Bridging the Gap Between Your Reality and God’s Promises

Summer Reading

Do you ever struggle to connect your questions to God’s answers, or the harsh realities of your life to God’s power, or your choices to God’s wisdom, or your apathy to God’s calling? If you answered yes, then settle in a big, comfy chair. I expect you’re going to quickly become good friends with the author of my next summer reading pick, Gwen Smith.

Gwen knows how easy it is to dismiss God’s plans with thoughts like “I can’t make a big difference for God because I’m just an ordinary woman with an ordinary life.” Trust me, I totally have thoughts like that myself.  Yet Gwen’s book, I Want It All, helps us understand how God created us to join Him in doing amazing work in the world, no matter who we are or how ordinary we think our life is. If you’ve been struggling with thinking big thoughts about God and what He can do in you and through you, I Want It All can help change your perspective, and maybe get you more excited about being passionate about your faith than you’ve been in a while.

And seriously, who doesn’t want that? 🙂

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The Bible tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1 ESV). The writer of Hebrews goes on to tell us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Impossible. Take that in. It also says that those of us who draw near to God need to “believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (v. 6 ESV).

I wonder … does my faith please God? Do I believe Him a lot or just a little? At times I find myself on autopilot when I pray. Especially when the sun is shining and the world is right. I forget the active nature of believing and fall into passivity. Believing is a choice that must be made with every prayer, not just one time. In the passivity, I forget to expect big things from Him. Or I stomp my feet and demand that He answer me now, now, NOW!

Do you ever do that? Do you ever pray—because it’s what we Jesus girls do—but forget to think big thoughts about God and expect great things from Him? Do you ever get bossy with your prayers and try to tell God how you think He should take care of your situation? (Hang on. I just stubbed my toe on that one.) Do you ever pray for big things but doubt that God even hears you? Do you ever doubt His power?

Don’t fret. Doubts are going to happen.

Paul Tournier said, “Where there is no longer any opportunity for doubt, there is no longer any opportunity for faith either.” Jesus said that everything is possible for one who believes (Mark 9:23). When in doubt, I often throw up a simple prayer like the man in Mark 9:24: I believe; help my unbelief!

I’m convinced that our lack of belief diminishes the power God wants to amplify through our great expectations of Him. The good news is that He meets honest hearts in the middle of unbelief and helps us wait in expectation. When we pray the Holy Spirit bridges the gaps between our struggles and His strength.

I want every ounce of power God has for me, but I’m going to be honest with you: there are times when I feel as though I’m in a trash compactor with the walls closing in. Times when I pray and fight tooth and nail to experience that all-is-well peace.

I’m actually there now.

I am praying for my son, who just had surgery and is facing a four-month recovery.

I’m praying for a forty-two-year-old friend who was diagnosed a year ago with breast cancer, had a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and reconstruction. She was on the road to healing. Doing great. Only to find out that she now has stage-four cancer in her spine. She is the matriarch to a household of boys. She is a rose among thorns. Thorns need their rose. She’s been given one to three years to live.

I’m also praying for Jennifer, one of my best friends from college whose husband just died suddenly, leaving her a widow and their two children fatherless.

And there are other loved ones struggling too. So many others. I know your list is just as long as mine.

I pray … and at times I feel like curling up in a fetal position.

The walls of pain are pressing hard. The aches are real. The groanings are raw.

Under the weight of it all, I’m thankful for what I know of God. For what I know of His power. I know that God is in the middle of it all. That He is right beside me. Right beside them. I know that He is more than able to handle complicated challenges and is faithful to provide the grace needed for each broken moment.

I also know that without His strength I crumble. Without His presence I panic. Without His Spirit I wander and wonder and wane. When David was in duress, he often spoke to himself in the Psalms. I love that … because I do it too sometimes. “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Ps. 62:5 NIV 1984).

I turn my heart toward God and talk to myself. Keep calm, Gwen. God is still on the throne, and you are free to approach Him at any time, with any ache, with any question, with any weakness. Thank You, Jesus.

I love the way The Message paraphrases the encouraging verses of Ephesians 3:20: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

There is power in prayer, power in God’s nearness, power in pouring out our emotions, and power in picking up His Word. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17 ESV).

God’s Word speaks strength to wilted souls. It bolsters our believing. Press into the Word when the walls of life press in on you. Here are a few of my go-to verses in times like these:

LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy…. Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Hab. 3:2, 17–19)

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Ps. 94:18–19)

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (73:26)

And press into prayer. Even when it’s hard to pray. Even when you want to shout to the heavens, “Come on, God! I need You here!” Even when your prayers seem to go unanswered, or when you receive a different answer than the one you were hoping for.

There is never a time when God doesn’t hear the cries of His children.

Believe it. He hears your prayers and can be trusted.

When we press past the pain in prayer, when we press into Jesus, peace sutures bleeding hearts and holds them tenderly until they heal. Agony is attended to by the One who knows the wrenching sting of pain, betrayal, and loss. By the One who understands. The compassionate One who reaches for the trembling hands of a struggler, picks her up, and carries her to a place of wholeness and healing. He fights for His child when she is too weary and worn to engage in the battle (Exodus 14:14).

Though the walls press in, God is able and available to work within—deeply and gently—with a grace that gives strength and is sufficient for your every need.

Yes. Doubts will come … but God will meet you in your doubts and walk you toward faith. He promises to meet us in the chasm between our needs and His provision.

Believe. Make that choice. Then wait in great expectation of the God you know. ~Gwen Smith

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Gwen Smith Sunny Smile 2015Gwen Smith is an author and volleyball enthusiast who lives in sunny North Carolina and has been married to her college honey, Brad, for 23 years. They are tired parents to three tall, competitive-sport-playing teens who keep them on their toes and on their knees. Her online friends meet at GwenSmith.net to connect and be encouraged, and her goal is to help women think big thoughts about God and be inspired to live out the grace and truth of Jesus. Gwen Smith’s new book, I Want It ALL, is filled with practical help, Biblical depth and applicable lessons. And it includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back. No extra purchases required! READY TO PEEK INSIDE THE PAGES? Download a FREE sample chapter at iwantitallbook.com. or order yours today from Amazon.  Connect with Gwen on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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I Want It ALL Cover HR smallerWin a copy of Gwen’s inspiring book today!

What is something you’ve done in your faith walk which has created a drive in you to be a better person?

Share your answer to enter to win! 

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Last week’s winners are below and have been notified via email:

Hope Prevails: K, Agnes, Pam, and Marsha

A Different Beautiful:  Deborah

26 Comments

  1. Kerry Stutzman on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 8:37 am

    My problem is that I wish I I could do big things but don’t believe in myself. I have faith abounding, believe me and I know that God speaks to me through His Spirit inside me…ALL the time! But more times then I’d like to admit I quench that voice with my own self doubt. I know this contradicts my great faith, Faith that calms me and keeps me going and tells me that He loves me for who I am…the woman He made. Yet I doubt myself and get squashed by my husband’s doubts ontop of it. I am surrounded by those telling me I can’t do what my heart tells me I can…since I was a young girl and am now 42.



  2. Shannon on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Thank you so much Tracie for your words of inspiration! I am very interested in Gwen Smiths book! The one thing I have been able to do with faith and faith alone is confessing my adulterous affair to my husband. This affair happened over 6 years ago before I knew the Lord. Once I found God and accepted Jesus as my Savior, my heart was convicted. I spent these past 6 years reading the bible and getting to know who God really is. My husband is not a strong believer and is struggling with this. He is upset that I waited 6 years to tell him. I really feel that I could not have done this any sooner, I needed to be in this place in this close relationship with God in order to confess my sin. I had enough faith that night 2 weeks ago to confess my sin and now I am living in this faith. Faith that God has forgiven me, faith that I am no longer held captive by this sin & faith that God can and will redeem my marriage. It is by faith and faith alone that I am even able to wake up each day and do the things I need to do. Please pray for me pray for my husband to find Jesus in the midst of this brokenness and pray for my faith the be restored each and every day. Thank you



  3. Melissa on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 9:40 am

    One thing that i have been able to do in my faith walk is pray. I have always felt like I was ‘all wrong’ because this has been a message communicated to me my whole life. Because off this I felt that God wouldn’t want to hear from me because I am just so ‘horrible’ like everyone said; I was completely ‘unlovable.’ But I kept having this hunger for God and he kept calling to me and one day I started praying. I have found such great Love in God and while I still struggle with those same shackling messages that I am unlovable, I take them to Him and He is helping me unbind my shackles of fear, and depression and set me free. His love is my freedom and I am forever changed for the better.



  4. KWebb on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 9:46 am

    I became a pastor’s wife, moved out of state for the first time in my life and became a step-mom all at once!
    Talk about PRAYER and FAITH!!! ????
    But God is AMAZING and five years later I love Him more than ever!



  5. Laura on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 9:53 am

    I would love to read this book. I wrote all the scriptures in my journal this morning. Thank you Gwen! Thank you Tracie! I stepped out in faith several years ago with my private counseling practice and have been amazed at how my faith has grown in watching God each day with His hand of provision upon my work. I’m blessed to “work” for Him ????



  6. Stephanie B. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Thanks for sharing about this book. It sounds like it’s message is exactly where I am right now. We have a prodigal son and have been dealing with this for over 8 years. During times of weariness, I have been able to remember God’s faithfulness and trust Him completely for the outcome to this situation. To hear His voice when He promises He cares for my son even more than I do and is working in the background even when we can’t see the evidence of it. Through faith I have been able to focus on my walk with Him despite the distractions of the devil and my faith has been greatly strengthened.



  7. Marcia Whaley on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 10:00 am

    I have realized in my walk in my faith that I want to live more for Him and do more and be more involved. Like everyone’s walk with faith it has it’s highs and lows, however, I will continue to press onward.



  8. Deb on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 10:07 am

    So many, many times of stepping out in faith and, indeed, the Lord has ‘lifted me up, set my feet upon a rock (Him)’ and directed ‘my’ path – which, it’s His path I long to follow, seeking His guidance in the way He has for me, and having a choice to follow Him or go my way. We recently had a long distance move, which was a HUGE gift yet very stressful. Thank You, Lord, for the gentle reminder that You are in control and I’m woefully not (-; Had to make regular apologies to my husband and ask God to heal the damage I did in his heart, trusting Him to restore our ‘oneness’. He (God) is leading in so many ways, opening opportunities to build relationship, not only with each other, but using our mess to minister to others and share hope. Would love a copy of the book!



  9. Jane on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I have learned to lean into prayer. To trust that He indeed hears my pleas. But most of all I have learned to be patient with Him and wait on His answer.



  10. Susan on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Oh my goodness this was totally amazing then again he knows exactly what I needed thank you. For being so special and letting him use you to speak to me I copy and pasted it to my notes on my phone thank you so much Facebook powerful books Maybe I can win this With God all things are possible



  11. Melissa Henderson on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Beautiful message. I am always amazed at how God works in His wonderful, mysterious ways. He constantly sends me reminders that I am loved and that I am His. Thank you for this message today. I believe God wanted me to read this message today. In my faith walk, I am still learning to turn things over to God first. My first response sometimes is to try to “fix” things on my own. I am getting better each day about casting all my worries on Him. 🙂 He will hold me in His loving arms.



  12. Nancy on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    From Mentor To Being Mentored:
    Tracie,
    My answer to your challenging question is for 5 long years I have mentored a single mom with three children—two of which are now in the child protective care system and have been for two years from this coming September. The momost is now in a group home out of necessity, not out of needing therapy (although she has gotten much of that since this DCS situation has happened).
    This Single Mom had much abuse in her early child years and has mental problems because of it. She has had no love or social skills training by her parents, so I have been painstakingly trying to take over that role as her surrogate Mom. Thru it all, I have experienced frustration, anger, resentment, bitterness, and other unseemly and unchristian- like emotions, which have come to the surface of my life. They have revealed that either I was not ready to do this mentoring of an unstable, mentally challenged person or that I needed her much more than she needed me. God used her in my life to bring out the dross that still existed under the surface of this so-called put together Christian woman.
    She became a follower of Christmas a couple of years ago and there has been changes in her thinking and her reactions since that time. I have through much repenting and soul searching, made a commitment to be more loving, compassionate and patient person
    as Christians enables me to do so.
    It has been a long, hard journey for her and I both, but The Lord used our relationship to purge us and change us to make us better and more like Himself.



  13. Jennifer on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Love this!
    My faith has been tesed ever since my husband’s job sent us to Arkansas 4 years ago. Our girls were both teens then and since the move have put my husband and I through a lot…more than I ever imagined. It’s broken our hearts but I always try to remember that He is faithful and will see us through and that He loves our girls even more than we do.



  14. Elsie on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    I liked this very much. It gave me a lot to think about prayer & faith in ways I have not none so before. I am thankful that our faith can be as tiny as a mustard which my can be. At other times I know and realize without a shadow of doubt what God can do.



  15. Stacey S. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    God is always faithful and we just have to keep believing that no matter what life throws at us. Keep pressing on girls! Let’s all get in the Word more!



  16. Melanye Fletcher on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    Faith is trust, and prayer is key to that trust. As I carve out more time in my day to dig deeper into my oneness with Jesus Christ, I am trusting His Holy Spirit to guide me and comfort me along every step of my journey. I am committed to living my faith, not just speaking about my faith. I must expect persecution, and even embrace it as I trust Him through trials and tribulations, knowing He will carry me through every experience. He may not always change my circumstances, but His light will always shine new perspective on my place and purpose as I share His love with others in a darkened world.



  17. Judi Winner on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    My faith walk is a daily struggle for me. I accepted the Lord when I was a teenager. When I was 24 years old I went on a tour of the Holy Lands. God had a special plan for me on that trip. My roommate has gotten food poisoning and a young man also on the same tour asked if I wanted to spend the day touring with him. That night we had our first date in the holy city of Jerusalem, Israel. We discovered once we got back to the US that we lived 65 miles away from each other, but God had sent us half way around the world to meet. This past July we celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. We’ve raised three beautiful children who are all married now and have young children of their own. About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with a rare incurable neurological disorder called “Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy”. Along with the RSD came the diagnosis of severe re-curring major depression. Needless to say I realize God isn’t finished using me yet. I continue to struggle and to fight. I know God has a very special purpose for me. I love following “Girlfriends in God” daily with their posts and devotions. Gwen, I would love to read your book. Since my disability finances have become a real struggle for us. Keep up your work for Christ.



  18. Christianne McCall on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    I’m still trying to figure that out. I’m 41 and feel just blah. Like this is all life is?



  19. Kristin on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    Recovering from severe post partum anxiety and depression caused by a birth control shot after my third child was born, I am now starting a blog to help others in similar situations. My faith walk has been growing more and more each day. I’ve been reading one spiritual book a month since January and never to go bed without reading scripture. I’ve always believed but I never heard his gentle voice or at least I didn’t realize it was him telling me to bring a friend a flower or a sweet treat. I thought it was just me. But I’m known for my kindness and my optimism because God has given that to me. And while my soft heart bleeds sometimes from the negativity in the world, I try my best to just open it up even more. I’m excited with the new chapter God has planned for me and I want to be a beacon of light in the darkness for military wives like myself ( one overseas deployment under our belt when my oldest was 3 and my second child was four months old), family of sick loved ones (my mom has inoperable brain tumor), parents who have special needs kids (my middle child goes to a special education school for delays) and many others out there who just need a little encouragement. And not the Hallmark card kind, GENUINE love and light. It’s an exciting new and scary chapter to start a lifestyle blog but he’s put pressing it on my heart for a while and I’m ready to completely heal from my year of hell and shine bright.



  20. Tiffany B on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    It helps me be a better person when I take the certain parts of scripture and put them on my mirror as a challenging reminder of the parts that aren’t easy for me.

    Otherwise, I could ignore these verses and never change. But with a constant reminder, I start my day with that goal & end asking if I did better.



  21. Mandy on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 7:11 am

    Love this! I have been able to care for my parents. I lost my mother in 2014, and now care for my dad. I have been executrix for moms estate and POA for my father. Heathcare provider at home with a few in home CNAs to help. I have leaned so much and the opportunity to do this and learn so much has truly been both unbeaten at times and a blessing. Sometimes my prayers have been desperate and demanding but God is using me and I know he has a plan in all of this. I can’t wait to read this book.



  22. Sheila Miller on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 10:04 am

    I stepped into daily reading of the Bible and actually studying God’s word. I learned to apply it to my life. I’m 63 and although I was raised in church and have attended 80%of my adult life, I still didn’t have that one to one God connection.
    And then, in 2013, God put me where he wanted me to be. I thought I had stumbled upon Good Morning Girls by accident, but I have since learned there is no such thing as chance or accident. God has purpose in each and every thing. Now, 4 years later, I joyfully lead 2 Bibke study groups online with GMG and LGG!!! I enjoy your site and your mus8c too, Gwen!



  23. cristy brown on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 10:04 am

    My life has been one of pain and suffering. When I met my first husband I was in it for the thrill of being on my own and desperately seeking a relationship. I wanted love and a family of my own. Though I was raised in an amazing Christian home, I was rebeling at the time I met my husband. I endured physical and mental abuse for 13 years until he decided he no longer wanted me or our three children.
    He filed for divorce and the marriage was over. Because of the abuse I was diagnosed with PTSD which led to a diagnosis of bipolar, depression, and severe anxiety. My three children and I moved and started a very hard life on our own.
    For a year and a half I remained faithful to God, while my ex husband did not have much to do with my children, other than introducing them to four different women he was “in love” with. 1 1/2 years after the divorce God brought a loving and Godly man into my life. And within five weeks we married. My husband’s faith and love bled onto me and I finally feel whole again.
    I just read the devotional of forgiveness and I cried because I am trying to get to that point. However the closer I am drawing near to God, the harder the devil is hitting me. Two days ago, my ex husband filed for custody of my 13 year old son, not my other two children, just Riley.
    My heart is broken and I need all the prayers I can get. Your site and devotions are the first thing I do when I get up, and then have helped me along the way. I honestly could use this book and any other resources to get me through the devils evil schemes.
    Thank you for taking time to hear my heart!
    Cristy



  24. Sharon C. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    The title of the book is great. ” I’ve wanted it all” my whole life. Just never knew how to get it. My faith walking is to never give up. God has a plan for me. I may get down sometimes but God always puts someone or something in my path that encourages me. I don’t know how I would make it without Him. The saying that say’s I’m not where I want to be but I’m not where I used to be is so true. Each time I try seems to be better than before. One day I will be able to handle the hurts and pains of life. Until then I can’t give up.



  25. Nancy M in NJ on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    This is a struggle for me that I work on every day. Thank you for your beautifully written post.



  26. Geralyn Miller on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 11:50 am

    I have begun to boldly share some of my stories with anybody that will listen…..like the cashier at the checkout line. I am always looking for those opportunities that God puts right before our eyes if we only look. Sometimes that person waiting in line with you might need to hear a word in due season, and believe me, the Lord will give you the words. All we have to do is obey….open our mouths and Speak! Thank You Lord Jesus for all good things.



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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