Posted on 06.04.10 by Paula Hendricks | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Topics: Womanhood
Do you feel like “throwing in the towel” in your marriage, in your faith walk with Jesus, in life in general? You’re not the first who’s felt like that! I asked Barbara Rainey (a woman who for years felt like a failure as a mother, as a wife, and in her relationship with Christ) to speak directly to you.
As you watch this video, be encouraged that because God is a God of redemption, there’s no reason to quit! There is a way out, and He will provide that at the right time.
I’m assuming you can relate to feeling like a failure. When have you felt like throwing in the towel, and have you seen God redeem your situation yet?
We love hearing from you, and will post your comment as long as it is appropriate, and is written in a tone that is encouraging, edifying, and loving to others. Even then, know that the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts.
Comments
I am going through a time of self doubt in my walk, a time of feeling worthless and useless, however I continue to struggle daily to pray (that's my biggest struggle) and weekly to keep on attending fellowship. Which is wild because there is where I am happiest. I find it difficult to be amongst my brethren because they have an established walk and I feel like who am I kidding? Will I become one 'who passes through'? Do they all already know and speak of it? In this state of weakness all I've been doing is hanging on by a thread though I ADORE my Christ. So this is why I continue to: Pray, read, fellowship, sing and memorize (just barely with the memory thing lately) BECAUSE like Mrs. Rainy said I KNOW HE IS THE ONLY WAY UP.
She might not have said that exact thing but that's what I heard so thank you Paula (and Mrs. Rainy for that brutal honesty). It's fine by me to be under this struggle but I don't want to fail Him. I can fail myself a zillion times but failing Him is what's hurting most, at least that's how it feels.
Good to see you back again Paula dear, I hope you had a lovely memorial day weekend.
Peace, love and blessings to all my sisters.
PS Please don't hate me for being such a failure.
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"On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, ALL other ground is sinking sand."
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:12 am
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:23 am
Jenny your in my prayers today. One of the many things I'm praying for you is that their will be someone who comes into your life soon that you can encourage with a smile or hug !
I'm thankful for your post and honesty. It got me into the Bible to try and find some encouragment for you and that is a good thing!
I should be honest too, I often feel like I'm at someone elses family reunion while at church. I'm praying about this too.
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 11:38 am
Its seems lately that our churches have divided themselves (inside the church) into "groups" or "clusters" or "clicks" and sometimes, I get the feeling that I dont belong in any of them. I believe this is Satan trying to scatter God's people. When we Christians come together to worship, we should all be in one accord and there to worship together; not in divided groups.
Unfortunately, we had a situation in our church that caused divison among our women. As a result, our once happy, all women's bible study class was split into two different classes. This created strife and division in the church. Eventually, the person who created the division, left our church for another church, but the division is still there. I think this was another attempt by Satan to scatter God's people.
I just dont believe this is the way God intended our church to be. I believe God's wrath will come, and come soon. These people will not be allowed to continue to cluster, group, click and divide believers. I pray that God will open their eyes today and allow them to see this as Satan's ploy to divide the believers. I pray that God will speak directly to hearts through this prayer and allow any broken hearts to mend and any wrong decisions that have been made to be changed. Amen.
I have to find my place again inside my own church. I feel very discouraged.
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I have felt like a failure in my relationship with God because I can't seem to get it...all my life I've been in church and it seems that I've tried so hard to be a good Christian. I've prayed and read the Bible but I don't seem to have what it takes to do all that is required and whatever I do is not ever enough. I'm not strong enough or patient enough. I don't read enough or pray enough. I get my feelings hurt easily and am offended alot and I don't even want to be. I stay an emotional wreck most of the time and sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in the air and say "I quit".
I can't seem to be consistent in anything. If you walked in my home and office, you would see it. Sometimes, I try to keep up an appearance of having it all together because I get tired of people asking me "Is there something wrong?" Yes, there's something wrong but I can't fix it and neither can you.
I really am rather tired and frustrated. Overwhelmed is an understatement. I wish I had just one spiritual person that I could sit face to face with that could either put their arm around me or kick me in my butt (I probably need both right now) but everyone seems too busy to talk unless you're talking about the weather or the elections.
But....I refuse to quit. Somehow, like Job, I know God is taking notice of me. He sees me. He knows me. He's in control (even if I'm not). He knows where I'm at and why and He knows how to deliver me. He has the answers to the problems I face and in His time, He will open my eyes and let me see. Then, in the future, I will be able (and more willing) to help someone who is in the same place.
:0) Jodi C.
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I believe, as debbie stated above, that Satan is busy in our churches now more than ever. The church (as a body of believers) used to be a place you could turn to in times such as these and be strengthened emotionally and mentally. Nowadays, it seems like there is as much sin (if not more) inside the church as there is outside.
People are hurting each other left and right and as Debbie stated above, they cause division and then walk away leaving the "church" behind to pick up the pieces; as they skip along to another church, justifying their actions. This CANT be pleasing to God! Satan may have fooled you into believing it's ok; while he stands back and blasts out a deep belly roll laugh, but its not!
Jodi, Please dont give up. Keep on keeping on and remember, God is in control. He will take care of you if you will continue to put all your faith in him.
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 1:26 pm
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Dear Erin,
Those words from the books of Mark and John had tears of joy streaming down my face, if my home school day didn't have to start at that moment I would have sat and meditated there on those words for a real long time. As it was, I cut and pasted it on my desk top for later... in case the chance does arise! Thank you for listening to God by taking the time and then the courage to put them here, surely they will minster to more than just little ol' me. I thank God for the grace he allowed through you today my Sister!!
Dear Debbie,
I hear you, I hear you as though you were a voice shouting outside my house, loud and clear! I look at them (the brethren from where I fellowship) from time to time almost like I'm peering in a window, however, I adore each of them SO very much that I KNOW I belong WITH them as a new (ish) to them 'child' of the same family. They might not know it yet but for me it's like I'm the adopted child they might not be fully ready to embrace because they aren't sure yet how to do so. God put me there for a reason and He will help them to see this in His time (and help me also to see how I can be a helper to them in my own small way). Those folks can't know how much I pray for their marriages, children, problems and fears :c) . How much hope fills me up while I think on them becoming ever more passionate with His purposes.
So take that Satan! :cP
There is a part of me that wants SO much to be a helper in my fellowship. And whatever little thing I can do I go right ahead and do it... and you know what? If that means suggesting a NEW group where everyone is invited and I make up (with the grace of God's help) a fresh new idea for all the ladies, then I will jump just as soon as God gives me that idea with the courage to do so. Sometimes I think it might just be a 'running' club... you know get all the old and young girls out and getting fit while memorizing scripture or hymn singing our way through a winding path....
Debbie, you sound like you've got a heart the size of a city and yeah, hearts like that take the hurt, and it festers BUT your love will not let it SIT. Because we both know that's what the evil of this world wants... for us sit home crying and disabled. When we recognize our struggle isn't with these people it's with our own flesh and theirs, it gets us to a place where we can say; "Well Lord, I need help with faith, help with fear... putting that in it's proper place and help with the courage to do with what you call me to... small in bits or one giant leap, for Jesus purpose through me, do what you will, let my will be guided by YOU and not my own flesh"... I know this is what I've had to do especially with pouring over the 'unseen' I need help there, I know this is where my 'Thomas' gets a hold of me and then I struggle/grapple. I've heard it said: We are not cookie cut outs, and that is for a reason, we were born unique and by grace we will learn just what that uniqueness was meant for, through Him and with Him. Using it to our utmost for our Highest. :c) Never trying to 'become like' anyone but Him. Not coveting anyone else's 'shine' (gifts or talents) but seeking that when he's polishing us up through trials how it is we are to shine in the moment (or season) we are in right now. Not waiting for tomorrow, because every day is a grace given to us by Him, do you think he's saying to you... just wait till tomorrow? He'll show us right where we are how to be effective and maybe even BECAUSE of our defects not when they have gone from us. If you read a bit of James MacDonald's latest book "When life is hard." you'll see how scripture points to not laying down when we are under trails that these themselves.. our greatest weaknesses can and will be used to show His magnificent perfectness, to shine a light there (not that this is necessary but it is beautiful).
Dear Jodi C,
I'm so glad you post here, that was lovely and inspiring! I am aware that it's probably more difficult to someone who is 'established' in the routine of faith and 'knows' all the folks so well that they are like almost their own flesh and blood... more difficult to change it up, to pull a fresh new outlook, and BE renewed in your walk. Nancy talks a lot about staying fresh in a walk that could feel stale if you don't set up a host of ways to renew your faith, your walk and warm up your heart. I think tea with you would be just amazing. The two of us in cahoots for the Lord would be a force to be reckoned with... *big smiles*
... He will provide you someone, I know you've been calling out.. maybe she's right under your nose hurting exactly as you have been... it's SO scary to 'try the new ground' to be the first one who says "Hey, I need someone to memorize with, com'mon you look like you would be a big ol' help to me and I'll do my best to be the same for you"... or whatever it is you need to work on... a prayer partner Sister maybe?... there IS someone looking for that and you might be rejected a time or two but really... who's trying to get you down? 'Sally', I don' wanna try with you... what are you talking about'... or Satan himself like PB was saying, having a great old laugh about keeping you down n' out. What I do, is the test then trust thing... I share something I might be a tad afraid to share and then wait... then share more then wait.. seeing slowly what is 'safe' shared and what might not be. In the long run though, I've realized that anything I am not readily sharing perhaps it's just better I let it out there, what am I saving it up for? Everyone falls short and for those who think they are sitting high and mighty above me? I feel for them because they just might have things they can't even see that need desperately work and I don't want to see any one suffer like I know might be necessary. Any coldness anyone puts forward to me is only a sadness in my heart for them (when I am thinking rightly). I know I'm the worst, I know I'm the least, just what do they think they are? *sighs* Even evil speaking in your private mind is grieving to the Holy Spirit and coldness is quite the opposite of what God wants from us (I'm referring to the scripture in Eph 4:30, in vs 31 where it says to 'get rid of all', I assume it means also what's going on up in your thought life).
You Sisters today have all poured into my heart, intentionally or not, so thanks to each of you.
May God's grace, peace and Love follow you every where you are, as you walk in faith, always turning your faces back to Him. He is the only way, the Truth and the Life and He will indeed put life in your walk as he lights up your heart warming you to your very core with the purposes he certainly has for each of you!!
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A favorite and I think fitting (for right now) scripture of mine:
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
2 Corinthians 2:14
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PS I didn't edit this much so I pray anyone reading it will take it with a grain of salt and understand, I know very little.
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 3:03 pm
You are so right. I do care about those that I see putting themselves above others and claming to be THE spritual example when in essence, they are leading people astray and running people away.
I dont want to see anyone suffer (or their children suffer) for misleading, misguiding, or self righteousness. When you stop caring about what others around you think; you better stop and evaluate whose side you are really on. Are you trying to please man, or God?
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 3:38 pm
The key is for us to have fellowship with each other. God wants us all working together.........not separately in little groups, clusters, units, bunches, crops, passels, etc.
We have churches popping up on every corner because people can not get along with each other! We have small groups segregating themselves out from the whole body of the church so they can do things their own way and minister in a way that better suits them. Read God's Word! This is not the way he intended us to Worship! Ask for God's forgivness and be washed white as snow! Start over with a clean slate! Work together for the glory of God! Dont allow Satan to segregate us out into little groups where he can devour.
God Bless each and every one of you!
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Thanks for your comments. I wish I had the time to respond to each of you…
I know what it’s like to fixate on my own shortcomings. But, I also have experienced joy and freedom whenever I focus on Christ instead. Christianity is all about Christ’s performance, not ours! 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.”
Last night in small group, we studied Hebrews 10. Verse 14 says that by one sacrifice, Jesus Christ has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Did you catch that? We are already perfect in God’s eyes, because we are in Christ, and Christ is in us! Yet we are also still in the process of being made perfect.
We don’t have to strive to make this happen, though. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It’s His work.
I read this morning in Hannah Whitall Smith’s “The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life”:
“The enemy whispers doubts, blasphemies, jealousies, envyings, and pride, then turns round and says, ‘Oh, how wicked you must be to think such things! It is very plain that you are not trusting the Lord; if you had been, it would be impossible for these things to have entered your heart.’
“One of the most fatal things in the life of faith is discouragement; one of the most helpful is confidence…We must expect to conquer…Discouragement arises sometimes from what we think is righteous grief and disgust at ourselves…but it is really mortification that we have been secretly self-congratulating ourselves that we are too pure for such things to tempt us…The way of victory over temptation is faith.”
Hope you have a sweet weekend, and that whatever you’re doing, you can meditate and rest in Christ’s achievement on your behalf!
Love,
paula
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 4:39 pm
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I want to clear something up: When I said they 'think themselves higher' and I feel sorrow they are 'going to get their come uppin's', so to speak, I didn't mean it the way it might have been interpreted.
I meant I know I have had to 'learn the hard way', I'm glad for it now, however, learning this way is 'paaaainful' and I wish it on NO ONE, I certainly wish the results on anyone though. I hope what's getting across now is the tenderness that is certainly there in me, for everyone who crosses my path and sometimes especially for those who hurt me (because I feel strongly that I very well could have done that thing to another unwittingly, and definitely unintentionally).
We all grow at the rate which He has us grow (if this is a wrong thing I said, please correct me, I don't think I know much), he'll grow us up right because as was said, he began a work in us, He'll certainly finish it, and well. We need not worry or fear, we'll get there and He's there cheering for us and correcting us all the way through.
Enough said (poorly though it may be).
Peace, love n' blessings.
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It's all about Jesus, it's not about us. Life, living.. the whole thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu-kHwWQVNY (listen to the words ;c) )
on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Don't give up ladies...it's Friday but Sunday is coming!
on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 7:31 am
Yes, folks ask if anything is wrong and sometimes you just feel like saying everything.
But this is not true.
It's the lie of the devil.
What I know is that the devil attacks us when we are at our weakest which is no criticism - when we feel strong in the Lord, he is overpowered.
Put the Lord first. Not easy, no.
Welcome the Lord into your home and office. Sure, the devil will walk in too. Show him the door (:o)(:o) Think of Jesus when he said "Get behind me Satan".
When your feelings are hurt try to remember that you don't have to stay hurt. Think of what Jesus what "why do you ENTERTAIN (make comfortable") these thoughts in your heart" (or something like that).
He was making a point there. People (the Devil) can walk through your door (your heart) but you don't have to make him comfortable.
Hope this helps.
Kicking your butt? Hm.
I think more TLC is more appropriate. (And Jesus can give that)
on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:05 am
on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I feel a strong tug of war going on inside. I am normally a really happy person, but I am at a crossroads. As I walk towards Christ (as I have over this last year or so), I feel like I don't "fit in" anywhere anymore. It seems as soon as a GREAT opportunity or something GOOD happens to me, then, very unlike me, I am plagued with doubts instead of joy. I find comfort in the fact that God is in control, and I worry that I am letting Him down, but I trust He will give me what I need to do what He wants me to do.
But lately, I just feel like giving up....very unfocused about the future and where I am headed. Again, very unlike me. Like Barbara Rainey said, we are impatient, and I think that is what is going on here. I need to figure out how to focus on what I have accomplished - a tiring task though when fears are front and center.
Perfect timing for this post.
Love reading all of your comments,
on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I remember...I will remember your kindness and look to the future be very glad because these trials wil make you partners with Christ in his suffering and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world. I Peter 4: 13...we slog through the muck sometimes...but can look forward to what He will and can do... All power is His forever and ever...
JB
on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Much Love in Christ Jesus,
on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:45 pm
on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 9:37 am
Praise The LORD!!!
on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 8:50 am