Marriage Challenge Day 10: PERSEVERE (& journal and pen set giveaway!)

For those of you linking to my blog today from my Proverbs 31 Devotion, Trying To Be Strong, welcome! Here at my blog we have been tackling the tough subject of marriage over the past couple weeks and challenging ourselves to listen to God’s whispers about improving our marriages, one step at a time.

But just as I mentioned in the devotion, sometimes trying to be strong for others, and even for our husbands, can zap the energy from our bodies and the joy from our spirits. When we try to be strong in our own strength, or get pulled into believing that we can be ‘the rock’ for those we love, weakness in every form will eventually set in.

Over the past two weeks, I have focused on a lot of different suggestions, all sharing the same desired goal of improving and strengthening our marriages. For the sake of those who have been with me throughout the whole challenge, and for those who are visiting today for the first time, let’s do a quick little review of the challenges (you may view all prior challenges and posts by looking at all posts since March 8th):

– praying for our husbands- their hearts, decisions, work, choices, minds, and faith.
– promoting our husbands through words of encouragement
– changing our perspectives, and trying to see our husbands through Gods eyes
– providing for their emotional and physical and needs in unique ways that only a wife can do
– protecting their reputations and giving them honor
– “play” with our husbands, remembering to spend quality time with them
– pursuing a close relationship with Christ, which benefits our marriages
– pardoning the sins of our husbands; learning to truly forgive
– practicing positive habits every day

When I look at the list above in its entirety, all on one page and in one list, I must say it seems very overwhelming and exhausting! It almost seems impossible to think that we can really implement all these habits into our marriages, remember to do them daily and/or weekly, and stay motivated to keep trying even when the road seems hard, long, unchanging, and unrewarding.

Marriage can be the biggest blessing in our lives, bring the biggest heartache we have ever known, and be the greatest adventure we have ever been on, all at the same time. It is a breeding ground of emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other, but we can take heart in knowing that God knew marriage was not easy.

He knew we would need guidance and support, encouragement and strength. Even the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:28 that “…But those who marry will face many troubles in this life…”  He even chose to make more than 500 Old and New Testament references to the words “marriage”, “married”, “husband”, and “wife” – because He cares about marriage.

Marriage was a challenge in biblical times, as it is today, because it is a union of two different, imperfect people coming together in a world that is full of sin and imperfection. It is the joining of two people who each have good and bad traits, habits, sins, and selfish desires, while trying to become one, coexist, stay in love, and deal with life.

If we only look at marriage by that description though, we will remain discouraged, instead of encouraged; frustrated, instead of hopeful; and disheartened, instead of joyful.

Marriage is one of the important parts of life where God knew we would need His strength, courage, ability to forgive, grace, mercy and hope, and one of the many reasons why He encourages us to persevere if we want to see our dreams come true, our faith come to life, and our marriages be a fulfilling blessing in our lives.

To persevere means to ‘persist in anything undertaken; to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; and to continue steadfastly’. Here are a couple verses that reiterate Gods take on perseverance:

Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Perseverance is not always fun, and being strong is not always easy, but in Christ we can reap the rewards of His love, protection, and blessing as a result.  When we feel we can’t make it another day, we can rely on El to hold us up in His strength.

Only God knows the problems or blessings in each of our marriages, and only He knows the future of each relationship. But our role is to continue to trust Him in whatever we are facing, and to persevere through His strength and not our own in every adversity of life that we face.

DAY 10 CHALLENGE:  PERSEVERE, and seek strength from God.

Today your challenge is to embrace the mindset of perseverance and look to God to be your Strong One, as I mentioned in today’s devotion. There is no doubt about it, marriage is hard, but without God’s strength, it is even harder.

Lord, so many women may be exhausted right now, and losing their desire to persevere. They have tried all of the marriage challenge tips over the past couple weeks, yet may not be seeing any real evidence of change taking place in their relationships with their husbands, or in their marriages overall.  I come to you Jesus, lifting each heart up that needs a special dose of strength from You today. Hearts that are wondering if their efforts matter, and if they can really trust in You to do what seems beyond our reach. Convict hearts of husbands all over our country, and make them acutely aware, maybe for the first time, of how their wives need to know they care. That their needs matter too. Prick their spirits and give the men the strength they need to be the husbands You have called and prepared them to be.  For women who are seeing positive results in their marriages, we praise You Lord, and ask for your continued intervention.  Help us all be strong Lord  – in marriage, but also in our everyday circumstances and hardships. You know where we are each feeling the weakest. We come to You, El, seeking Your strength to persevere, and trusting that with You, all things are possible.  In Jesus name, Amen.

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY:

journal1In today’s Proverbs 31 Devotion, I shared a time when journaling helped me hear from God. As promised, today I’m giving away a beautiful journal filled with inspirational bible verses and a pen set.  One winner will be random selected from all entries, and I’ll personalize the journal with a note of encouragement to the winner. WINNER ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 27TH!

journal2To enter to win, leave a comment sharing one area of life where you could really use an extra helping of holy strength and where you will begin more fully relying on God’s strength to persevere through that trial.

 

 

If you are receiving this post in email, please CLICK HERE to leave your comment and enter the giveaway.

 

The winner of last Thursday’s giveaway for a free copy of Suzie Eller’s new book, The Unburdened Heart, is Jen who posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:37 pm. 

If you are Jen, please click here to contact me with your mailing address information. Please reference which book you won when responding.

138 Comments

  1. Terri on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Thank you so much for the beautiful prayers. I need to remember that God is there for me even on the big issues of life and not just the small ones. My faith needs to be bigger, and TRUST The Lord with everything in my life and my marriage. I need to pray continually and keep God close. Blessings and Happy Easter!!



  2. Loretta on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:21 am

    I completely and fully rely on God’s perseverance. The choices, paths, hurts, conflicts I have caused not only to others, but to the one person who means the most to me, there’s only one who can take ‘us’ through all of this. Left to my own devices/demise, it will only make matters worse. God, I pray for your will, guidance, strength, and hope. Amen.



  3. my3kidsjoy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:23 am

    I have learned so much from this challenge. Every day I am striving to see my husband as God sees him and show him love and mercy. I pray for him, protect, play, persevere over him. I know I cant do it alone but with God ALL yhings are possible.



  4. Heather on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:35 am

    Right now there seem to be so many areas…after reading the Proverbs 31 devotion this morning, I am trying to be that rock instead of leaning on the ROCK. Life right now seems out of control and I am trying to be the one who fixes it, instead of trusting the ONE who is in control.



  5. Iris on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:37 am

    The one area I currently struggle and rely on myself is my full-time job. Some days it is hard to see the positive and I get discouraged. I need to rely more on Him.



  6. Jan Tyson on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:48 am

    Wow this is great. One area I need to pererve in is with our teenage daughter. We are struggling with her. She has special needs and somedays are just a struggle to keep our head above the water. She is also a pastors daughter and we have hit some rough places with that. We are dealing with anger issues and that is another area. We just need prayer at our house. Thanks so much Jan



  7. Renee Pilot on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:53 am

    Thank you for today’s uplifting devotion, I need prayer for God to unleash my pride as I work through the marriage challenge.



  8. Kim Shumake on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Trying to be “strong” has been my banner for way too long. Thank you or reminding me to stop and let God be strong for me and to rely on Him.



  9. carol on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:08 am

    I want to to lean on God for my strength & not to drink wine to get through a rough day.



    • Vicki on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Yes. I rely on alcohol when it is God I should be trusting. Alcohol is not bad, if we use it for the right reason. And is it not ok if we need to relax??? Not sure how to tell the difference. Blessings to you.



  10. Constance on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:08 am

    I too have been trying so often to do things of my own strength. Thank you for today’s reminder challenge, I needed to hear it!



  11. Mary on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:15 am

    I want to lean on God for the strength to believe He will work in my daughter’s marriage…



  12. Rhonda on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:24 am

    I always let God have the big things but I want to let him have all the little issues in my life….. the ones that may me crazy daily. I need His strenght for that. Thanks for your message.



  13. Marchelle on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:27 am

    Thanks you so much for this post!!!! I ned God’s preservance in forgiving and seeing my husband as God sees Him. I have been struggling a long time in my marriage because of adultery. I want to truly forgive and I need God’s strength to do that. I love my husband and i want our marriage to work. I have tried to be the rock in my marriage and family but as you stated it becomes so exhausting and overwhelming. I have tried to be everyone’s rock when I needed to just lean on the real rock which is Jesus Christ. I also need to learn to trust Hod with all my heart and soul and believe that He will bring my marriage to what He wants it to be. I am going to begin the challenge and believe that God will make a change in my marriage and remind us why we got married and how important marriage is to God.



  14. diana callahan on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:28 am

    I just had a long talk with my husband last night about the pressures i am dealing with raising our five kids in the middle of his overbearing work schedule. The weekends are not much better due to the attention he has been giving to one of our sons who is restoring a jeep. The rest of us are “left out”. Then he is so exhausted he comes in and sleeps when he has promised to spend time with us. It is hard, but I’m grateful for God’s strength. I have not been doing the study but I am about to begin.



  15. regina on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:34 am

    God has taught me so much the last few years, He has given me His strength to get through each day and look forward to the next, He has given me a new perspective on life. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and now and battling brain tumors, but I know its not my battle to fight, its Gods, He has given me a wonderful supportive husband. A man who even when I had no hair, made me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth. I have been so blessed with 4 wonderful children…I love life and know God has amazing plans for me…God Bless.



  16. jennifer on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:36 am

    I am learning to rely more on God and not my own strength, as my husband has been unemployed for the last three years. I have been supporting the family financially as well as trying to be a good mom and wife and that can be exhausting. Thank you God for being our strength to persevere!



  17. Carol Chester on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:43 am

    My husband has a hard time “showing” me how much he loves me. I need to perservere being the wife God called me to be because of how much God loves me. As I practice that, I will reap blessings in my home a d from my husband.



  18. Lori on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:50 am

    Thank you Tracie for this message which really spoke to me at a time when I needed it most. I need to persevere in my marriage – remembering that I can’t rely on my husband to make me happy, and that God is sufficient for all my needs. Thank you.



  19. maria on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:54 am

    I need God’s help to preserve my marriage from the disagreements we have over child rearing. I pray that God would help us come to an understanding that we can both agree upon.



  20. Holly on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Thank You for sharing your heart. I just stumbled on this, this morning. This is the exact thing the Lord is trying (yes I am stubborn and don’t think anything will change) to work in my life about. I need strength in my marriage big time, I feel like everything lately seems to be falling apart. I know a lot of it , is because I am not looking to God, I am just trying to do everything myself. I also know because there is tension in our marriage, there is tension with our children. I really need the Lord’s strength right now. Thank you!



    • Vicki on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Hope you will have the time to look at the other posts in this challenge. Really helpful information. It has been like a message from God for me.



  21. Tammy P on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:04 am

    One area I struggle with is just being a woman in general. It’s hard to keep up with everything and everyone and do it with a smile on your face! I know though that even if I am imperfect in all these areas El is still holding me up to face each day. Thankyou for this devotion!



  22. Christie Jackson on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Something I struggle with is trust. I have a hard time trusting God and my husband, even though He’s given me no reason to. My head knows I can trust them but I struggle to get that down to my heart



  23. Jennifer on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:16 am

    I came across your blog for the first time the day before this marriage challenge started. It was God directed for sure as it was just what I needed for myself and for our marriage. Over the past two weeks I have been able to see my husband as God would, a man trying to do the right thing even though it wasn’t always what I thought was the right thing. I now am able to look at my husband and see the good things and be grateful to have him in my life. We have been married for over 20 years, and as we all know there can be a lot of hurt, disappointment and frustration. However God has shown me over the past two weeks that I need to work on myself and my relationship with God and to trust Him with my life including my marriage. to use EI as my source of strength. I’m am thankful for this blog, so thank you Tracie for doing this. I now look forward to seeing what God has planned for my marriage, I love my husband and know that the next 20 plus years will be filled with good things.



  24. Joy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:18 am

    I could really use some holy strength in dealing with an overweight problem that I have struggled with most of my life. I think that it has started to effect my relationship with my husband, so I am needing to pray for his patience as I seek God to help me overcome this struggle and temptation to overeat.



  25. Erin on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I’m starting a busy week. Instead of dreading that, I want to be intentional about focusing on the Lord during this Holy Week and teaching my children that as well.



  26. Katherine on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I need extra strength in the area of a job. I am patiently waiting on the Lord to open that door which has been a huge challenge in my life. This is the area of my life where I really feel unfulfilled.



  27. Laura on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:22 am

    I pray for each of you & your marriages, that you will feel the strength & courage you need to persevere. Marriage truly is a blessing from God & we need Him to be at the center of it. I am in need of more strength in clearly seeing God’s plan for our family’s resources. My husband & I want to do what he calls us to do yet are currently feeling overcommitted due to too many decisions made on our own, without prayer. May we be reminded more often to pause & pray before saying Yes. Thank you Jesus!



  28. Patrice Bryant on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:22 am

    I need an extra helping of holy strength in trusting God for my marriage of over 20 years. I was/am ready to call it quits but I guess God is not ready for it to end. I am amazed by all of the encouragement I am receiving although my strentgh is all but gone. I am perservering and pursing God with not only this challenge, but the marital challenge Sharon Jaynes had as well as her online bible study for her book The Sudden Glory and the online bible study for Suzie Eller’s book The Unburdened Heart. I wish I could say I feel like doing these things but with all the hurt and pain of my marriage for so long, I am just acting on a mustard seed of faith because I don’t think I have anything left.



  29. Jeanie Kelley on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:24 am

    I am learning in my marriage to do the love/respect aspect of my marraige. The one thing I have learned is that if I do not respect my husband then my prayer will go unanswered, but if I do respect him then my prayers will be answered. This seems to help and our arguments have not been that explosive. Our marriage could have ended a long time ago, but I still feel like he is my best friend. On the journaling, I have found that I love to journal and I can journal all day about what is going on. I found that it is an outlet for me. I have also learned that if I do not journal then I will have nightmares and literally take it out on my spouse. I have discovered that when I do write I can get alot off from my unconscious and my heart before bed.



  30. Jennifer on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:26 am

    I could not do what I have been doing for the past few months without God given strength. The people around me are continually amazed that I have stayed in the situation for this long, and I continue to give God the credit. I know that without Him it would not be possible. Thank you, Tracie for this series. It has given me new inspiration and a renewed spirit that God does have the ability to change my situation.



  31. Miriam on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:26 am

    Thank you Tracie. I have been having trouble finding time to get to your emails, but God’s timing is always perfect and your words today were exactly what I needed to hear. I need to strength to see through a difficult time my husband and I are having and to be patient with him and love him unconditionally.



  32. Lynn Bennett on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Today’s devotional message is one of the countless ways that God continues to lead and encourage me in this season of my life…praise His Name!! I have for a long time tried to be strong for others in my family through their struggles and my prayer today is that I would “offer love suport prayera and a listening heart remembering that I am NOT their rock but God IS!! It is His job and I need to point them to Him as I lean upon my Rock!! I look forward to the online study!!



  33. Heather on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:30 am

    I am in need of holy strength in balancing my work and home life. I have started a new job where I work 5 nights a week. During the day I am at home taking care of my children who are 4 and 6. My husband is doing a great job with the children at night while I am working, but I seem to be exhausted all the time. I enjoy working and we do need the money to pay for our children to go to Christian school. But I feel guilty because I am not able to be there in the evenings for them.



  34. Anysa on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:40 am

    Wow….I thought I had it all together as I read daily, pray daily, and try to listen to the Holy Spirit throughout the day…however, my 17 year old daughter just got back from rehab and the last week has been so exhausting. Learning about addiction has been an eye opener for me as so much happened right under my nose and I didn’t even see it! To know that your child has been cutting since the 6th grade and you never even saw it, is a heart-wrenching, gut check time to say the least. I was with her everyday, we talked everyday, but much of her behavior can also be attributed to normal teenage hormones so I didn’t think anything else about the attitudes and behaviors as I have two older children. I knew she had suffered alot of pain but she always had this cheery attitude that she was fine and she knew God had something in store for her, etc…..little did I know the pain was so dark and deep that she had no idea how to deal with it. We have made tremendous strides since January of this year and she is now well on her way to recovery but the doubt that kicks in for me on a daily basis is something I struggle with and want to relinquish it to the Holy Spirit! Doubting my decisions, her decisions, everything. Please pray for us!



  35. Ashlee Solheim on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I am in need of more strength to be fully trusting and rely on God’s plan and strength. I have a hard time waiting for things I really want and I need to be more patient, because God’s timing is not our timing!!



  36. Jess on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:54 am

    I need an extra helping of holy strength in trusting God with my finances. I need wisdom to know which next steps to take and to TRUST HIM no matter what. He know exactly what I need, and I just need to trust Him.



  37. Maria on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:57 am

    I’ve really been enjoying these posts…I’ll be honest, my marriage was NOT in a good place, and for me it was very easy to place all the blame on my husband, but this marriage challenge has me opening my eyes to the things that I can do. When this challenge is over, I plan to print out all the days and post them somewhere just for me so I can be reminded. Thanks for being such a blessing in this way!!



  38. Gloria on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I need to persevere for my marriage. I have tried so many things over the years to be what my husband needs and still find myself unable to turn his heart towards me. I have come to the point of giving up….not leaving, just emotionally “checking out”. I feel like I am struggling for my spiritual life. The only place I know to start is to ask the Lord to help me want to continue to persevere in this. Be my strength today, Lord!!



  39. Jeni on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:05 am

    HELP! The last 2 weeks have been so wonderful. I can feel God’s presence. I have certainly experienced a changed heart. However, another great weekend ended in a huge argument. A few harsh words from my husband negated all that I have been doing in the past two weeks. It felt like a huge slap in the face. I honeslty thought this morning that I don’t have the energy or the will to continue. In fact, I started not to even read the challenge for today. Again it was perfect timing. Your prayer is perfect for my situation today. I pray for the strength to perservere and for God to prick my husband’s heart. I need to feel appreciated too. My husband basically told me that I don’t appreciate him and our conversation made me feel like they only was he wants to be appreciated is in the bed room. I am absolutely at my wits end. I feel so taken for granted.



    • Vicki on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Yes, I hope we get to this in the challenge. My husband sees sex as the most important way to say I love you. And it is very important to most men. My husband hasn’t been able to be active in that way for several weeks. I hate to say, it has been good for me. 🙂



  40. Kelly on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I’m reminded I need to rely on God’s strength and truth rather than my fickle feelings.



  41. Janice on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I need God’s strength today to see my Husband in a different light. We are going through hard times financially and I sometimes get so frustrated with him and feel myself losing respect for him. I do not want to fall into that trap. I need God’s strength and direction.



  42. Kerry on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I have had such a change in heart these past several weeks. I am so thankful for God for directing me towards this and helping guide me/us. I will continue to ask God to help me be patient while I “hand” it over to him. What a blessing that we have that ability to do this through Our Heavenly Father! And to think we are in the Holy Week of Easter! How Blessed we are!



  43. Cindy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Tracie, I am so glad I found you today from Proverbs 31!
    I, too, am feeling very tired from trying to be the ‘strong one’ so the name El really speaks to me. This only confirms that I need to trust in El and persevere with prayer and love for my husband who is battling an addiction and let myself ‘lean’ on Him for strength!
    Thank you! I’m excited to read back through and catch up on your marriage series!!



  44. Vicki on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

    I need help dealing with shame. I also need to respect my husband and tell him how proud I am of him more often. I was surprised last night when he shared a fear with me about him not feeling well. I am so glad he shared what he thought I was thinking. He was so wrong. I just hugged him and assured him that he was wrong. One of those times when it’s good to be wrong v. Hope I win that journal too. Really want your message in it more than anything. Thanks.



  45. Patience on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Thanks for the Prayer.I need a lot of strength in trusting God in the area of our finances.



  46. Jenn on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:17 am

    I have been sharing some of your challenges with our small group Bible study. I love journaling, I find it helpful in communicating with God and then also going back to see how He spoke with me.



  47. michelle h on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:18 am

    parenting!



  48. Kelly c-m on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:24 am

    The area where I am trying to rely more on God and need a huge dose of His holy strength is dealing with my husband’s anxiety and anger. I’m currently in counseling to figure out how to set effective boundaries in my marriage (how to be a supportive wife, but not a doormat) and I’m fervently praying for God to teach me to be the wife that He has called me to be. This challenge is greatly helping.



  49. Sandra in Carolina on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:25 am

    I need to rely on God more in taking care of my children’s needs. I worry over my daughter’s grades in school which is a struggle for her with ADHD. I need an extra helping of God’s strength to get me through the school year without spending every waking hour worrying if she will pass or not. The stress is terrible. I know God’s got this & He will work things together for her good & His glory.



  50. Polly Schneider on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:28 am

    I need help today and everyday be face my health issues. I am so tired and have some kind of pain everyday. I am in the process of applying for disability and it is very long and drawn out. Please pray for this situation and for me to have more faith to hang in there. Of course this brings financial issues also.
    Another stressor is my marriage, it is a long story but we need to communicate better. Please pray for us.
    Thanks!



  51. GothamGal on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:37 am

    I would say that my toughest trial right now is work related. There have been some rough things going on and I have brought so much stress to other aspects of my life (family, wedding planning, etc) to this because of the things I am going through.



  52. LRF on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Thank you for the devotion today. I know that to many times I have tried to “do it all” & in my strength I can do nothing. God is my strength, my rock. I need to keep that in the forefront of my mind each day & pray that God will be my strength & then give Him my family etc & just ask Him to take the burdens I have for them & others & to be their strength as well.The area I especially need God’s strength right now, is my marriage & also in a problem I am having~
    with some people at my place of worship. I need to forgive them & know that in my own strength I can’t I desperately need God’s help to forgive them.
    God truly has used P31 devotions in a wonderful way in life, especially recently, It’s like the words are God sent directly to my heart!
    ~Blessings~



  53. Alisha Kennedy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:39 am

    I need to rely on God more with my children. My husband has taken a new job and travels more, so it’s just me and my boys. They’re a lot to handle, and I know it’s just a new adjustment. But, I’m having trouble balancing everything and my oldest has ADHD and controlling issues, so it makes it a little more challenging. I know God has my back and me trying to control or worry about all of it is totally pointless. But, I am human… Praying for patience and God’s holy strength to cover my household.



  54. Amber on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Thanks for sharing. I need help not to obligate myself to more than I can handle. I have been guilty of taking on too many projects and then fail to take time for my family or myself. I tend to stretch myself thin and then become an emotional wreck.



  55. Heidi on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:44 am

    Fear. And depression. As I age I find more and more things to fear and my life long battle with depression becomes a bigger struggle. God & prayer is the only thing that gets me through, but because I am a sinner I struggle to stay focused on Him.
    I will try to perservre in praying then letting GO and letting God take my fear and sadness.



  56. Tabitha on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:46 am

    One area of life where I could really use more strength is when it comes to fully trusting in God. I have faced a lot of adversity in my young life, and with that adversity came a lot of doubt. I have overcome sexual abuse, the death of a parent, and homelessness and I’m only seventeen. Throughout all of this, I had learned that I had to be strong to handle everything. I was always told, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” and “God only gives is toughest battles to His strongest soldiers!” It sounded good at the time and I rolled with it. I continually told myself I was just getting stronger and God trusted me to handle it all. Because of these difficulties, I often like to believe that I can handle all of kinds situations on my own and that I can be the person anyone can come to for help with their own problems. Just like you said, though, it really does get exhausting! Because of my always trying to muster up the strength to face situations on my own, I’ve found myself feeling incredibly lonely, tired, and depressed. Depression has really hampered my faith lately. I find it so difficult to give things to God if I’m hurting so badly. When I’m depressed, I just struggle with my faith more, and, in turn, I only get more depressed.

    I guess for me, I need to find the strength to lean on God in all that I do. In response to the quote I mentioned above, God gives us these battles so that we face them side-by-side with Him- not for us to attack them single-handed. God doesn’t have to trust me, I have to trust HIM. So, I am going to start believing whole-heartedly that if I do what I can, God will step in and handle what I can’t. I am going to fully rely on Him and believe that He is with me in everything that I do, and that it is okay to not be strong sometimes, because HE is ALWAYS strong. I actually wrote a poem about being strong the other day that I would LOVE to share with you, if you want!! Just let me know! Thank you so much for this outreach! I just stumbled across it today and, even though I am just a teenager who is nowhere near marriage or anything yet, it has really touched my heart in a way that I’ll never be able to tell you! God bless! 🙂



  57. debbie pemberton on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:47 am

    I need help not always feeling my husband is not the right one for me and this after 30 yrs. of marriage. I need to understand him more with the help of the Holy Spirit. I will go into Gods’ Word more and pray.



  58. Vonnie Kronk on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:47 am

    I need help understanding why I haven’t been totally healed, only some abilities.



  59. Dana on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:51 am

    I have been following the challenges and even started a prayer journal. I am praying that my husband turn to God to help him be the man that God intended him to be and resist temptation.



  60. Diamond Jernigan on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:57 am

    I am so glad this was today’s challenge because I have a hard time persevering in the struggle with my husband and I not agreeing on how to handle our ADHD daughter. It is a battle daily as he will not abide by the way the counselors tell us to in dealing with our daughter. He wants to be tough. We disagree and it is a problem and battle every day. It is hard not to want to throw my hands up and even though a separation occurred last year for a short time, I keep on trying to hold it together with God’s help as I don’t want to walk away and have a divided family. It is a struggle every day and hard to persevere when I feel so week but I know God is my strength and He will carry me through. I cannot fall or fail with Him in charge.



  61. Lili Drussell on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I need some encouragement dealing with my husband and the way he is with my older son( his stepson) they both dislike each other it really stressful on me!!



  62. Tana on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Thank You Traci for your wonderful encouragement and enlightenment. Reading your Marriage Challange helps the rest of us to know we are not alone in our struggles… makes me feel normal!!:o) It’s nice to know others out there are going thru the exact same things I go thru… for me, that provides peace. I ask for prayer to persevere to release my pride and controlling and let God handle my relationship and to see my husband thru God’s eyes.



  63. Mandy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    There is so much I need to persevere in but my first and foremost is taking daily time and the discipline of reading my Bible and praying everyday. I want to be convicted of the necessity to align my life with God instead of falling apart and wondering why. Thank you for the encouragement God bless



  64. Tristine on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Tracie thank you so much for the encouragement. I am signed up for your stress less study and I cannot wait. today’s devotional really struck home. my husband had a stroke almost a year ago. this is brought me much closer to our God but I still need the Holy strength and power. I feel like I’ve been in the furnace, trying so hard to stay strong for my husband. This Has brought me to my knees many many times he is doing better but I am not so sure about myself. I thank you what you shared about how we could be godly women with our husbands. I have tried very hard to stick with those principles. thank you so much Tracie for what you do for us women around the world.



  65. Maria on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    My husband and I are struggling with our youngest daughter going through the Terrible Twos! We’re trying to figure out how often and when to disclipline her without feelings like we’re doing it constantly.



  66. Lori Dudas on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Traci, God shows Himself to me every day – he was so faithful to show me your blog today. It is the first I have read! I love crosswalk.com and find lots of encouragement! I have five teenagers and my husband is frequently gone for long periods of time as he is in the Air Force. All the stress of getting things done around the house, helping with homework, running errands, serving at church – I’m exhausted! I catch myself feeling down, eating for comfort, withdrawing from friends who don’t seem to care…thank you for the reminder that “El” is here for me, daily offering His strength and help.



  67. Katrina on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    I need God’s help in trusting. I am very insecure and having a hard time trusting. A praise though is that I have been working on the things you have said and my husband actually kissed me 3 times before leaving for work! He hasn’t been very attentive to me lately. I was praising God this morning during my prayer time and am still praising Him now!



  68. Brenda on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    I have made a copy of the 10 to carry with me every day , to remind me . Prayer has helped me, and God has answered so many of my request. I need to work on, seeing him thru Gods eyes ( 3 ) and quality time and play ( 6 ). Thank you for the awesome reminders.



  69. Kristy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    The devotion from Proverbs 31, Trying to Be Strong and today’s Perseverance really hit home and spoke to me. I always try to be the strong one and do everything myself. I have been struggling with my marriage and depression. I’ve been praying, but last week my prayer was answered and I was told that I cannot do this on my own. Even though I am trying so hard, I need some help and there’s nothing wrong with that.



  70. Jenny on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    I want to be stronger in specifically praying for my spouse. I am getting ready to embark upon marriage for the second time, and want to have a marriage bathed in prayer.



  71. Laurie on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    This has been a season of grieving for me: sudden loss of my dad, moving to a 3rd world country, best friends moving away. Thank you for the reminder to run to Him as my strong tower (Prov 18:10) and to cast my burdens on Him b/c He really does care about all the details of my life, my children’s lives.



  72. Jane on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    The area where I struggle is finances. My husband is self employed and we do not know from one week to the next what amount of money will be brought in for bills to be paid, food to be bought, etc. God has blessed us through the years but now that we understand God’s Word and what direction He wants for us we desire to be able to get out of debt but becuase of medical issues that keep coming up it seems we never can get ahead. God is faithful though and we have not done without a meal or gas to put in our vehicle to get to work. I want to be less concerned and know that God has provided before and will continue to meet our needs!



  73. Jill E on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Patience! It’s so hard to be patient – with my husband and my children! I need to rely on His strength to help me be patient – I can’t do it on my own!



  74. Cindy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    One area of life where I could really use an extra helping of holy strength and where I would like to begin to more fully relying on God’s strength to persevere is: In my trying to pick up all the broken pieces of fragility hurt feelings that are made from a husband who is struggling in his walk with God, and trying to put all the pieces back together to have some semblance of joy within my family.



  75. Cindy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    One area of life where I could really use an extra helping of holy strength and where I would like to begin to more fully rely on God’s strength to persevere is: In my trying to pick up all the broken pieces of fragile and hurt feelings that are made from a husband who is struggling in his walk with God, and trying to put all the pieces back together to have some semblance of joy within my family.



  76. Audrey on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    I pray everyday the Lord grants me patience! I know I need to work on this and I’m trying but I rely on God to help me in that area of my marriage and as a mother.



  77. Bree on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    I need God’s strength to see me through my unemployment. My one word for 2013 is TRUST. Without trying, I’m constantly encountering verses, devotionals, blog entries, etc. about having faith and trusting God. I’m currently reading Wendy Blight’s book Hidden Joy, which has been a huge blessing. She encourages having a “breath prayer.” Mines is: “I will trust in You, Lord, with all my heart” and have been repeating that prayer throughout the day. With God, I WILL get through this trial. Last year at this time, I’d have meltdowns over my circumstances and was very stressed, which hindered my job search. Since then, I’ve been reading the Bible every day and praying more often. However, I still can slip and get discouraged. I’m looking forward to the upcoming study and know it’ll be a huge help! Blessings!



  78. Kelly on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    I am determined to persevere through my marriage with God’s help. There has been so much talk about same sex marriages in politics, but us as Christians need to be determined to uphold God’s plan for marriage. One man and one woman.



  79. Jenny on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    Less than two weeks ago, my husband discovered that I had cheated on him. Before this, we lead a sinful life full of drugs. After his discovery (of which I am very remorseful), we have since gotten clean and sober and started our journey of living a holy life with God as our personal Lord and Savior. My husband was baptized and we have both started praying daily together, reading our Bibles, going to church as a family, etc. I still find myself having unclean thoughts, whether it be about prescription drugs or about the “other man.” I want to be the Godly wife and mother that God wants me to be. I need an extra dose of his strength to keep the devil out of my head and replace these thoughts with ones that are holy.



    • Laura on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 4:06 pm

      The best way is to keep asking Him EVERY day for that strength from Him to be holy and have pure thoughts. I know from the trying and failing, you cannot do it on your own, hard as you try, you have to die to your selfishness every day and confess that you cannot do it on your own and that you need Him. He will answer better than you can ever imagine if you just keep asking and praying and listening to Him!



  80. Aly on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    I am working on being more patient and understanding. Every day is a new challenge and learning experience that God is helping me through. Love my husband! 🙂



  81. Angie Green on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    My husband and I have been together for 6 years and married for 3 on April 10th of this year. We have struggled through things, both large and small. The difficulty I struggle with is pardoning him. He has never cheated or lied. The struggles we had in the beginning stemmed from his trust issues and his anger. We sought help through our church and God moved in a way that I could never describe. There were specific things that would trigger an argument. Money was one of the biggest triggers. I also felt like I couldn’t talk to him about anything, especially when my feelings were the topic. He was irritable and unapproachable. Things are completely different now after we went through counseling but I find myself still hesitating to talk to him about the things that made him angry in the past. It’s been almost a year since our last “blow up”. I have forgiven him but I can remember how it used to be. That being said, maybe I haven’t completely forgiven him. I don’t know. It’s hard to forget the hurtful words he has used during a heated argument. I’m so blessed with what God has given me but the darkness of our tumultuous past still lingers. I pray everyday for God to restore me and help me overcome my past. I know I have to “be still and know” that He is God. I guess that’s where the day 10 challenge comes in.



  82. Susan K on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    Not being so hard on myself. I got to learn from my mistakes and move on emotionally. Rely on “El” for strength when I feel weak.



  83. Sharon Tavera on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    I struggle daily with just overall help entirely! I’m so drowned in trying to fix my stress, my marriage, my personality, everything all at once and it just seems I need bigger help and that’s where I need to rely on Him!



  84. Linda Adesanya on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    I need help in making a huge decision. My husband wants “proof” that I am putting our marriage first.



  85. Laura on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    I will be praying (and have been) for extra help from the Lord with getting my self-worth and my emotional needs met more from Him rather than my husband – putting God before my hubby on my priority list and not allowing my husband or my marriage become my idol. Thank you, Tracie – this challenge is really great for us!!



  86. Barbara wiggers on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    I really need Gods strength on a day to day basis. I have been working through light for the journey in my own timing and am only on the 4th week, but have been trying to let it really sink in and i have been reading various encouraging readings through my emails. My relationship with God has grown over the last year, where after coming to grips with my husband leaving me and sending me an email stating he chose separation, i went to a sozo session and found forgiving



  87. Donna on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    I recognize the need to be less controlling and more respectful of my husband. I am praying that God will help me in this area and that we will both be more forgiving and accepting of each other. I am mentoring a new Christian, and we are working on these marriage areas. I have mentioned to her it would be good to journal her prayer requests to God, His answers, praises, and thanksgiving. I encouraged her to subscribe to P31 and this would be a lovely gift to surprise her with from a P31 writer!

    Sweet Blessings.



  88. Amy on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Love these tips! It’s encouraging to know that our marriages need never be static -we can change and grow by changing our actions and responses.



  89. Lindy Lou on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    I have been praying for help from the Lord with getting my emotional needs met more from Him rather than my man – putting God first on my priority list and not allowing my relationship to consume my thoughts. I have been focusing on my self worth as a woman of God. Thank you for your prayers, mine continue to include everyone in this study.



  90. LauraK on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    It is in the areas of TRUSTING and WAITING (for too many things/in too many situations to list here) that I am in need of Holy Strength to persevere. Thank you for the sweet reminder to lean into Him deeper, farther, closer.



  91. Cherise on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Just found this blog- I love it already! I am starting the 14 day marriage challenge. I am excited to see God work!!



  92. Brittany H. on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Right now, I really need to put my career and current job in the Lord’s hands. I need to seek His strength through these trials and tribulations that I and my co-workers are currently facing.



  93. Danielle on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    You name it, I need God’s assistance. I guess the most important is my family and children.



  94. Liz Arnold on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:17 pm

    I think my area is the area of trusting God to make good on His promises. I can’t focus on what I see but on the promise. I struggle with “walking by faith and Not by sight” in my marriage. I look at the way things are or specifically how my husband acts and often think that he will never change. I know I have to trust God to do what He said He would do and put My husband in His hands.



  95. MissyB on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:44 pm

    Need strength, patience, positive thoughts and words parenting teenage daughter



  96. Beth Werner Lee on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    So my prayer, since summer 2010, has been along the lines of:
    I am weak, you are strong.
    I cannot make things happen, but you can.
    I can’t even manage my time, buy you can be in control of me.
    I don’t have perfect love; give me your love with which to love my people that you have given me!

    It is a comfort, and your words a reminder. Thank you! Thank you for the encouragement on marriage. I have one daughter (12) and one grandfather (my dad, 82) living with us. I often feel pulled in different directions!



    • Heather on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:26 pm

      Thank you Beth for posting this! This was something I needed to read and be reminded of!



  97. Sherri Beck on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Today’s devotion really spoke to me. My mom recently moved a couple of blocks away so we could be more involved in her life and help and be there for her. I know that I have been trying to be strong for her and be there to care for all of her needs. She doesn’t drive and dosn’t have any friends or other family members who are actively involved in her life. I have been feeling overwhelmed with thinking I have to be there for her all the time. I am married and work part time as a preschool teacher. Our thirteen yr old granddaughter also lives with us…so I have really been feeling stressed trying to balance everything. It was encouraging to read today’s devotion. I know I can’t be my ms rock and I need to relax and trust God to be God in her life…thanks again for such an encouraging devotion…Blessings to all of you @ Proverbs 31…I am so thankful for all of you!



  98. klaub63 on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    Tracie I have been working with you on this challenge from day one and I look forward to it everyday. God has been moving in my marriage which also means the enemy has as well. Praise be to God that I will believe him for successful marriage. Thank you for this study I pray God will continue to bless you and your family



  99. Alana on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Today’s blog sent me to 2 Corithians 12:10 which reminds me that the difficulties of marriage only makes me strong through my weaknesses when I trust in God.



  100. zakiya on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    I have tried and prayed. Your verses today remind me to continue to persevere.



  101. Mary Beth on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    I will rely on God’s strength more in the area of letting God’ s love shine through me to others. I want my life to be used for God’s glory and I want my words and my actions to reflect Him!



  102. Mary T on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    My grandson Andrew is medically fragile. He is 5 years old…we were told he wouldn’t live more than a few days. I am a special educator (for over 30 years now). The Lord prepared me my whole life for a precious gift. Andrew is in my class. I often forget that the Lord is Andrew’s rock…I may be the one he chooses to carry out his plan for Andrew but sometimes I need a reminder that He is Andrew’s rock and that we must lean on Him who loves us to do His will. Thank you for your devotion today! ps perseverance is one of my most favorite thoughts and prayers!



  103. Melynda on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    Thank you God that your strength and Your plans are perfect! I will perservere.



  104. Heather on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    To persevere with diligently raising my 5 children and being a supportive loving wife. I sometimes feel so overwhelmed and out of control with the things that need to be done. I was really encouraged by what someone said up above about letting God be in control of my “time” and my schedule, what needs to be done. Seems like such a simple concept, a “why didn’t I think of that?!” kind of thing.

    I’m loving this Marriage Challenge series! I’m doing all of these and seeing God move in SO many different ways! I haven’t told my husband that I’m doing it, but I can’t wait to tell him and show him all the ways that God has been moving!



  105. Rose Mary Brewer on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    Now that my babies are grown and moved out of the house I want to truly become my husbands helpmeet. Not by doing what I think he needs from me but by asking and relying on God to sculp me and teach me how to best serve him. God created him and only God knows what he really needs.



  106. Jen H. on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    I’ve been praying for the Holy spirit’s guidance & help in my marriage & the strength to persevere for God is good & can work all this gs for good. Even the most broken of relationships.



  107. Elaine Segstro on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    I so need God’s strength & wisdom in my parenting. I am grateful for a Godly spouse in this journey.



  108. Janie W on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:29 pm

    As my husband and I move quickly towards an empty nest in the next few months, i need God’s help, strength and love in order to rekindle our spirits towards one another.



  109. Julie on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 12:40 am

    My husband and I have been married 10 months. This is not our first marriage, it is our third. We both have children and this has been a struggle for us. I need God’s help and strength to deal with the challenges of blending our families and with building a marriage our children can model when they finally get married themselves. It is time to break the divorce cycle.



  110. Lauren B on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 1:10 am

    WOW Tracie ~ thank you or I should say Thank you God for using Tracies devotional on P31 along with my “my verse” of the day to smack me and make me stop and realize that HE wants to be my “EL”. Your daily devotion had God speaking right to my heart, it flowed so well with the verse he chose for me this morning……Proverbs 30:15.
    He is my shield from evil during my day at work, he is my Rock to hold me and he is my strength. This reminded me today I can no longer carry the burderns of those around me at work…..God will guide and direct my day and I will fix my eyes on Him ~ my EL!
    God Bless you all!



    • Lauren B on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 1:18 am

      Sorry that was Proverbs 30:5…..just saw my typo….



  111. Joan E on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 6:46 am

    I have been following this challenge and know deep in my heart this is right and true. However, Both my husband and I have grown cold in our marriage. I have been waiting for my husband to make the first sincere move, because, honestly I don’t want to. However, I know in so many ways it is God’s will for me to make the first move. But I struggle with the motivation. I need an extra dose of the strength of the Holy Spirit to overcome my selfishness and coldness to begin the journey of falling back in love and staying in love with my husband. I want my marriage to bring glory to God.



  112. Rianna on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 7:48 am

    I’m so thankful for this challenge! My marriage is changing in so many ways. Glory to God! I really need to work on forgiveness. I’m praying everyday for God to show how to completely forgive.



  113. Brave on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 8:49 am

    I know that this challenges gave me God. I really want to spice up my marriage. I look at that list of challenges and now it is easier to describe the steps I will need to take. Thanks for the reminder that I need strength from the Lord. Draw my focus on Him, remember He knows my difficulties.



  114. Alejandra Paredes on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Thank you for the devotion…It’s been a huge blessing for me:)



  115. Debbie on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Thank you for giving us these challenges. I am excited about what God is doing in me! They have made me see that I need to work on me. They have also reminded me just how short time island that I must be more intentional in my relationship to the most wonderful husband a girl could ever dream of having!



  116. Debbie on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Should be and not island 🙂



  117. Lisa on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 9:51 am

    I am going to begin relying on God’s holy strength in regards to my comparing me to my husband’s deceased wife. It is driving me crazy, jealous, memories they have, pictures of their fun times, my home or is it her home, how do I become me and not feel the hurt when people talk about “her”. Why do I hurt? Why is it so painful to hear my husband speak of her and hear her name? I am in bondage and need to release it to be free, and take in God’s peace, peace for me. Thank you Dear Lord for I know you are at work and through this blog I hear your truth. Let it soak into me….know it and speak it. Amen.



  118. Shannon on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:15 am

    This is my first year being a girlscout leader and the cookie manager and I would of never thought that it would be such an ordeal. It’s only girl scouts, but when it comes to communicating with parents and the irresponsible side of them I never imagined it would be so hard. Than I remind myself it’s only girl scouts and God can help me even through the silliest situations and I thank Him for that comfort and reassurance that it will be okay. I would love to receive a copy of your book. God Bless



  119. diane on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:23 am

    I need a tremendous amount of help not with my husband per say but with his mother. The only way I can be respectful to her is to not be around her. My husband’s family is unyolked and I truly feel the absence of the Lord when I enter their house; I can’t breathe and at time feel the strong desire that I must leave. A dark cloud surrounds me and my entire attitude changes around her; I have started praying for a hedge of protection whenever we are around his family. When this is done, I definitely feel Gods comfort and reassurance.



    • Pat on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 2:55 am

      Not only prayer for protection, begin to pray for your in-laws that they maybe drawn to Christ. They are watching you and your actions. Praying that God will strengthen you and help you see them through His eyes. He loves them and with loving kindness have we been drawn to Him; therefore, let our light shine so others may see the Christ in us and be drawn to Him. The enemy will try to bring division but be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!



  120. michelle h on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:42 am

    all the little details about parenting.



  121. Christina on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 11:43 am

    I need His strength to read the Bible daily. Sometimes I get too caught up in other stuff & forget , and I need to remember to put that precious bit of quiet time (since I have a toddler running around! 🙂 ) to better use.
    Also, to be more healthy, not just for myself, but for my Lord, my husband, & my daughter.



  122. Vickie on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Learning to persevere is what I am trusting God for in my life! So many times I have rushed and lost sight of things because I thought it wasn’t moving fast enough, but no more! I know God has great plans in my life and I will wait on him!



  123. Kelly Blackwell on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I need God’s strength in so many ways. The biggest place is needing His strength to actually let it go (all of the “its” and believe me I have a LOT) and give the problems, the issues, the self-doubt, the fear, the worry, the feeling less than, and give each and every one to God. I don’t know where I picked up this need to do it all myself. The fact is I can’t. Each time I do give something to God, I immediately see Him work. The letting go is really hard though.

    I am excited about your marriage postings. I didn’t know about them (I have been overwhelmed with life lately…shocker), I can’t wait to read and act on each and every one. 🙂

    God bless you!



  124. Lynn B on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    The area of struggle right now is my marriage. We are in the heat of the battle trying to survive and make our marriage survive for ourselves and our kids…. Thanks



  125. RUTHONA WASINGER on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    MY BIGGEST STRUGGLE IS TO ENTRUST MY HUSBAND’S BAD TEMPER TO GOD.
    I NEED TO STOP POUTING WHEN MY FEELINGS GET HURT. I NEED TO LEARN TO LOOK TO GOD A S THE SOURCE OF MY WORTH INSTEAD OF MY HUSBAND . I NEED
    GOD’S HELP TO FORGIVE MY HUSBAND , AND TO BE THE WIFE THAT GOD WANTS
    ME TO BE EVEN WHEN I DON’T THINK MY HUSBAND IS BEING THE HUSBAND THAT GOD WANTS HIM TO BE.



  126. Cathy on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    In preserving my marriage it is so important for me to focus on the yuck that I sometimes bring into situations. This morning my husband and I had a spat and for a few minutes I was fully focused on what he did to cause the problem. After a bit, I was convicted of what I had done as an equal partner in what went wrong. As I tried to remedy it through text as he was already at work, it was clear that wasn’t the wisest way. So I went down to the local flower shop and purchased a small tererrium with 3 cactus. I delivered it to his place of employment as a reminder that I do so love him. I enclosed a love note asking forgiveness for my hand in the messy Tuesday morning. He called to thank me, and when he gets home tonight we will be able to hash out what went wrong this morning, but in the meantime, for the rest of the day, he had something to look at that reminded him that I do love him and find him so worth the disagreements!
    Have a blessed day! I thank you so much for the challenges you have set before us! You are such a blessing!!



  127. Donna on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Isn’t life interesting? we/I battle one area of weakness, and then have yet another to conquer – one area is over come, then an additional issue needs to be arrested.
    Learning through the process, it’s not about me, it’s about God and His mercy and love that works through my tough spots, in each season, in each test; then amazingly so, overcoming it all, by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of my testimony – Praise God, each morning His mercy is made new.
    My current stressor is letting God deal with family struggles – (relatives) instead of reacting or getting emotional about accusations, meanness, and lack of communications; I will not succumb to an argument, but let God intercede on my behalf.



  128. Tricia on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    I have a hard time trusting God will provide me with a happy and joyful life when He’s leading our family in a direction that I hadn’t planned on.



  129. Debbie on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    I need prayer to help me have faith and trust that God will take care of things of me. I know that He does but I have trouble with just casting my cares and letting Him handle it.



  130. Charity on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    Whew marriage is hard, and I didn’t think it could get harder. I am learning to persevere in my marriage through pain, through unconditional love, and the grace of God alone. I am trusting That God will show my husband diirection with career choice and make it very clear. We will persevere through this!



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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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