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Every New Year brings fresh possibilities and opportunities for us to trust God. As I think of all that lies ahead I’m reminded of a trust lesson God taught me long ago…
Our arms were braided across each other’s and our hands were locked tightly. As the young girl stood on the tall tree stump above us she looked over her shoulder and saw with her eyes that our formation was tight…that we were ready for her. She heard with her ears that we would catch her…that we would not let her get hurt. Yet the fear that screamed in her head told her not to do it. Not to fall backwards.
Her legs shook and lips quivered. Other campers had gone before her and her cabin mates had successfully caught each one. But this camper hesitated – allowing the looming possibilities of failure and pain to paralyze her from action. The risks just seemed too great.
She trembled.
We encouraged.
She cried.
We encouraged.
Then, finally, with determination in her heart, she took the plunge. She fell straight backwards onto the safety net of our arms. We bent low to the ground giving way to her fall and caught her with cheers of excitement. She did it! As her trembling legs regained their confidence, she stood tall and beamed from ear to ear – realizing that she had faced her fear. Joy was felt from heart to heart as each of us rejoiced with her.
Mission accomplished. Early in the day, we had trekked across the campgrounds to the “Trust Fall station” as a group of counselors and campers who didn’t have a shared experience among us, an unconnected strand of strangers. Now our wooded team-building time had come to an end and we left the trust fall station having bonded deeply as a group of new girlfriends prepared for a fresh journey of fun and adventure.
Each of us took turns at the Trust Fall that day. We all faced a set of scary circumstances and were forced to work through our doubts, tremblings and fears. As a result, we learned valuable lessons and strengthened our relationships.
Since my days of being a camp counselor, I’ve faced many scary life Trust Falls: financial trials, relationship strains, relocations, sick loved ones, and difficult family matters. I’ve trembled and I’ve cried. I’ve been paralyzed by “what ifs” and “whys.” We all go through difficult seasons and trials; times when we want to see the invisible arms of the One who says He will catch us; times when we are afraid to fall into them.
Wherever we go and whatever we face, God is with us – yesterday, today and forever. He bids us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). He wants us to trust Him. He catches us when we Trust Fall, when we live by faith. And to encourage us along the way He spurs us on by sending a cloud of witnesses who testify of His faithfulness. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).
Today, whether you identify with the shaky young camper on the Trust Fall stump or with the cabin mates who were filled with encouragement for another, God wants you to trust Him…right where you are. It might be scary. Tears might be shed. But God is faithful and can be trusted.
Like the Psalmist, let’s choose to say, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4, ESV)
When we Trust Fall from our struggles into the faithful arms of God, we are freed from the fears that paralyze us. Trust Him today, friend. A cloud of Girlfriend in God witnesses are cheering for you!
Dear Lord,
You are good, loving and faithful – and You know exactly what I’m facing. Please take this burden from me. Help me today to fall into a deeper place of trusting you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What is God asking you to trust Him in or through as you start this New Year? Spend a few moments praying about it. Then leave a comment about what God is calling you to trust Him with.
Who has been there for you when you faced scary circumstances? Consider writing her a note or sending her an e-mail of thanks.
Do you have a friend(s) who seems to be struggling to trust God with her tough places? Maybe God wants you to encourage her or him. Perhaps you could write a letter or share a hug – call and pray with her – bless them with a meal or a plate of brownies. Forward this post with her! Post it on your Facebook wall. Ask the Lord for ideas!
and now…
A SPECIAL, SPECIAL, SPECIAL INVITATION FROM GWEN
Ready to join the team? CLICK HERE
Comments 52
I so needed this devotion! I am currently watching my husband struggle with a job that is so frustrating for him. I am trusting in God, praying and claiming a better job for him. Also, we are foster parents who are anxiously awaiting a chance to adopt 2 sweet, precious girls after being in our care for 2 years. We have peace and know that they will be where God wants them to be!
My boyfriend and I mutually decided to go our separate ways even though we are madly in love with one another and know we are soulmates. While we were together we weren’t able to get important things accomplished. See I am still married. I have been separated from him for almost 4 years. Every time I try to save money for a divorce something comes up. Therefore keeping my boyfriend from asking me to be his wife. My boyfriend has been called to be a pastor and he’s not able to mentor for that while being with me a married woman. I moved back to my hometown which is approximately 700 miles away from where we called home. My son and I now live with my mom. We have to start all over again. Try to find a new normal when all we want is our old ways. Now that I’m here I have found a way to file for divorce and have it cost a fraction of the price it would have 2 months ago. I believe in God but I’m having a hard time trusting that what he has in store for me is better than what I had. The love that I have for my boyfriend is unconditional and I don’t know how God could take that away. I need prayers for peace, comfort, patience, courage and strength to get through this. He is currently going through significant financial struggles and health issues. He needs prayers for courage and strength
God is asking me to trust him through the good and bad, He’s asking me to trust him through the highs and low, to trust him to give me the enablement to get through it, to trust him no matter what that He who is the I AM THAT I AM will be faithful to complete the good work he started in me .
I am trusting God with my five year old son who has cerebral palsy, life threatening food allergies, and was just diagnosed with epilepsy. I wake every day fighting major worry and anxiety, and I want to turn this over to Him fully- for healing, protection, courage, and peace.
I just got word this morning that my Son just lost his job. We don’t know what God has in store for his next chapter but we do trust him and that all things will work out ok. Just pray for a new job quickly that is the perfect fit for him, so he can pay rent and his school loans each month. We are doing the Trust Fall!
I am trusting God with the next steps in the journey of my life after enduring a painful separation, still waiting for the divorce to be finalized, and struggling with raising two little ones on my own. God gave me the strength last year to leave an abusive marriage, however, sometimes it feels like I’ve escaped into a new hell of loneliness, depression, hurt, anger, despair, and lost hope. I’m praying for a renewed hope, faith, strength to fight the necessary spiritual battles, perseverance to finish this thing that God has started, and eventual blessing with a Godly man to help me raise my little ones.
I am trusting God this year to continue to see my husband through his sobriety. Thank you God he is going on 4 months sober and I am so thankful for that. I am asking that God help me to fully let go and let him handle this situation. I have a tendency to step in and try to make his issues my problem to solve and it only makes me worry more, increase my fear and anxiety, and I am ready to let go of it all and start doing things for me! Thank you Gwen for your encouraging words and contribution to the Girlfriends in God devotionals that I read almost daily. I try not to miss any days! May God continue to bless you and may you continue to bless many more women!!!
Over the past month I have been struggling with my 20 year old daughter moving out of the house. She has a boyfriend I do not believe is good for her and when she broke up with him I was overly excited. Then when she got back with him I felt broken, scared, worried and fear of what may happen to her not in my home took over. But I have learned and I told her as well I have prayed for a Godly man to be in her life and he answers prayers. If this young man is the one for her he will turn to God and be as in love with him as she has been. I am trusting in God for it is in his plan and I cannot create or plan her future because he has already written it. So I am trusting the Lord with her future, my 18 year old son’s future and just believing my prayers will be answered because I have faith and I am
A child of the King.
In just a couple of weeks, I begin the next step in a journey to continue my education. Life has gotten in the way every other time I have started. I have been praying for the God-ordained time to take this next step. God is so faithful. He has put all the pieces into place for me to go back to school from our financial situation to help with caring for my children. The enemy keeps attempting to attack me with doubts and fears. I know in my heart, God has ordained all this. I am thankful for His abundant blessings and look forward to completing my education for the glory of His kingdom. I am so thankful for the daily devotional delivered to my email every morning. It never ceases to amaze me that if I read this and pray about it, God shows me just how it relates to whatever situation I am dealing with. God is faithful and good and can use all things for His good if you let him. I will definitely be saving this devotional to refer back to when doubt and fear start to creep back in.
To simply trust Him in ALL things.
I am trusting that God will heal my almost 21 year old daughter from her eating disorder . I need help as well…with my attitude.
I have come to the realization that I do not respect men . I believe women are smarter than men I believe men have no self control . Two of my three daughters have been molested. One by my brother the other by a friend of the family. Both nieces have been molested. 1by her brothers high school friend the other the babysitters husband when she was 3. . I personally have been subjected to 5 different men masturbating in public at different times in my life. The man who introduced me to Jesus told me he thought God gave me to him. He was 20 years older than me and married. We had an affair. It is a burden to hear about the Child sex industry and pedophiles. And it does nothing but reinforce how I feel about men. I just don’t understand why God made men the way they are. Please don’t tell me that it’s because of sin. Men are more sinful than women. Just look at the prison population. And if you take the time to talk to women in prison you’ll most likely find that they’ve been abused by a man. God help us all.
Hey Gwen. So literally moments before I sat down to read and do my Girlfriends in God devotional I was in tears because of my job situation. I am a in-home nanny. I’ve been in the childcare field for nearly 14 years now. I am 31. It’s all I know, & I love it. I love being with and teaching children. But currently the family I am employed by, the parents, have a lot of marital issues. Like a lot. And the mother I believe is battling an addiction. And I don’t want to leave out that this girl & I were somewhat of friends before I began working for her. Friends of friends. This job is so personal, so this relationship that was already built has made it even more so. With all of this being said, with all of the issues they are going through I am very much put in the middle. And she also takes a lot out on me & the children. It breaks my heart. And it’s very hurtful & belittling to me. I’ve taken a lot & over looked a lot in the past year I’ve been with them. But things just seem to get worse. It’s affecting my life, my relationships, & my happiness. I feel like I am constantly walking on egg shells with her. I don’t ever feel good enough. When I know logically in my head what all I do for her. I really do go above & beyond with household chores. And I know I take the best care of her children. It’s just very exhausting. So why don’t I quit you ask? I am scared. One, I do not ever like to leave on bad terms. And I don’t feel like any way I go about it that it will be good. I hate drama & hard feelings. And I know that there will be a lot of both. Two, I do not want to go nanny for another family. This is the 5th family I’ve nannied for & it’s always the same. You are never appreciated, very overworked & underpaid. I just don’t want to put myself back in that position. Three, financially I am terrified. Honestly being a nanny is the only way to get paid enough to make ends meet in this field. I’d love to teach at a preschool but even with all of my experience, the pay is very low. This is the only thing I’ve ever done. I have zero experience in anything else. So I am so scared. But after all of this I really know in my heart being with this family is not what God wants for me. I’m having such a hard time building enough courage to quit and fully trust in Him. I’ve prayed and prayed. But I still have all of these fears & doubts in the back of my head. I don’t even know where to begin to look for another job. I need prayer. Lots and lots of prayer. Please pray for my submission to what God wants for me. And for my courage and trust. I want to so bad.
Last year, in eighth grade, I applied for boarding school, and to me, it was my life line. In Hong Kong students and schools are highly competitive and if I didn’t get into at least America’s top boarding school, I felt as if I’d lose all dignity. In the end: I didn’t get in. I cried, I was yelled at, we used $18,000 in total, but I didn’t get in. I prayed too, I prayed and prayed and prayed I would get in but I didn’t. At first, I lost all my faith in God, I was furious. “I trusted you!” That was all I could say, and I felt betrayed. Now, I understand that it was meant to be. I’ve developed such a strong bond with friends at my current school. I also realised that I perhaps was no mature enough to get in last year, and I understand that boarding school probably would not be a good idea to me. This year, I’m re-applying as a freshman. Instead of praying, “God, please let me into boarding school.” I’m putting my faith and trust in Him that all will work out. Even if I don’t get in, I’m moving back to the U.S which brings a few other hardships. However, today, God is calling on me to let go the burdens that applying to boarding school will bring me. He tells me to stop worrying about the SSAT test, or what my future will be like in America if I move back. I trust God that everything will work out in the end. No more tears, no more betrayal. I put my faith in God. I will live my life as usual, writing boarding school essays and all, but the results I put my faith and trust into God. He is with me and he has never let me down.
I need to end a relationship that is not good for me, and friends and family have been encouraging me to end it for weeks. I’ve tried, but my fear takes over, and I haven’t been able to do it. I’m not even sure what I’m afraid of – his reaction or lack thereof, failing at yet another relationship, not being able to say what I need to, etc. This devotional really spoke to me today. I need to step out in faith and do what needs to be done. Thank you!
Share my testimony of God taking any disease and using it for HIS good!
Psalm 40:5
“5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
You are absolutely never alone- NO matter how low you may go!
God will bring you out even when you cannot see the way out! Keep pushing! Keep having the faith of a mustard seed and Jesus promised- all things will be possible for us who trust in HIS WORDS!!! Amen (Matthew 17)
God is asking me to trust Him that He will relieve this burden of debt we owe . The IRS has taken my husbands entire paycheck when they were only supposed to take a $500 payment . Now all our financial obligations we paid are eithe late or being returned with significant fees. We have 2 children in college and don’t know what thei future holds either . Dear God I know you are in control and ask you repair this situation for us quickly . I ask for prayer for my family and finances that God will have His hand in this and help us . Amen
I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M SHARING MY INFORMATION WITH PEOPLE I REALLY DON’T KNOW, BUT I FEEL DRIVEN TO SHARE. I TOO LOVE THE WORD OF GOD, AND I AM GOING THROUGH A WHAT I CONSIDER A TEST OF FAITH. I FAILED! BECAUSE INSTEAD OF WALKING AWAY FROM IGNORANCE I DECIDED TO TAKE MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS. I TRIED TO TEACH SOMEONE TO OBEY THE RULES OF LIFE AND NOT TO DISRESPECT ME AFTER I HELPED TO TAKE CARE OF HER FOR SO MANY YEARS, AND NOW TAKING CARE OF HER MOTHER, MY MOTHER, MY FAMILY, AND SO ON. INSTEAD I FOUND MYSELF ARRESTED ON A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE AND HAVE TO FACE COURT. THIS IS NOT ME!!!!! I KNOW BETTER, AND FOR SOMEONE WHO KNOW WHO GOD IS SHOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED ANYONE TAKE ME THERE. I HAD TO COME TO GRIPS WITH MYSELF AND FORGIVE MYSELF FOR LASHING OUT ON HER BECAUSE SHE WAS DISRESPECTING ME SO MUCH. I NOW HAVE TO FORGIVE HER (MY NEICE). I OWE ALOT TO MY HUSBAND WHO HELPS ME ALOT AND WAS THERE FOR ME THROUGH ALL OF THIS. BUT SHOULD ALLOW MY GOD TO HANDLE ALL OF MY BATTLES, BECAUSE EVERYTIME I TRY TO HANDLE THINGS MYSELF I FAIL EVERYTIME!!. I GREW UP NOT DISRESPECTING MY PARENTS GRANDPARENTS AUNTS UNCLES COUSINS SO WHEN THE NEW GENERATION DO WHAT THEY DO AND SPEAK TO OLD SCHOOL THE WAY THEY DO, IT JUST MAKE THE HAIRS ON MY SKIN STAND ON END!! BUT LETTING GO AND ALLOWING GOD IS THE WAY TO SOLVE SUCH A PROBLEM IN OUR SOCIETY. MY FAMILY AND I ARE TRYING VERY HARD TO MOVE OUT OF THE HOUSE THAT WE ALL SHARE (INCLUDING THE NEICE) SO PEACE AND TRANQUILITY CAN INDULGE OUR LIVES AGAIN. PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND FOR MYSELF TO TRULEY UNDERSTAND THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEPING THE FAITH.
God is calling me to trust that he has already taken care of my family’s situation. My husband is facing termination from his job of 8 years, probably by the end of this month. The challenge is that we recently purchased a new home in August. Just the uncertainty of the “what’s next”, and the level of patience can be stressful. I’m trying very hard to rest in the comfort of knowing that God has already worked everything out in my husband’s favor and whatever He has in store is much bigger and better, however, will only come to fruition on His time, not ours.
I have been trying to get into the nursing program at my college for 2 semesters. The first time I passed the big test only to become an alternate (9th actually). II took the test again for another opening in the next semester failed it, but because of wonderful people I was given a chance. Only to become an alternate again and be told no AGAIN. I don’t know where God wants me to go or what he wants me to be. I really thought I did u til now.
Thanks for today’s devotional on trust. I live in a small town in Alberta and was laid off over a year ago and struggling financially. I started a small home business making gourmet popcorn and have 3 local stores who want to sell it for me. However it means finding a certified kitchen to make it in which can be expensive. I applied for a job in a town 45 min. from here and have job interview on Friday. I’m praying for direction, I feel God has opened doors to start this small business already but is he opening doors for another job now instead. Please pray for direction and that I would know what God has in his plans for my life. Thank you.
Thank you for that lesson, I have been faith walking since June 2014 when my husband decided to move out. We had been having problems for quite some time and had tried several christian counselors for a couple sessions but each time the counselor attempted to correct my husband regarding his actions he refused to go and would say the counselor was a not good. I would then go out to find another, I desperately wanted help to save our marriage. My husband would always say, “you are the one with the problem, why do you need someone to tell you how to love me, if you would just do what I say then everything would be fine”. I will admit that I, to often, put helping family and caring for my terminally ill granny (now decreased) with alzheimer’s, before him. I continously repented to God and to my husband for my actions but my husband never forgave any infractions and rarely admitted his own. I lived for most of our marriage agreeing with him and keeping my opinions to myself in order to keep peace in our home. I was so tired of acting like we were the perfect couple at church (my husband was head of security and the lead of the pastors armor bearor team) and with our friends. We lived a happy life before the world but inside was hell. I continued with a counseling after my husband left and discovered that I was in an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship. Today we are still married but living apart, my husband filled for divorce without my knowledge, stopped speaking to me and left me with over $10k in debt. Its been an uphill batters with many tears and why’s and depression but God has been so faithful to me. We are still in the divorce process and I still have my wish things were different days but even in those times God is my comforter. Through this valley I have learned to trust God, love anyway and forgive always….yes God can certainly be trusted so just fall into His loving arms and capable hands.
My youngest son, just turned 18, signed himself out of the program he’s been in for the last year to help him deal with his issues, including drug addiction,. I trust God with my life, but have trouble having faith that He has a plan for my son, as well. Strangely enough, my favorite verse is just that, “And I know the plans I hsve for you, for good and not for evil” comes from the book of Jeremiah, which is my son’s name. I get your Girlfriends in God email every day, and today’s was God speaking directly to my heart. He does that a lot lately, when I open my heart enough to listen. Please keep my son in your prayers, that he will hear God, too. And pray for my continued faith and trust that God’s got this, His plan is good, not only for me, but for Jeremiah.
Today’s devotional was a rhema word for me – as if you knew I needed that specific encouragement and prayer. I received a 3 day notice to vacate because I did not have enough money to pay my rent. I have until Friday to get them the money. I am trusting God for provision.
OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS GOD HAS BEEN QUIET IN MY LIFE, IM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY? IS IT ME THATS TOO LOUD TO LISTEN OR IS HE TRYING TO SHOW ME SOMETHING? LAST YEAR WAS A REALLY HARD YEAR FOR ME. MY HUSBAND WAS IN PRISON FOR 9 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR, A YOUNG GIRL I WAS TAKING CARE OF WENT TO LIVE WITH HER FAMILY, AND I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SOME FEMALE HEALTH ISSUES. BUT DESPITE IT ALL GOD HELPED ME THROUGH AND HELPED ME REMAIN JOYFUL. LATELY THINGS HAVE STARTED FALLING APART AND IM TRYING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL. IM TRYING TO HEAR HIS VOICE BUT I FEEL UTTERLY EXHAUSTED AND DEFEATED. PRAYING IS STARTING TO FEEL LIKE WORK TO ME. I KNOW GOD IS WITH ME I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHY ALL OF THIS IS HAPPENING. IM USUALLY NOT ONE TO DEAL WITH THIS SO PUBLICALLY BUT I FEEL LIKE IM SORT OF LED HEAR. I STARTED READING YOUR DEVOTIONAL AND BLOGS LAST WEEK AND AM FEELING MORE ENCOURAGED. I KNOW WHAT GOD CAN DO IVE SEEN IT SO MANY TIMES!!! IM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. SO I GUESS MY ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION WOULD BE THAT HE IS ASKING ME TO TRUST HIM IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. IF YOU WOULDNT MIND KEEPING MY HUSBAND JEREMY, MY SISTER JENNIFER AND MY SELF IN PRAYER. HONESTLY PRAYING FOR DELIVERANCE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES AND FAITH TO RESTORED IN CHIRST.
To trust that he will provide a job opportunity that will enable my 4 kids and I to homeschool again and to have our own home. To put us at the right church where we will be fed God’s Word, fellowship, and be able to share with others.
Thank you Gwen! This is just what I needed this morning. Minutes before I opened this email, I was telling God how scared I am to move forward in the path that I know He’s called me to. I’ve been putting it off because I’m too concerned about what others might think and I don’t believe I’m “qualified” to do the work. I cried through most of this because God has reminded me that He is faithful and He will meet me right where I’m at. I just need to trust Him! He also reminded me that I am His masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)). I am done with allowing my fears to paralyze me and steal my joy! I am encouraged because He is good and faithful. Please pray for boldness, strength, wisdom and guidance as I prayerfully move forward. Thank you!! Have a blessed day!
I want to thank you for your blog, your loving words each and every day. I do trust in God, even more today! I am struggling with my current work place which is filled with negativity, I care for my disabled brother every other weekend, my grown son is struggling with MS and is blaming me. And, I’ve learned that sinus problems are related to PMS. Been home sick for 3 days to sinus infection, ugh! Lol
But, I have a plan! I’ve given my stress to God. I’ve decided to rest, pray and start fresh letting go of stress. I will be still and let God help me. Tomorrow is a new day. I know I will get a new job soon and this will soon pass.
I share your emails with my friends, my son and family. Sometimes I feel like I only have your emails to start my days when I feel defeated and don’t want my husband to know I’m weak.
I try to wake up every morning by thanking God for my day of life he’s given me, because I had so many losses in my life. (Lil brother first head injury at 18, father like brother, 22 commited suicide when I was 21, sister murdered when I was 26, lil brother in car accident when I was 30, now I take care of him and I wouldn’t have it any other way…lost my mom 3 year’s ago, older brother last year) I know it’s because of God being there for me even for me that I’ve made it through all. Thank you for letting me share…sincerely, Serene
Just what I needed. I have now been completely separated from my husband for 2 months now. He is worth another woman and she says she loves him, he won’t talk to me at all. I pray that my husband is brought to the Lord and is able to repent and start following Him. And at that point Jesus will reconcile our marriage.
I have been getting samples of a medication from my doctor for the past 3 yrs. I have bipolar depression. I have tried every med that there is and nothing else has worked. Well, they no longer have samples and the medication will cost me over $1000.00 per month. I can’t afford it. I have to quit taking it. I am trusting God to heal me or lead me to do whatever His desire is. I’m scared because I have been suicidal many times and don’t want that to happen again but, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Please pray for wisdom and guidance.
My husband has cancer and is just about through with his radiation treatments. I have put my faith in our dear Lord and it is amazing the peace I feel. At times I think maybe I’m just in denial but I back up and give it back to God. I do trust him. Without my trust in God and my faith I couldn’t handle this. Praise be to God.
I am going to discuss a new job with my manager today. I have three options, stay in my current position, try for a supervisory position within my department or leave a take a new position in a different department. I have been praying about this and have not had any real clear answers other than it has been heavily on my heart to speak with my manager. Also the last 2 days I feel that God has spoken to me through devotionals I have read including this one. I will trust in Him. I know He is with me. I nervous about speaking with her but I pray that by the end of our conversation today, I will have a clear direction of the path God wants me on.
Exactly the prayer I needed “Dear Lord, You are good, loving and faithful – and You know exactly what I’m facing. Please take this burden from me. Help me today to fall into a deeper place of trusting you.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen. Please pray that I trust Him more and depend less on my understanding.
In October of 2014, God moved me away from my husband to care for our newborn grandson. This little guy has a mommy (our daughter) who is working full-time until her husband finishes veterinary school. God postponed my husband’s retirement, has given him extreme challenges and better blessings in his workplace, has taught me much about myself, including how to trust more deeply in Him, and given me experiences I would not have had otherwise. Now we are on track for retirement, June 1, 2016, and will be full-time rv-ing to see where the next place will be that God places us. He’s a GOOD Father!
I thank my girlfriend for sending/sharing this with me – – as this is the first time I have read anything from Miss Smith. I am going through lots of issues as well, and I am trusting God right now for all of them! Some include:
My grown daughter & her family to finding the Lord… I’ll let go and trust God!
My autistic grandson situation… I’ll let go and trust God!
My granddaughter’s having an autistic brother… I’ll let go and trust God!
My being a care giver for my mother with dementia… I’ll let go and trust God!
My being a caregiver for my 90-year-old cousin… I’ll let go and trust God!
My dealing with loneliness and not having a partner to share my life with… I’ll let go and trust God!
I do trust the Lord and I am receiving his goodness even as I express my issues. I am victorious in Him!
Amen
After a separation & broken trust, I am back home with my husband. God (and my hubby) have tolerated my doubts, fears & melt-downs for over a year. Now it’s time to take the plunge! I need to stop looking back, face my fears & doubts and completely trust this man who has worked to change, to do better, to be better and to just love me. I need to stop worrying and begin rejoicing. I need to truly celebrate our 20th anniversary with a joyous & happy attitude!
I was in the Army for 10 years so I know all about packing up my family and moving my life to a new place, get settled, then to only do it again 3 years later. But, the past 2 years, even though I’ve really not done a lot that I’ve not done before, have been difficult. I moved, by myself this time, back to my hometown, leaving (at that time) a soon to be ex-husband and a 18 year old daughter that was about to graduate high school and start college, 13 hours from me now. I have since gotten divorced (and yes, since I didn’t prayerfully enter in to the marriage, it was the right thing to do) found a nice place of my own, and get to be pastored by an unbelievably anointed man. But, my trust issue is that I’m losing my car, my only means of transportation, because I can’t afford it. So, within the next 2-3 days, I need to find another vehicle that I can afford and that will be reliable for the next few years. I was told that I needed a man to go with me to look for a car, to which I replied that God is with me, so what other man do I need? And part of me can take that and run, but another part is questioning whether or not I’ll find anything. Please pray, as this brand new year and life is stretching out before me, that I will lean on and fully trust that GOD IS ALL I NEED, PERIOD.
Exactly what I needed this morning! I have been struggling with so much lately ~ He has it all and has a plan ¿ All I have to do is trust He is there and has a devine plan ~ what a blessing!!
My youngest son was recently incarcerated. For the first time in his life, as a parent, I am helpless to “rescue” him… I need to completely trust that God will protect him, comfort him, and ultimately heal & redeem him…
Our God is asking me to trust him in letting my grown children find their way… Let go and let God lead them…. Keep praying and praying, but let go of the worries! He will protect them!
Trusting the Lord.. To give me strength to take care of my elder mother.
Thank you, trusting in the Lord with my finances , and he will provide he is in charge, for his plan is always better than mines .
Thank you Gwen. I am trusting God to take care of my new problem that occurred when I was moving to a new smaller apartment. The night before I moved a friend that was taking apart a bed for me found that I had recently got bedbugs from a neighbour in my old building! The bed was disposed of and the fear began. Once moved I found a bedbug on my couch, the couch was taken away for garbage. I am now living in fear to unpack my belongings in case there are more and I have to get fumigated. I already suffer from depression and anxiety and this has been so terrifying for me! My apartment is in shambles and I need to be assured that I no longer have this problem so I can try to unpack and make my apt a home for me and my cat. I am now owing money occurred from the move but also desperately need to be able to replace my bed and livingroom sofa. I know God has this in His control but my anxiety is so bad I am physically sick right now! Please pray for me to lose my fear and grow my faith in God restoring my home and mental anguish. I read your newsletters every day and are so blessed by them and I know God has it covered, its just me feeling overwhelmed! Thank you for allowing God to use you and your other Girlfriends in God to share all that God can do for us if we believe! Thank you Gwen!
I am praying for the God given job that will support my financial needs. I was downsized in 2014. Since then I have lost all my retirement, I had to end my Joshua’s (my terrier) life due to the suffering of all the change..he was almost 19 years old. I had to move from my home. I am living in my parents home and it is not the place of peace mine was. I am standing in the tree, I am falling into God’s arms. I trust him. Yet, I am still fearful He will not give me the job in time! I want mine and Joshie’s home back. I want my life back. I need this new position, ASAP..God, please!
Thanks Gwen, i needed to hear this now.Am trusting God for my new Job,did an interview still waiting on their response.may God take control,i surrender all unto Him
Trusting that God and God alone will fill me with all of the joy I need. The worldly pleasures that I crave will never fully satisfy me.
Same here! I keep setting higher goals, work way too much but I have a hard time settling for the abundance I already have. Worldly pleasures is the temptation. You’re right!
God has been asking me to trust him with so many things, all of which I worry about and try to control. My husband is in the military and we are relocating soon however, we won’t know where exactly until about 4 weeks out…I have had a very hard time accepting my calling to be a homemaker…and our daughter is turning 3 this month and has had medical needs since she was born so trusting God with her delayed development has been difficult. I KNOW 2016 will be my year to put all my worries into God’s hands…it could end up being December before it happens 100% haha!
My daughter is off to college far away from home and has decided that the Christian faith is not for her. I need to trust God with it because it is breaking my heart.
I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe it’s just a phase. I grew up in a non-religious home however my husband grew up very strict in religion and his college years were far from a proper Christian life because he was no longer under his fathers thumb but now he is 33 and now that he has a child of his own he is starting to see that Christianity really does mean a lot to him and he wants to raise his kids to have a relationship with God. It may take time, but I am confidant that God will not leave her side
My husband is facing job uncertainty. Rumors swirl all around that people are losing their jobs, lies and evil plans are all around. This has been going on for months now and is starting to reflect in his health. God is calling me to trust Him with all of this today.
I am facing a series of health issues which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery. I have had surgeries before but still find myself apprehensive as my experiences were painful. My youngest son is also in prison which is unbelievably challenging for not only him but our family. Two years ago we lost all worldly possessions to a house fire and god has blessed us with a new home but the opportunities for growth through challenges continues. I have faith he has plans for us all including our current trials. Each day is a blessing and each day I continue to seek his strength, direction, protection and love. Thank you for your articles in girlfriends with god. I enjoy reading your encouraging messages of hope, faith and love.