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Our God is Our God Forever and Ever

“Our God is like this forever and will always guide us.”

[Psalm 48:14 CEV]

Abby writes:

Recently my family went through a very big blow. The matriarch of our family passed away. For the past 7 years Maria de Jesus suffered much after she broke her hip. Because of her age and frailty, they opted not to operate her, fearing it would speedy up her passing away.

Those 7 years were spent bed ridden and eventually lead to her suffering from dementia. Even though we knew this day would surely come sooner than later, knowing she had passed affected me more than I ever thought it could.

Growing up most of my childhood in Guatemala I was raised by my grandmother (abuelita) and to me she was truly indescribable. With apron always in tow, she was there to wipe away any tears, kiss any booboos, correct us when we were wrong and love us unconditionally. It’s the things I will never forget.

With her passing my brother and I made our way to Antigua, Guatemala and had a chance to share in many moments of silence, where no words really needed to be said, and moments of contemplation over what had just happened. Tears abounded, but so did laughter in reminiscing of good old times.

We came across this scripture that spoke to our hearts… Psalm 48:14 “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

My mother shared with us how on the last day that my abuelita lived she asked my mom to sing her a praise song she loved “Cuan Grande Es El” (How Great Thou Art). My mom sobbed through the lyrics, but realized that even at the end of her time, all my abuelita wanted to do was give God the praise. And with that, we were put at ease.

My abuelita is in a much better place now… Free of being bed ridden, free of physical pain, free to live with her Heavenly father. Suffering may come for a night, but joy really does come in the morning.

Story posted on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 and is filed under Hope, God's Love, Team Corner, Sadness, Death, Bible, Praise, God's Sovereignty, Christian Families, Evangelization, Your Stories, Grace. | 1 Comment »

Even In Rough Patches, God Sees Me Through

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

[Colossians 3:1 CEV]

Nick writes:

I am 17, and I try to believe every day that everything happens for a reason, and i ask God to show himself to me. But yet i feel as if something isn’t right in my life.

This verse is true because i know their is a God but I wanna know he is listening to me and this verse, helps me realize how life does bring you down and yet at the weirdest times I think about God and its like i had a new spirit inside of me, My grandfather and grandmother died less than 6 years apart and my mom broke down for a small period of time, and then in 2007 my friend at age 15 died at such a young age.

When i think of this verse now, i think back and say wow this would have helped me big time with my life so hopefully it will get me through even more rough times.

Story posted on Monday, February 9th, 2009 and is filed under God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Death, Bible, Praise, Christian Families, Struggles, Your Stories, Life Verse. | No Comments »

Unevenly Yoked and Struggling

“If your husband or wife isn’t a follower of the Lord and decides to divorce you, then you should agree to it. You are no longer bound to that person. After all, God chose you and wants you to live at peace. And besides, how do you know if you will be able to save your husband or wife who isn’t a follower?”

[1 Corinthians 7:15-16 CEV]

Shameika writes:

My husband of 3 years and the father of our two young children (ages 3 & 1 1/2) left 2 months ago saying he wanted a divorce. I am saved and I have had a relationship with God for years now. My husband is unsaved, however struggling to obtain a realtionship with God and to live a holy and separated life.

He believes in His word. He studies and he tries to apply God’s word to his life “with his words”. However, he is hindered with lust of the flesh and the worldly mindset he’s developed. When he left me I was shattered. I found out he’d been seeing another woman that is christian who he claims to have lead him to Christ and that he has developed a “spiritual connection” with her.

I was hurt. So bad. My spirits were broken. My heart was broken. I went on a 7 day consecration with the Lord. I needed guidance. I wanted to be right in God’s sight. I love my husband with Agape love. He was so cold to me. I fell on my face to God and cried out for strength and for wisdom. He showed me myself. He ministered to my spirit and led me to know that I needed to change me first.

I was saved, but I had areas that needed destroying. My flesh. My own will. My pride. My EMOTIONS. And then he dropped in my spirit I Corinthians 7:15-16. I realized through God’s word and then confirmation from my spirit and other men and women of God that there was no need for me to be desperately holding on to my husband. To let him leave.

Recently…he has expressed his apologies and the desire to work things out in our marriage. He is still struggling with salvation. He is still undelivered from his flesh, selfishness and pride. Therefore, this is subject to happen again. I am standing on God’s Word and following his instructions to not be unequally yoked. However, I need to be in the perfect Will of God. I am continuing to pray, fast and see God for direction. It is one day at at time. Please keep me in prayer.

Story posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 and is filed under Bible, God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Christian Families, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

I Am Struggling

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

[Matthew 22:37 NIV]

Nicole writes:

i dont know why but i always loved that phrase because i do love god with my heart,soul,and mind but i think im not needed, that it would be easier if i was gone so i wouldnt feel the pain.My friends just made it worse by being mad and scared and by that it just put more pain on me with their anger.When i was a little girl my parents got divorced,my brother who i loved so very much was stealing , i felt like it was all my fault even if it truly wasnt. yet i couldnty help thinking. I know god loves me but the pain of what ive been through in my life hurts and now im still thinking about suicide and my brothers in prison. I looked up to my big bro but maybe people wouldnt care if i was gone. im getting help for my depression and i promise i will try!!

Story posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Suicide, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

I Know I Need To Let Go

“Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.”

[Isaiah 60:20 NIV]

Corinne writes:

It has been quite some time since I have shared where I am today with my Faith and grieving the loss of my daughter Olivia. I have been feeling so much pain, depression and darkness in my life. My son continues with his drug abuse, creating chaos in our home. I feel so overwhelmed that I have been unable to work. I have been off for two months, seeking therapy. Tonight, as I write this, my heart feels broken, my eyes feeling up with tears. Then I remembered that my mom’s friend shared Isaiah 60:20 with me. I have been mourning for four years. Yes, I have had good days. I have had days where I felt the Lord’s presence so strongly. Yet, my grief has continued and not allowed me to move forward in the direction that God wants me to go. He wants me to find my Joy, so here I am, writing again. I feel peace and healing when I write about our God. I know that my daughter is in Heaven with Jesus. I know that she is happy, no longer suffering. I’ve made a decision tonight to let go and allow God to begin my spiritual healing. I also need to let my son go, as I did once before, and let God take over. I so want to feel alive again but I know I can’t do this alone. Tomorrow begins the journey of my Spiritual Journey. I know in my heart that with God there isn’t anything I can’t do. I want my life back. I want God to open the new windows of my life. I know that God has work for me to do; now I just have to let him begin the process. I am the clay and he is the potter.

I thank the American Bible Society for their website which allows me to share what I am going through and how God will carry me through.

Story posted on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 and is filed under Hope, Sadness, Death, God's Love, Bible, Struggles, Prayer, Your Stories, God's Sovereignty. | 1 Comment »

God Freed Me From Shame

“For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.””

[Romans 10:11 NKJV]

Phil writes:

I used to be buried in shame. I had been born out of wedlock to a mother who loved me and a man who wanted me to be aborted. Because of this I grew up without a father. Later, in preschool I was molested by my preschool teachers. A short time after that my mom married my first step-father, who turned out to be an alcoholic. The next seven years were filled with emotional torture, and eventually included physical abuse.

We were poor most of that time, even living on welfare at one point. Because of a number of factors related to that poverty and my upbringing, I was constantly bullied and made fun of at school from elementary school through middle school.
By the time my mom and step-father divorced I was depressed and suicidal. Though I went through counseling and became convinced that God must have a purpose and plan for my life, I turned towards sin and entered into a crippling addiction to pornography.

To deal with the shame I felt at my past difficulties and present sin, I did all I could to cover it up with a happy and fun exterior. By the time I came to college I jumped into the partying lifestyle as a part of that fake exterior. Finally I woke up one morning in a pool of my own vomit because of how much beer, mixed drinks and liquor I drank the night before.

At that point, overwhelmed by shame, I knew something had to change but didn’t know where to go for help. Two days later I went to a church where I heard the pastor say that we can begin to see God when we have been humbled. Since I felt humiliated, I figured I must qualify as someone who was close to beginning to know God.

One month later an evangelist came to my university and preached the Good News of Jesus Christ saying that God would become my Daddy if I would repent and trust in Him. He also said that God knew I would become the father I never had.
The shackles of shame dropped off of me that day nearly 8 years ago when I tearfully put my trust in God. Every day since then I’ve been learning how to keep living without shame as I put my trust in Jesus Christ. I am so thankful to God that he has made me new and clean, and that as I trust in Him I will never come under the power of sin and shame again. Even more wonderful is that He wants to do the same for you too!

Story posted on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Overcoming sin, God's Sovereignty, Struggles, Conversions, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

God Is Taking Care Of My Dad

“You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age.”

[Genesis 15:15 NIV]

Kayla writes:

I am 16 years old and my father passed away March 5, 2008. This verse helped me by knowing that my father is ok ad he is in good hands.

Story posted on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 and is filed under Hope, Sadness, Death, Bible, Your Stories, Christian Families, Struggles, Prayer, God's Sovereignty. | 1 Comment »

He Still Gives Me Strength

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

[Philippians 4:13 NIV]

Sandi writes:

I lost my only child 38 years ago this month and this verse has helped me to get through. I know as long a I keep on my faith journy with Jesus I can do anything.

Story posted on Monday, November 17th, 2008 and is filed under Hope, Sadness, Death, God's Love, Bible, God's Sovereignty, Struggles, Your Stories, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

I'm Finding Joy In The Midst Of The Storm

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”

[Matthew 6:14-15 NIV]

Lisa writes:

My life took a drastic change when my 55 year old father died on February 6, 2006. Even though I was married I lived in the family home to help my mother take care of my elderly grandparents suffering with late stage althzimers. I did everything I could to help my mother get through the loss of my dad.

On February 13, 2007 my husband broke into my family home totally out of control. I had never seen him this way and I had known him since I was 4. He began beating and choking me. At that point I yelled for my mother. She told Randy that if he didn’t leave she would call the police. Before we got to the phone he attacked me again. My mom tried to stop him and then he started beating her. I noticed him taking something out of his pocket and it turned out to be a gun and in an instant he shot and killed her.

I ran to my grandparents room hoping to protect them someway. I then told my grandpa that I had to go next door and get my brother Travis for help and call 911. I told him to keep the door locked and make him bust it down. I went out the window and told him I would be right back. I had promised him that I would be right back.

Once over at my brothers Travis got his gun and I called 911. Travis went out back and at that point a gun battle ensued between my brother and Randy. It ended with my brother being shot ten times, Randy fleeing to Laredo, Texas where has was caught 24 hours later and my mother and grandparents all three shot in the head. Since then I have lost my business, my home and at times have lived in my truck. I’m financially ruined and my family has no ideal how to get over this. Right now I’m living with my attorney and his wife.

In a year I had buried everyone that lived in my house. I had always been very close to my family and losing them in such a manner was more than I could take at time, but I kept praying and begging God to give me the peace and forgiveness that I desperately needed. I wanted God to somehow bring glory to his name out of this situation. And now it’s been 19 months and God did finally give me the peace and forgiveness I needed. I now talk and share my testimony to church’s and women’s groups. It hasn’t all been highs through this, but God never left my side.

I have truly forgiven Randy. It was God’s grace that has given me the peace and forgiveness that I needed. My goal is to help others that have been through a tragedy like this. And let them know that even though life will never be the same. You can still find joy in the middle of the storm. I’m also trying to help Randy get through this. I believe that is my Christian duty to do this. God allowed me to no longer see people through the eyes of the flesh, but to see them through the eyes of the spirit. I realized that he was a lost and broken soul that needed prayer and forgiveness.

I realized that I had to lay my life down and give it to Christ. And in turn he would take care of all my needs. I praise his sweet and precious name. He gave his only Son to die in my place for all my sins to mark my debt as paid in full, cancelled. And what he has done for me he can do for you if you just believe in Him and give your life to Him.

Story posted on Saturday, November 15th, 2008 and is filed under Sadness, Death, Hope, Your Stories, Prayer, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles. | 3 Comments »

My Marriage Has Fallen Apart

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”

[Proverbs 18:22 NIV]

Terria writes:

On 4/26/2008 my husband of 9 years left me. In July of 2007 he left for 9 weeks. Saying he was confused and did not want to be married any more. He was in and out staying home some nights and leaving other nights. I was devastated. I moved in Aug 2007 from that house. The next day after I moved he came back home. He has left at least 4 times while in the new house; he finally left for good on April 26 this year. When he left last year I relapse on crack cocaine after being clean for 13 years. I would do ok some times and use other times this is what made him leave. He has never done drugs, smoked or drank and does not understand the disease of addiction. He accused me of cheating instead. He tried to make it work but I continued to sneak, lie in order to use. I am currently seeking help/therapy for cocaine and alcohol abuse and severe depression. I am also on med’s from my dr. for the depression. I want God to restore my marriage and deliver me from drugs. My husband presented me with divorce papers and told me he has found some one else and wants to move on and pursue the relationship. He has been seen twice in the last 4 weeks with a woman be my close relatives. He says he does not want to reconcile with me. We are a saved family who had a strong marriage and happy family. He doesn’t call or come see us. He pays half the rent. This last month he was late. For 7 of our 9 yr marriage I either worked part time or not at all. We have 4 children 1 girl (10 yr) still at home, 2 boys (18 yr) in college, 1 boy (27 yr) i don’t want my family to be fragmented and broken. I want us to be whole again and my marriage restored. I know God can do anything but fail and I am standing on that hope and our vows. Please pray for our healing, deliverance and restoration. I have tried every thing and nothing seems to work.

Story posted on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles, Prayer, Christian Families. | 2 Comments »