If You Literally Think You Can’t Take One More Step, Read This Post

I never knew life could be quite so hard, until now. Or that there would be days when I literally thought I had no strength left to take one more step, often feeling frustrated, discouraged, worried, stressed and tired.

But God knew.

You see, months ago my sweet friend Rachel asked if I would help spread the word about her new book, One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up. Of course, I said yes because she’s awesome.  🙂  I didn’t know that her words would be exactly what I needed to hear on the hard days I didn’t even know were coming.

But God knew.

I tried to come up with a blog post to write about her new book, but since I love every word of One More Step, narrowing it down to one post topic or one chapter was really hard!  I’ve read it from cover to cover twice now, and I don’t think I’ve read a book twice – ever! So, instead of writing a theme post, I decided to share everything that I highlighted in the book  (well not quite everything … actually, not near everything … but these quotes below are my faves).  I know her words will speak God’s truth and peace into your heart too, especially if you’re in a difficult season of life.

Friend, you need to get your own copy of One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up, especially if you’re going through a hard time right now. I promise it will be worth every penny! And if you’d like a chance to win a free copy, just leave a comment telling me which quote below really speaks to your heart and you’ll be entered to win. You can also simply copy and paste your fave quote into the comment section if you prefer.

I know there are a lot of them. But seriously, this is a book that heals and strengthens hearts. And I believe that whichever quote you choose, is exactly what God knew YOU needed to hear today too.

QUOTES FROM ONE MORE STEP, BY RACHEL WOJO

Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 9.38.54 PM* Could it be that God placed this sad song (Psalm 88) in the middle of the Bible to let people like me know that it’s okay to ache with the sadness and hardness of this world?

*God would rather hear about your bad day than not  hear from you at all.

* We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.

* God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.

* God will not change if we are sad and depressed. He is forever the same and he loves us no matter what feelings we experience.

* Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.

* Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.

* The very character of God, his omniscience, promises us that he knows every detail of whatever we are going through, both the good and the bad.

* Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.

* Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

* God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.

* Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.

* The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.

* Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.

* Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.

* Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.

* We want God to give us an answer; God wants to give us himself.

* I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”

* The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.

* The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

* When others see how God is carrying us through our trials, then He is glorified.

* Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.

* Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

* The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

* When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds.  Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

* We never know what God has up His sleeve.  You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now. (Elisabeth Elliott)

* We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.

* Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.

So what’s your favorite quote? Share your thought or copy and paste your fave into the comments section to enter to win a copy of One More Step! 

Want to download and print the above quotes to post in your home or office? Download a printable PDF here.

236 Comments

  1. Rachelle Craig on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:11 am

    This looks like an amazing book! I picked a couple of quotes because it is really hard to choose just one.

    The first one is, “Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, He can be trusted with the future.” As you know, I struggled for several years with guilt, shame, and pain from my past. Last summer I was finally able to surrender those feelings to God during the YLSC study.

    The second quote is, “When others see how God is carrying us through our trials, then He is glorified.” Shortly after I surrendered my past to God, I was asked to give my testimony twice. Once to the Sr High Sunday school class, and once to my own Sunday School class. I did it, and for several weeks I had people telling me how much it meant to hear my honesty and how I clearly gave God all the glory!

    I still have my moments, but we are all a work in progress.

    Thank you for the chance to win what appears to be another book that would fit right in to my life!



    • Debbie Alton on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.

      * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.



      • Kailisha on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:48 pm

        Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and know our wishes.
        I stopped asking the question, God where are You in all this? I started asking, God, will You reveal yourself to me?



    • Terri on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:10 pm

      Wow! Hard to chose just one quote!
      “Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.”
      My husband has been battling stomach cancer and it’s amazing how we can rely on God’s love, guidance and His timing. As missionaries it has been hard to “refocus” but we know God has a plan.



    • Jenn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      I loved this one.
      We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now. (Elisabeth Elliott)
      This is what keeps me holding on a lot of days
      Jenn



    • Diana on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      Diana Amesquita
      Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:49pm
      Definitely, hard to do one quote 🙂

      * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.

      Amen to that, I have never felt “Joy” like the day I have my life to him and it totally changed how I saw things and to forgive….



    • S. Clark on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:38 pm

      * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

      Life keeps throwing bricks at me and I just can’t deflect them fast enough. My joy has left, my heart is totally surrounded by this wall that won’t allow anyone to reach it. I know God is there for me, but there are so many times when I feel all alone. Yet I know, I know that He is MY Rock! He is MY refuge. I can go to Him with my hurts and He will provide comfort for me.



    • Margaret on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      My focus has been on the wait at times. I lost my job back in April and have not found a new permanent job. I have learned a lot during this period of my life. However I still find my self saying when Lord? He has revealed a great deal to me about His Character through this. I cannot count the number of perfectly timed devotions and sermons He has sent to me to encourage me. I believe this book will be one more tool to use to grow closer to God.



    • Renette on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.



  2. Linda on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:12 am

    We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.



  3. Sara on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:14 am

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.

    This is a great reminder for me in this time. While I know this sometimes it is hard to see it.



  4. Kim on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:21 am

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  5. Shelia on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:26 am

    * We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.



  6. Jennifer Chapman on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:27 am

    Hi! This could not have come at a more perfect time! I’m dealing with a negative job situation and I feel all hope is lost. I need prayers and comfort that God is indeed on working on a plan for me. There were so many quotes but my top one is the one about how my hope is anchored in God’s Word.



  7. Jennifer on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:28 am

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.



  8. Gloria Velazquez on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:34 am

    I like this quote because it reminds me how I need to train my thought life. Thank you!

    “When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.”



    • Rachel Wojo on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      This quote is from chapter 10 and you have a lot of people with you in thought, Gloria! Folks really love that chapter because it is all about learning how to stop a negative mindset and allow God to transform it through his power.



  9. Becky on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:40 am

    I have so many quotes that would apply to my season. I have been in a seven year hard, difficult season. I used to ask God, why? Now, I ask Him where, or like you what does He want to reveal to me? When you are in the midst of struggles it is so hard to do that? I am very interested in this book, not only for myself, but for my family. To be encouraged in the midst of this struggle. I have to often refocus, because something happens and it takes my focus off of God, and I try to fix myself. I have to remember to refocus. Also, understanding the wait, learning patience. Asa mom, we want to comfort, mend and help. We, too need to keep our hearts in the Word so He can reveal Himself to us in the midst of this struggle. When we are hurting, or watching our loved ones hurt, it so difficult to do. I would love a copy of this book, and like so many others, will share with those like myself who have been in a long, difficult season. Thank you for this post and sharing.



  10. Teikisha Williams on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:42 am

    I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you Tracy for sharing it with us and continuing to inspire us to be who God truly desires us to be.

    My favorite quote from your post was:
    “The choice to forgive is a choice to live. The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.”



  11. Kellie Metzker on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    What a great reminder!



  12. Nina Ruth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:44 am

    “I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”

    Tracie, this post was soooo timely…I literally cried myself to sleep last night, telling the Lord, “I can’t take one more step!”

    How He knew!!!

    My fave quote was the one I posted at the top of this comment, because it’s where I’m at right now…weary of asking “why,” and “where are You?”…it’s time to change my question to Him!! 🙂



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:33 am

      Nina, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Nothing portrays God’s activity in our lives than when He responds to our prayers using the actual words we prayed. I feel so overjoyed when that happens to me, and anyone else. Thank you for sharing, and praying He reveals Himself to you time and time again during your struggles!



  13. Cheryl May on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:45 am

    My very favorite that truly gives us hope amidst our struggles is:
    “Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.”
    How beautiful is that… <3
    Verses of JOY keep coming up in my bible study group. We have chosen the word JOY for our word for the year. God keeps throwing verses and quotes at us popping up all over the place for all of us ladies to see!
    And, thus…another here today!
    Luvvvv it!



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:35 am

      Patterns of words or verses that keep popping up in our lives never coincidences, but God-incidences! 🙂 Joy is a perfect word for our new year.



      • Cheryl May on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        A divine appointment for sure!! 🙂 🙂 JOY is popping up everywhere!



  14. Dot on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:46 am

    * Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness . . . and I continue to learn grace daily. Thank you.



  15. T. A. Essex on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Greetings Everyone ~

    Here is the quote that leaped in my heart when I read it ~ “Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.”

    I “Thank” God for the strength he gives me day-to-day ~ I love the Lord!

    Have a terrific Thursday!

    *HUGS*



  16. Robyn Hearn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:49 am

    The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:36 am

      This was one of my favorites too Robyn. Risks are scary, especially when we are desperately seeking God’s will and wanting to make sure we are following HIs will, and not our own based solely on feelings. Thanks for sharing!



  17. Kris on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:50 am

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

    * When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

    * We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now. (Elisabeth Elliott)

    * We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.



  18. Monique on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:52 am

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    I thought about ” a spiritual humpty-dumpty”, falling off the wall but in this case waiting for the Lord to put his heart back together again.



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Thats such a neat analogy! Really portrays God’s protection as a visual we can relate to. I’ve been feeling a bit like that humpty dumpty lately, so I’m going to keep that visual in my mind. 🙂 Thanks Monique!



  19. Opal Hines on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:53 am

    My favorite quote was ; The situation’s we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him . I ask God most often to remove situations from my life when it seems just impossible to take another step. So I will try and look at the situation In a different way;and remember Alway s that God will bring me through as he will have me rely on him.



  20. Kim Sorensen on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:54 am

    When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.



  21. Loretta on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:55 am

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  22. Karen Dunn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:57 am

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  23. Karen Dunn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:00 am

    I love this quote because it speaks to me by saying: Trust in Him and Rely on Him. Know who he is and what he did for US. He knows our heart and wants us to surrender everything to him and he will Provide and Take Care of all Our NEEEDS. I now know that He Loves Me unconditionally and he wants us Just As We Are. I will always seek HIM first and no one else.



  24. Kimberly Gorski on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:16 am

    When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

    I loved this one.



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:39 am

      This is one of the harder challenges Kimberly, I guess that’s why I liked it too. Nothing is more important than controlling our thoughts so they dont begin controlling us and our lives.



      • Rachel Wojo on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:14 pm

        Amen to both of you!!



  25. Barbara on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:30 am

    * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.



  26. Ellen Cole on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:30 am

    Sorry. Just one favorite won’t cut it!

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

    * We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.

    * Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.

    * The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most

    * Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.



  27. Sandy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:34 am

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing. This quote spoke the most to me for two reasons; one because Hope is my word to reflect on for the New Year and two because I had misplaced my hope in a loved one who is having addiction problems. I had hoped that they had finally hit bottom and seen the light and would change and when that didn’t happen it crushed me. I felt just as you described; too weighed down to take just one more step and it scared me. I realized that I needed to put my hope in God, not the loved one and to trust that He hears my prayers and is at work on them. Regardless of the timing or the consequences, I know that my ways are not His ways and because of His goodness and love His will is best.



    • Tracie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:41 am

      Thank you for sharing Sandy. I agree with your heart so much. Sometimes we don’t realize we are putting our hope in something other than God because our hearts are so heavy. Loved how this quote reminds us to anchor our hope in God’s Word alone. Praying God will work mightily in your situation and help you feel anchored in His hope every day!



  28. Ashley on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.

    Wow!! This is so simple and yet so profound. I’m in a season of waiting and listening and it can be so hard to just wait.



  29. jennie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:50 am

    Each one of those are great I am thankful for the PDF and what a great book



  30. Leighanne on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:51 am

    * Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.

    All of the quotes were a blessing. The one above stands out to me so much because I try to tell my almost grown up kids this especially since I learned it the hard way. This sounds like a great book!!



  31. Tracy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:00 am

    There were quite a few quotes that struck me from this list. But these two stood out the most for personal reasons:
    *Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    I am going through some issues right now with a back injury, some days the pain is unbearable, I know I need to give this up to God for healing.

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

    My husband passed away when he was only 35 and I 31, our children were 2 & 4 at the time. As much as I hated that time of my life I know now how much I learned to rely on God to get me through it and the lessons I learned that have been able to allow me to help others go through similar situations are some I would never have learned had I not experienced it myself.

    I would love a copy of this book!!!



  32. Melinda Gray on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:13 am

    “Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.”



  33. Rita on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:17 am

    The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  34. Samantha on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:26 am

    “The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.”

    This one really spoke to me. I’m trying to work through a situation that hurt me. I need to be forgiven for the hard feelings I have towards a co-worker and i need to forgive myself. I am praying for peace in my current position and praying that God will use me for his glory instead of my own. I also need to forgive the person who hurt me and let go of the grudge that I feel. I also need to beg forgiveness from this person-that’s the hardest part I think.



  35. Susan Ruff on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:40 am

    This quote really spoke to me:

    The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.



  36. Lizanne Crocker on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:57 am

    “Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.”

    Time and time again God has taught me this and uses this principle to shape me and care for me. This looks like a great book!



  37. Katharine Elsbree on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:02 am

    I agree with the first comment! I clearly see how God has led me in the past and need to remember to trust him- not have anxiety about- the future!!



  38. lc on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.



    • Charlotte Orth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      this one is good too and reminded me of when I was having panic attacks after a nasty divorce. So grateful to be healed from that.



  39. Pam Crosby on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:18 am

    * We want God to give us an answer; God wants to give us himself.



  40. Monica Archer on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:20 am

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.



  41. Linda Kay on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:28 am

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

    I am a biblical counselor, and this quote is the hardest one for counselee’s to be obedient to God’s command to do forgiveness. They rather hang onto their hurts and glorify themselves in bitterness, resentment and anger. Instead, they choose to live with open wounds. They miss out on being healed by Jesus, nor do they see the scars on Jesus body. We tell our counselee’s to: “see your sin first; see it as worst; and see it as something that needs to be worked on the most.” Our grace is measured by how much we yelled to the Holy Spirit working in our lives. More grace abounds to us, as we trust and obey the Lord .



  42. Shawn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:30 am

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.

    * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.

    * Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.

    * We want God to give us an answer; God wants to give us himself.

    * The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

    * Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    I couldn’t pick just one because this is my life right now. I’m at a crossroads and I have some decisions to make. So all of these are me. Definitely need this book!

    Thank you for sharing these quotes, Tracie!



  43. Windie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:30 am

    Thanks for all of the quotes, I printed and put them on my fridge and sent a copy to a friend. My favorite for where I’m at right now is: Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.
    Great reminder during the desert times of our lives.
    Thank you!



  44. Pamela J. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:35 am

    They are all great, but here is my favorite:
    * Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart
    Joy is a key word in m y life and this quote hits the mark.



  45. Nikki Salisbury on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:35 am

    “Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.”
    My boyfriend is experiencing this type of pain right now dealing with the death of his Mother. I try to do all I can to help, but I can’t do it. Thankfully he has realized that GOD is the only one that can truly help him.



  46. Andria on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Love…”The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.”
    As I explore a women’s mentoring ministry that I have felt led to do, I am extremely afraid…yes, downright afraid. I said it. But I know that if it is His will, He will make a way. He will prepare me. He will prepare the location. He will prepare the women who will be mentors and those who will be mentees. If I’m following His will, then there is zero chance of failure, right?



  47. Kathie S on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:43 am

    * “The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him”
    We are going through some tough times now and are really experiencing this first hand. My hubby’s sister diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has a young daughter at home. Most of family unsaved (8 siblings). We have an unjust lawsuit against us. I have been falsely accused of being part of a marriage breakdown. Relationship difficulty with my father. Concerning health issues. It’s been a challenge so far in 2016 but God is faithful and been with us in very real ways. Praying God to reveal Himself to us and others through all these difficulties!



  48. Lori on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    “Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.”



  49. GE on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.



  50. Charlotte Orth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    * I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”
    This speaks to me at this time when my husband needs two surgeries and the doctor is 4 hours away by car. We are very stressed right now.



  51. Peggy Dyer-Bland on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.
    This is such a true quote. God wants to hear from us no matter what! I try every morning when I wake to thank Him for waking me. I rely on God for everything in my life❤️



  52. Paula on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives. How many times I have placed my hope in others, things, or situations. All of these have led to disappointment and mis-direction. Jesus is the one that I need to place my hope in and then trust Him to be who He says He is.



  53. Sheri Edwards on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    “Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.” – I am working on eliminating extracurricular obligations so that I can be more present in my Bible study, caretaking of my father, at work, with my husband and working on my blog. God does not want me to be this busy and this overwhelmed!



  54. Heather on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    So many good quotes. Right now this one applies to me: We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.



  55. Jeri DeGroot on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.
    so personal.



  56. Melani on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    All of the quotes are great and so many of them could be a favorite, but you wanted one.

    Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he
    says he will do.

    He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! I need to keep my trust, my hope and my faith in Him!



  57. Christy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    “We want God to give us an answer; God wants to give us himself.” What a timely reminder. Thank you.



  58. Cindy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    *Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.”

    The hardest for me is trusting God’s timing. Even in my most difficult moments I cling to the fact that in His timing, God will right all the wrongs and reveal the upper side of the tapestry of life. It allows me to let go of every negative emotion.



  59. Teri Ware on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    * Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.
    Sometimes we forget that God’s love includes His desire for us to live an abundant life.



  60. Kela Nellums on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    * Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.



  61. Linda P on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    Thank you for the pdf! There were two that stood out to me:

    * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    It was so nice to read all these quotes today and to be reminded about how much God really does love and care for us.



  62. Kim Traynor on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not  hear from you at all.

    Oh, how guilty I am to be so caught up in my deadlines, the uncertainties of my present living situation since the divorce, or the plightful moments of doubts about the future. How, I fail EVERY time trying to “handle” things. Getting frustrated and feeling alone. Having more “bad” days it seems than good… seeking peace and quiet, harmony and rest. When just like the song I learned over some 43 years ago. …that ALL I need & ALL I SHOULD do is “have a little talk with Jesus, and tell Him all about my problems…” wow, a surge of encouragement literally just shot up through me as I typed that!! Glory be to the Lord!! Thank you Holy Ghost!! I don’t know any of you, but I will/am lifting each of you (I’m going to stand in the gap) to the only one that has it all in control. Our Mighty Father God. And I ask for the same. In the wonderful name of Jesus I wish you all blessings. Amen.



    • Rachel Wojo on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Amen, sweet sister. Amen.



  63. Amy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    “Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.”

    This quote speaks directly to my current feelings. We suffered a miscarriage a few weeks ago and her words are spot on to the feelings and situation rolling through our house right now.



  64. Rebecca Burnsworth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    It was so hard to pick just one. I had more than one quote speak to me. I have picked two.

    *The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

    *Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    It was a very hard year in 2015. Not only did we find out that my husband was laid off of work, but I broke my ankle so I was unable to find a job for a few months. Also, three members of our family were confirmed to have cancer. The whole time I kept wondering how God can let this happen. We are in so much pain emotionally because of the rough year. Now that I am getting back in His Word, I am finding out that God is simply saying to lean on Him. God is helping to absolve the pain I have felt.



  65. Jennifer on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    This books sounds like a book that would help me find the way back to God! There were many quotes that inspired me! My life has taken a toll where I blame myself for my past and can’t seem to trust enough to find God to be able to forgive myself and live for him…

    One quote is “Although we can’t see things to come-we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusting with the future.

    2nd quote…”the situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on him..”

    3rd…”being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone,including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection” but the wall also prevents the benefits of fellowship like love, joy, and strength!”

    There are many more! Just reading these quotes spoke to my heart Bc I want to know how to trust him…being a single mom of one little boy I’m scared that I’m not enough…



  66. Annete on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    Loved all the quotes, but these two really hit me!! This book sounds amazing – ordering several copies 🙂

    The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.

    Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.



  67. Celeste on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    “The choice to forgive is a choice to live.” All quotes being extremely relevant this one about forgiveness is just unfathomable – Father God forgave through the blood of Jesus, He still forgives and we will always be forgiven if we can grasp that concept, practice it- we will know the true love of Almighty Father God because only LOVE can forgive all and self.

    Be blessed



  68. Cindy N on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    “Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.”….Boy this quote really helps me understand some of my husband’s emotions and reactions right now as he is enduring a toxic work environment!



  69. Sharon McConnell on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    “God understands human emotions because He created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion He doesn’t understand.”



  70. Rhonda on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    My family and I are in a waiting mode regarding a serious situation; therefore, this quote spoke to me: Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.

    We have to believe that He is working it out & endure the wait.



  71. Sharon McConnell on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    “God understands human emotions because He created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion He doesn’t understand.” This really spoke to me because I am having a difficult time understanding what is going on with my emotions right now. Sometimes it’s so confusing.



  72. KBrown on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.

    We adopted our oldest child from Ukraine six years ago. She is a beautiful amazing and talented young lady. Four months ago she left our home to “live the life she wants to live” and our hearts have been broken. We have two younger children that adore her and my relationship with her was precious; we truly are a very happy family. The enemy used a young man to lure her away from our home and distract her from truth. Her Ukrainian name means “Hope” and it is because I know her “Hope” truly is in the Lord and that she is His child first, am I able to face the sadness of this season. I’m continually reminded of how blessed I am that the Lord chose me to be her mother. To have my hope in Christ anchored and secured allows me, although very “wind blown” to face the battering of this storm. He is my foundation and my Hope. Would love to read this book, thank you for sharing.



  73. Camela Bates-Cole on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    * Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.



  74. Stacey Maurer on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    “Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.”

    Talk about hitting the nail on the head! This quote smacked me in the face! It amazes me every day when I come across a verse, saying, quote, etc that explains exactly what I’m feeling or going through. God has perfect timing!



  75. Sabrina on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Oh how I, myself,and so many friends could use this book. My favorite quote, so far: “The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.” I know this from experience and know that this can be such an encouragement to others.



  76. Rhonda on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    This spoke to me today: * “We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.”



  77. Sherri Bertrand on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    My favorite is, “God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.”



  78. Allyson Parrott on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    “Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.” Love this.



  79. Carletta on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    Tracie, I literally just had a meltdown, and then opened my email to see this. This has been a hard month so far. I’ve had two friends die with cancer within a week of each other, I’ve been ill (I am a cancer survivor), I have two teenagers who are being rebellious, financial troubles, and the list goes on. I really believe God led me to your post today. Thank you!



  80. Deb Becker on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    “God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.” Are we afraid God will look down on us if we share our negative feelings? Guess what – he already knows what happened, how we reacted to it, and how we are feeling. And the reverse is true as well. When I am worried and much more intentional about talking to God, Bible study, and journaling, God feels so near. Then when things begin to get better, I get more distracted. It is a constant effort to stay connected and listen for his guidance and comfort.



  81. Christy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    * God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.

    * God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.

    * Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.



  82. Valerie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.
    I will Trust in Him completely, praying God make the desires of my heart be in agreement with Your Will and Purpose for my life and our marriage. I know God is a Good Father and He did not bring us this far to leave us here.
    Thank you for sharing these quotes from Mrs Rachael’s book. I pray for all of you, my sisters (family in Christ) please pray for me and my husband, a wounded war veteran that has lost his way and trust in our Lord, and abandoned me and our family. I know God will work this all for good and His Glory and I believe in His Love and Sovereignty.
    God Bless you and yours.



  83. tina smith on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges. I love this So very Inspirational.



  84. Jill Mohn on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Wow… reading this post on my lunch break and the words couldnt have come at a better time. My favorite quote is…
    We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.

    Thank you so much ♡♡♡



  85. Tammy Dobson on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.



  86. gabby on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    “God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.”
    it always helps to be reminded that God truly does understand us when we feel like no one else understands.



  87. Laura Thies on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    ” The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.”

    I would love to give this book to my sister. She is currently going through a divorce and I have been looking for something to give her that she can read and get strength. God’s word is so powerful and may of these quotes are ones she needs to read and apply to her life right now to give her strength. Thank you!



  88. Carol M. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    * Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.

    I like this one because my family and I have been struggling financially for 3 years now. I feel He is preparing us for something bigger and better than what we have now, but not being able to see down the road has been really hard.



  89. Patti on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.



  90. Lynnette on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.



  91. Becky Bowman on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.

    The instant I saw this one, I knew I did not need to go any farther. Because one time, I remember a certain person stating in their sermon on TV that God does not want to hear about your bad days and He does not listen if you complain. And if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything. I was going thru a storm at that time, so I took that person seriously because I wanted out of the storm so I stopped praying. God told me otherwise, that He wants to hear from us no matter how good or how bad things are. He told me its okay to complain to Him. So I talk to Him and sometimes I complain. He is listening even to my complaints. He is awesome. So now whenever I see that certain person on TV, I change channels.



  92. Monica on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    “Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.”
    Fear and anger is currently very difficult issues for me… So lack of faith is my problem… I am currently working on my faith muscle 🙂



  93. Linda Raser on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.



  94. Heather on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    I picked this quote because asking God where he is when we go thru trials is so easy to roll off our tongue and so easy to fall on. We can then turn that around so quickly to ask Him to reveal himself to us. How beautiful is that! God is so good!!!

    * I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”



  95. Beth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    * Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.

    With my husband and I both working full time and three girls ranging from 4 to 15, I often want so desperately to make sure they are doing what they’re supposed to do in the limited time I have with them each evening that I forget to extend grace to them. Just last night, in fact! I’m quick to overreact and I notice the bitterness setting in. Would love to win a copy of this book!



  96. Sherry Lechaton on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    * Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.



  97. Thena Shelby on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    * God desires a personal relationship with me-not a religious experience for me.

    Growing up as a Seventh Day Adventist, God was too hard to achieve a sense of who He is based on the doctrine of the Adventist church. For th longest, I know I was going to hell because I had sinned against so many of the beliefs. I was and sometimes am still lost in who and what God is. Recently, I started tapping into other churchs and their belief and I can finally say, I am ok talking to God. He actually talks back. I am almost 42 years old and I am just now feeling comfortable saying God wants a relationship with me. This was/is hard to get under my mental mindset. I feel let down by church people because in the faith that grommed me to adulthood, it never taught God wants a relationship. Now I struggle releasing my full self to the creator and the one wh loves my soul.



  98. Cherie on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    I truly needed to hear this today. I must get this book.



  99. Kathy Grey on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    * Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    Having lost my husband to cancer a little over a year ago at the age of 55, this quote spoke to me the loudest. I know that pain all to well but I am also starting to heal from that pain through God’s love. I will be reading this book whether it is free or not.



    • Ramona on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.

      This pretty much sums it up, because we can’t control but if we let God take control of the situation we will be at peace with it.



  100. Donna on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him. And, Lord, I should have already learned that a long time ago!



  101. Beverly Hayes on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    Thank you all the quotes spoke to me, but the one I think best describe my situation and what my family is going through is: Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do. Thank you, God Bless Always.



  102. Brianna on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.



  103. Gail Dudlicek on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    I like: “God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all” Sometimes when I’m at a low point I forget that God wants all of me, not just the good stuff.



  104. Patti on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives.



  105. Faranak on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    * Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.
    Has taken a long time to realize this but what a blessing when we do .



  106. Molly on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    * I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”

    I’ve struggled for years with health issues, and had gotten to the point of breaking or at least I thought I had, a week later my husband was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukaemia. At first I thought to myself why does God require so much sacrifice from one person and how am I going to survive being a mom and walking this journey . 4 months later and 2 trips to ICU for my husband, as well as being told to say goodbye to him, God has sustained us all and he’s still fighting. I stopped asking God why and look back see how not only has He sustained me against all odds, but my relationship with Him is transforming me completely. I desire His presence like I need breath, He has become my everything. My regret is waiting so long and for it to take something so drastic for me to press into Him as much as I have lately because I am a transformed woman.
    Yes my journey still continues in faith to see my husband healed, but we both thank God for an opportunity to allow God to reposition us and transform us inside and out!
    He truly works all things out for our Good!! And He will have the final word!
    His presence is better than life.



  107. Linda on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    Hard to choose just one. But know this to be true from experience
    .”The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.”



  108. Polly Schneider on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    “Although we can’t see things to come, we know He can be trusted with our future just as He was in our past.”

    That might not be the exact quote but it’s as close as I can remember.
    That is something I need to remember right now. So much hard stuff in my life right now.



  109. Barbara on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.

    No one can make you happy if you do not have the Lord in your heart.



  110. Susan Perol on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 3:51 pm

    I love all of them but my favorites are the first where it quotes from the Bible . The next one is ‘Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work'(Ye I have little patience so I don’t like waiting but hate for people to be waiting on me either! ) The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him. Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness. (Having trouble with this issue now what with everything personal that I’m going through now!) Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection “, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength. (In times of being overwhelmed – which includes being a newly divorced wife, mother, grandmother…. I usually turn to God instead of people because I know that he loves me without a doubt & people usually are a big disappointment in my life – fill my head w/empty promises & dreams that usually didn’t come true. But I know that I can rely on God, I have a lot of trust issues when it comes to people. Have been hurt, used and abused so many times by different people so yes my walls are up around my heart. When I have let them down before, I became vulnerable & always got hurt!) Thr choice to forgive is a choice to live. The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If we only freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges. (What does it mean to truly forgive someone of thrir trepassess against you? I can say that I have forgiven someone but then when they continue to hurt me over and over again – I can’t seem to see past my hurt that they have put me through!) When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to take care of them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thoughts lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there. ( But how does God want us to care for them? Am in a long distance relationship where we keep in contact mainly through emails & when it’s a long time before he emails me I get very angry after feeling very hurt and rejected anf then that’s when the thought process in my head starts becoming ‘unpure’! And even though I apologize & own up to my wrong doing, the damage is already done and I’m forgiven by him but can’t seem to forgive myself and I keep doing the same thing over and over- I continously ask God for guidance and patience but I’m still doing it! It’s a very vicious cycle where I am filled with self hate afterwards and bouts of uncontrollable crying!). We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present. (I have a very big problem holding onto the hurts, disappointments, dreams that didn’t come true. So I have a bigger problem with the ability to move in the present but am working towards solving that issue by trying to read God’s Words everyday & pray to him & believe in him.)



  111. Becky on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.



  112. Kay Why on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.
    Sometimes I feel frustrated with myself for noticing all the bad in a day. I wonder if God is frustrated with me too. I shy away from him when I feel that way. Thank you for the reminder that I don’t have to. His love never changes.



  113. Diana Buroker on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Wow! This quote is so hitting home for me! I tend to think I can take it all on by myself…thanks for the reminder that God really does want us to turn to him!

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.



  114. Erin on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Well, this one sucker punched me with a big bear hug …God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all…
    Pretty sure I’ve been running away from God exactly because I felt that if I was in the right place with God, I would not be letting myself have bad days in the first place.



  115. Annette Opdycke on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    * God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.

    Being the way I am, this particular quote really speaks to me. I really feel this way when I talk to God!



  116. Krissy on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    The quote that speaks loudly to me is:
    Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.
    I have a rare, incurable neurologic disease and having had 3 brain surgeries I became so overcome with depression. I felt like I had lost all hope, the doctors said they couldn’t do anything and my disease would continue to get worse. The pain was unbearable, I had become disabled, and felt like I was drowning. I broke down to my neurosurgeon, I mean a full on meltdown, I thought surely he would have to give me medicine because I was so inconsolable. The last thing I said to him was ‘please pray for me’ as I was walking out. He called me at 7am the next morning and said he prayed about me that night and he asked God what he should do to help me and when he woke up his first thought was to operate and place a third shunt to drain the fluid from my head only this one would be in my spine. So a week later I was in surgery and I realized that I was placing all of my hope in my doctors. They are not where my hope should be. The only way I truly keep hope and the drive to continue each day is through the grace of God. He gives me hope and with him I can face anything and know that my hope is never-ending.



    • Rebecca Burnsworth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Krissy!

      As I read your comment I almost broke down in tears myself. I have prayed for you just now and asked God to be by your side through this difficult time. God Bless you.



  117. Carolina on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    Thank you so much for this amazing book and the accurate and well phrased quotes.

    The two that I can relate the most with right now are:

    * We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  118. Amanda J on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    I can’t pick just one quote. So many are screaming right to me. Currently I’m going through one of THE hardest trials of my life and go from having the most faith and feeling so uplifted and powerful to the next day wanting to give up and walk away. I found this book through a few articles and it’s screaming my name to read. In the financial situation we are facing I can’t afford it at the moment (why I’m entering here) but even if not chosen I will get it eventually and I pray it helps me literally just take one more step. One more day.



  119. Tammy Green on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    The two that speaks the most to me now is:

    * Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.

    I have been studying a lot about Hope.

    Thank you,

    Tammy



  120. Elisa Rodriguez on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    * We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.

    I always think of the past as life’s learning lessons. I don’t dwell in them I take the lesson learned and analyze it and decide what to learn form it and avoid allowing that hurt and that pain to return to my present. I know it is a part of who I am but it DOES NOT define who I will become. Only God can determine that.



  121. Nichole on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.



  122. Moira Elliott on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    When others see how God is carrying us through our trials, then He is glorified.

    When friends ask me how I survived 20 odd years of verbal abuse, alcoholism, Jeckyl and Hyde traits, verbal cruelty beyond belief from my ex-husband, I just smile and reply: The Man upstairs kept me sane. 🙂



  123. Elizabeth on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

    This quote resonated with me because after much time of not being able to forgive my husband for his actions as a result of being a sex addict, I was finally enlightened and lightened of such a heavy burden of bad feelings. We are separated, and the pain is overwhelming but I am now able to see him without judging him. After much reflection and prayer I now know that God knows why he put this burden on me and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the stronger person I have become.



  124. Linda Harrington on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and His Word – His love, His guidance, and His timing.
    I have been in the His Word so much more this whole week. I have been on my face begging God. On Monday my younger sister, who if she makes it will be 56 on March 18th, had a second stroke this month. She has been very ill for the past year. She does not know Jesus, and the last time I tried to talk to her about His, she literally said, “Stop.” She believes there is a God, but doesn’t understand why he would let her go through all this. I have been prayer that Satan will be bound, that the Holy Spirit will fill her room, that her heart will be soften and God will send someone to talk to her and share Jesus with her.
    I am doing Rachel’s reading challenge, Psalm 145:18 a “The Lord is near to ALL who call upon Him,”
    I have been praying so many verse back to the Lord, begging for my sister to call on the name of Jesus and be saved, even if with her last breath. I have been praying for both of my sisters for years, but now my littler sister is now coming to her last breath.
    * Trusting God means you believe God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.



  125. Erica Ross on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    These are some amazing quotes, but there is one that struck close to my heart today. I believe it’s because I’ve had a VERY hard day at work today and the bad was impacting my mood.
    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.
    After reading this quote I knew that God was leading me to talk to him about it so that I can let it go.



  126. Helen on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.



  127. Sandi on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    I only copied one although I had trouble choosing. To allow yourself to open your heard so God can give you what you need for Forgiveness is so necessary. If that does not happen, true life will be suffocated out of your life.
    The quote I copied was this.:* Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.
    With hands raised to receive only what God can give, that is where true Joy comes.



  128. Kelly on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    I am dealing with so many different things right now (health of my husband and a child) along with working two jobs and trying to figure out how to lose weight to get His temple back to where it glorifies Him. I just feel so overwhelmed and so blah that I do block everyone out, including God, instead of relying on Him.



  129. Vickie Johnson on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength



  130. Rita Safari on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.



  131. Teri Lawson on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    This is the quote that I loved!

    “Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.”



  132. Andrea on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

    This quote and two others really hit home for me. The quote God wants a relationship with me not a religious experience for me, is also a relief to know as well.
    The quote if we freely and quickly forgave others, like we freely and quickly get and hold grudges we be free from a lot of hurt, pain, bondage, depression, anxiety, insecurity which I suffer with daily. I realize I can’t change the past but with God’s help I can embrace the present, and how a bright out look toward the future.



  133. Donna Godfrey on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    * The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.

    This is so true in my life.



  134. Belinda M. Reardon on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    God knows how we feel, having made us in His image and then sent His son to live among us and experience what we live through in our daily lives. God did give us these feelings and the Bible to tell us how to live our lives; prayer when we loose our way; the Holy Spirit to comfort us. Grace and mercy to show us we are loved.



  135. doris on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Wow, it’s impossible to pick just one ! I love the one about God understanding that we get depressed & continues to love us, (I can’t copy & paste). Still need to get this book.



  136. Cindy T. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Trusting God means you believe God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do.

    My word for 2016 is Trust…January 2nd, my mother had a massive heart attack. 6 stents later she is a miracle.



  137. diana clarey on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.

    this is a great reminder!



  138. Michelle on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    * The risk you feel you are taking actually has zero chance of failure when you allow God to work freely in and through it.

    I have been suffering since Aug with vertigo and Vestibular Neuritis. Most days I am unable to get out of bed and have been isolated from life. I have 3 kids and a wonderful husband, who are doing their best to help mom. Being isolated and stuck in the house and a swirling in my head that can only be deceived as evil, also has me battling depression and high anxiety. I am feeling hopeless and that I will never return to my normal functioning self.
    This week I have a seen a specialist. He said I am not get better, we may have to remove my balance nerve, but first he has asked me to try some new medication and therapy, since everything else I have tried has not worked. I am not a person who liked to take any medication, but after seeing this quote I know praying to God that he will be in control of the risk and work freely thru it with me, is what he is telling me to do, and it will be ok, because he loves me and is in charge. I receive Rachel’s emails and follow her on Facebook and Instagram and her quotes are always speaking to me and what I need to her. With my medical bills, I have not been able to purchase the book, so winning a copy would be a blessing. I will most definitely be printing out all the quotes and posting them on the mirror in my bedroom. Thank you for those and this give away.



  139. Kim on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    “Once we discover that Jesus is the only one who can hold our hope, we can begin to experience the strength He gives”

    I’m done putting my faith in man. God is the only one who can fulfill me.



  140. Linda N on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”

    Love, love, love this because it’s something I need to do. Way too often I fall into the whining & complaining of “where are you?” rather than looking for Him in the midst of whatever is going on. Thank you for this powerful reminder. One I am going to definitely post somewhere I can see it daily!



  141. Lilleath on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Hi I like all the quotes, but the one that is speaking to me most is—
    -” When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.”
    Have a blessed day basking in Gods love for you.
    Lilleath



  142. Cherlyn Kelly on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    God would rather hear about our bad days than not hear from us at all. I think some of feel like the Israeli people in the wilderness and it’s been such a long time there all we can talk to Him about are the mountains we’re facing.



  143. ags on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.



  144. sandee on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    The quote I love is God would rather hear of your bad days than not hear from you at all



  145. Kathy Duggins on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him. ~~ This one really hits home for me lately because between the situations at my new job as a supervisor and the bullying situation for my daughter with her cheerleading team is very overwhelming sometimes and I’m just getting so overwhelmed by it all. I feel defeated and that I’m letting my daughter down. Thank you for sharing these fabulous quotes!



  146. Pamela on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    This is so true as I had built up walls to prevent further hurt. Glad God is so good at gently chipping away those walls. I love this book! It’s almost as if Rachel was sitting right next to me while she was writing. ( I keep looking for a bird to pop out of the vending machine…) I have a friend who needs to read this book so would pass it on to her. Rachel, thank you, thank you for opening your heart to God and saying Yes to write this book.



  147. Loretta on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    “We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.”

    This is a very sad reminder of my allowing satan’s lies to paralyze me for years. Years that have passed that I, myself, cannot redeem.

    No telling how many blessings from God I blocked myself from receiving.

    No more!!! Satan doesn’t get the satisfaction any longer.

    I know who I am in Christ, and Whose I am. I have a Redeemer and His name is Haggo’el !

    I love You and thank You Abba, and give You the highest praise. Hallelujah !

    To God be all the glory forever



  148. Pamela Burke on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    I loved all the quotes but my favorite is “God will not change if we are sad and depressed. He is forever the same and he loves us no matter what feelings we experience.”



  149. Francesca Tramontozzi on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    God would rather a personal relationship with me than a religious experience for me.



  150. Helen Gullett on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    I love this quote: “Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.” Speaks loud to me tonight!



  151. Teresa on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    “Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.”

    I can appreciate this quote especially now because of a Blizzard being forecast for here in Baltimore tomorrow (Friday). I have been very concerned about the possibility of losing power, heat, and also my husband possibly having to shovel over 2 feet of snow–he is a senior citizen. Every time snow is forecast, I get fearful. I would appreciate your prayers for me and for our area that we will not be hard hit. Thanks so much.

    I know God has always taken care of me in the past, I just need to keep reminding myself.



  152. Kimberly Thomason on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    My fave statement….When others see how God is carrying us through our trials, then He is glorified. This is what I try to do and its sometimes way harder than saying it. I try to show others to keep the faith and believe and pray even when it seems hopeless. We won’t be forgotten because He is always there. He stands with us throughout it all. We just gotta keep moving forward and doing our best while praying and keeping our faith in Him. Keep focused on Him and it all works out.



  153. Suzan on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:12 am

    I must be honest and tell you all of the quotes are my fav. I need to see all of them. This book, One More Step would be so good for me right now as I have tons of emotions going on due to the hard season I’m in, just lost my mom 6 months ago, thought my grieving was under control and bam the Holidays hit me, missing her so much, I know she is in a better place now she is home with Jesus. Also in a hardship with finances, will be getting book when my taxes come. I know this will all pass, I know God is by my side, I know he is sending me messengers to comfort me,I have so much on my plate right now and taking one day at a time. This book would fit right in right now. Love and Encouragement is so needed now.
    Thank You Lord I found this site/blog and a helpful book
    God Bless
    Suzan



  154. Cecilia Kirkman on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:21 am

    “We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move on in the present.”

    Probably in my 30’s, I said that by the end of my life, I would want not to have lived a life of regret, but been working towards living a life of repentance..

    I am only 2 years to 60 now, & my regrets are already far too overwhelming for me to carry, & I have been at the doorstep of giving up way too many times. I have indeed “frozen” many-a-time in my regrets of the past, despairing of myself, knowing I have nowhere to turn but Jesus.

    God’s healing in my journey has meant that I have learnt to just keep bringing each struggle to Him, confessing & repenting of “sins that hold me back” & handing them over to Jesus again, so I can move on.

    Rachel’s quote of not allowing “..the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move on in the present” has reminded me to not give up in my overwhelm but rather to keep moving “one more step…”

    Thank you, Rachel, & thank You, Lord!



  155. Debbie on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:32 am

    “Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.”



  156. Christine Clark on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:51 am

    Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.



  157. Alma on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:41 am

    * When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.



  158. Kim Villalva on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:51 am

    Wow, what a beautiful post! Thank you!! I am definitely interested in this book!! I think you picked a perfect way to share your thoughts on the book. I loved so many of those quotes but this one stuck with me:

    * Hope can be placed anywhere we choose, but the place we choose makes all the difference.”

    “…the place we choose…” Makes me think that I always…ALWAYS…need to be looking towards my Heavenly Father for hope!

    Thanks for the chance to win the book and thank you for sharing your thoughts on it!

    Kim



  159. Nici on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 2:02 am

    We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.



  160. Angie Amonett on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 2:24 am

    * I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”

    This really speaks to me because intellectually I know God is with me during my trials but emotionally because I can’t feel or hear or see Him I fear He has abandoned me. But asking Him to reveal Himself to me seems much more appropriate and shows that I have faith that HE is still with me!



  161. Magda on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 4:10 am

    Could it be that God placed this sad song (Psalm 88) in the middle of the Bible to let people like me know that it’s okay to ache with the sadness and hardness of this world?



  162. Cheryl McGown on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 4:26 am

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all. If we don’t talk to God on our bad days will we talk to him on our good days??



  163. Judy S. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 5:29 am

    * Could it be that God placed this sad song (Psalm 88) in the middle of the Bible to let people like me know that it’s okay to ache with the sadness and hardness of this world?

    This is where I have found myself many times and wondered if I’m really worthy of God’s love or wrath.

    * The very character of God, his omniscience, promises us that he knows every detail of whatever we are going through, both the good and the bad.

    This is what has kept me going every time I mess up and feel like God’s not going to be there for me anymore. Yet,He’s proved faithful and unchanging.

    * Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.

    I’ve come to solidly believe that no one and nothing can comfort, relieve and accept you, no matter what you’ve done, accept Jesus.

    * The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

    ” His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts.” I’ve come to accept God can work through the worst situations to reveal his glory and mercy, especially if it is not the way I expected. Thank you Jesus for being you.



  164. Tammy Trietch on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 5:33 am

    My word for 2016 is joy – so, the quote that “Joy has nothing to do with the condition of the body, but everything to do with the condition of your heart.” really spoke to me. I’m trying to focus on the blessings God provides, rather than the negativity that the world provides.



  165. tammy on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 5:49 am

    These are where I am…fighting with my thoughts again….stay or go,give another chance or not…thinking I know what I should do but is it what is right or just what the world says I should…..and where am I and my hapiness in this….sounds so selfish……………………………….

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

    * When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

    * We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now. (Elisabeth Elliott)

    * We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.

    * Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.



  166. Nana V on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 7:06 am

    “The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.”
    Oh my, this one resonates with me soooo very much! I am in my 4th quarter of life which has turned out to be the hardest, sorrow-filled season of my life where One More Step emails just appeared in my inbox and captured my attention as this is how I’ve been coping, just taking one more step leaning on Jesus for strength just to take one more step. It has been during the toughest financial, physical, and emotional times that I’ve heard my dear Jesus speak my sweetest gifts of poems and treasured moments with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit revealing himself in such remarkable loving, compassionate ways. Because I know I am no poet and definitely could not make this up, these poems are my treasured gifts in my desert places, so I share with you from the comfort He has shared with me when I’ve asked to see my hard circumstances from His perspective…..
    The trials in life are the cost we pay
    for flowers of compassion to give away,
    Life’s difficult things are like flowering seeds pushing thru the snow,
    Needing the soaking rain and the sunshine’s heat to sprout and grow.
    So embrace those scattering of life’s difficult seeds,
    With all its watering and sunshine needs.
    For soon you will harvest from this toilsome way
    Beautiful flowers of compassion to give away!
    –Nana V



  167. Kaaren Leigh on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 7:20 am

    Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.

    I chose this because I have a very difficult marriage and have always hoped and prayed that it would get better. Yesterday I started going to a marriage counselor, only my husband didn’t go with me, and he said that I was “trying too hard” to make my marriage work and that I need to make God my anchor. I realize it isn’t about the marriage becoming better, it is about ME becoming my best with Him.



  168. Annelie on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 7:38 am

    Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness.



  169. Juanita on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 8:09 am

    God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.



  170. Cheryl on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 8:27 am

    I stopped asking the question, “God where are you in all this?” I started asking, “God, will you reveal yourself to me?”



  171. Carolyn Brown on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 8:45 am

    Here is my quote choice. I have walked through the most difficult time of my life in the last 3 years and I think out of everything this quote represents the one thing that I have struggled with the most. The problem is that we can’t go back and do things differently, there is no reset button – there is only the consequences and the very important life lessons that we can carry with us for our present and our future.

    We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present.



  172. Amy on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 8:56 am

    *God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.

    I don’t have to be ashamed of how I am feeling. God knows, understands, and is there to hold me up no matter how I feel or whether I think I deserve it.



  173. Cindy on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 9:39 am

    I agree that choosing one quote is difficult.

    “God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.”

    “Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.”

    “Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.”

    ” We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now. (Elisabeth Elliott)”

    All of these quotes have a deep meaning for me. I have experienced deep pain with the loss of my youngest and 2 months later my dad. The thought that got me through this time was that, while I might not like it or understand it, God has a purpose for what has occurred. A reason that I may not understand now but that will be revealed someday. I know that the pain and loss has led me to a closer and deeper relationship with God and I look forward to whatever He has up His sleeve.



  174. Carline on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:12 am

    When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.



  175. Katy on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:24 am

    I have to say each of them spoke to me…. however at this point in my life these two that were together in the list really spoke to my heart. I am a big believer in the power of forgiveness, however sometimes its just not as easy as saying I forgive. So this one spoke to me…. “The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.” If I have learned nothing else in life I have learned how very true this is. Being angry and holding grudges definitely robs us of our happiness x

    The other is as follows….. “When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.” There is so much hate and intolerance in the world and the vast majority of it is based on opinions, assumptions and the fact so many are not taking the time to forgive and stop holding grudges which taint the way we view the world. 🙁 Sadly I’ve learned when I haven’t forgiven it has left me assuming others would be the same or do the same…..

    I have been wanting this book for a while now….. one of these days it will join my collection! I’m pretty sure God will put it in my path at the appropriate time x 🙂 What a great post!! Thanks for sharing x



  176. Quiana Boyce on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:33 am

    Failure to extend grace results in the growth of bitterness. I say this so much, not exactly like this but close to it. I really feel that this is the way I should say it. I say all that negativity is going to make you miserable. I offend people when I say it but it is true on so many levels. Now I have a better way of saying it. Thanks for the quote!



  177. Tiffany on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Joy has nothing to do with the position of your body and everything to do with the position of your heart.



  178. Leslie Rae Wood on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:44 am

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.

    I have been going through the hardest 2 years of my life. I constantly question where God is in all the bad that seemed to be happening. This quote is resonating with me largely because I’ve realized that I have been putting my hope in myself, that I can turn this around. Instead if I put my hope in God, in His perfect timing, He will lovingly guide me to His purpose and bring beauty from the ashes. Hope is the anchor of my soul and I need to place my hope in Him to remain anchored in the storm.



  179. Marla Massey on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:53 am

    * We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction



  180. Kristen G. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.

    This quote speaks right to where God has me right now. It’s a reminder and it gives me a God perspective on my situation. What God is doing is bigger than what I can see.



  181. Sophia on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.

    So many people think that it’s religion…not at all…it’s all about relationship with the Living Savior.



  182. Jaydn on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  183. Lori A. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.



  184. teresa on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    * When we choose not to judge others according to their actions but according to how God wants us to care for them, unfavorable thoughts don’t have the chance to enter our minds. Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there. I need this quote , it reminds me , every time I open my mouth abouit others .now I can remind myself if I am judging or speaking unfavorable words



  185. Debra S on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    * Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.
    I picked this quote because of the word Presence. Not sure if that is my one word, but it stood out to me. To me it meant I was not in His presence, where my mind should be, but clouded still in the worlds idea of presence, thus the pain.



  186. Jess on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 12:48 am

    * Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future.

    This hits home for me as my husband searches for work. It was a really hard year for us last year and this year has started off the same way. We are praying and trying to keep a positive attitude because we know God has a plan for us.



  187. Sherri Zimmerman on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 6:26 am

    It’s tough to pick just one of these quotes! Love this one, though!

    “The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.”



  188. Annette on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:17 am

    The very character of God, his omniscience, promises us that he knows every detail of whatever we are going through, both the good and the bad. Every one of the quotes hit home to me! I can’t wait to get the book! On January 21st I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. I just feel so overwhelmed right now. Cried on every quotes I read. I know God loves me and He will see me through. After all it is His story!



  189. Laura Cooney on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:48 am

    We can’t always control how we feel about an issue, but we can choose how we respond to those feelings. We can choose to channel those feelings in the right direction.



  190. Laurie F on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:28 am

    “Joy has nothing to do with the position of our body and everything to do with the position of your heart.” I can choose to feel joy no matter what my circumstances. Lord, help me to live that!



  191. Celia on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    “The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him .”



    • Victoria Fisher-Cuthbert on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      Yes,

      That is how I’ve been feeling for a while now. It’s so hard to embrace change when the thing that changes you involves making you vulnerable. I hate being vulnerable, it makes me feel unsafe. But, I’m learning that I’m at my safest with God! (Happy dance)



  192. Angi Phipps on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve been receiving Rachel’s e-mails and would love the opportunity to read her book. I’ve struggled with having faith the last few years because of some really bad things that have happened in my life and am trying to get it back by reading and following people like Rachel and I’m going to start following your blog as well.

    My favorite quote is: * Although we can’t see things to come, we can know that just as God had a purpose in the past, he can be trusted with the future. I’d really like to be able to believe that this is true.

    Thanks!



  193. Tracy on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    The comment that speakers to me the most is: The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges



  194. Teah Feanklin on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    I think it’s really funny how God can send a devotional, song, friend, to say exactly what you need to hear. I literally just prayed to Him, that I didn’t have the strength to keep going in this life journey. This book will be a must read for me, as I think it’s no coincidence. There are a few quotes that pulled the stringes of my heart but, the one I would have to say is the following:
    * Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.
    Thank you for this posting Tracie God Bless Teah



  195. Victoria Fisher-Cuthbert on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    I WISH I had money for this book now. Can’t wait to buy this. I’m writing these quotes in my prayer journal. Life can certainly bring the heavy winds. The past two years have been nothing but waiting, crying, praying and waiting. Right now, I’m still waiting for God to carry me to my answer. I’m praying for strength to make it to my yes season!

    The quote that really opened my mind is: Our focus is often on the wait; God’s focus is on the work.

    I have been so consumed with how long I got to wait for my blessing and not enough focus on God and his Word. No more! I started a prayer journal after watching the War Room movie and my entire perspective and attitude has gotten better. Though I’m still tired of waiting, I am starving my impatient, self-doubting flesh and feeding my faith.

    Thank you so much for sharing all these quotes. I seriously can’t wait to get some funds and buy this book!

    Victoria
    xoxox



  196. Karen Jordan on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    Look forward to reading her book! This is SO true: “Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.”



  197. Lori on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.



  198. Angela Spainhoward on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    Well, I guess you could say that I actually have more than one quote that spoke to me; Our Hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and His word, His love,
    His guidance, and His timing.
    What I think HE is trying to tell me is that I should continue to read my Bible and get closer to HIM. I should depend on His word, and His love, and His guidance and then when He is ready, He will answer my prayers in His own time.



  199. Gina on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 3:52 am

    This one quote speaks to me ; “Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for ” protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.
    I am clinging to this quote right now. Thank you address is altogina@gmail.com



  200. Jennifer on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 11:56 am

    * God desires a personal relationship with me – not a religious experience for me.

    This is my favorite! I feel that too many people rob themselves of a relationship with God because they think that God and religion are the same, and it is not!



  201. Heather on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    well, I may not be in time to win a copy of the book, but I finally got around to reading your blog post. I selected two quotes I found to not only be true, but through the power of GOD have changed my whole way of doing life:

    * Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.

    * The choice to forgive is a choice to live.The more we hold onto an unforgiving spirit, the more difficult it is to take another step forward. If only we freely forgave with as much strength as we grip grudges.

    Through a long journey I have come to a point in my life where healing has taken root and the walls have been knocked down and the grip of the grudges has been released! I am still breathing, still here on earth, so I know and realize my struggles are not over, however, I giant burden has been lifted and your ministry, Tracie has played a big part of that through out the last several years.



  202. Diana Rockwell on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Beautiful Comments, I will add mine. “God understands human emotion because he created human emotions; you will never experience an emotion he doesn’t understand.” My ministry at church is dealing with emotions so this is a great statement. Blessings Diana



  203. Jessica Dann on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 7:39 am

    I love them all!! But my heart always goes to “God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.” I think we have all viewed God at times as someone you want to hide from… fear of Him knowing how you “really feel”.. or all of those secret those and feelings that just aren’t so pretty. I have felt that way so many times, but the the truth is that He already knows!! The good, bad and ugly… there is no hiding from Him and he accepts me just the way that I am. It is comforting to me that I can just be me and pour my heart out to Him, with no hiding or shame. We can run to Him no matter what.



  204. Cynthia Verner on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    * Our hope is secure only when it is anchored in God and his Word – his love, his guidance, and his timing.



  205. Michelle on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    Our hopes and dreams are not unnoticed by Him. He sees our hearts and knows our wishes.



  206. Geralyn Miller on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 6:08 am

    The choice to forgive is the choice to live……therefore it choose life! Thank you Jesus



  207. Rose on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:32 am

    I am not much of a blogger, but for some reason this morning, I was directed to your blog, alot has happen this last year my heart attack, my husband infidelity I know god is there for me, i keep praying for my marriage, but what if my husband is not willing. Well I dont want this to be a sad blog, I want to say i really enjoy it and my two favorite verses areThe very character of God, his omniscience, promises us that he knows every detail of whatever we are going through, both the good and the bad. Well it would only paste one. Thank you



  208. Valerie Arnone on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 11:48 am

    I enjoyed all the scriptures but this one stands out the most since I have spent the past two years living in the past.

    ” We can’t allow the desire to change the past freeze our ability to move in the present. ”

    I’m praying and asking God to help me put the past behind me and to move forward to the future.



  209. Kasey on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    Wow! this book sounds amazing and exactly what you need to hear in dark moments. My friend is recently experiencing a heartbreak through the breakup of a relationship. I am going to be sending this book her way.

    My favorite quote was: The gifts we unwrap in the desert are often the ones we appreciate the most.

    A few years back, I went through a desert in my life. Now being on the other side of that desert, I see how god was molding me and growing me. Now, I am so appreciative of that time.

    Fingers are crossed to win a copy!



  210. Lisa Smith on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    When others see how God is carrying us through our trials, then He is glorified.

    I only want to glorify Him in all that I do. I would love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for the opportunity.



  211. Nancy on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    *God would rather hear about your bad day than not hear from you at all.

    It has taken walking through the most difficult season of my life to truly embrace these truths. This books looks amazing and I can’t wait to share with some friends that are in the midst of personal pain that is heart wrenching. Gods faithfulness is so good!



  212. Lisa on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    Being overwhelmed can prompt us to block out everything and everyone, including God. We’re tempted to build walls around our hearts for “protection”, but the walls also prevent the benefits of fellowship, like love, joy, and strength.



  213. Lina on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 12:56 am

    “The situations we wish God would remove from our lives are often the lessons God uses to teach us to rely on Him.” A component to faith is surrendering to Him. God bless.



  214. Cindy on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7:56 am

    “Smothered by the intensity, you don’t define the pain as an ache. It shoots through every nerve in your body. your mind is clouded by its presence. You seek relief but often overlook the greatest pain reliever. Only accepting God’s love can absolve the pain.”

    “Smothered by the intensity”…and then “only accepting God’s love”…powerful because it made me realize that I have not honestly accepted God’s love because, in such agonizing trials, I don’t feel I am worthy of His love…I pray now to accept the unconditional love from heaven above.



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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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