shareyourstorynow.org

I can do ALL things through Christ

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[ Philippians 4:13 (KJV)]

Cat says:

I spent 20 odd years on and off the streets, in numerous addictions, and a continual victim of domestic violence, co-dependency, and in sexual immorality. Through it all I always heard from others about how strong I must be to survive all the things I have survived. Two years ago I was broken in every sense of the word. I rededicated my life to Christ and Thanks to Him, I have overcome all that afflicted my being.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me as it says in Philippians 4:13.

//From the SYSN Admin: Please keep cat in your prayers. What verses of hope and words of encouragement can you offer? Comment on Cat’s uplifting story of overcoming sin, and also Share YOUR story with us here: http://shareyourstorynow.org/share

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 and is filed under Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Struggles, Overcoming sin. | 1 Comment »

Sin Ate My Life

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

[ Joel 2:25-26 (KJV)]

Michael says:

Sin ate 36 years of my life! The cankerworm was alcohol, and the caterpillar my sin nature which kept me chained to the booze. The palmerworm was the evil spirit I let into my body. The army was the events God let me face as a consequence for my desires and actions.

I wanted to retire from the US Navy, but by I had 8 years in due to setting a fire on board the carrier Kennedy while highly intoxicated and drugged up. I was given a bad conduct discharge and brig time. I was married for 13 years and have 2 children, all born again…I wavered in my walk and let the booze and drugs rule me. My marriage ended in divorce in 2002. For 8 more years I lived in sin and looking back I find that while walking upright with Christ Jesus, life was good. But when I turned from Him, I lost everything!

Now he has given me a 2 story apartment, brand new furniture and a monthly income…is my walk constant now like Enoch? No, but I long for it to be. I pray the Holy Spirit cleans my house and restoration takes place, and that I freely give thanks to the lord. I pray that I don’t concentrate on being ashamed of my past, but rejoice in Christ!

Please keep me in your prayers! Grace n peace to all who read this.

//From the SYSN Admin: What verses of hope and words of encouragement can you offer Michael? Comment on his powerful story, and also Share YOUR story with us here: http://shareyourstorynow.org/share

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Friday, August 6th, 2010 and is filed under Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles. | 2 Comments »

I will NOT be afraid!

In him I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can a mere human being do to me?

[ PSALM 56:11(GNT)]

Deborah says:

After years of being deceived, abused and mistreated, I had no one else to turn but to God. Since turning to Him, He alone has healed my pain of past situations, and continues to give me the strength to go through and overcome every trial I face.

So today I know if God is for me then who can stand against me? As Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) says, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

I have learned to forgive others and myself and to place GOD above all. Today I know mercy, today I know grace, and today I know forgiveness. I may not always succeed at being my best but I am always praying and seeking the wisdom from Him. Above all it is His Love that I lacked, and having a relationship with God accepting His word as truth unconditionally. Trusting Him, fearing Him, Loving Him and obeying Him.

//From the SYSN Admin: What have you been through in your life that has brought you closer to God? Comment on Deborah’s touching story, and also Share YOUR story with us!

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 and is filed under Hope, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles. | 2 Comments »

Trusting God to Save My Marriage

I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.

[ PSALM 56:11(CEV)]

Melissa says:

My husband has slept with 3 other women since we got married. The 1st two were one night stands on business trips, but the 3rd was a full blown emotional affair. He told me he was leaving me and our children to be with her, but through the grace of God that affair has ended. We are both Christians.

While I believe he loves me, he has little remorse, has done little to repair our marriage, and refuses counseling. I feel very distraught. We have befriended a Christian couple who are helping us, and I am trying to pray and rest in the lord.

It’s so difficult knowing he really is not committed to our marriage. I fear he will cheat again, but I am relying on God to heal our marriage.

Any words of wisdom?
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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Sunday, July 25th, 2010 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles, Christian Families. | 9 Comments »

I found my way back to Him

But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.

[ Luke 15:32 (GNT)]

Mary Jo says:

My story begins years ago when I first began struggling with being Bipolar. I fell away from God and into a life of terrible sin. I knew I was doing wrong, but could not turn from the temptations that stood before me. Eventually, I found myself on an ER gurney, waiting for admittance to another psychiatric unit. My perspective on life drastically changed.

It was decided I would go home to Iowa and stay with my Dad and stepmother, Barb, while I worked to regain stability. Shortly after my arrival, I popped in the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVDs Dad gave me. I found myself in tears at the Vocal Band member’s testimonies. It grabbed my heart and made me take a good look at what had become my life. I realized the downhill spiral that awaited me if I continued living the life I’d been living. Watching the performances and watching as the men bared their souls made me want a personal relationship with God.

One early morning I was walking through my church’s sanctuary. I had just finished cleaning the prayer room. “Gentle Sheppard” began playing on my mp3 player and I was lightly singing the words. Half way up the aisle Gloria Gaither began praying in the middle of the song. Something told me to stop and I looked down at the pew I was standing next to. With my finger I began tracing the carving of the cross on the end of the pew. “If only you could help or want me God”, I thought to myself. That was all He needed to hear! At that exact moment I felt two of the strongest, yet most gentle arms embrace me. I began sobbing. With every tear that fell, more pain, anguish, shame, guilt and fear left my body.

Eventually my sobs quieted and then I felt something guide me to look at the simple red banner that hangs above the sanctuary entrance. Through tear filled eyes I made out the words, “Those Who Walk With God Always Reach Their Destination.” I’d found my way back to God. He touched me. He showed me that He loved me no matter what I had done. Daddy’s little girl came back to the Father.

The following days were so full of energy. A sudden urge to read Scripture was upon my heart. I began writing Christian poetry again. I was drawn to Christian radio and television programs, as well as all Gaither Homecoming DVDs or tapes I could find. The church gifted me a large print study bible and Pastor Bailey opened his personal library to me. I devoured book after book. I wanted to know all I could find out about God, The Holy Spirit and The Lord, my Savior Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday I joined the church. I spoke my statements of faith with my Dad, in his choir robe, standing next to Barb. Easter Sunday was the perfect day for me to join since it was the official beginning in my new life. A new life of being dedicated to serving God had begun. As we finished with the profession of faith, Pastor Bailey instructed us to take our seats. When I took a step down off the altar I had to look up. There before me, hung the banner and the words I will never forget, “Those Who Walk with God Always Reach Their Destination”. It cemented that through all walks in life we MUST have God with us.

I’ve discovered that no matter what you have done, you are still a child of God. He loves you. I have spent years searching in all the wrong places for true love. It’s funny; I left Iowa searching for myself, trying to find me. And, it was when I returned to Iowa that I not only found myself; but also the personal relationship with God I’d always craved. I was home! I have found Him.

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 and is filed under Sadness, God's Love, Your Stories, Struggles, Overcoming sin. | No Comments »

I Love God Because God Loved Me First

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

[ ROMANS 8:28 (NIV)]

Keith says:

In my life I was living like the rest of the world and seeking things of this world trying to obtain things of this world. As a Christian I was trying to be like the world. Then I would go to church and talk to God about my problems, like…”God why don’t you help me and my family? Why don’t you just pay my dad’s bills? Why don’t you just make me a singer?” But God did not respond. There came a day when I realized that what I thought was life here on earth is not really life, and that God wasn’t seeking to please my selfish needs and wants.

I thought to myself and then I said to God, “SAVE ME from what I do not know! God I know that there is nothing good in this world for me and I want you to be my good! My desire! Give me love wisdom and hunger! God I want to know you! Like my father!” Then, during Bible study Romans 10:17 popped out and said to my heart, “Faith Comes through hearing and hearing from the Word of God, then another verse that says We saved by Grace through Faith, which is a gift from God not by works so that no one may boast about it!” I then realized this Faith was impossible for me to find! I could not do this! I could not put my faith in God till I began to seek him! He had to give me that faith!

It reminds me of that story with the rich man where Jesus told him to give everything he had to the poor. But the rich man walked away sad because he couldn’t do it. Then when Jesus explained to the disciples that it would be difficult for a man to make it to heaven…and they said well none of us can make it!

We cannot do everything! We are not perfect! But Jesus said your right for man it is impossible but for me all things are possible! HE was not talking about how for him it is possible to pay your bills or give you a perfect life here on earth! That’s not what he wants to give you. Jesus always said put your treasure in Heaven where a thief will not come and steal it. Where your treasure is your heart will be also! Where is your treasure? In the world? Then that’s also where your heart is.

You see I came to realize, after seeking God, that it’s not about what I can do for God or how good I can be. Because the scriptures say there is no one Good but God alone.
I realized that for me it is impossible to obtain salvation! For all men it is impossible! Only for God it is possible! When I realized that I was sick, born a sinner and in need of someone to save me… I found that Jesus Christ was the only one who offered his life as a sacrifice for my sins!
He became my medicine.

AND I’m only 17.

So then now, I do not serve him because I have to. I do not worship because I’m sad. I do not seek him, for treasure, or for heaven. I do not give to him for something in return for I know he is not in debt but I am. I do not love him because it will save me or he will satisfy my needs.

I love him because he loved me first. I give to him because all is his. I come to him because I am sick and he is my healer. I worship him because I know he is worthy and he heals my brokenness! I live for him because I died to self and he lives in me. I go out and talk about him because through all of this, at the same time he is satisfying my needs. He is giving me everything according to his purpose. I am free!

That is what Jesus my Savior did for me.

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Monday, July 12th, 2010 and is filed under Sadness, Hope, Your Stories, Evangelization, Struggles. | No Comments »

Jonny Diaz - Finding your way to Christ [1:19]

Those who know you, LORD, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.

[Psalm 9:10 (GNT)]

Christian artist Jonny Diaz talks about the importance of making Christ the center of your life.

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Friday, July 9th, 2010 and is filed under Hope, Video Stories, Struggles. | No Comments »

The Power of God

Jesus answered, “What is humanly impossible is possible for God.”

[Luke 18:27 (GNT)]

Avery says:

I was in my junior year of college first semester in 2007, I was an out of state student and financial aid only helped out a little, so to cover the balance for tuition I took out student loans. I knew as being a child of God, there had to be some ideal way that only God could allow for me get more financial help. So, I started working for my college major’s department, that way I put at least a few dollars in my pocket. Then one morning I woke up believing and trusting God that he would answer my specific prayer. My prayer was simply to get a scholarship in a way where all I had to do was sign my name on a dotted line. Now this was a challenge for me to have that much faith and trust in God to answer this prayer knowing how impossible it sounds. BUT with God anything is possible.

Couple days later a great friend of mine called me, I was on the way to class when she sternly said, “Avery come to the technology department now! One of the advisors has an extra scholarship to hand out to a student who had a 3.2 or higher GPA so I gave them your name.” I went straight to the advisor and they checked my status to make sure I was eligible and said here’s a form that you fill out as scholarship recipient…just date and SIGN at the bottom!!!

And on top of that I received a scholarship every semester till I graduated, which was May 2008 with summa cum laude honors. I was soo overjoyed. So don’t under-estimate the Power of God and the Power of Prayer and remember while praying be specific. Thank You Jesus!! God Bless you all!

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Friday, June 4th, 2010 and is filed under Hope, Your Stories, Struggles. | No Comments »

God is the ONLY solution

In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?

[Romans 8:31 GNT]

Emily says:

As a sixteen year old who has suffered depression and overcame three years as a cutter, I believe that God heals all wounds! Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” It has been almost a year without having a blade touch my skin and amazingly, I do not have any more scars! They have disappeared, no medicine, no science can do that…only GOD!

I don’t think I could ever explain to you how alone, how abandoned I felt, leading up to the things that I did. The one thing I found out though is that God is the only answer, the only solution to my problem. I still have problems with trust and being close to people. However, I have never in my life felt closer to God than I do now. God is my one friend that I can always depend on. Nothing I can do will ever take His love away, even when everyone else has left me.

If it wasn’t for God, I don’t know if I would have ever stopped cutting. I don’t even know if I would be alive! I think it is important for every single person to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and establish him as your personal LORD and SAVIOR! He will never leave you no matter what, and if you have him, you don’t need anyone else.

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 and is filed under Sadness, Hope, God's Love, Your Stories, Struggles. | 1 Comment »

Faith after losing my job

So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.

[Romans 10:17 GNT]

Lyle P. says:

When I lost my job, I found out that my faith was really in myself and not in God – and that the only way to build a real faith in Jesus is through His Word.

I am a middle-aged, middle-class male, raised in a Christian family and happily married with 4 wonderful children. Like many people, I sometimes struggled with doubt and sin but felt like I generally had my life together, with a strong faith that could withstand difficulties.

Until my job ended. Then, my security fell apart, my bucolic suburban bubble was popped, and I was forced to confront my own mortality, fears and self perception – at the same time that my kids were hitting their teenage years. I was struggling to hold things together, while still modeling to them a trust in the Lord – as my savings were dwindling rapidly.

My faith was at a low ebb. I was fearful. But then my new faith was born, one which has come not from vague sentiments or feelings or my own strength but rather is anchored in the person of Jesus as revealed through his own book, the Bible. His Word tells me of a loving person who lived a consistent life, regardless of circumstances, and talks repeatedly about an accessible God who can be trusted and who wants to give me peace. And His Love is changing my life from one filled with fear and regret to one built on a real, revealed faith built on His Word.

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Circle of Prayer

Circle of Prayer is a ministry of the American Bible Society, a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God’s Word for nearly 200 years.

Also check out our Bible Search and Scripture journeys tools.

Story posted on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 and is filed under Hope, Bible, Your Stories, Struggles. | 3 Comments »