"Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4
Welcome to our final week of Renee Swope's A Confident Heart. I am so glad you are here with me! We read this book at a faster pace than previous studies, so congratulate yourself on a job well done. With our busy lives, I know it wasn't easy, but I suspect that you will agree with me when I say, it was worth it!
In chapter 11 Renee reminds us of a few points that I think are very important.
She says, "I want you to know that living in the power of God's promises isn't a one-time thing... return to every truth..., again and again." (pg 204)
This is a reminder to stay in God's word. It is how we come to know God: His promises, His forgiveness, His love. We cannot know or believe something if we don't take the time to read it, learn it, and live it. When it comes to learning, repetition is the key! When it comes to relationships, time and attention are vital. To know God's promises, read them over and over. In order to have a relationship with Him, spend time together. There are wonderful examples of people, just like us, in the Bible. People who are not perfect, who need coaxing & convincing, who are broken, lost, and struggling. People who are called & chosen by God, but still stray or disobey. God does not give up on them and He does not give up on us. Learn the promises He has for us by reading the Bible daily. That is where we will find the answers to our most troubling questions and a guide for living a Saved life in this fallen world.
Renee also says, "As we live in the power of God's promises, we will still have struggles... As we become the women we want to be, and more importantly the women God created and called us to be, we will still go through times when we have questions and doubts. Sometimes we may even ask, Is God enough?" (pg 211).
This second point is a tough, but obvious one! Of course Christians have struggles. In fact, some of the most faithful people I know have some of the biggest life struggles! "But why?!", is what I hear from others and often ask myself. 'Why would a faithful Christian still face hardship or disease or broken relationships? Doesn't God bless His children and aren't Christians nice people that everyone gets along with? ' These are questions for the ages! As I read the Bible, I see that I am not alone in the asking of these questions. And yes, the answers are in there, too. The short answer I have come to, for my own understanding, is that blessings and hardships surround us, believers & non-believers alike. The difference being who we go to for comfort and strength. Who we look to in times of doubt. How we view ourselves when trouble is standing before us. Whose hand we hold when we are walking through darkness. Christians cry out to God for help; we reach for Jesus' hand to guide us. No matter what, we know that we are loved and will not be abandoned. We face no challenge, take no journey, stand against no enemy alone! Our God is with us!
It was no accident or happenstance that the stories of the Bible were passed down through generations and written in many languages, for all to read. As Paul tells the Christians in Rome, "Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4. God knew we would face many difficulties and would be in need of continued reminders of His love & faithfulness. He knew we would need role models and guidance. I encourage you to return to the Word again and again to look for answers, gain perspective, and draw closer to God.
Throughout A Confident Heart, Renee gives us tools to help us use Scripture to drive away the shadows: "When-Then" statements (pg 60), inserting our name into Scripture, praying God's word, remembering who we are in Christ (chart on pg 107-108), "AM/FM" statements (pg 113), discovering our spiritual gifts (pg 147), creating time & space to spend with Jesus (pg 175), and learning who God is through His names (pg 194). All of chapter 12 is a chart of Scripture to combat our self-doubt and help us "live in the security of God's promises". Hopefully one or more of these practices resonated with you, that you can use them in your everyday walk with the Lord.
I pray that as you read this book and studied Scripture, you started to uncover your Confident Heart. And as you go on from here, you will continue to grow in faith. Keep this book handy! It is a wonderful resource and one that can be read multiple times. I've read it twice in the last year and a half and discovered something new in every chapter.
Now, it's your turn!!!
What spoke to your heart? Was there something in any part of the book that made you say, "Ah-ha!" A revelation? Something that you have started doing to reveal your confident heart and start becoming the woman God created you to be? Whatever you would like to share, I would love to read!
What a blessing it is to be on this journey together!!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
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