed. When we were asked if we wanted to move by the owners to another place they felt is larger and would accomodate us and our very large German shepherd dog, I told my husband that we needed to pray about it. Bigger is not always better. I believe I prayed about it, but, am not sure I waited for God to answer. We have been struggling for a very long while. No car, no employment and I am so thankful for friends and family that have blessed us with food and money for a place to live. We have been humbled by this experience. My husband has recently decided that he doesn’t want anything to do with God and it seems as though our circumstances have deteriorated further. I am lonely without him joining me in our daily morning prayers before we start our day. I have continued to be faithful and I see the blessings He gives us daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. I have prayed asking Him to bless us with employment, etc. but He has not blessed us out of our circumstances as of yet. We have promises for new projects to start, but, they have not started and we are still waiting to start baack to work. Without a vehicle definitely hurts our chances for work. He has blessed us with food and shelter. I get a ride to Church several times a week and it helps me to continue to stay strong in our circumstances. I sing solos for the church and participate in the choir. I also go to the nursing home ministry to sing and bless the elderly with our worship and music. It is a joy to give of yourself to others. I feel good, no matter what my personal circumstances are. I believe that no matter what, we must give of ourselves, even when we are going through a truly rough season. I try never to make decisions without going to God, first. I totally know what you mean by talking about important events with a relative, friend or an angry husband. I know that I should never do absolutely anything without talking with God first and asking for His direction. I have to admit that I am trying not to lose faith and to allow the enemy to take my life over. I love The Lord and can’t imagine my life without Him. GIG is one of the mainstays of my daily prayer life and I am blessed by the word from the 3 of you. Thank you for blessing me. I am feeling pretty down even though I am in the middle of my daily morning prayer and worship. Please pray for us! I know that God has a plan for our lives, even if we can’t see it yet! God bless you! I will pray for everyone that has posted to your blog. I pray that all of us will allow God to totally direct our steps in every instance.
Gwen, thank you for this great reminder. I remember about 15 years ago being a women’s conference with Elizabeth Elliott. She quoted Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God….” and then she asked, How many times do we pick up the phone and call a friend. Do we give God a chance?” Your devotion brought that back again. God is doing some work and refining in my life these days, and I need to remember to make that time to Be Still and Know that I am God. Thank you Gwen for GIG’s ministry. He used all 3 of you in a special way these past months. Would appreciate prayer for our 7 year old granddaughter who will be undergoing a 6 hour surgery on Monday the 28th to remove a cancerous tumor located near the heart and lung. God has been faithful these past 4 months through chemo etc. I know he will be faithful again. Appreciate prayers for her, family and doctors. Thank you.
Jean-I’ve used this verse to calm my own fears many times. It’s easier read and said than practiced right! Sending Prayers of Courage and Good health to your granddaughter, Calmness to the family, and prayers of wisdom to her doctors on Monday. God Bless!
Today’s devotion reminded me that I need to go to God with my worries instead of trying to handle them myself. My husband and I are separated, I moved to California when it happened because all my family was there. I’ve decided to move back to Texas and I need a job there. I’ve been applying buts it’s been difficult doing that from California.
I’m going back because I feel that the Lords leading me there for my daughter and I to be back with my son who is getting married in August. Plus my husband wants to see if we can repair our marriage which I’m not sure if that’s truly what he wants but I won’t know unless I’m there.
It’s a very scary decision on so many levels for me. I need to remember to pray daily and ask The Lord for his will and trust he is with me every step of the way.
I pray all the time, I sometimes don’t know why my prayers, (some of them are not answered) what I do know is that God loves me and whatever He does He does it for my good and not to hurt me.
Good morning, Ii have to say that today’s word was meant for me.. My Husband and I had a huge argument this morning and the first thing i did was called my best friend not so much for advice but to cry, vent etc.. but, I should have most definatly prayed about it first!!! I thank-you, so, much for your words everyday but a special thanks, for the word today!!! May God continue you to use you to minister to others.
I ask for prayer for my MARRIAGE.
I touch and agree with all the prayers that are being asked from others.
I am so bad about not taking my problems to my heavenly Father. This devotion was encouraging Gwen. Praying that I would seek his wisdom and go to my friends and family for encouragement as I wait on the Lord. Thank you for your love for the Lord and you obedience to the calling He has placed on your life.