What does it mean to believe in yourself? To believe that God has a plan for you?
Like many women, I am a wife, mother and career women. I wear many hats and sometimes forget which one to wear, or wear all at the same time. Earlier this year, after my husband returned to work after being laid off for many months, I did some reflecting, praying that God would show me a way where I could follow His will for myself and my family. Right around that time I was asked to consider an income opportunity with a company, so I decided to start a new business, while continuing to work my full time job. I listened to some training material and when I heard that I need to believe in myself and the power of scripture, I truly felt that God was leading me into this opportunity. It sounds crazy to add one more thing into my life…but I believe God has a plan for me.
While some days are awesome and things seem to be moving forward, there are also days where I keep running into road blocks. I wonder as I go through each day if God is testing me? Watching me? Waiting to see if I truly believe that He will guide me, and for me to turn control over to Him so that my actions go toward His will.
I want so desperately to do what God wants, to follow His will and to use the abilities He has given me to show His presence in my life. And of course, I want it NOW. It is a daily challenge for me to accept that God is working His plan and He will do it in His time. I believe that Satan uses these opportunities to throw self doubt…lack of belief in myself…and most of all, lack of faith in God... at me to see where I stand.
Faith and belief in God is what gets me through these times. I look to scripture to affirm God’s promise: Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus replied,
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain. ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Many days all I see are mountains in front of me, but I know that God will help move those mountains and He can do that for each of us.
Pray that God will give you the wisdom and grace needed to follow His will and timing. Believe in Him and believe in your abilities to do His will. It will be worth the wait!
...a place for ladies to connect and be encouraged.
Being of One's Hour, Reflection by Susan Rose
Being of One’s Hour
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it...
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it...
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!”
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!”
Psalm 139:13-18 (New Living Translation)
When I was young I always felt out of place and clumsy, frumpy and socially inept. I wasn’t funny, I wasn’t really smart, I wasn’t athletic and didn’t have any real talents. Most of my elementary years were spent trying to recover from a kindergartener calling me “Susie-Q –Pew-Pew.” That kindergartener may have really liked me, at least that’s what my mom said, but he also expressed verbally how I felt about myself.
As I look back at my high school pictures I can now see a really beautiful girl, however I felt far from beautiful. I only had a few close friends and I clang to my boyfriend with huge insecurities. I stressed about my clothes, dieted and exercised constantly without satisfaction. I wore a smiled as my protective guard even when it hurt so no one knew my true feelings.
I then look at my wedding day and how stunning I was. I really did start to become pretty. I found a man that I didn’t have to rescue but who wanted to rescue me. I found someone I could confide in, and cry in front of, he didn’t laugh at my sensitivity instead he kissed my tears and hugged me close. I started to grow and love myself, as I saw how much he loved me.
As the time passed my confidence grew and I found talents I didn’t know I had and I made friends I didn’t know I could make.
Today I am 40 pound heavier than I would like to be, and have some wrinkles around my eyes and patches of grey hairs that needs consistent coloring.
Today I consider myself to be at the most beautiful time of my life.
Not the traditional or cultural expressions of beauty, but more like the Koine Greek, where beauty was associated with "being of one's hour".
I feel my beauty is in the time of my life where I have accepted God’s love for me. Regardless of what the mirror or the media may say about me, my Father in heaven has adorned me with jewels and fine clothes of righteousness. He has given me gifts and my heart’s desires; he has washed me clean with his blood.
I am amazed and basking in his love for me. I am free to accept love and, in return, to be able to love others.
I think most of us women can agree that when we are in Love we feel Beautiful.
How does God's opinion and love for you change the way you see yourself?
Dinner & Devo's Additional Info
We forgot to include the time!
We're meeting for dinner and games at Susan Rose's house on Saturday, June 26, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
To respond, email catbladies@churchatthebay.com by Sunday, June 20. You'll receive an email confirmation with directions and any additional information.
Hope to hear from you! It's gonna be a great time of connecting and having fun!
We're meeting for dinner and games at Susan Rose's house on Saturday, June 26, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
To respond, email catbladies@churchatthebay.com by Sunday, June 20. You'll receive an email confirmation with directions and any additional information.
Hope to hear from you! It's gonna be a great time of connecting and having fun!
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