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Today Courtney and I finish the Gift of Faith by sharing two personal stories which have recently happened in our lives. Reading chapters 11 & 12 on faith reminded me that God’s timing is always perfect, and seeing how He unfolded the events in the story I shared in the end amazed me. Many times in our lives things happen and we are sometimes left with more questions than answers. Sometimes all we have to lean on is God’s unchanging Word and our faith in Him. For me personally I was able to see how even before this terrible event happened, God was preparing His children. In my section of the video I share how my church recently lost 3 out of 4 members of a family in a terrible car accident that claimed the lives of a father, mother and their one year old son. Though I didn’t know this family personally, one of my Good Morning Girls and another girl and her family in my Sunday School class were very close to them. All 3 moms had worked together and were pregnant with their first children at the same time.
I share in the video that the Tuesday after the accident, the women in my Sunday School class met at my house to go over the section on the Gift of Faith. As we gathered with one purpose in mind, God had a different plan. Much of our time that morning was spent in prayer, shedding tears and consoling one another and our hurting friends. It was no mistake God planned for this summer bible study to take place, even though when He first started nudging me to offer it I thought it was a crazy idea with everything else I have on my plate this summer, and it was no mistake that we were reading on the Gift of Faith when this accident happened.
Reading words like:
“If they can keep eternity before their eyes, they will be able to live in hope no matter what happens to them in this life.” – Sally Clarkson, pg 105
“Lord, we don’t understand this, but we trust you to use Stephen’s life for your glory!” pg 109- We prayed the same exact prayer that morning. Though we didn’t understand the “Why”, we were trusting in God that good will come out of this story and that He ultimately will be glorified.
“As I trust God to carry me through my problems, I actually learn to trust him more! And even more importantly, I become a living testimony of faith to others, especially to my children.” pg 113
“The best way we can give the critical gift of faith to our children, in other words, is to exercise faith in our own lives–to accept the difficulties of life and choose to trust God in the midst of them. This means we will choose to be thankful, choose to be joyful, choose to be mature and strong, and try to be an example for our children. It also means we will talk to our children about why we’re choosing to respond in this way and share with them what God’s Word says about faith.” pg 113
That morning as we were closing the session, one mom reminded us that this accident didn’t come as a surprise to God. He knew it was coming and knowing more of the story and details we can see His hand as He prepared the young child who did survive the accident, we can see how He had His hand on the grandparents who are now going to raise their grandson and even how He had His hand on the friends who are also left hurting by providing a support system that months earlier didn’t exist. Looking closer at the story and the events surrounding it, we can see God’s finger prints all over it. Though we still don’t understand the “Why” we know from God’s Word, that He can be trusted, that He is love and that all things work out for the good of those who love Him and in the end…….He will be glorified.
Do you have a story that you can share with us concerning the Gift of Faith? If so, we’d love to hear it!
Until next time…
Love God Greatly!
In 1999 my husband and I decided that we were being called to adopt. After a miscarriage the year before, we were ready and excited and began the process to find out that I was pregnant again. Some suggested we shouldn’t go through with the adoption but we knew with certainty that God was calling us to a child in Russia. We traveled in May 2000 and met our son, Nicolas. A week after arriving in Orenburg, I went into preterm labor (at 30.5 weeks) and delivered our daughter Abigail Marie in Orenburg, Russia. A flurry of activity ensued as she was in poor health and Children’s Medical Center was called and they began their trip to Orenburg to help our sweet baby come back to the U.S.. That Friday morning, we were packed and ready to leave to accompany Abigail back home. The medical jet was so packed that it couldn’t take either myself or my husband so we had airline flights. Our translator, lawyer and driver all came to our room and I knew, deep in my heart that Abigail had died. She drew her last breath an hour before we heard and now, we were faced with decisions…. That was 11 years ago and I cannot know the why of it all but it was my faith and holding on to the Lord that brought me through that and the subsequent years of life’s suprises (more children, autism diagnosis) and has brought me closer to the Lord today.
Angela, thank you so much for sharing this story about the family in your church. It was really encouraging to me, as this week a friend’s husband suddenly passed away while on a missions trip, leaving her with 4 young children to raise on her own. It has been breaking my heart all week as I remember and pray for her. It is so hard to understand why God allows some things, and sometimes I feel like I need to be strong for my children. But it was a good reminder that sometimes it’s ok for them to see me struggle through the doubt and help them see that God cares and He is with us through it all.
I needed this video this morning. I write a devotional blog, and sometimes, like this morning, something happens and I think, “How can I lead others… when I can’t even lead myself… or my family (which ever at the time)?” And the answer is exactly what you said, Courtney, we aren’t perfect… we all have to go through trials and points of doubt, but we have to continue to get ourselves up, know that God has a will for our lives, and go on. I’m going to be praying for that family. Wow, I can’t imagine… don’t even want to imagine (I have 3 small girls myself). In our community, we had 3 kids of a family of 5 die in a house fire. Its so sad, and sometimes we don’t understand ‘why’… but we never question why when the sun comes up… “Why have you been so good to me today, God?” We never think that…. But anyway, sorry for the book. Thanks for this today. ~Kelly
I needed this video this morning. I write a devotional blog, and sometimes, like this morning, something happens and I think, “How can I lead others… when I can’t even lead myself… or my family (which ever at the time)?” And the answer is exactly what you said, Courtney, we aren’t perfect… we all have to go through trials and points of doubt, but we have to continue to get ourselves up, know that God has a will for our lives, and go on. I’m going to be praying for that family. Wow, I can’t imagine… don’t even want to imagine (I have 3 small girls myself). In our community, we had 3 kids of a family of 5 die in a house fire. Its so sad, and sometimes we don’t understand ‘why’… but we never question why when the sun comes up… “Why have you been so good to me today, God?” We never think that…. But anyway, sorry for the book. Thanks for this today. ~Kelly
Courtney thank you for sharing. My oldest son (5) has been going through a looooong period of disobedience. It really started to get ugly about a week after he asked Jesus into his heart. He refuses to obey just about anything that I say that’s not go outside or eat ice cream. It’s been very hard on me especially now that my almost 3 year old son is starting to copy his brother’s misdeeds.
I need to keep reminding myself that he’s only been learning to obey for 5 years.
THANK YOU
I love you ladies thank you thank you for being true and TRANSPARENT I think so many times people look to others and only see the outer layer and think it is perfect but no one is perfect no not one only Christ alone. I have seven children and I have had a few similiar incidents over the years Courtney and you will bless another God uses what we go through to minister to the hearts of another and your transparency ministered to me this morning thank you sis and Angela you look fabulous !!
In His Amazing Grace,
Cindy
Thank you both for sharing your personal stories this week. That’s not always easy but it really is a blessing to others!
My youngest daughter just finished two and a half years of treatment for leukemia. Talk about a walk of faith… lol! That’s kind of an understatement. But now, we’re 3 months out of treatment and the call to walk in faith is stronger than ever. It’s so easy to buckle down and not reemerge from this, to let it become the focus of our lives forever. But God is calling us out. And it’s a lot harder than I thought to walk past this and not allow the fear of it’s return to consume me. I don’t yet know where God is going to call us, but he’s doing a LOT of work in my heart right now to open those doors. So anyhow, the story isn’t over yet, but it’s definitely being written! Today’s verse was so applicable… God isn’t going to stop his work in me. I can have confidence in that. He won’t leave me captive to my fears!
This was SUCH a good message, ladies. Thank you! I sometimes feel like I’m on an island of sorts, being an older mom with small children at home (not too many women in my circle fit my family dynamics at all). It’s a blessing to me to take in your wise and encouraging words via cyberspace. Much needed and much appreciated.
blessings,
Toni
Thank you for the subject of your post! It so helped me to understand God’s Gift of Faith and prompts me to share this incident with you here. Just a few weeks ago, a terrible gun accident happened to a family in our community. The day before Father’s Day, a 13 year old boy, Andrew Arthur Butler, was shot at the hands of his father… and died. The dad is now facing murder charges. It is terrible and so hard for us all to understand. Please pray for our community and healing, especially for our growing youth congregation — and the boys younger sister, just 12 and their brother, only 15. My heart aches for their mom too, a pillar in our church’s children’s program. We just can’t help but ask God why such a tragedy could occur! Your prayers are so appreciated. I respectfully share a personal story about God’s love, “no matter what” that came on the heels of our closing VBS program. May we all find peace in this crazy world: http://excusemecanitellyousomething.blogspot.com/2011/06/from-russia-with-love-no-matter-what.html
Loving each other is so important. It’s almost silly typing the words, it’s so important. Like words just don’t suffice. We did Motherwise here during the past winter, and I am doing Ministry of Motherhood with some of the wonderful gals in that group now, and as I look back, I remember the challenge of trying to balance time in the word, honoring the material, but trying to also really be “there” for the times when all of us were hurting about one thing or another. It is the gift of Faith, I guess, in the trusting of the Holy Spirit~ leading us to be and do just what is needed in that moment.
Alicia- thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I cannot imagine the heartache you must have gone through and I’m so sorry for your loss. What a powerful testimony you have now to share with other women who have experienced the pain of losing a child. It’s hard not to know the “Why’s” this side of heaven but I’m praising God for you tonight because you allowed this to bring you closer to God. May God use you mightily in other women’s lives who need to hear your story and be encouraged by your powerful testimony!
Christy- I can so relate to your feelings of heartbreak for that family. Please know that I’m joining you and praying for the mom and her 4 children. Praying for God’s provision and protection over them…that they will feel His love and presence in their lives.
Kelly- You are not alone, I know I have personally asked myself that question many times. Those days I try to remember that satan loves to beat me up mentality and is actually called my “accuser”….he loves to point out our faults and short-comings…and like Courtney said, we are NEVER going to be a perfect parent. All we can do is lean on Jesus, try our very best, ask for forgiveness when we need to and then move on. We also need to realize that God is FOR US! He is helping us and He loves us. Praying for that family tonight that you mentioned. Praying for their heartache and loss. I love the point you made about thanking God for the good things in life. Sometimes I’ve learned in life that when life gets hard, we need to focus on thanking God more. So glad you mentioned that!
Love God Greatly!
-Angela
LaToya- praying for you tonight! Being a single parent is so hard and especially to two young boys. I have a friend in the same situation and it isn’t an easy road. Please know that I am lifting you up, asking for wisdom in how to handle this situation. Your story reminds me that there is a battle for our children, it doesn’t surprise me that you’re seeing this after he asked Jesus to come into his heart. Praying for your son tonight! Just remember…..God and prayer are mightier!
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Cindy- You are so right. NO ONE is perfect or has the perfect life. I totally agree that God uses our tough times, our heartaches, our disappointment and our triumphs to encourage and bless the body of Christ. Thank you for your kind words sweet friend!
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Jess- Thank you for sharing your story as well! Praising God with you for your daughter’s health! That in itself would be a walk of faith. What a beautiful and powerful testimony God is writing with your life. Praying for you as you reemerge. Remembering that God is not a God of fear but of power and victory!
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Toni- we always love to hear from you Toni! Praying tonight that God will bring someone into your life who you can relate to.
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Angie- thank you for sharing your story tonight too. Praying for that whole family tonight…it is hard to understand tragedies like that. Praying for the mom and other children in the family. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around this family and help them to forgive…not for the father’s sake….but for their own. I pray that they will be able to use this terrible experience for good one day, giving glory to God for how He brought them through it.
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Jenny- I totally agree Jenny, sometimes we just have to trust that the Holy Spirit is working through us as we reach out and administer to others who are in need or hurting. There are things that God will do through us that we won’t see the impact this side of heaven. Thanks for sharing that point tonight!
Love God Greatly!
-Angela
Isn’t it wild the way God works? The timing on the lesson on faith was PERFECT! We were out of town this week, so perhaps at the EXACT time you were preparing the video, my faith was strengthened. Long AMAZING God-story short: 700 miles from home in a remote state park, we lost our car keys at the bottom of (in the shallowest part) a 12 foot swimming hole in a creek fed by a waterfall!!!! After my husband prayed aloud that we would find the keys, God enabled a complete stranger to dive for us and find them AT THE BOTTOM!!!!! Thank you, Lord!
Yes it is so important to pass on the legacy of faith we have. God instructed the Israelites to do so, and we must do the same. Our community is part of an international community of communities, the Sword of the Spirit. My son is 16 yrs old and I want him to know that we are part of a “bulwark”, God’s protection for His people. I’m sending him to a Sword of the Spirit camp in Adelanta, Spain this year. It will be his first time out of the country without me and his dad, but even if I’m sort of anxious about it, I want him to be exposed to the bigger picture. That we’re all pilgrims on a journey of faith, and we live by trusting in the God who loves us!
That video was GREAT! I think this book and these discussions are so healthy. Seriously, I needed this 10 years ago. When I was a new mom I read several Christian parenting books that I feel did damage to my view of motherhood and raising children. They were missing grace and focused so much on formulas that families should follow, instead of principles. Satan has really used those ideas to mess with my thinking.
When I started following WWL a few years ago (and got more involved in the blog world) I made assumptions. I felt these Christian bloggers, who seemed to have it all together, were perfect Christian parents. I thought for sure they followed some of the books I read as a vulnerable young mom. However, with the introduction of Sally Clarkson and her post on “First time obedience, really?” I began to feel a heavy weight being lifted off of me (now I am crying!). It is SO sad to me that Satan can use believers to hurt other believers. These ideas didn’t work for our family and caused me so much pain.
My 3 boys are so bouncy, silly and seriously, every Sunday at least one of them gets in trouble! Honestly, going to church is difficult for me but I know that Satan is attacking and I can’t let him win.
I would really love to have 3 well mannered, respectful boys who people praise so that I look good but that is not reality. I would love to have perfectly obedient children with great attitudes everytime but that is not reality. In the end I may look like a bad mom but I am trying SO hard. (OK, now I am really crying!)
Thank you SO much for doing this book club,for embracing a way of parenting that is so much healthier. It is parenting the way God parents us, with grace, forgiveness and the full knowledge that we aren’t perfect and our mistakes are not a reflection on Him. He doesn’t expect perfection, he takes into consideration our brain development and understanding and judges us fairly. He loves us even when we fail and lovingly disciplines and teaches us over and over and over.
I really wish more people would speak out against those hurtful books. I have never publically named them but on a personal level fthey are mentioned I speak against them. I talk of the damage done in my life.
That Sunday school story opened up a can of worms for me! I needed to get this out and have a good cry. Thanks!!
Courtney, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your struggles. My husband travels a lot for work (hopefully this is a short season) and I am challenged by my boys a lot while he is away. It helps to hear other moms struggle with the daily stuff. We are all in this together!