Unshaken

GIVEAWAY: Unshaken

Gwen SmithGiveaways 155 Comments

Happy Friday, friends!

It’s time for a GIVEAWAY and a guest post by Sally Burke and Cyndie Claypool de Neve!

 

Living Unshaken In A Shaken World

UnshakenPetrified, the young woman took a step forward. With neither a mother nor a father to lean on for guidance, she strived to listen to her godly guardian. He was telling her to go, to step out in faith, but she was frightened. Why her? Why now? What if she was chosen?

The prize for winning this beauty pageant was more than a crown—it was a whole kingdom. And young Esther wasn’t sure she wanted to win. After all, she would wind up married to someone she knew only from the troubling stories she had overheard: stories of a king who had banished his wife for not coming when he demanded! Yet the beautiful teen trusted God and followed the path He had set before her. She had no idea at the moment of her feeble obedience that her one action would ultimately save her people from possible extinction.

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” encouraged Mordecai, her guardian and cousin (Esther 4:14). God helped Esther, who was probably no older than a high school freshman, to stand unshaken as she took a bold step of faith to save her people. She told Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (verse 16).

Did you catch that? “If I perish, I perish.” As she stood resolutely in the face of uncertainty, anguish, and possible death, she had no doubt what might be at stake. How does a young woman develop such inner strength? How does she remain unshaken? What was that fortitude that kept her persevering even in the face of possible death for herself and her people?

Her guardian, Mordecai, probably raised her upon the principles presented in Deuteronomy 6:5-7: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Even though Esther was an orphan, her guardian must have so impressed those principles on her heart that at a pivotal moment in history she became a beautiful depiction of Psalm 16:8: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Esther no doubt kept her eyes on the Lord—dwelling on the promises and attributes of God. As soon as we focus our minds on our heavenly Father, our earthly problems seem so minor in comparison to His might. For Esther, hers were no small problems. She faced an agonizing dilemma of catastrophic significance. And what did she do? She fasted, and called others to fast along with her.

The purpose of fasting is to focus all that attention we give to food onto God. Imagine if we did that every time we felt stressed. Imagine if instead of plopping in front of the couch with our favorite Netflix show and a huge bowl of hot-fudge-drenched ice cream, we sat down with our Bibles, pouring out our hearts before the God of all wisdom, letting Him speak to us through His infallible Word. Imagine the peace that would fill our hearts if we called a friend and prayed together over the phone. Or imagine how small our problems would seem if we intentionally began to pray through these four steps of prayer: praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession?

When we cast our problems in the light of who God is, our once-enormous stresses begin to dwindle in comparison to the size of our great God! If each day we strive to keep our focus on our Creator, then when life’s roadblocks and stressful situations come barreling into our path, we will look to the Lord in prayer as our first response, not our last resort.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:8-11).

Taken from: Unshaken. Copyright © 2017 by Sally Burke and Cyndie Claypool de Neve. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by permission.

 

HOORAY! HOORAY! A GIVEAWAY!!!
Congratulations to our winners: Denise, Lisa, Tammy, Gina & Linda!

Sally and Cyndie would like to send FIVE copies of their newest book, Unshaken: Experience the Power and Peace of a Life of Prayer to FIVE of my awesome readers!

To qualify for the drawing, you need to do TWO things:

#1. LEAVE A COMMENT to win by CLICKING HERE. (Or by leaving a comment in the section below.)

#2. SHARE THIS POST on social media.

That’s it! Once you do both, your name will be entered into the random drawing. Be sure to tell your friends so they can sign up too. The drawing will take place on March 27th, so don’t delay! {Contest is limited to US and Canada readers only.}

 

THE BOOK:

As you pray to the God of the universe, you’re free to ask for the seemingly impossible. Align your heart with His will and pray with confidence, knowing He will answer according to His perfect plans and mighty power.

Join authors Sally Burke, president of Moms in Prayer International, and Cyndie Claypool de Neve on a quest to pray boldly in your daily struggles and difficult trials. When your strength is in short supply and your courage is battered, it’s time to…

  • discover the power of a biblical four-step prayer process that defeats fear
  • read stories of women who experienced answered prayer in desperate circumstances
  • learn how to pray for yourself and your loved ones in accordance with God’s will

Your family and future are in secure hands when you release them to Jesus. And as you pray with firm faith, you’ll see yourself and your world transformed.

Pre-order your copy today and receive a FREE downloadable Prayer Journal. For more information visit prayunshaken.com.

 

MEET SALLY BURKE AND CYNDIE CLAYPOOL de NEVE

Sally Burke is a dynamic speaker and teacher. As the president of Moms in Prayer International, she leads a worldwide ministry and oversees staff and directors who are equipping and encouraging women in the transforming power of prayer. Sally and her husband, Ed, have four adult children, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Cyndie Claypool de Neve was the former director of communications at Moms in Prayer International and the lead editor/coordinator for When Moms Pray Together. She holds an M.A. in counseling psychology and is the senior director of creative and technical services at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in California. She and her husband, Marcel, have two children.

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Comments 155

  1. I would love to read this and share with the other women in my family.
    I also follow Girlfriends In God, I love receiving daily devotionals!!
    Thank you & God bless

  2. with God all things are possible. Whom shall I fear ~

    Ephesians 3:19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.…

  3. I have enjoyed all your emails. I’m in middle of the broken to beautiful. I love to read your books that give me encouragement from Lord. I would be thrilled to have a copy of unshaven. Thank you.

  4. I’very always loved the story of Esther – talk about humble bravery! And so young, with tragic backstory. What an encouragement! Can’t wait to read it!

  5. I would really love to win this new book. I have recommitted myself to my walk with God and Jesus Christ. I have been reading my bible and doing many different study readings such as yours Gwen and Proverbs 31 devotionals,Girlfriends In God,and Encouragement Cafe,reading blogs such as yours Gwen. My faith has grown stronger and my depression has been lifted from the bottom of this terrible black hole I was in. Please if it is in anyway that I could be lucky enough to win this giveaway about the study of Esther I would read it and study and learn more. Especially about the women in the bible that subject has really interested me. Thank you all for being such wonderful women teaching and praying for us in our walking with God and Jesus.

  6. Thank you for sharing about this great book I so want to read! Esther is like some of us women today! I am going through some Cancer have read some of your other books and they all lift me up and continue to keep and make me stronger! Would really love a copy of this book to help me on my journey! It keeps me grounded!

    Thank you,
    Linda Goodman
    Your Fan

  7. I think the story of Esther is wonderful – one I would love to share more about with my daughters. I have been through many things and the one thing I can say is I see God working on my character through all of it. None of these things has been easy or pleasant but, God has remained with me all along. Ever the same.
    Thank-you for the opportunity to learn more!

  8. Thank you for the timely devotion, Esther was that brave woman leaving everything to God, I need to do the same giving all to my heavenly Father. Thanks may God bless you.

  9. It sounds like I could really benefit from reading this book. I struggle a lot with worry, fear and anxiety. Thank you for doing this giveaway!

  10. You peaked my interest by talking about, Esther. She is one of my favorite women in the Bible. Would love a copy.

  11. This book is perfect timing for all my FATHER has been showing me in answer to my cry for HIS wisdom in all that has been going on in my life….. Yes I want this book!!!!!!

  12. Life in the world today can be so scary with the evil that exists, and it can be hard to be Unshaken! But I know with God by my side and His Grace, I can be Unshaken and with great family and friends as a means of support, I have all that the world can offer.

    GRACE = God’s Redemption Act Covers Everyone!

    Looking forward to reading this lovely book!

  13. I would love to get a copy of Unshaken. Esther is so inspiring in her faith following God’s will & even if she should perish. In our uncertain world with illnesses, trials & evil, it is even more important to have that kind of faith.

  14. I would love to have a copy of this book. Esther is so inspiring, doing God’s will even if she should perish. I strive to have that rock solid faith in the world we live in with all the illnesses and evil in this world.

  15. I’m on the launch team for this book and received an advanced copy. This book is built on truths of scripture and, combined with faith and prayer, it can move mountains! Esther was certainly alive “for such a time as this” … and so are we.

  16. For such a time is this! We go through seasons of our lives and this was Esther’s season of Life. I love this book but I do any book in the Bible! Today I did a drug testing foe volunteering at a Prison for Celebrate Recovery. If I can make a difference like Esther for such a time as this! Let it be!

  17. Wow Excellent timing I recently tookpart in the. Esther fast to break thespiritual wickedness in our country. It was through. Purim. I found out recently I was born on Purim. My journey cromnormal to broken on my setback to a new normal started 4 years shoehorn my lifeless. Shattered beyond recognition. I fell to my. Knees one night and cried out in worship in spite of it. Father poured out liquid love on me and fleece wrecked me for anything else. I. Went through many trials many victories, in c
    Including my sister being raised from the dead after one girl ten min of CPR. The doctor gave up when an angel entered the room touched my sister with a sword of fire and completely restored her. The doctor was so shaken he couldn’t speak. I later found out he was a Muslim before witnessing this miracle. My faith and prayer life grew tremendously as a result. Then 3 months ago my little brother comitted suicide. I was crushed my faith shaken. Father has comflrted and is restoring me. I’m determined to make the enemy pay dearly and have started praying get those on the street. I encourage everyone who reads this not to overlook someone on the street, or someone who appears destitute. He had PTSD and spent the last 7 years roaming the streets.
    Thank you for reading. I’d love to have the book but if anyone needs it more ease by all means give it to. Them. Thank you get your well and sacrifice. Please excuse the typos. I’m writing form a. Inferior device.

  18. I love Jesus and God with all my heart ! Sad to say that I worry too much about everything. So I feel that perhaps I’m not loving both Jesus and God with all my heart because I’m not fully trusting because I sin with worry. I want to be unshaken !! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  19. I am so looking forward to this book….I am going through some things and I am sure this book will help….thank you….

  20. I choose to be unshaken in a shaken world because if God be for me, who can be against me! I want to help the homeless women at BRMM Inc Valley Women & Children’s Shelter where I’m a house manager become unshaken. What a powerful tool this book will be.
    God bless,
    Songbyrd

    1. We are praying with you for each of the women at the shelter will become unshaken vessels of God impacting our world for Christ through prayer! Praying for you Twila too! What an inspiration you are!

  21. I know I am no one special as the comments from others will show but I do hope I could receive one of these books. I am at a very low place right now and any encouragement in the Word I could get would benefit me I know. The opportunity is appreciated for any of us who need this right now.

  22. I love when I have an opportunity to fast and spend time with the Lord. Fasting helps me to turn my focus on what is really important.

  23. I would love to win this book. I have always been encouraged by Esther’s story and life. I am still learning to pray. Thank you for the chance to win.

  24. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS BOOK!! MY FAITH HAS BEEN VERY TRYING THIS PAST SEASON. I NEED THIS BOOK FOR RESTORATION SOUNDS PERFECT

  25. Thank you for this. God has been at work in my life to increase my faith and this is just what I needed to hear. I love when He meets us right where we are, He is so good! I will be saving this scripture to my journal to look back on God’s faithfulness to me in those times when I forget.

  26. What a beautiful gift, oh i would love to gift these to by Bible study girls, what an honor it would be, then to be able to ready, study and share together, blessings !!

  27. I would love to win this book. I find myself being shaken more times than I want to. Thank you for this opportunity. My children are all grown and none of them or my grandchildren walk with my Savior. So I need to learn to be unshaven in my prayers for them.

  28. This is awesome. I want a faith like this. Unshakable. unstoppable. One who truly trusts. I am facing some major trials. Great inspirational post. Thank you

  29. This sounds like what I need right now & I met a lady the other day that could use it also. So if I did have the honor to win a book, I would have to give it away and buy one also 🙂

  30. I would love this! I am a mother of four girls! Ages 4, 8, 16, & 20. I worry about them a lot. My daughter’s fiance just broke up with her & she was getting married in July. I worry about her! She is so heart broken. I worry about everything pretty much.

  31. I am so “Unshaken”, living in my own little world of confusion and doubt; parents are deceased; sons are grown and married; husband of 20 years “kicked me to the curb” less than three years ago…..I’ve never felt more alone in my life than I do right now. I so much want to be an “Esther”!! I’m in a prime position to be used by God in amazing ways, like never before!!!

  32. I really needed this today!! So many times I feel my self-worth is really low and I need to be reminded. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

  33. Gwen, although I have been receiving You email devotions for years, this is the first time I have been brave enough to send a comment. I believe I have all your books on iPad Kindle app and all your music CDs. That saying I am very excited that you will the speaker and worship leader at Liberty Bible Church’s ladies retreat this year, on May 5, 6, and 7. Love and appreciate you ministry!

  34. Your prayers are amazing, its as if each one was written for me. I pray often throughout the day & I believe this book would strengthen my words to God. Thanks for what you do.

  35. Right now I am going through a time when my life has been put on the back burner so I may serve others. It is difficult not to be selfish. I believe this book would be a great encouragement. I also suffer from a long life of depression and loneliness. To stand strong for God and remain unshaken is a goal I am trusting God to help me with. I hadn’t heard of this book until today. Thank you

  36. Wow! What an opportunity! Thanks so much! We are all born for “such a time as this”. To make a stand for our Lord!

  37. You can never know it all about prayer! New n refreshing ideas to engage God! Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Gwen??

  38. My daughter suffered a concussion back in December, and has still not “shaken” it. She is now having seizures, had to drop college classes, and has almost put her life on hold. She is a strong believer, but this has tested her faith.
    This.book would be an answer to prayer.
    Thank you.

    A supportive mom

  39. This devotion is very enriching and encouraging!! In order to not be shaken, we Have keep our eyes focus on the one who was tossed and turned by the world, the great I Am who took the abuse that He was given straight to the cross! He suffered for us. And He knows how we suffer…..in order to not be shaken, we run to Him!

    Thank you for this enriching, eye and heart opening message!

  40. Thank you for being such Faithful Servants of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After reading Your column it’s caused a stiring in my heart that has been broken from the trials and tribulations that I had to face the last few years. It seems that the circumstances can be so overwhelming that it causes a doubting Thomas to rise up. Thank you for sharing this book and I look forward to spending some quiet time while reading Unshaken to allow Our Father to restore the Unshaken Faith in my spirit. May The Lord Bless You and Keep You and May His Face Shine upon you Both…In His Hands,

  41. I would love to win this book! Life has been a struggle, I’ve always looked to God and am trying to grow in Him everyday. Thank you for this chance!

  42. Everyone of us walk a season of needing reminded and encouragement to be “Unshakable”. Thank you for sharing and the chance to win!

  43. I have appreciated your ministry. While traveling your daily devotional is my go to to enter into my morning time with God. I’m blessed and have opportunity to share those insights with others. Thank you!

  44. I have appreciated god ministry. While traveling your daily devotional is my go to to enter into my morning time with God. I’m blessed and have opportunity to share those insights with others. Thank you!

  45. Ester’s faith and boldness is inspirational! Thank you for a great start to my Friday! I’d love to win a copy of UnShaken!

  46. Great devotion … the book sounds inspiring! Ester is one of my favorite books to read to gain trust, strength, perseverance and patience. She trusted God and she was a praying women. She prayed, fasted AND kept quite! I can’t forget that part lol lol she knew all of what was going on and what could happen and she didn’t say a word. And the way she prepared herself for her husband by praying and seeking Wise Counsel!
    I can’t qualify to win because I don’t do social media but I will pray for your book to end up the right hands❤️

  47. This sounds like a wonderful book and so needed right now for me. I found a wonderful job last year and took a huge leap of faith in leaving a very secure position. All was well until a month ago when my contract was unexpectedly non-renewed. I was told I was not a good fit but they would not give me any reasons or specifics..so I was blindsided and shaken. My faith has been the only thing to get me through and while not every day is perfect, I am so excited to see what God has planned for me next. This book would be a wonderful read at the perfect time in my life! Love GIG and look forward to reading your words each morning! Thank you!

  48. I’ve got the words unshaken hanging on my wall, as well and one that says unsinkable! I repeat these words to myself every morning when I get up! Looking forward to reading the book.

  49. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” This spoke directly to me this morning as I have been struggling a little this week to walk in faith knowing God’s good plan for me and my family. Unshaken will be a perfect book to read when I finish Broken into Beautiful. Thank you!

  50. I want what Esther’s had so bad!! That kind of unshaken faith! I think I’m close to being able to face life with total faith and not melt into a puddle of worry, but then something like my upcoming back surgery and its uncertainties comes and I fail miserably at first! Why do I let worry enter when I know God has the plan and will only bring good through our struggles. And I know the struggle makes me stronger on the other side. I know in my weakness I will find His strength. AND I STILL WORRY! Please help me grow in my faith to be like Esther. I would love to win this book…I can read it during my long recovery…Lol.
    Blessings to all of these awesome Women of God that have commented here today and to Sally and Gwen for bringing us God’s message and helping us grow in our faith!

    1. Tammy,
      I enjoy reading your posts! I will be praying for you for your surgery! Worry enters because of our flesh and sometimes the enemy but sometimes it’s a test of our faith. It sounds like you might start out in worry at times but you always perserve in Him and His promises! Keep pressing forward sister; keep your eyes on Him❤️

  51. Thank you for such a relatable story and reminder of how to get closer to our Father and to gain the strength and direction we need to get through my challenges.

  52. Yes I want to have a relationship with God that is so secure in His love that I’m committed to do whatever he asks! I desire to be on fire for God and allow Him to radically change me from the inside out and live a life that’s unshakable! To your glory Lord!

  53. O wow that is a beautiful depiction of Esther’s story. And I SO needed to hear it right then!! Thank you for underscoring the importance of fasting.

  54. Thank you Gwen and Sally. I crave more peace in my life. I need new ways to grow stronger through God and I look forward to finding the answers in this book. There are many amazing women in the bible and Ester is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing it.

  55. I meet you in 2016 in at a women of worth conference and I truly enjoyed your message along with the other ladies. I really enjoy reading your books and would love to win this one. God bless you and continue the good work you do for the Lord.

  56. I love love this story. It’s shows faith and fortitude. If I would pray instead of eating my favorite food, or tell my friends, life would look different from a better perspective. Thank you for sharing excerpts from your book with us.

  57. Wow! I love the story of Esther, and this book looks amazing! I have certainly experienced God answering my prayers in desperate circumstances, and can’t wait to read the stories of these other women! Thank you for the chance to win! I am on my way to the website right now!

  58. Unshaken is what I want to be in a world that is crumbling . Thank
    The Lord this world is not my home !

    Blessings to you both !

  59. We need to be unshaken in this day in which we live. I’ m sure Esther had her moments of doubt, but she placed her faitth in a God who is greater than any of our doubts, as we must.

  60. Two things that spoke to me today,
    1. How to young and fearless Esther was
    2. That they fasted when worried…. as a stress eater I need to try that strategy
    I would love to win too!!!

  61. This sounds like a perfect book for our Neighborhood Group. “I Want it All” was our first game changer!!!

  62. Wow. If the entire book is like this small sample, I cannot imagine how it’s words will change lives. I would LOVE to win this book.

  63. Every morning I look forward to your email, it is filled with motivation and encouragement. I fully enjoyed your very first book ” I want it All “, and ever since have been enjoying your reading.

  64. I am fairly new in my walk with God. I am excited and unsure about this leap…but I know who I belong to and that He has the best plan. I have been trying to find as much as I can to surround myself in God, number 1 is His word, Christian blogs and other followers that have been on this journey before me. Thank you for the opportunity to grow in my faith. Lisa Luks

  65. I have loved Girlfriends in God for years and anything you guys recommend I know is great! I’d love to read it!

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