A Little Help Please
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Hey there! I’m glad you stopped by today. This post is a little unusual for me because I really love to talk inspiring Biblical truths and practical applications, as well as prayer journals and everything faith-related. This post today is more of an open letter to my readers. If you are a first-time reader, my apologies, but here goes…
When I set out on the journey to writing a book, I had no clue what I was doing. I wish I could tell you it’s been easy, but it hasn’t. For many reasons. Needless to say, the one thing I wish I could have more is someone to bounce off a few ideas. Someone to understand how protective and excited I am over the topic of this book. Someone to listen and say, “Did you think about this side of it?”
The publishing team has entered the very last stage before this book goes to print and I really want to make sure that I’ve covered the most important issues around the book topic. I have one more opportunity to read it through and make sure I’ve written what God has wanted me to write. So what is the book really about?
One More Step is a message of hope and encouragement for those who feel they can’t go on. Using the never-failing promises in God’s Word, I’m showing you how you can discover the strength to push through your pain and persevere when you’d rather just give up.
In a nutshell, this book answers the question:
How can I keep going when everything is going wrong?
So this is where I need your help. There is really only one thing I need from you at this point.
What has helped you more than anything when you were at the worst point of your life?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for leaving your answers in the comments today!
Rachel
2015 has been one of the hardest years of my family’s lives. We have experienced Spiritual Warfare from so many directions, (multiple financial hits, health concerns with our son, job stressors, struggles to meet basic needs) but through it all I have focused on 2Corinthians 4:8,9 & 16-18 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is seen is eternal.” In this passage I am reminded to keep my eyes focused on Christ! His Cross & His Love for me will see me through the hardest of days!
I don’t know…I’m there right now…
Bless you! God’s got you. These beautiful comments will help; I agree with the suggestions they’ve made!
The one thing that always helps me when I feel down and discouraged and at my worst is putting on my favorite praise and worship music and singing to the Lord.
I was diagnosed with Breast cancer this past March and I feel I’m going through the worst time of my life right now. I just started Radiation last week. My friends have been a great support to me with driving me to my appointments and dropping off food. Also praying for me. I find I’m relying on God to help me get up each Monday thru Friday to even go to Radiation. So I guess God and my friends are helping me go through this. I’m not saying I’m out of this dark spot in my life but it’s making it easier to endure.
When I was at my lowest, I started keeping a little notebook with me and filled it with scripture quotes, photos, notes of inspiration or prayers from friends, and as I read the Word I added to it. Whenever I felt particularly low or distant from God, I had a little go-to to remind me how much He loves me and to lift me spirits. Each time I read a note from a friend, I called them and continued to reach out to them for prayer.
I had to stop wanting to get out of my situation and come to a place of surrender where I gave it to God even if I didn’t understand why I was there. I came to realise that He wanted big changes from me in my heart (not for others to change like I wanted) and that the more I surrendered to him the more I changed, which turned the whole situation around to something beautiful. Now I can see that God had a beautiful plan all along, but when I looked at it with my worldly eyes I only saw pain that I wanted to get away from. God’s ways and thoughts truly are higher than any of mine.
F.R.O.G. Fully rely on God. Give up to God what troubles you the most. Let him carry your burdens, that is what he is here for. I have had a couple instances in my life that I just couldn’t handle any longer. I would start to cry and just ask the Lord to take it, take my pain, physical and emotional whatever I was going through at that time and He never let me down. Peace came. Healing came. I used to drink myself numb every Friday night due to emotional pain over something I had done. I was a single mom, I shouldn’t be doing this. I had my beer lined up ready to drink one night…and I just started crying and praying…. Not one beer did I drink. The one that was opened, never finished. Thank you Lord! He hears our prayers, our cries for help. He gives us peace when we need it the most. We just have to fully rely on Him….not ourselves or anyone else to see us through.
What an AWESOME testimony, Tammy. Thank you for sharing and amen- he always hears us.
Staying focused on God and seeking Him in everything around me. He is definitely present
But we don’t always recognize Him. Our world has so many distractions its easy to overlook
His connection with is.
May God bless you Rachel and unveil your eyes to see and your hand to write His words.
the struggle itself was quite the teacher but having the Lord put people in my path who understand my struggles..bloggers..people who struggle w similar circumstances
I had issues with trust, communication, and simply felt tired of being manipulated and lied to. I really began to question my purpose with my oldest son and my marriage. I got tired of always “watching behind my back” or “checking up” on a situation. I needed to be strong and available for the 3 younger kids and I had started a new position at work, navigating newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in our healthcare system. I simply could not focus and felt so overwhelmed with anxiety and complete lack of control. I finally gave it up to God. No more, my soul simply could not take it. I had women that I was speaking with that had their very lives flash before their eyes and I was consumed with my own issues. Finally it hit me. My answer…….Prayers everyday, whenever…….It’s all I had. I started a prayer journal. At first they read like pleas, or even complaints. But every day I would see little changes that meant a world of difference. Then the prayer journal began to reflect thankfulness, blessings, and a request for the continuation of all of the gifts that God was sending my way. Prayer is so powerful. It’s not an instant fix, but if part of your prayers are to ask for God to cut the chatter in your head and get rid of the anxiety that is drowning you, you actually begin to notice the little ways that God speaks. Whether it is hearing the song that you and your husband walked down the isle together at your wedding, or a christian support message that flashes up on your facebook feed, or even a profound statement made by another person. I even found that on the days that I felt most anxious, the Jesus Calling Devotion Book was spot on. Feeling desperate for something to soothe my aching mind and heart, I found it in the lines printed for these devotions. Telling me to ask God to control my mind and he will bless me with life and peace, and I was really needing peace. Letting God help me get through the day, facing all difficulties with Him at my side. I still pray everyday and thank him for the changes that have already happened and ask him to continue to support all of these positive changes. I continue to ask for guidance and strength, as well as guidance for my family, to guard them from evil, to keep the this evil away that may cause any temptations in their lives. Life is so hard to go through, but if you use God as our navigator, then it’s not so bad. I just give it up to him. I am the only person that I can control or change. If I can have guidance to make myself a better person and pray that God can work his miracles with my family, then we have won the battle. In summary: give it up!!!! Let God take on the burdens, do what you have to do, just because you simply cant step out 100%. But definitely ask for help and guidance and talk talk talk to God. He does listen and things do happen in His name 🙂
Preach it, Laurie!! Everything you said is sooo good.
Bible art journaling. I started out drawing flowers and writing bible verses on paper and it’s expanded. I think it saved my life last year when we had to put my mom in a care facility.
Also, crocheting, something about needlework is good for the soul. I took it up last year when things were bad and I continue it as something I can share with my mom when I visit.
Beautiful. I am beginning to understand how art can slow me down and cause me to reflect more earnestly on the Word.
What kept me going… changing my perspective and loving others. Several years ago, there was a period of my life filled daily with overwhelming struggle, despair, frustration, etc. I prayed about how to survive and just keep going, and God’s answer (for me) was quite clear. “Stop focusing on you! Do what I call you to do!” Everyday I prayed when I woke up, throughout the day, and before I slept – what do you want me to do. He began to show me things each and every day that I could do for others (and it rarely cost me a penny – which was great because I didn’t have one most days!). I realized after a while that my despair had turned to joy and I was excited for the new day – although my situation had not changed at all! But each day became about serving God and loving others – and a shift in my daily perspective. From despair to unspeakable joy!
What beautiful truth!!!
Knowing in my heart that God is always with me and that He’ll never leave or forsake me is what has gotten me through the worst of times.
Having lost our baby Allie at 19 weeks gestation, and my father recently to cancer only 3 months after diagnosis, I thank God for his promise of eternal life for those that believe in Him. On days that my heart breaks with grief I focus on that promise, I believe, and think about the day we are all together again. I am so thankful for that!!
The idea that we become more like Jesus every time we endure a trial allows me to continue in the hard times. At the end of every day, I want to say that I look a little more like Jesus today, and we are able to do that when we are going through difficult times. Although we are encountering pain, the fact that God is always going to use our troubles to glorify Him brings me so much hope. If he is going to use my struggles to glorify Him, I can only imagine what He will do with my successes.
I like what you said about with every trial we endure we look a little more like Jesus – never thought of it quite that way! Yes, your words are such great reminders to me about the worth, the meaning of each and every trial we go through as He sees us and understands us, vs. how the world sees us, and also how we see ourselves oftimes….growing into Him, over and over and over again…if we but allow Him to use the trials for our benefit and that of others as well, so that each becomes a gift for others to benefit from in their trials..
I honestly am in that place right now. While I wish I could say that it was my faith or my prayers or a specific Bible verse that sustains me, I honestly am not strong enough right now to even be able to claim those things. I believe it is God answering the prayers of the faithful few at our church who continue to pray for me, no matter what. I have begged for God to take my life and end it all so many times, but I cannot bring myself to be the cause of that much pain in my family’s lives. And so I continue living this lie…
I hear you and I feel you. It is a place so very familiar to me…
I hold on to the line “All things work together for good, to those who love the Lord”. Some days it is absolutely not easy, and I even have to force myself to keep believing that line. But along with that line, I keep saying “This too shall pass”…….just keep holding on.
My dad passed away two years ago unexpectedly, and this was the changing moment in my life. It totally brought to a place where i had never been, i felt that my life was over, the pain, the questions was unbearable. There were many sleepless nights and in that time I learnt to seek God as I never had before. In that time I saw the faithfulness of God very evident in my life. Remembering, God is not a man that He should lie, and that made me rest on His faithful promises, knowing that i would be secure and safe. God answer my prayers that i tearfully made before His throne in ways that i could not imagine. God is faithful and we need to walk in faith, because without faith it is impossible to please God.
Other then prayer or scriptures was reading books that specifically dealt with trials & other peoples stories. When you read about God at work in other people’s lives you then realize that YES He IS at work in yours too & if they were able to survive then I can too. It was also VERY encouraging seeing how God got a lot of these people through their trials. You just can’t comprehend His goodness, greatness and power until you continually see it at work. Looking forward to your book!
God. When I finally saw how God was working in my relationship with my daughter, it gave me peace and understanding about the whole situation. I was able to step back a little and appreciate His awsome love, power, wisdom, and grace. My faith has definitely deepened and continues to everyday. God Is good!
When my husband passed away suddenly ( in June 1989)—- God said I could raise 3 children and run the farm with Faith, Family, Friends and Fertilizer. I did and He was my provider, my refuge, my Lord and my Friend.
One day at a time—- like others– one verse at a time— one hug at a time are what gets you through.
The verse on my calendar that fateful day was Philippians 4-13–I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I don’t know how many times I walked the passage at home–saying that verse, over and over till my soul believed it…saying it louder and louder till satan left and I went back to sleep.
My children are grown now, 2 girls married and I am retired from the farm but that verse has become my life verse. IT WORKS– Praise God.
Keep up the good work Rachel.. I love your creative hands and loving heart.
Blessings Lorraine. xoxoxo
Oh Lorraine. I love this!! “God said I could raise 3 children and run the farm with Faith, Family, Friends and Fertilizer” Doesn’t that just sum it up? We need all four parts. He gets us through, gives us people to help us and the energy to work in his strength- Fertilizer- his Word and prayer. As a country girl, I have a deep appreciation for your precious words.
Faith and trust. I had Breast cancer two years ago and knowing God was there and believing that he has a plan for all of us helped me cope. It also strengthened my faith. It was a blessing, really.
In most cases, I try to look inward and upward. I ask soul-searching questions and seek for heaven’s soothing answers. I take a break and review the possible wrong steps I might have taken. I also research possible ‘outs’. Prayer is not over-ruled and Word study is critical but we cannot forget that in a great number of ways, we are responsible for our mess. I try to listen to anointed teachings, too. And of course, counsel from those who have succeeded wont hurt…for in the multitude of counsel there’s no error.
You have to cheer up and sheen high. It’s just a phase and God has got you covered. 1 Peter 5:9-10; James 4:8
Hi Rachel,
I came across your website in the beginning of this year, and everyday since then I’ve been blessed and encouraged to the point were I even sent your link to all my family and friends. I find that sometimes when people we know are in a situation that we know exactly what to advise them, however when we find ourselves in that situation we struggle to get out of that space. My advise is follow your own words of wisdom that you have been imparting in people all this time. Just going though your previous encouragements and notes of preparation, you’ll see the Holy spirit will impart new encouragement, new hope, like fresh dew early in the morning that brings refreshing. God has put something awesome in you Rachel, don’t doubt the possibilities of our father. He still has much more in store for you.
Thank you for your great words of wisdom and encouragement.
Bless you, Letitia. Thank you soooo much for your gracious, kind words. Amen to the power of God.
Of course, you must learn to trust in God’s plan. You need to immerse yourself in His word, and turn to Him in prayer. However, one of the things that made a difference for me, oddly enough, was a roller coaster. My friends drug me kicking and complaining all the way during my trial. To my amazement, riding the rides, laughing, being able to scream at the top of my lungs without looking insane relieved so much pressure. I came away not only with some clarity. but a fun memory with precious friends.
What a neat thought- just having fun! I forget to have fun sometimes. Thanks for that!
The time my mom and I were going through cancer. My mom lost her battle. I thank God for being my Rock. All the people He brought into my life to walk with me during my journey. Nothing like walking and talking to God. You never walk alone!
I’m so sorry about your mom, Annette. My mom lost a cancer battle as well. Amen to walking together and with Him.
Christian music is what’s helped me keep going when I feel like I just can’t go on.
Join 16:33 In this world you will have trouble. Take heart, I have overcome the world.
Standing on the promises of God.
What helped me most through the tough times in life has been knowing that even I after I fail horribly–perhaps procrastinate all day with terrible consequences–God’s grace is still there to pick me up. I can come to Him and be immediately restored to intimate fellowship with Him. I don’t have to walk around in the shadow of my failures and try to do better before I can really come to Him again.
After a hard day of failure, I have to come before God, remembering how endlessly gracious and omnipotent He is and trusting that He could still make a great woman of the faith out of me. I haven’t blown it or proven myself worthless. He is a great and loving God, unhindered by my failure. This realization of His grace has been the only thing to ever grant me victory over my procrastination and poor time management. It fills me with such humbled gratitude that I’m excited to go about my day pleasing Him, not worried about failing again.
I think that was a lot to say a little, but it means the world to me. =)
I have come to that point so many times over my 59 years of life mainly because of unknown and thus unhealed ComplexTraumaticStressDisorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder, both of which are due to early onset (infancy) severe abuse, neglect, abandonment that extends one’s entire childhood and is perpetrated by one’s own parents.
Thus, whenever I reach those points of wanting to die, and literally breaking down physically and mentally and emotionally, I have literally thrown myself down (on a bed or couch) and told God that I cannot go on and be and do what He created me to be and do unless He somehow gives me someone to love me for real. And I have meant what I said. And He knows this, so shortly afterwards, these prayers of desperation have always been answered, usually in very different ways than I would have envisioned.
Most recently was 7 years ago, when He brought me to my now-husband, the first person ever to consistently and commitedly love me unconditionally in my life. He is Jesus to me. And because of his deep relationship with Jesus and also his similar trauma background to mine, I have been able now for the first time in over 50 years, to face my traumas fully for Jesus to completely heal me, very gradually, but steadily, even though painfully, and with Him guiding me to the right therapists and the right medications and other supports, but most of all my husband, through Jesus’ love coming through him.
Yes, we sure do need Jesus with skin on. I understand what you are saying.
The thing that helped me most when I had difficult periods was friends who spoke God’s truth, encouraged me, and prayed for me.
Back in 2006, when God had me walk away from a bad relationship, immersing myself in God’s word and teaching books, cassettes, and DVDs helped strengthen my faith. Every spare moment I would put a tape into the VCR and watch intently. I watched over and over until I could almost quote the message word for word. Jesse Duplantis’ book “More than Enough” was read a chapter each night before I went to sleep. I would put a cassette teaching in the player, put on headphones and listen to the message as I was falling asleep.
My husband and I were having relationship issues, and a verse that spoke into my life, and guided us through this difficult time was:
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5 (Te Message version).
As I sort God’s still quiet voice we came through the tunnel.
Rachel (from Australa)
I’m currently in hospital and struggling through a number of unresolved mental health issues, but having someone text to say they are praying for me and sharing a bible verse can really be one of the most uplifting things. Even more encouraging is when you receive the same verse from two people in the same day – how the Holy Spirit works!
What an awesome testimony to God’s power. Prayers being lifted up for you in the hospital. He is with you!
At a crisis time in my life, God’s Word became so real to me. I had Bible verses that I wrote on index cards and reviewed those several times a day. They still sit on the counter in my bathroom as a reminder to me of God’s faithfulness and the truth of His Word.
Having a church family was a tremendous help also. Of course I could answer your question with one word-God. But God used other people and His Word to help me through this time.
I have a rare, incurable, life-threatening disease and what keeps me going is that God told me thay He isn’t finished with me yet. I am still needed in His service. He still has wonderful plans for me! No matter what the lab results say or how I feel physically, I can place myself in the hands of God. I know we are supposed to cling to Him, but sometimes I am too weak for that, so I just rest in His might hands and let Him sweet breath of healing, comfort, strength and peace blanket over me. I let it penetrate into my core. I do this as often as I need it. I’m also quick to call on the name of Jesus and the call on the powerful blood of Jesus to cover me. I also can’t wait until I get to Heaven when I get a new body and I can dance for my Lord. God bless.
I can’t wait to see you dance in heaven, Monica!
God is my strength and comfort in time of need. The power of prayer is phenomenal.
In December 2014, I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductile carcinoma – all of that scientific lingo sums up into two words of horror: breast cancer. Triple negative means that my cancer cells had no receptors to react to available cancer hormone meds. And, since it was not contained in one area, radiation was not an option either. I would have to fight this with the strongest chemo treatment available.
I live in a small farm town, far away from fancy cancer centers with big names and ever bigger advertising budgets. I knew that I needed professional guidance to know how to proceed. So I prayed. I thanked God for this trial, and prayed for guidance. And He answered me. He told me to trust Him to take me through this. He directed me to the closest hospital to my home, in another town. They had one young surgeon on staff, and only one oncologist. But walking into the hospital knowing that God was walking beside me, made me brave. Kept me calm and peaceful. I knew that God had chosen me for a purpose.
My young surgeon was amazingly kind and knowledgable. I had a double mastectomy in January 2015, and started chemo in February. The Oncologist was a gentle man with a zen peacefulness about him. Each interaction with my physicians was upbeat, caring and top notch.
But God had more for all of us to learn. The first chemo treatment almost killed me. I reacted badly. My bone marrow stopped making platelets. The skin on the bottoms of my feet sluffed off. I lost my hair. I was so weak that I couldn’t eat or get out of bed. Blood transfusions and meds followed. But every time I had interaction with hospital staff, we would talk about God’s love. I was learning how to trust God, on a whole new level. I did not continue with the chemo. I am walking with God, trusting him to keep me close.
He brought me through it all with great love. He gave me such a calm strength, such a deep peace about this journey. It has been, and always shall be, the most important experience in my life. He is an awesome God.
What a God-honoring heart you have. Jesus, please be with Sunny in a special way right now. Give her the peace only your presence offers. I pray that you would continue to heal her body and thank you, Lord, that she fulfills her name in a glorious way. Amen.
First and foremost…Keeping my eyes on the cross!
Second…Loving myself through my Father’s eyes!
Third… Remember His precious mercies are new every morning!
Fourth… This earth is not my home!
Fifth… “…faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE ” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The worst point of my life was losing two babies and struggling with infertility, wondering if I would ever get to have a LIVING child. What helped me the most was HOPE – hope in God’s promises, hope in my future. I also had wonderful prayer warriors who prayed me through the toughest times and, I am convinced, prayed my son here to my longing arms. I also had professional help through my pastor and a therapist. I attended support groups where I met other parents who had lost a pregnancy or baby. Connecting with others who had been through a similar experience was so helpful because I knew they understood, they “got” me and I “got” them. Blogging about my experiences was also very healing and opened up a new passion for me.
I am really looking forward to reading your book! I know it’s going to be great and help many people!
Hope, you have such a beautiful story that matches your name perfectly. God orchestrated your life from the moment your mama named you. Thank you so much for your wonderful outlook and gracious sharing.
Knowing that I have somebody who loves me no matter how “ugly” I get. Whether it’s my husband, my daughter, or a gentle nudge from God letting me know He is near and NEVER going to give up on me. It makes taking that one more step a little easier; you can breathe one more time and then one more time and keep going.
Yes! I resonate with what you shared.
Unlike the people who’ve commented so far, I was not in a relationship with God when I was at my worst. I was 23, at a low, low, low, with nothing in my life going right (or so I thought). I had gone away, wishing I could just disappear from my current life and reinvent myself elsewhere, but unable to do that, I took a bunch of sleeping pills.
However, I realized that tomorrow would be another day, a different day. That, regardless of whether I was here or not, the world would go on. And that, most importantly, regardless of my circumstances, I did want to know what was going to happen; I was curious.
I realized that I did not *have* to be involved, to make anything happen, to be an active agent of change. Things were going to happen independently of my efforts. I could stop feeling the need to be in control and responsible for everything.
So I walked myself to a hospital, where I had my stomach pumped and was admitted to a psychiatric unit for a week.
I am 48 now. That time is far behind me now, and I have never sunk so low again. I am on a journey of faith discovery, and looking back I believe that I let go and let myself just *be* in God’s hands. I would not have said it that way at the time, I would have said that I put my trust in the universe, but unkowingly that was what I was doing.
“Tomorrow is another day” is still a phrase that works to let me let go of my fear and my frustration, my shame and my sense of responsibility. “His will be done” does the same thing.
Peace be with you in all your endeavours.
Amen to what you shared. I so relate!
For me , it has always been worship songs. Because as I am worshipping my mind is focused on God and less on myself. But right now I am really struggling as I just found out that I have emphysema and copd and minimal amount of damage to the lining of my lungs. I can really use prayers as my hubby is also struggling with his own health.
Jesus, please be with Karen and her husband in the midst of their health problems. We pray your healing hand upon them and grace for the journey. Amen.
knowing that even when I didn’t feel or hear from God, I had to trust HIS word. He Is faithful, even when I don’t feel it.
What helped me most were the godly women God had placed in my life. They encouraged, prayed, and supported me the entire time. They reminded me that God would never leave me and that He has a plan for everything.
What helped me the most was friends telling me they were praying for me and actually following through with it. It helped to have people who showed that they truly cared about me. Reading your blogs also has always helped me!
Only God.
When my 6 week old daughter was in the hospital and I was told that she was going to die if she didn’t get a heart transplant, I went to God. I remember being in the chapel in the hospital and telling Him that I had a choice to make. Either I believed in the God that was in the Bible or not. I chose to believe. I chose God. He met me there. Almost 14 years later, my daughter is healthy with the heart that God made in my womb. It’s only God and nothing else.
My life verse: Philippians 4:13 I CAN do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Through illness, difficult circumstances and trying times, I try to keep this verse in my mind and just keep going on, because I know Christ is with me.
The thing that helped me the most was the permission to grieve. The permission to feel what I felt, and express it all to God, and know that He was with me…. not only in the good times, but most especially through the valleys.
Amen to that, sister!
Having faith and knowing that God won’t put more I me than I can bear.
Faith and fight to keep going. We all come to a mountain that seems to high to climb, but with Faith and the right amount of fight, making it to the top becomes an easy thing. I always talk to God, ask him what I should be doing now, where does He want me. He always puts me where I need to be.
Phil. 4:8
My Faith in God. Knowing that no matter what was happening in my life, he was right by my side.
Looking forward to reading your book.
God Bless you!
Prayer. I talk to God about everything, at any time, whenever I am struggling. I pray. I turn to Him. He is always there. I am so thankful for His Love.
Wow…well my first thought was when I gave up control to God. I never had any control but sure tried to fix it myself (by the way, this is usually the issue with me it seems). When I took my doubts, feelings, ideas, etc out of the picture and let God work, things changed…mostly my heart. The situation didn’t always change but my attitude did, my outlook did, my worry did, my health did, my focus did… And because all of those things changed, I was better spiritually, mentally, physically; my marriage and family didn’t suffer; my job didn’t suffer; I didn’t suffer.
Now there are a great deal of other little things that helped me keep going when everything was going wrong, and those were all strategic plans by God used to help me that those next steps. Sometimes is was the exact phone call I needed, a rainbow in the sky reminding me of God’s promises, a quote in a book, a Scripture that rang deep into my soul, a message in church… And sometimes (more often that not) it was when I stopped looking at where I was and started looking to serve/bless others. When I took the focus off my issue and tried to help someone else. That was when I could realize this is a journey for all of us, same path, difference circumstances. We all need a push, a smile, a hug, a word…and even when things are out of control in my life, God wants me to be aware of those around me.
Scatterings of thoughts, but hope that helps!
God did three things in my life after my husband and I separated in 2001. The month after we separated I said a prayer as I sat down to pay bills. When I was done everything was paid, there were groceries in the pantry for the kids and I and all was well. I said “Lord, thank you for paying the bills. I don’t have 2 cents to rubbed together, but I trust You that we won’t need anything.” That night when I walked to my car I found a silver dollar right beside my car door. By the way, the front of the coin said “In God We Trust.” Four months later a seam burst on my radiator. It was two weeks before Christmas and it was going to cost $300 to replace the radiator. I got the call on Thursday about the car. On Friday I got a bonus check from my employer, $500. The check was written on Wednesday. God knew my need and had met it even before I knew about it. Finally, a year after our separation I got a letter in the mail saying my ex had tried to shut off our electricity so he could get the deposit back. After I filled out the paperwork to get the electricity in my name they refunded me half the deposit because for the last year I had made every payment on time. So I was eligible for a reduced deposit. Someone tried to hurt me but God turned it out for my good.
When I have been at my lowest the help was a few things, being humble before God and begging of His help, seeking Him, and eating scripture. I had a friend who said she was staked to me like a tomato, and just let me talk, saw me at my ugliest, and helped me process my thoughts in scripture and in prayer. She prayed and sent scripture as she felt God direct to encourage me. She taught me how to be vulnerable before God. She also gave me excerpts of books on prayer by Sylvia Gunter to help with direction of prayer. These are like tomes on prayer, deep in scripture and repentance, and directed in ways I would have never thought of.
The many promises of God have kept me going. Romans 8:28 “And we know in all things God works for the food of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes”. This verse reminds me to look for the good in all situations. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Reminds me that God is there with me and He will not harm me but to make me a better person. And finally Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” I need God to make it through, I don’t have the strength on my own, but He is there with me and will not allow me to go it alone or fail.
For me, when i’m going through a bad time, there are a couple of things that have helped me:
– listening to musics.
– talking to my friends and my mother about it.
– exercising, specially dancing.
But the most important thing was and has always been God.
I can always ask Him anything when I’m in distress, and He will definitely hear me and answer me.
Thank you Rachel for your posts,
They’re really helpful.
I lost my sister Marcia two years ago, she was my best friend, my big sister, and the last member of my family. This left me in a new territory of grief. I felt she took all of me with her, my love, my memories and my history. That one person who knew my story, all of it and loved me unconditionally.
What was different for me was my very conscious decision to let God lead the way, to light my darkness, to catch my tears and lead me through my grief, this time, I chose not to turn away, I chose, no matter how deep my grief, to trust God knew the way.
This loss has been among the hardest I have ever experienced, but the walk through it has been so different, God taught me to take her with me, that I had her love inside me, I was not alone, I never had been. In quiet moments I hear her, “I love you, Bliss” (she called me her little Blister, younger sisters can be quite a pain). She is with me always, God gave me that.
A beautiful share, Shelly.
I know it’s been said before and when I was young the older ladies in church would talk about going to your prayer corner. Which I later came to knowledge meant finding a quiet place and falling on your knees and praying to God for what you need. Letting those tears flow and waiting on the answer. I’ve had to do this many times and not a pretty cry it’s been an agonizing cry. Sometimes with no words Just on my knees because he knows what we need even if we can’t utter the words.
yes, yes, yes…
Surround myself with close friends/family that love the Lord and knowing they are praying for me and with me. I hold the the Holy Spirit so close to me. And remind myself / my soul /my spirit to align With The Holy Spirit of the Living God. And always ask to be covered with the precious blood of Jesus. I ask God to break and protect me from any curses. I claim his presence with me/ behind/before/ after/ beneath/above me. God comes through as you know. I hold on to these prayers especially when I don’t feel his presence but I know he’s there.
He is faithful.
Having multiple breakdowns so God could break me through to the purpose He has called me to in life
ditto
Hi, Rachel,
My faith in God and a close friend who was going through the same pain as me helped me get through a divorce that came on me blindsided. Also, my dear sister-in-law shared a bible verse with me that helped her through her divorce. It is Jeremiah 29: 11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It has been 20 years since she gave me that verse, and it is still my favorite. It is hard to go on without hope. Jesus gave me, and continues to give me hope, every day of my life. It is now one of my 28-year-old daughter’s favorite verses, too.
Hi Rachel! For me it’s been my Faith. Faith doesn’t make things easy, it makes them possible. I took a hold of that when things got rough. My love for God and knowing that he too loves me. When i felt alone , I knew he was there no matter what. Through cancer cells, anxiety, depression, pain and trying times. I knew he was there to teach me and lead me in the right direction. My boyfriend gave me a bible so small that i can keep it in my purse and read verses when i feel the need. I wish you the best. And THANK YOU for this website! You have helped me so much! I appreciate it.
I realize that events in my life are constantly changing, but Jesus is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Everything that happens here is temporal. The absolute Glory of Heaven will be far better, it’s somewhere truly to look forward to; a reward for patience, courage, faithfulness, and perseverance.
That is what I literally think when I’m in a pit, it keeps me going and moving toward Him.
Amen!
What has helped me through the years is scripture. Two in particular: Deuteronomy 32:4 ” He is the Rock his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” And also when I’m feeling flooded and overwhelmed Psalm 93–especially the part that speaks of the LORD as being mightier than the noise of many waters. The Lord also uses music in my life. Recently I was blindsided by something that pretty well devastated me. Though I knew the Lord is my Rock upon whom I trust and that He makes no mistakes, I was struggling. Our choir was working on a song where one phrase just kept repeating in my head–“God is good, He is always good, He is ONLY good to me. Though my eyes can’t see, help my heart believe You are always, only good.” Even now several months out, when I begin to struggle with the lingering aftermath, I am so thankful for that simple phrase–God is good, He is always good, He is only good to me. This grounds me once more to the One that knows what I am, what I am going through, and where I am going. Thank you for the opportunity to reflect and see God at work in my life and how He is able when I am not.
God is good. Amen.
The love of God and the sweet nudging of the Holy Spirit. The life giving Word of God and the special scriptures He has brought to my remembrance when my mental and physical strength were at their lowest. So many loved ones have gone to heaven and we must take up the torch and keep fighting the fight for those left behind on this earth. It’s our turn to become the prayer warriors! We must know in Whom we have believed and remain steadfast and sure to the One True Living God!
Once I either know I can’t do a thing about it, or I’ve done all can do about it, I intentionally give whatever the burden, hurt or struggle to God. Time after time. Countless times. Until I can finally pray “It is yours, God, not mine…Your will be done.” and walk away in my mind to trust that He will do the absolute best. Even if I know it is in His time, not mine. In His way, not mine. That’s not to say I never think about it, or pray about it, but I do so knowing it is not my burden any longer. God always gives the best result and once I wrap my head and heart around that, I can let things go and get out of His way. I often pray “I believe! Help my unbelief!” Just like that man in the Bible.
Knowing He would carry me when I didn’t have the strength, courage or direction to move forward and walk hand in hand with Him.
My faith in God and my family.
The idea that “this, too, shall pass” and from God’s perspective, my experiences are never wasted, but are growth moments. Looking back, the worst times were my greatest times of God drawing me close.
My faith in God and knowing that I am chosen by Him to be His. To remember His promises and knowing that that He already knows the outcome way before I do. You just believe!
Look forward to the book Rachel. God bless.
It took awhile but I learned to rely on the fact that God is sovereign; in absolute control of everything.
A short example – I have one kidney and since I was saved have always asked God to protect that kidney. Well, my doctor called me one time and said (over the phone!) that I had a tumor in my kidney. I lost it! I couldn’t talk – I could only cry. Then I went into my room and started praying and reading my Bible. I came out realizing that there was nothing, nothing I could do about the situation; it was all in God’s hands. My worrying would only make things worse. It turns out that the tumor was a non-threatening cyst which has caused no problems. Since that time I’ve learned to keep trusting God in ALL things, and there have been a lot of things! Thank God He is The only God, the only one, we can fully trust in all things.
God bless you Rachel!
What kept me going at my worst was God,i was down and acttualy gave up. 12Years of a rare bone disease and at a point i was suicidal.
My family wasnt of much help,but a friend came into my life at that point and i believe he’s God sent,he help with so much encouragement and advice i was strong to move on.
And this bible verse really helped also. Habakkuk 2:3,Job 8:7,Jeremiah 29:11 and Philipians 3:13
My watch word: “all will be well,its just for a moment and all this will pass away. The joy of the Lord is my strength”
Thank you, Aaron, for sharing Bible verses that are of encouragement to you. I print out verses and then use them during my prayer time. I appreciate it.
Only one answer to that question for me…God. He called me into an intensive, college-level course that our church was offering in 2013. About two months into the course, I came to class in an deep depression (I am bipolar and have other mental health issues), and the result wasn’t pretty. Without going into detail, someone in the class, that I thought was a friend, witnessed my breakdown and never talked to me again. The betrayal was devastating. I isolated myself from everyone except my husband, wouldn’t call anyone on the phone, and went into a spiral that included suicidal behaviors and deep days of depression. I had left my previous psychiatrist and counselor the year before, and I couldn’t find any one else to take me on as a client, so I was without either a psychiatrist or a counselor. All I had was God. I spent numerous hours in prayer and Bible study, even though in my depression I begged God to let me die. After being in isolation for several months, God began clearing out the darkness in my mind. He led me to new ministry. He led me to a wonderful Christian counselor, and almost a year later He helped me find a new psychiatrist. God has worked through my psychiatrist and counselor to break chains of bondage that I didn’t even know were there. He has given me a life of prayer and dependence on Him, and He is still breaking down the chains and walls of oppression. He restored my soul. I give all the glory and praise to Him for starting me on the road to healing. We aren’t even close to being finished, and, I assume, that it will be a lifelong process. But He is bringing change to my life, and, for that, I am eternally grateful.
I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2
Susan- Your testimony just makes me want to shout!! So very powerful. Bless you, sister for sharing. You are gracious to share your experience and I love your praise to the Father.
My worst point in life has been and still is, seeing my 34 years old son not save and choosing the path of destruction. What has keeping standing up is His faithfulness through HIs Spirit and His Word. That peace that surpasses all understanding is within me, and the hope and faith that God will do what He needs to do when He thinks is the right time. In exchange for this painful sorrow, I have never been closer to Him as I am today. And the spiritual growth that I have experience is beyond I could have ever imagine. I could certainly do all things through Him who strengthen me and gives me what I need.
Having Faith in God.
I know when I’ve been at my lowest I have asked others to pray for me and I know the feeling that our Lord is listening and He’s taking care of me. Knowing I’m covered in prayer then helps be to cope and truly trust in Jesus. Giving it all to Jesus and trusting in His promises.
My family and my faith. By faith through grace Eph 2 : 8. Without God’s unending grace, I am nothing.
God has always been there shows me his love. Looking at simple things like the family God created, the world around us. Know you are never alone.being thankful what he has blessed me with not what I want or think I need
My child. The thought of him and his well being does it for me every time. And rightfully so, he is a true gift from God. This I know.
Leah, I can’t repeat your comment, so I’ll say your words were my words. My youngest was a Gift from God. I bore him out of wedlock, chose to be a single parent, and to raise him with no help. None. I gave God everything I had to keep me from any male companionship Throughout the 17 yrs I had him at home. My child was God’s Gift. My giving Him my WHOLE heart saw me (& he) survive very difficult times (of which one was a planned suicide). Father speaks to the depths of our heart. Rachel, One More Step is such an appropriate title for your book. I remember saying one..more..step during many a time when I thought I couldn’t, but with the Grace of God I did. He and I have been thru much. We’ll get thru the rest of it together also.
When I was in a pit 7 years ago, two things helped me: consistent reading of the Word and prayer warriors. I had 3×5 notecards with particular verses written on them and I read them over, and over, and over.
The prayer warriors were friends who didn’t ask questions, but prayed over me and for me, letting me know they were praying so I felt the Holy Spirit washing over me.
What a blessing to have those people in your life!! Thanks for sharing!
You know, dear Rachel, you provide such a wonderful venue for us Christian ladies to reach out and t ouch. Thank you so much for this. We can pray and lift you to the one that promises to never leave you nor forsake you, and we can take that for a for sure promise for His word is permanent. Know that you are so cared for. Even thou we do not know you personally we se, hear and feel through your touch with God that you are faithful to Him and believe. What an example. Thank you and it is just too small a thing for us to do for all this, but truly is a wonderful things, don’t you think? How He is joyous when His children talk with Him. Hugs an love, Sandi.
The one thing I have never forgotten throughout all the difficulties in my life, when everything seemed completely overwhelming and impossible was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your path.” No matter how exhausted, confused, or hopeless I felt, I would open my Bible and read this aloud to myself over and over. Eventually, peace would wrap it’s arms around me and I knew there was a purpose and that God would guide me. He always has!
Vickie Flinchum, thank you for sharing this verse! In the next few weeks, the job I work will no longer exist. I have been out of my mind with worry because I just got insurance to cover me and my children. The hours were perfect for my family! I have no idea of what is going to happen or if I will loose the same hours I work and the pay I receive. I needed this verse so thanks again for sharing it!