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Being Confident Of This

Grace for the work-in-progress woman

Archives for July 2016

When You Need a Fresh Perspective of Your Goliath

July 26, 2016 by jstults 2 Comments

Sometimes we need an utter change in perspective, don’t we? I just read a different perspective on David’s attempt to kill Goliath. I think I’ve probably heard it before, but it sure isn’t the perspective I usually hold. Usually I consider (probably like most of us) that Goliath was a huge giant and that it would be difficult for any regular-sized person to take him out. A friend was sharing that she’d heard this at a camp meeting:

While others said, “Goliath is so big we can’t beat him,”
David said, “That guy is so big I can’t miss him!”

Wow! Do you ever view the story of David and Goliath from that perspective?

Does your "Goliath" seem too big? Read this encouraging perspective on how to look at your problems.

That really got me thinking about the other things in my life that I may view differently if I simply had a change in perspective.

One big thing has had my attention lately. I’ve shared openly about the struggles in my marriage – about enduring things I’d never planned on, would never have imagined, all the while holding out hope that my marriage might actually improve.

Right now I’m in the middle – truly about halfway through everything that has to happen because of all that has gone wrong.

One thing I’ve learned about the middle – about being halfway through a trial – is that it’s dark. It’s so very dark. God hasn’t removed the struggle, though I prayed He would, but honestly knew this was something we’d have to deal with. God hasn’t sped up time to magically transport us to the end of this ordeal.

God has made it so that we walk through these issues day by day. He hasn’t allowed us to skip through the situation.

And what have I done?

I’ve basically looked at my situation and said,
“Our Goliath is so big, I don’t know that we can beat it.”

What happens when I view our Goliath as too big? When I think we can’t beat it?

Stress. Discouragement. Exhaustion. Fear. Frustration. Anger.
Absolutely nothing productive – in fact, nothing good at all.

Here’s where a perspective change is so desperately needed in my life.

It’s true – on our own, it would be difficult to get through this.

When I’m in need of a perspective shift, here’s what I remind myself:
“Our Goliath is so big that we can’t help but rely on God to see us through!”

What happens when I view our Goliath as so big that we need God’s help?

Peace. Trust. Dependence on God. Prayer. Faith. Kindness.
Productive feelings. Emotions that let me continue through all that I have to do in a day.

I’m halfway through. The middle of a tunnel is always the darkest, isn’t it? And I certainly feel stuck from time to time.

But here are the truths – the TRUTHS – that I remind myself of, to keep on going:

God has not abandoned us.
I am still married.
Our children are healthy and happy.
God provides for our daily needs.
My husband is a completely different person – in all the good ways!
My husband is becoming the spiritual leader in our home.
He’s encouraging us all in our prayer time, in our personal devotions.
We are all attending church together.
We’re all much happier and more content than before, despite all that’s happening.
God has brought us through halfway.
The first half of this situation has been the darkest.
If we’re halfway through, that means the best is ahead – the best is yet to come!

One passage that I love to go back to is Hebrews 11. The chapter is full of “by faith…” statements. It’s a chapter full of trials, struggles, and challenges, and it’s a chapter full of people who do not give up! Take some time and read through it – be encouraged by others who have struggled with big “Goliath-sized” issues and have kept the faith.

My friend, Leah, has done a Bible study for times when we’re feeling discouraged, when life is difficult, when our Goliath seems too big. This short, easy-to-use Bible study is full of Scriptures that draw us close to the Lord. Check out When Words Won’t Come.

And my friend, Arabah Joy, has a book called Trust Without Borders. It’s a 40-day devotional that is designed to strengthen our faith.

I strongly recommend both of these books. They have blessed me in my own growth these past few years. They have helped me survive this battle with my own Goliath. I pray they will be a blessing to you as well.

What situations are you facing where you could use an adjustment in your perspective? Ask God to help you see your situation in a new perspective. Start telling your Goliath just how big your God is. Remember that your Goliath is so big that there’s no way God can miss it! Whatever situation you’re facing, trust God, then gather your stones, take up your faith, and slay your Goliath!

* * * * *

Rebekah M. HallbergRebekah has been completely overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of the Lord in her life. He has proven His faithfulness in every area of her life, especially in her marriage. She has come to understand the power of redemption and God’s work in her own marriage. Her goal is to be Sharing Redemption’s Stories – encouraging wives who are praying for redemption in their marriage.

Filed Under: Christianity, Uncategorized

4 Ways to Overcome the Post-argument Hangover

July 11, 2016 by jstults 12 Comments

If you’ve been married for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced it – the all-day-long fight. You know, the one you just can’t seems to resolve, the one that leaves you nearly breathless and emotionally spent.

And even when you do manage to see each other’s point of view, even when you reconcile with I’m sorrys and Forgive mes, you’re left with all of these leftover ugly feelings inside. You’re still grieving the fact that you argued to begin with. You might even be nursing a few wounds even as you make up your mind to forgive.

Have you experienced this phenomenon, friends? The post-argument hangover can leave you feeling stuck, unable to move on if you let it. It keeps you mired right where the Enemy wants you.

What we need is a gameplan to help us overcome!

4 Ways to Overcome the Post-argument Hangover

1. Remember who you are in Christ.

Now that the fight has been resolved and you are right with one another and right with God, you’ll still have those leftover human emotions and hormones flooding your body. The Enemy is sure to sieze this opportunity to envelop you with debilitating guilt – the kind that leaves you feeling stuck and unable to move on.  The kind of guilt that calls you a bad wife. The kind of guilt that tells you your arguing is ruining your children. The kind of guilt that whispers you’ll never change. The guilt that leaves you feeling hopeless and helpless.

Arm yourself with truth from the Word and fight to claim your status as beloved daughter of the King, holy and blameless before God because of the blood of Jesus, a work-in-progress woman who isn’t finished yet.

“Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Rom. 8:33-35 (NASB)

It’s not the end of the story, friend. The Enemy has no right to accuse you any longer! Remembering your birthright gives you the weapon you need to defeat that post-argument hangover.

Click here to follow me over to my friend Rebekah Hallberg’s blog for the three remaining ways to overcome the post-argument hangover!

You argued with your husband...again... but then you reconciled. So why do you still feel defeated inside? Learn how to overcome the post-argument hangover emotions that keep you from experiencing victory. 4 Ways to Overcome the Post-argument Hangover

 

Filed Under: Marriage

Hi, I'm Jen: a work in progress. I'm imperfect - a mom of four, pastor's wife, discipler, and sinner saved only by grace. I like to sing, read, write, teach, and smile. I have a heart for encouraging women everywhere to understand God's limitless love for them and what His grace means for everyday living. Welcome! :) Read More…

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jstults[at]beingconfidentofthis[dot]com

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