Have you ever hit rock bottom in your life? Have you prayed for something or someone for so long but feel that God is just ignoring you? Is there a situation going on in your life right now that makes you question the very existence of God?
You're not alone.
This summer I am going to yet another wedding of yet another friend of mine. I am beyond excited for her because she truly has an amazing love story, but I will sit through that wedding with this thought in the back of my mind: "When's it my turn?"
God knows the one desire in life I have is to be a good wife. Not making tons of money, not to become famous, not even to have kids. Nope, I want to share my life with someone and serve with them in ministry.
[And if kids DO come along, well don't think I haven't already picked names and nursery decor. Guess that's just the planner in me!]
But that is something I have been praying about for years now. Years. Lately I have come to a point where, honestly, I'm just tired of praying about it anymore. It's not that I don't believe in prayer at all. In fact for every prayer I prayed while dating someone that I wanted God to make him "the one", I know he saved me from heartache I'll never know.
It's more an exhausting feeling. You know, when you keep doing something over and over, eventually it just wears you down.
Now. That's the whiny part.
Am I a sad, mopey, whiny ball of mush that can't go on? Nope. Am I mad at God for not bringing me my husband the way
I think he should come? No. Am I set on becoming a bitter old cat lady? No...if you know me at all, you know I think cats are of the devil!
Several weeks ago, I got an email from my friend
Lori asking me if I wanted to read a book about God's promises and then tell you about it. It couldn't have come at a better time.
Here's the good part.
God's promises to me are the same regardless of my circumstances and in spite of how I feel.
HE knows right where I am.
He's not forgotten me.
He loves me unending.
The book,
God's Shelter For Your Storm, is so encouraging. Author
Sheila Walsh points all of life's difficulties back to one of God's 3,000 promises. It's not just "feel good" writing, it's Bible based.
But don't just take my word for it. Hear from Sheila herself:
Through reading the book, I came across a very encouraging point.
God tells us that He'll give us peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
God tells us that He'll give us strength.
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God tells us that He'll provide for us.
And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35
Those, by themselves, are pretty encouraging, but let's re-read those again and here's what stuck out to me.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35
God doesn't give us sloppy seconds. He doesn't give us "Miss-America-World-Peace" or a watered down superhero strength or croutons for sustenance.
He gives us HIMSELF! HIS peace, HIS grace, HIS strength and He even offers His very self to sustain us! It really doesn't get more encouraging than that!
Do you need some encouragement? Is there someone who could use this book? I've been provided with a book to give away to one of you! Here's how:
-Leave me a comment saying why you want this book.
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Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment saying you did so.
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Like my fan page on Facebook and leave a comment saying you did so.
I will draw for a winner on Sunday night.
I was provided with the book to giveaway but the opinions are mine.