Leave Room for God

Many years ago I had the dream of writing children’s fiction. I had it all planned out. I was going to write, which would allow me to stay home with my young daughter, and once I was published I would also be contributing to the household income. I even planned to be able to give books away at schools, libraries, and churches.

The plan was in place and I prayed about it, asking that if it pleased God it would happen.

So, I wrote, rewrote, and submitted to publishers, all the while praying and researching. The rejection letters were numerous, but I knew it came with the territory. I reminded myself that many famous authors went through years of rejection before their first big break. I received some encouraging hand written comments and even won 3^rd place in a writing contest. My hope was kept alive.

For a while.

Meanwhile, my daughter was getting older and when she started school, it was time for me to go back to work. Around the same time, a final rejection came—the one where the editor asked to see the complete manuscript. I thought it would be a perfect fit for the magazine. But the editor thought otherwise and didn’t use the story.

The disappointment ran deep. Although this was my plan, I decided it wasn’t in God’s plans for me. I let the dream die and eventually forgot about it.

Fast forward to this past year when God led me to start an online women’s Bible study. I had never thought of writing for women before, and the idea of leading was not a welcomed one. And yet, God had been laying it on my heart.

I was now leading Bible studies through which other women and I were growing closer to God. I was writing on a regular basis, and other opportunities to write opened up. It was fun and amazing, and I knew it was God’s work.

And then one night He reminded me of my past dream—the one I let die when it didn’t happen how I expected or when I wanted.

It was like God said, “See? I’ve been working all this time.”

I realized I had put a time frame on my dream. I had decided how my plan to write would happen, step by step. In my mind, I even left myself open to God’s leading. I was willing to write Christian non-fiction books for children. You know, to stay flexible, so God could work. Ahem.

So when it didn’t happen in the years I’d planned, I decided it wasn’t meant to be. What I see now is that it just wasn’t time yet, but it wasn’t wasted time either. In those years, a lot happened. It was a time of growth in my personal relationship with God and within my family. 

He worked in ways I never imagined. And in His time, not mine.

God was changing me and growing a new energy and excitement in my heart. Those years were necessary to move me where He wanted me—to find my hope in Him, rather than people, plans, and goals.

I think that’s why I love these words from Angela Thomas so much…

“Would you leave the door open for God?...Would you leave room for hope? For the miraculous? For what God has beyond anything you dream for yourself?” –Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am? (pg. 198)

I’ve seen God’s work in my past, and I have the confident expectation He will always be there in my future.

And now I ask you…

Will you leave the door open for God?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Thank you so much for spending some time here with me. This week we are in the final chapter “Do You Know I Am Disappointed?...He is My Hope.” of our online study of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas. If you’ve participated in the study, I pray it’s been a blessing to you. God bless!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Word Filled Wednesday, Grace Cafe, Women Living Well Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Life in Bloom.

Do You Know Who I Am? Study-Wk 12

Welcome! This is the last week of our study of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas. If you have been reading with us, I hope the study has been a blessing to you.

The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh will be the next study book. It will be a 10-week study, beginning Sept. 2. For more information, click here: The Shelter of God’s Promises.

Have a wonderful week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 12 – July 22-28

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 12 “Do You Know I Am Disappointed?...He Is My Hope.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 12.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday— Spend time in prayer and reflect back on key parts of the reading that made an impact on you.

Questions to Ponder— (from the back of the book)

·       Think about your struggles, needs, weak places and insecurities. How has reading Do You Know Who I Am? helped you face and overcome the obstacles in your life?

·       Which chapter do you relate to the most? 

God Can’t Use Me…Can He?

“It seems like some would want you to believe God can’t use broken people.” – Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am? (pg. 182)

Have you ever noticed how quick our culture is to apply labels?

Labels that identify us by race, age, ability, character traits,

…and our past.

So often it seems that our future is determined by what’s behind us…

Poor choices of our own or someone else’s.

Illness and death of loved ones.

Broken promises and broken hearts.

Whatever pain and brokenness you and I have gone through in our past, it affects us deeply, but it doesn’t have to define us. And it doesn’t mean God can’t or won’t use us in His work.

In fact, He has a history of using broken individuals, even those with a shady past, in the work of His Kingdom. Allow me to share some examples.

Rahab was a prostitute who hid Joshua’s two spies in Jericho before the fall of Jericho. When the walls of Jericho fell and Joshua’s army went in, they spared Rahab and her family just as the spies promised her they would do. Rahab went on to be King David’s great-great-grandmother. (Joshua 2, 6:22-25, Matthew 1:5-6)

David we know for being anointed by God as king and for bringing Goliath down with a sling and a stone. (1 Samuel 16, 17) Later, he sinned against God when he had an affair with Bathsheba and then ordered her husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle. (2 Samuel 11) David repented, received the Lord’s forgiveness, and the line of David continued on…with Jesus being a descendent of David.

Peter, Jesus’ disciple, denied knowing Him, not once but three times. And yet, Peter was the foundation of the Christian church. (Acts)

Paul, formerly known as Saul, persecuted the early church. He approved of Stephen’s death by stoning and imprisoned believers. (Acts 8:1-3) But God had plans for Saul.

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15 NLT

My friends, why do we accept the labels society applies to us? More importantly, why do we apply them to ourselves, so sure that God doesn’t have a place for us?

God, who sent His very own Son to die for us, does have a place for us. He has a plan for each and every one of us, and can bring good out of anything we go through.

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan. Romans 8:28 NCV

Thank you for joining me here today. If you are reading Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas with us, we are in Chapter 11 this week “Do You Know I Am Broken?...He Is My Redeemer.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Word Filled Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Grace Cafe, Thought Provoking Thursday, Life in Bloom and Faith Filled Friday.

Do You Know Who I Am? Study-Wk 11

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week 11 – July 15-21

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 11 “Do You Know I Am Broken?...He Is My Redeemer.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 11.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday— Reflect back on the reading and spend time in prayer.

Questions to Ponder— (from the back of the book)

·      Think about a trying time in your life. How has it shaped you into the person you are today?

·      Have you allowed tragedy to change you for the better? 

What Others See in Us

So often I don’t see myself the way others see me.

When someone takes the time to tell me something they like about me—how I look, a talent I have, or the way I handled a situation, I don’t always receive it graciously.

May I ask, how do you receive a compliment?

Do you say “thank you” and allow the kind words to seep in and warm your heart? Or do you dismiss the praise and offer reasons why it cannot be true?

For example:

“You look nice today.”

(eye roll) “Ugh, my hair is a mess.”

“You handled that meeting well.”

“Yea, right. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

I’ve done both, but until recently I didn’t realize what the second one, the denial, says to the other person.

When someone makes a point to tell me something they like about me and I respond by pointing out my imperfections, I’m basically telling the other person that what he or she thinks is wrong. It’s like saying, “Your opinion doesn’t matter because this is the way I see myself.”

So, what are we telling God when we can’t or won’t receive and believe what He says about us?

I hate to think of the times I’ve questioned what God sees in me. Have I really been telling Him what He thinks doesn’t matter?

God doesn’t tell us what He thinks we want to hear. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. Always. When He says something, it’s Truth. Period. His Word backs it up.

God says He loves us—so much so that He sacrificed His Only Son for us. What are we saying when we think we’ve gone too far and He must no longer love us?

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

He says we are His children—chosen and adopted into His family. How can we continue to live otherwise?

…you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NLT)

He says we are forgiven—washed clean through His Son, Jesus, yet we continue to live in sin and guilt.

…if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.  He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. (1 John 2:1-2 NLT)

I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. (1 John 2:12 NLT)

God’s Word says we are created in His image, but we disregard this and continue to criticize ourselves.

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NLT)

My friends, God sees in us what we don’t see. He knows what we don’t know about ourselves. Will you join me today in accepting what God says about you? Don’t dismiss it or turn away. Soak it in, believe it, and say “thank you.”

Thanks for joining me here today. We are in Chapter 10 “Do You Know I Am Ordinary?...He Is My King and Father” of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday, Grace Cafe, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, and MODsquad Cafe.

Do You Know Who I Am? Online Study-Wk 10

Welcome! We're in Chapter 10 this week of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

I am working on plans for the next study and hope to have the information posted in the next couple of weeks.

Blessings on your week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 10 – July 8—14

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 10 “Do You Know I Am Ordinary?...He Is My King and Father.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 10.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday— Reflect back on the reading and spend time in prayer.

Questions to Ponder—

·         What do you do when you start feeling the enemy’s attacks on your confidence and self-worth?

·         Are you able to reject him quickly and turn to the promises of God?

·         “Satan preys on your weakest place.” (p. 170) How can remembering this help when you feel his attacks coming?

Small Does Not Mean Unimportant

“Small things matter in ministry too.” –Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am?

Have you ever felt that what you’re doing doesn’t matter because it’s smaller or reaches fewer people than what someone else is doing?

Small does not mean insignificant.

Take our online Bible study for example. There are many other online studies going on throughout the year. One in particular has hundreds, if not thousands, of participants for each book studied. Our current study has 18 women involved.

Quite small in comparison, but not unimportant.

This is only one example. Maybe…

Your family is smaller than you hoped and you wonder if what you’re doing is as important as the parent with a larger family.

You don’t serve as a ministry leader or a speaker at conferences, but you provide childcare for those who attend.

You’re a teacher without a classroom, but you have the opportunity to tutor one student.

You tell one person about Jesus…and then another…and another, one at a time.

Let me assure you…small is important—to God and to others.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

Wherever we give of ourselves, God deserves our best.

He has a plan for each of us and each plan is different. He knows our strengths, our weaknesses, and our potential, and where each of us can best serve Him. It is possible God has more for us to do, but it’s now in the small things where He’s preparing us for what’s to come. And when the time is right (His timing, not ours), He will guide us there.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

You might be wondering if I get caught up in the numbers—how many women sign up for the studies or the number of comments on my blog. Not really, but I could. After all, 18 and hundreds are not even close. But on occasion, through an e-mail or a comment to a post, God reminds me that He’s at work—even in what seems small.

Any time I spend comparing what God has given me to do with someone else, my focus shifts from Him to me. And it’s not about me. It’s about Him.

All about Him.

Thank you for visiting today! If you are studying Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas, we are in Chapter 9 this week “Do You Know I Am Hesitant?...He is Generous.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with my friends at On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Word Filled Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Grace Cafe, Life in Bloom, and Thought Provoking Thursday.

Do You Know Who I Am? Online Study-Wk 9

Welcome and thanks for joining me here! We're in Chapter 9 this week of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

Just a note for the first week of July...we're going to take a short break over the 4th of July week. We'll start again on July 8 and continue with the last three chapters of the book.

Have a wonderful week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 9 – June 24—30

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 9 “Do You Know I Am Hesitant?...He Is Generous.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 9.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday— Spend time in prayer and reflect back on key parts of the reading that made an impact on you. Catch up on the reading, if necessary.

Questions to Ponder—

• Of Angela’s fruit stand lessons, are there areas you need to work on?
• Is there a time you used to be more giving of yourself? Maybe before being hurt or taken advantage of? Is it time to go back to giving more?
• Are you a “cheerful giver?”

Relying on God for Self-Discipline

Thanks for joining me here today! If you’re reading Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas, we’re in chapter 8 this week, “Do You Know I Am Undisciplined?...He Is My Strength.”

Self-discipline.

This is the word that kept coming to mind as I read and thought about the chapter this week.

Followed by…self-reliance…self-control… and self-confidence.

What they all have in common is each one depends on one person—me. While the world says the only one I can depend on is myself, I have to admit I’m uncomfortable with that.

Please don’t misunderstand—I firmly believe we are each responsible for our own actions. So, I agree that I need to have some self-discipline and self-control over my behavior.

But to be dependent only on myself? That’s not going to work.

I don’t have the strength or wisdom to be perfect. I’m going to mess up. Repeatedly.

My feelings and emotions are like a roller coaster, which means I may act based on the mood I’m in.

So, how can I discipline myself when my thoughts, emotions, and moods fluctuate? I can’t, I need God’s help.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 NIV

God is never changing, always consistent, always present, and always a firm foundation.

I am the Lord, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6a NLT

We have a God who understands, and He is always ready to help me when I turn to Him.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

God promises to give us strength…

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29 NLT

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT

He promises to show us a way out of temptation…

And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10: 13b NLT

He promises us the power for self-discipline and self-control…

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, and Sharing His Beauty.

Do You Know Who I Am? Study-Wk 8

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week 8 – June 17—23

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 8 “Do You Know I Am Undisciplined?...He Is My Strength.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 8.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday— Spend time in prayer and reflect back on key parts of the reading that made an impact on you.

Questions to Ponder—

• Where do you desire discipline in your life?
• Are there bad habits you need to replace with healthy habits?
• What is a first step you can make to training yourself to become self-disciplined?
• Do you look to God for your strength or yourself?

Never Alone

“Someone has said that the word loneliness was created to express the pain of being alone. The word solitude was created to express the glory of being alone.” -Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am? (pg. 112)

I don’t know about you, but I can relate to this description.

There are times I feel lonely—like a huge emptiness has taken up residence inside my heart. It doesn’t matter how many people are around me or who I am with, I feel like I’m by myself in a great big world.

Other times, I crave some alone time—time to be by myself to regroup and reenergize. The time by myself helps me to be a better person—better equipped emotionally, spiritually, and even physically to deal with what comes my way.

Being alone and feeling lonely are very different, and yet both can bring us closer to God. He can and will use both, alone time and feeling lonely, to draw us into an intimate and personal relationship with Him.

I know this, and yet I’m not always there with Him. So, I’m turning to Scripture to remind myself. Will you join me?

God promises He will always be with us…

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Psalm 139:7-10 NLT

He promises He will not leave us…

What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you. Genesis 28:15 NLT

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20b NLT

He desires to spend time with us…

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

And He wants us to spend time alone with Him…

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 NLT

He comforts us when we are alone…

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 NLT

And He hears and answers us when we call out to Him…

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help.He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6 NLT

Our Lord is everything we need…

Why am I discouraged? 

Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God! 

Psalm 43:4-5 NLT

Will you share a Scripture verse that reminds you of how much God loves and cares for us?

We’re in Chapter 7 this week “Do You Know I Am Lonely?...He Is Here” of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas. Whether you’re reading the book or not, I thank you for joining me here today and hope you’ll stop by again.

In Christ,

Laura

I'm happy to be linking up with Grace Cafe, Walk with Him Wednesdays, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Do You Know Who I Am? Online Study-Wk 7

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 7 – June 10—16

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 7 “Do You Know I Am Lonely?...He Is Here.”

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 7.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Friday—Spend time in prayer and reflection, and journal your thoughts.

Questions to Ponder—

• Have you felt the difference between being alone and being lonely?
• Do you have a favorite Scripture verse you turn to when you feel this way?
• When you feel lonely, what can you do to change your focus and keep busy?

Saved From Sin

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4 NLT)

God knows our sinful nature.

He knows our human weakness.

He knew we could never keep the law perfectly.

And God knew that by our own efforts, we could never be right with Him again.

So in His immense love for us, God did what only He could do—He sent His own Son Jesus to pay the price of our sins.

I love how powerfully these verses read in The Message translation, especially the beginning of verse 3…

God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son.

To go for the jugular means to attack fiercely in order to have no doubt about winning. (TheFreeDictionary.com)

God wasn't just giving this a try to see if it worked. He wasn't just hoping for the best. He meant business—He finished it.

God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son.

Once and for all, God put an end to the power of sin over His children. Through Jesus, we have been saved. Through the strength of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can turn away from our sinful desires and live our lives for Him.

He gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)

He gives us the desire to do what pleases Him. (Philippians 2:13)

He gives us a way out of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

He showers us with His mercy and grace. (Hebrews 4:16)

And He desires the personal relationship with us that only He could make possible.

Thank you for joining me here today. We are in chapter 6 “Do You Know I Am a Sinner?...He Is My Savior” of Angela Thomas’ book Do You Know Who I Am? And Other Brave Questions Women Ask.

If you don’t usually read The Message translation, I urge you to read more in Romans 8.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with my friends at Sharing His Beauty, Just Write, OnYour Heart Tuesdays, Word FilledWednesday, and WomenLiving Well Wednesdays.

Do You Know Who I Am? Study - Wk 6

Welcome and thanks for visiting! We are in Chapter 6 this week of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

Blessings on your week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 6 – June 3—9

Monday/Tuesday— Read the first half of Chapter 6 “Do You Know I Am a Sinner?...He Is My Savior.” Journal your thoughts in your book or a notebook as you read.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 6.

Friday—Spend time in prayer and reflection. Is there anything you want to go back and review in the first half of the book?

Questions to Ponder—

• How can you be sure, even on a bad day, not to forget God’s goodness?
• How can you show thankfulness, even when you don’t feel happy?
• Is there something in your life you feel you need to change to stay away from sin?
• What does God’s grace mean to you?

When Waiting Becomes My Thorn

Welcome! This week we are in Chapter 5 “Do You Know I Am Suffering with a Thorn?...He Is My Sufficiency” of Angela Thomas’ book Do You Know Who I Am?

Last week, I wrote about being weary and worn out, but there’s a weariness I didn’t mention…the weariness of waiting on God.

Hoping, trusting, and praying for years and years, without seeing Him make changes…it makes me tired and frustrated.

I’m talking about real-life situations that can only be changed by the hand of God…praying for a loved one to come to faith, a child to come back home, addictions to be broken, marriages to be healed, love to be found, the list goes on.

I trust, and I hope, and I pray…but some days I am tired of waiting for God to do something!

So, I wonder…is my weariness of waiting on God my thorn?

Please don’t misunderstand—I’m not saying that God’s timing or His ways are my thorn. What I’m saying is that I can’t do this waiting thing on my own, and that’s my thorn.

Some days go well. I trust God’s plan and I have faith that He will make the changes He sees necessary in His perfect time. I know He has a purpose for my life and His plans are worth waiting for.

Then there are other days. When I bump into my thorn (what I am waiting for) and it hurts all over again. Maybe you know the days I’m referring to…I’ve been hurt by the same person or situation. Again. I’m discouraged and frustrated, and it’s leading me to feel angry and fed up. With everyone and everything.

My thorn is inflicting pain, and in my weariness of waiting, I’m tired and cranky, and I’ve started questioning God.

God, can’t You see what’s happening here? Why don’t You change it? Why won’t You do something?!?

The enemy has me where he wants me—doubting God. I’m tired of waiting, so if God’s not going to work on the situation, it’s time to take it into my own hands, right?

What a dangerous path I’m starting down. If I’m doubting God, who’s going to help me get through this waiting? Not the enemy because he has me right where he wants me, and that’s a place I don’t want to go.

So, with the pain of my thorn, I turn to God, crying out my frustration to Him. I remember that I can always trust Him, even when I don’t trust others.

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me. (Psalm 86:15-17 NLT)

God listens, consoles, and strengthens me for the wait. He diffuses my anger before I react in a way that will make everything worse. He knows my weaknesses, and He knows patience is one of the many.

Satan will to use my thorn to hurt me. But God will use it for good, if I let Him. Only God can turn hearts and change the real-life situations. Only He can end the waiting. But in and through the wait, my faith and trust in Him will grow deeper and stronger. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn to wait patiently.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, WomenLiving Well Wednesday, Word FilledWednesday, Allume, Life in Bloom, and Thought ProvokingThursday. 

Do You Know Who I Am? Study - Week 5

Welcome and thanks for visiting! We're in chapter 5 this week of Do You Know Who I Am? and Other Brave Questions Women Ask by Angela Thomas.

Happy Memorial Day!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 5 – May 27—June 2

Monday/Tuesday—Read the first half of Chapter 5 “Do You Know I Am Suffering with a Thorn?...He Is My Sufficiency.” Journal your thoughts in your book or a notebook as you read.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 5.

Friday—Spend time in prayer and reflection. Catch up on the reading if necessary.

Questions to Ponder— (from the end of the book)

• What is your “thorn”?
• What could God be showing you by not removing it right now?
• How can you use your weaknesses to be a stronger person, and strengthen your faith?

Weary and Worn Out

“My heart whispers to God, ‘Do You know that I am worn out? Do You see how hard I’m trying? Do You know I can’t keep up?’” –Angela Thomas, Do You Know Who I Am?

I didn’t write this, but I could have, and I would venture to say many others could have written it too. Some days weeks I feel exhausted and worn out. It doesn’t matter what I do because it never seems like enough, and no matter how hard I try to keep up, I can’t.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT)

For years this has been one of my favorite verses. I feel like Jesus is telling me directly, “I know how your struggles weigh you down. Come to me and rest.”

I know I need to rest—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—but there is so much I’m responsible for, I can’t get myself to slow down long enough to replenish. I struggle with giving myself permission to let go of something for a while and relax.

God not only gives that permission, it’s the way He created us—to need rest. And He provides it…physical rest for our bodies, spiritual rest for our souls, and emotional rest for our hearts. Through His power, God renews us.

Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion. (Isaiah 40:28-30 NLT) 

God never feels weak or weary. He is never exhausted. Through His limitless understanding, He knows everything about me—how hard I try, how disappointment and discouragement drain me, and how worn out I am.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)  

Hope and trust in this world is crushing, but hope and trust in the Lord is uplifting. He sets me on eagle’s wings—with strength and energy, a new attitude to face the day, and a new resolve to persevere.

Thank you for joining me here today. We are in chapter 4 “Do You Know I Am Worn Out?...He Does Not Grow Weary” of Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Women Living Well Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Life in Bloom, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Do You Know Who I Am? Online Study-Wk 4

Welcome! We are in chapter 4 this week of Angela Thomas' book Do You Know Who I Am? and Other Brave Questions Women Ask.

Have a great week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 4 – May 20—26

Monday/Tuesday—Read the first half of Chapter 4 “Do You Know I Am Worn Out?...He Does Not Grow Weary.” Journal your thoughts in your book or a notebook as you read.

Remember to visit my blog during the week at Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

Wednesday/Thursday—Read the second half of Chapter 4.

Friday—Spend time in prayer and reflect back on the reading.

Questions to Ponder—

• When are times you have felt worn out and what did you do to overcome it?
• Is there a difference for you between being physically tired and emotionally tired? Does one wear you out more than the other?
• Can you feel a difference between physical rest and spiritual rest?

Posts About Rest—

Physical and Spiritual Rest

Real with God