SLL Week 2 – Wonderful Wednesday

Today I want to share an excerpt from page 63, just as food for thought. Please read it below:

“It pains me to think of the number of times that I needed the healing of God’s powerful hands, but instead, I sought out attention from doctors and tried to rid myself of issues through self diagnoses, medications and sleep. What a shame that when we find ourselves in the most desperate of situations, we are too stubborn to ask God for healing until we get to that “end-of-our-rope” stage. Granted, there are times when we need to seek out medical advice, but there are also times when we need to seek out holy intervention instead.

God is often referred to as “The Great Physician”, but typically when people use this term, they are praying for physical healing for a loved one or for themselves. Although praying for physical healing is important and necessary, we already know that Jesus walked the earth to provide something even more important than physical healing. He came bringing spiritual healing that not only saves the soul, but can minimize stress in our hearts.”

I wrote that quote a few years ago obviously, but it still rings so true for me today. More often than I’d like to confess, I find myself all worked up into a tizzy about a big problem, or even a little problem, and have to remind myself that stressing out over the problem isn’t going to help the situation at all. Living less stressed is certainly an ongoing effort!

Walking in faith and living a life of less stress takes a renewed commitment every day.  We all handle stress differently – as for me, I typically internalize things, and usually end up with an upset stomach.  Then when the straw falls that finally breaks the camel’s back – whoa nelly. Watch out. Not pretty. But over the years I have learned that about myself, and know God’s mercies are renewed for me every day.

Living a life full of peace in the midst of stressful days is not easy, but with enough practice and prayer, it can be done.

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LET’S CHAT!! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

(please leave your comments  and answers to the questions in the comment section only)

If you’re ready to stop trying to manage your stress in unhealthy ways, what obstacles might stand in your way. How can you spiritually prepare to overcome those ahead of time?

What stressors are you facing today in your parenting that might be causing a bad case of “parental exhaustion”? How could depending on God bring peace to your heart?

Is it possible some of your stress comes from memories of past mistakes or personal insecurities? What verses or truths can you claim over your life today to overcome those tactics of the enemy and reclaim your peace and joy?

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IF YOU ARE A BLOGGER, IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR WRITING CAPS ON!

Below are the 3 blogging prompts graphics. Choose your theme and get to writing! Come back to link up on Friday.

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GRAPHICS TO SHARE ONLINE THIS WEEK

AND BLOG HOP PROMPTS

Please feel free to share any or all of the below graphics on your own social media pages! Let’s all help spread the word that peace is available in Christ, despite our circumstances!

Bloggers: right click on the image you plan to write your blog post about, and “save image as” to save to your computer,  share in your blog post if desired. Then come back here on Friday to link it up!

Everyone: From the blog home page, there are 3 ways to share the graphics:  1-Right click to save to your computer   2-‘Share Image’ in bottom right corner   3-‘Pin’ to Pinterest upper left corner.

Wk4_V2_SLLstudy_2015

Wk2_Q_SLLstudy_2015

Wk2_V_SLLstudy_2015

17 Comments

  1. Dot on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 9:06 am

    How I was thinking this as I got into my car, going to work. And there it goes, my heart racing. I have thought that it was getting better. I realize that what causes it is the workplace. Specifically, my boss. You are right, to continue to go to our Great Physician. I keep praying that I will be healed. I KNOW God is never late. Thank you for sharing the Wednesday devo



    • Diana Rockwell on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 4:31 pm

      Dot, you are right that God is never late. I had a time when my heart would race when I arrived at work, I had to really pray before entering work. Like Tracy, I eventually made a change in my career path. I hope that daily you see the evidence of God working behind the scenes. Also, I discovered the more I prayed for my boss the less stress I felt. Blessings Diana



  2. Linda on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 10:43 am

    When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5).

    God truly has crowned us with glory and honor specially created in the image of God. Our destiny is to belong to him completely. He is the only one with our best interests at heart. We just need to get up and keep moving forward in spite of our mistakes. We need to remember His blood was shed to cover all our sin and the perfect sacrifice of the blood of the Lamb is more than enough. To not believe He is more than enough for all our sin actually puts God on our level rather than recognizing He is high and lifted up and sovereign. We need to trust Him in this and move forward. The devil would like us held under this spell and I find myself there all the time kicking myself for past mistakes. Over and over I remind myself that my God is more than enough in every area of life.

    The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24 rsv).



    • Natalie Tull on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      Linda, I loved this quote in what you said, “To not believe He is more than enough for all our sin actually puts God on our level rather than recognizing He is high and lifted up and sovereign.” WOW! That really put a new thought in my mind! Thank you so much for sharing! I always love learning from all you sisters in Christ!



    • Tracie on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      I agree with Natalie, Linda! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! Powerful words and beautiful verses.



      • Diana Rockwell on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 4:35 pm

        Such powerful verses, God is so good. Thanks for sharing. Blessings Diana



  3. Sharon C. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Your devotion today makes me go back and think about where my stress’ started from and why have they escalated so much. I think of 2 Timothy 1: 7 For God hath not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. He might not have given me a spirit of fear but living in the family he did give me there was a lot of fear. In Romans 12: 2 the bible says to be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I just can’t get the past out of me. I want to renew my mind daily and think of me the way God thinks of me. I just feel like no one likes me. I long to feel loved and needed.



    • Natalie Tull on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Sharon,
      I loved the verses you shared!!!!! And thank you for being open and transparent about the way you feel! I can relate to what you are saying about not being able to let go of the past and trying to think of yourself the way God does but struggling at the same time. That was me a year and a half ago! Tracie has another book called Your Life Still Counts, How God uses Your Past to create a beautiful future! If you haven’t read it I encourage You too, it was a life changer for me. Something else that helped me was getting involved with a group of people who underwent the same kind of issues I did in the past. And then praying for God to remove those feelings I had. I am going to be praying for You dear sister! You are loved by God and even though you may not know any of us personally you are loved and accepted here by your sisters in Christ!!! Hugs Sweet Friend!



    • Tracie on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      Sharon, sometimes our own thoughts become our own worst enemy. We all have insecurities and struggle with longing to be liked, loved and accepted. I admire your transparency and I know you spoke the words in many women’s hearts. Romans 12:2 partly says “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I pray that God will renew your thoughts today about yourself, your value and His acceptance of you – because that is a part of transforming our minds. Ask God to help you love yourself as He loves you, and to drown out the voice of the enemy who is telling you lies. God’s voice only speaks love and approval, the enemy’s voice speaks hurtful lies to cause us to think people dont like us and that we arent good enough. You are precious and a beloved child, and I pray He will begin bringing people into your life in miraculous ways to help you see how valuable and special you are.



    • Diana Rockwell on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Sharon, I agree with what Natalie and Tracie said. My go to verse is Psalm 139:14 “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” That is what God says about you also. Blessings Diana



  4. Natalie Tull on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    If you’re ready to stop trying to manage your stress in unhealthy ways, what obstacles might stand in your way. How can you spiritually prepare to overcome those ahead of time?

    *I think certain people stand in my way sometimes when trying to manage my stress and I think I stand in the way as well. I think we have to honestly let God manage our stress which is something I have never thought about until this study. I need to pray ahead of time, during a situation and even after, staying in communication with God at all times helps!!! And I think really getting down literally on my knees and spilling out to God how I feel and asking Him to take away any feeling of stress, or anxiety, or worry and to replace it with His peace. Then being still and quiet and listening to what He is trying to tell me.

    What stressors are you facing today in your parenting that might be causing a bad case of “parental exhaustion”? How could depending on God bring peace to your heart?

    *My 6 year son Taydan is temporarily living with my parents because I moved out of state and there was an issue with schooling so he ended up staying in Delaware for this entire school year. I am living 2 and a half hours away and driving back and forth an insane amount trying to be with him as much as possible to be a good mom. He also just got diagnosed with ADHD and with the meetings with doctors, teachers, and counselors, that has added more traveling times and more stress trying to make sure everything is the best it can be for his health and well being. I also have a 15 month old who is in that stage where he is in to EVERYTHING! I don’t need to explain that, if you are a mother you understand the stress that comes with that. When my kids are asleep by 8 I normally am too because I am exhausted! And sometimes in the afternoons I will fall asleep with my son not on purpose but because of the exhaustion. I am praying about it but I think I need to pray more and pray specifically for peace! After reading Chapter 3 though I am beginning to think that I am not so stressed with the physical exhaustion because as you described the teen years I began to think that the emotional exhaustion sounds harder!

    Is it possible some of your stress comes from memories of past mistakes or personal insecurities? What verses or truths can you claim over your life today to overcome those tactics of the enemy and reclaim your peace and joy?

    *Since the last study of YLSC I have really worked on the feelings of guilt and shame over past mistakes and not allowing it to add stress. I have been able to become grateful for my past mistakes and personal insecurities. As weird as that might sound being grateful for them but, I have learned that God has a plan for me and if it was not for those past mistakes I wouldn’t be able to help others and share my testimony with other young women. So it has made me into the person I am today. My past mistakes has led me to now be a strong believer which I may not have ever become. My life verse is Psalm 32:8 which I repeat to myself several times a day when I become discouraged or start to feel some worry. I always personalize it too because it really helps Gods truths speak to me. It says, “The Lord says, ” I will guide you Natalie and your boys along the best pathways for your lives. I will advise each of you and watch over you all.” That verse speaks volumes to me. Also since reading Chapter 3 I think I am going to start claiming James 1:12 as well, “Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Thank You Tracie for all you have already done to encourage me in just the first 2 week and the first 3 chapters!!! I look forward to more great things to come! 🙂



    • Tracie on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      Your words are going to encourage many Natalie! Thanks for sharing! And thank you for sharing with Sharon about my other book . Its such a blessing to know it helped you in your faith walk and healing and I pray she experiences that same thing. 🙂



  5. Tammy Barnard on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Hello,
    I hate to admit, I have-in the past- made God my last resort to “dealing with” issues at hand. The more I learn, the more I’m learning to let go of things I have no control over. As much I I’d love to say- I LOVE CONTROL. I like knowing. I want so much to say: I’ve laid my burdens down, but in reality- I lay them down- only to pick them right up. God has been so good, and so very patient for me to continue to learn. All I know to do- is continue to learn, continue to strive for that surrender and never pick the issues up. Let God work.
    Knowing He’s not finished with me yet- gives me hope that I’m on the right path.



  6. Shannan Williams on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    “What stressors are you facing today in your parenting that might be causing a bad case of “parental exhaustion”? How could depending on God bring peace to your heart?”

    I have chosed to homeschool (for the 1st time) my 7th grade son who has autism. The reason for doing this is because I haven’t been able to find a school that can accomodate his needs. It is such a struggle every single day. I am exhausted before we even begin knowing how much energy it’s going to take just to get through the day with schooling him. I need to give this to God which is something that I have not done yet.



    • Maria on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      Shannan,
      I also have a child with autism and it can be draining. U need to find a friend that has a special needs child also that u can talk to this about. People do not always understand if they do not know what entails taking care of an autistic child. U need to also find a support group that u can talk about your worries. I just want to say that God has given u courage and strength to take on teaching your child. U r being an awesome Mom for that. U know that u can also get lots of free help thru the district that u live in for school. I would love to talk to u. U r being a wonderful provider for your child



  7. Sarah Travis on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 6:00 am

    I have allowed the stress in my workplace to run my life for months to the detriment of my own health and also the sanity of my husband! The Lord made it clear it was time for change and I did not listen but instead soldiered on under the pretense I was fine and could do it all! He then laid something too large to ignore on my plate and my husband finally turned to me and said: “I know you and you cannot do it all…you need to quit!” Dude…why do our husbands have to be right like that! Just submitting and allowing God to speak clearly in many ways has reduced my stress even though I am busier than ever at work these last few weeks.



  8. Maria on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    It is very hard to handle the demands of full time jobs, three kids, a husband in the ministry, a special needs child, and all the responsibilities as a Mom and wife while trying to stay healthy since I am a cancer survivor. I feel pulled in many directions and feel like I let my family down. I want to be better about my time and health.



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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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