This week I started the latest Proverbs 31 online Bible study. This one focuses on the book A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. As I read the first two chapters, I found myself saying, "Ouch", more than once as I felt a nudge in my ribs saying, "Hey..... that's you she is writing about."
In Chapter one Renee wrote about not only believing IN GOD, but BELIEVING GOD. BIG difference. I was raised in the church. For as long as I can remember I was a Sunday School attendee, VBS participant, and I sat in the pew alongside Mom and Dad every Sunday morning for the worship service. I gave my heart to the Lord during a revival meeting as a teen and was baptized one bright Sunday morning. I was married in a church, took my children to Sunday school, and I continue to be a regular church attendee and helper. There is no doubt that I believe IN GOD.
I must confess however that I sometimes don't fully BELIEVE or have faith in God as I should.
One of the biggest concerns that I have had within recent years has been money. The economy has been bad, my husband retired (which lowered his income), and my son started college. I was always frugal; my children even called me a penny pincher, but all of these circumstances rolled into one have compounded my concern about money.
I know that the Bible says God will provide.....
In Matthew 6 I read....
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you
of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In my gut, I know that this is true. I know that God will make a way for my family and I to be taken care of. He has done it before. When money was tight, an unexpected refund check would come in the mail, an extra position that paid a stipend would open up at school, or I would sell a crocheted project or two. And yet my doubt and worry continues.
I think that I just need to keep working to strengthen my faith..... I need to keep reading the Bible, praying, and just believing more. I am hoping that this study will help me with that. I would like to end the study knowing that I BELIEVE GOD just as much as I BELIEVE IN GOD.
Wonderful Stella! I think many of us struggle to believe God for ALL things. Love your scripture reference, it is one of my favorites. God Bless, Nancy Silvers OBS Small Group Leader
ReplyDeleteThat is my hope for this study as well! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a wonderful reminder! Thank you for today's post, I "kneaded" it right into my mind- as a reminder, to believe God! His promises are yes and amen!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAll these blogs I've ready already today and it seems like each one is addressing a different issue or doubt that I have with myself. I can relate so much to your money issues and not trusting God with them. I am having those struggles now. And I Believe IN God but I don't think I actually BELIEVE God. But I hope thats one thing that will changing the most over the next few weeks! Loved your post!
ReplyDeleteGod wants us to know him more deeply. Each step you take our Heavenly Father is right there providing for us rather it is physical, financial, or spiritually. I love your blog and I know I am right where you are at. This study is going to strengthen our walk with Him but I believe it will increase our Faith & get to KNOW our God in a more intimate relationship. God Bless you and I will be pray for you my sister!
ReplyDeleteI would like to end the study knowing that I BELIEVE GOD just as much as I BELIEVE IN GOD.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true for me as well. So many times I doubt what God can do, what He will do, or even if He wants to do it. The God of the universe. The One that created everything! Yep, I doubt Him. It isn't as if I don't believe in Him. Sometimes I struggle to believe Him. Thank you for your honesty in sharing this.
OUCH, OUCH and yes I BELIEVE also and sometimes I don't fully have faith either. Sooo like you I decided to blog this week about believing. Thanks so much for sharing. Debbie W. (OBS Facebook Group Leader)
ReplyDeleteAnd it was me she was talking about! I believe too and I had to blog on I BELIEVE! Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart and post today. Debbie W. (OBS Facebook Group Leader)
ReplyDeleteThis is the same area I struggle! I grew up believing in God. At one point in my life, however, I gave up on God because I felt he had given up on me. Many, many years later, I realized this wasn't true and renewed my belief in God. But I don't always BELIEVE God! Sometimes my head tells me it's just too good to be true. I have the same hope as you...that this OBS will help me to BELIEVE God and to have a personal relationship with Him as well. God Bless you, and thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said and sadly so relateable
ReplyDeleteI am revisiting this online study - and found your post in the first blog hop - it really spoke to me, especially the bit "I believe God" as much as "I believe in God" That was a real AHA moment for me :)
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