Text: Lamentations 5:1-22, Isaiah 55:1-13
Back in the day, in the glory of middle school, I was a cheerleader. It was a short-lived phase, really, but little 13-year old Kels was all about the poms. There’s a chance I have since burned the pictures to prove it, but even nine years later, ask me to cheer on the Chantilly Chargers and I’ve got it on lock.
The name of the sport speaks for itself. Cheerleaders are to be the leaders of cheer—the ones who pump up both the players and the crowd, faithfully standing on the sidelines as a symbol of support for those in the trenches of the game.
This is the thing: though I still have the flippy skirt from my days of cheerleading yore, I’m not always a cheerleader— of my people, of their successes, of their joys, or of their victories. Sometimes, and perhaps even often, I am cynical and critical. I mask it as being “realistic,” but that is really just a shoddy attempt to loosen myself from the call to encourage and build up.
If I’m being honest, and this seems like both a safe and terrifying place to do so, my lack of cheering on my people can be linked back to some level of jealousy, insecurity, or fear of not measuring up. Often a combination of all three. Instead of rejoicing alongside my brothers and sisters, my train of thought can sometimes read like this:
I should have gotten that job.
I could have written that piece just as well.
That boy could have liked me too.
I’m just as good a friend as she is.
What I accomplished is more important.
When I trace back these insecurities, I make a startling discovery: I’m afraid God’s economy is one of scarcity, and I believe there might not be enough of Him to go around. But Sisters, His economy is one of abundance! He pleads with us, “Come, everyone who thirsts!” (Isaiah 55:1, emphasis mine). Everyone. God is not stingy with His blessing—there is enough of His infinite goodness for all of us. Talent and creativity and joy and peace are wonderful—and truly they are gifts from God! But true restoration is not found in our success or another’s failure, but in reconciliation to the one true God.
I might have traded in the sidelines for the stands when it comes to football, but God help me, I want to be marked by a posture of leading the cheers for my brothers and sisters in Christ as they run the race of faith. Instead of feigned excitement for their earthly accomplishments, I want a heart that sincerely roots for their eternal redemption. Rather than foster feelings of jealousy or competition, I want see my co-laborers in the Kingdom “go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Isaiah 55:12).
Lord, like the writer of Lamentations, give me a heart that longs not just for my own renewal but the renewal of the people of God.
“Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!” Amen.
Kelsey King lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is loving her life as the She Reads Truth research assistant. Give her a donut with rainbow sprinkles and a good book and she just might love you forever.
Leave a Reply
114 thoughts on "Restore Us"
I'm not a competitive player, but I definitely do poorly with #7! I'm just having so much fun see the little plastic soldiers run and fly and drive and charge and shoot, I honestly get lost in having a good time. I'm really going to try to focus myself on the missions in my next games (new Harlequin army! weee!) to try and improve my game.
Outsourced IT Service Dallas
I really felt this message was for me. My best friend and I are both applying to Liberty and I knew how heartbroken I would be if she got in and I didn’t. I honestly would be very jealous of her. I really needed God to point out to me that there is enough love to go around that I don’t need to fight for His approval.
Gods kingdom is not one of scarcity but one of abundance!!!! So I can give up the ceaseless striving or the onlooking side line jealousy and sometimes green monster of envy. Jesus kingdom is inviting and the well does not run dry!
Call upon The Lord while he is near! This is my prayer for me and for this place!
I can relate to this so much Kelsy!!! What uplifting and inspiring words that God has placed on your heart! Thank you and God Bless you!
I thank you Lord for bringing me out of the darkness of my own sin and those sins committed against me time and time again. I confess your ways are too wonderful, complex, and full of glory for me to comprehend and I want to live with the peace of accepting your sovereignty in my life. Heal my unbelief, I pray! Heal those places in me still aching. Thank you Jesus. Amen
Mercy! This ran ALL OVER ME! Thank you for shedding a spot in my heart that has been there way too long. Thank you Father for using this writer to minister to my spirit!
That's really weird, i don't remember doing that commercial with Mikey.
often my outward "shows" encouragement
but my heart
is saying
"i can do better"
"i have chosen a better path"
"my weight to carry is more than hers"
oh my sinful sinful ugly heart – oh how it is just so dark –
Lord, forgive my selfishness and pride. humble me and restore me back to you. renew me and forgive me. i desire to honor you. amen.
It's powerful to read stories of women who are struggling with finding joy in the station they are at right now. I feel that my self. I am single in the southeast at 22. God bless
AMEN! WOW!! This just spoke so much truth into my life!!!
Kelsey- thanks so much for your honesty and your wisdom! God really spoke through your words to my heart this morning. I often get stuck in the same kinds of comparing as you talked about! I felt the freedom of Christ washing over me as I read both the scripture and your devotional this morning. Thanks for your faithfulness!!!
This really struck out to me today from Isaiah..”Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance.” I so often “feed” myself with worldly pleasures that do not satisfy. And in reading this I am struck by God’s abundance. He is so abundantly rich and deep..the perfectly complete satisfaction and rest for our souls. And yet I continually forget this and neglect such a great and awesome God who longs to satisfy me richly. Lord forgive me for my wandering and give me a heart that wants You and You alone! Never let me forget that You are the only one who can satisfy me and help me to stop running back to things that will never satisfy. And I pray this for everyone out there struggling in the same area…In Jesus’ name Amen!
I was a cheerleader from 5th grade through my senior year and I always said it was because I liked to be involved in something, but sucked at basketball (our school didn’t have football). After reading this I realized that I am truly a cheerleader at heart!! I want to cheer people on. I want to encourage people. I want people to succeed. I want people to love Jesus and be involved in His church. Don’t get me wrong, I have my bouts of jealousy…dang it I am a jealous person, and insecurity, and especially the fear of not measuring up…I tend to doubt my abilitys A LOT and compare myself to others A LOT. I have the heart that longs for renewal of my heart and others and I pray I use it to Gods will. This devotion really former fired up!! ❤️
love it
I could have written this devotional for or describes me exactly! Help me Jesus to rejoice with those who rejoice and cheer on my brothers and sisters in the race! Although I may be overlooked in the church, I need to remember we are on the same team wanting the same thing for Gods people..growth and God encounters.. I often see us segregated into groups.. The true saints with great calls on their lives busy about Gods business.. The new believers, eager to learn and take it all in.. The church attenders, checking in on Sundays to do their time and quickly leaving, and the wounded by the church people afraid to trust anyone and that fear turns them in to cynics and critics of the worst kind… I pray for healing for damaged Christians who feel that their only value to the church is in their service.. And once service takes a hiatus for whatever the reason may be, that Christian loses her value in the hearts of her church family.. This is a devastating place to be in.. We need a restoration team to be able to love and restore those who are misplaced in church due to changes in their church service. Well, I guess I needed a place to vent my thoughts and cry some more.. 5 years of rejection and loneliness feeling so unloved and unwanted.. It’s hard to cheer on others when you feel so out of the game completely.. Help us Jesus, all of us who feel unneeded, unwanted, and lost in the church today. I know it sounds like a poor me post.. But it’s my heart nonetheless. Thank you SRT for pointing us in the right direction.. May the Spirit lead us to do what we need to do to experience change.
So good, Kelsey. Thank you!
Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way
& the unrighteous man his thoughts; & let him return to the Lord, & He will have compassion on him, & to our God, for He will abundantly pardon”. Truth? Promise? Or “maybe so … depending on the circumstances”. Seems to say, “if you return … and repent … He will have mercy … and forgive”. But my cynical self says, “He’s not talking to YOU. It’s just too late”.
My heart breaks for you when I read some of your posts! You are beautiful. Please believe that truth. xo
That’s not true, Antimony. I think you and I are on similar journeys, but I promise you it isn’t too late. I’m clinging onto it by my fingernails, but I really believe it. At least, I have no problem believing it isn’t too late for you, if it might be for me. :) I am aching right here with you.
Soooo exactly where I’m at today and in this season!!!
My goodness if this didn't come at a perfect moment. I was just rambling off to my husband about a friends success lately and how I'm so happy for her but there's something in me battling at the same time cause EVERYTHING seems so perfect and right for her and God is moving and her relationship with God is so good and I even had a part in that, and the whole time I sensed something was off. I'm jealous. Not other way to put it. And I do wonder if God remembers me. Ahh this definitely is what I needed to here – thank you
Yes! I struggle so much with jealousy and the whole concept of "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). This gave me good perspective – instead of praying to focus on myself & ignore what others are doing, instead I should be praying to be happy for others and their accomplishments.
When I'm "missing out" or jealous, I should be happy that those individuals have that quality I'm a tad jealous of, or had the opportunity to do whatever they're doing that's making me feel somewhat envious.
Thank you Kelsey and thank you God, for reminding me that Your economy is rich, overflowing, abundant, and perfect. Why would I need to be feigning excitement or worse, being jealous of God’s grace in others’ lives, rather than truly rejoice? Why do I need to keep comparing and feeling that what I have in my life is not enough?
It is a fallacy and a sin – Lord, you are more than enough. Thank You so much.
Jealousy can sure get the best of people, myself included. Thanks for being honest and transparent – it really helps those of us reading to feel like we're not alone.
We are ALL human but aren’t we thankful and blessed for The Lord to bring people, “SheReadsTheTruth” to share our insecurities as women but be reminded what Jesus did for us for who we are. I had doubt set in yesterday as I was to get ready for my teen boys wrestling banquet at the local high school. I felt very insecure because of my weight. I have been working so hard at exercise and eating to get it off. This is not just 10 or 20 pounds but I need to loose 170 pounds for my health. I kept just looking in the mirror and seeing my full chubby face and my rolls of a large belly. So I cried and got down and prayed! When I prayed I closed my eyes and I all of a sudden seen Jesus on that cross dying for me, for us! He loves me no matter what. No my obese weight is not what Jesus wants of me but he sees me daily in my struggle at the gym working out in so much pain in my knees from the large weight and severe pelvic pain. I am glad God guided me to the yoga class. No I can’t do it perfectly like most in the class who or younger or mostly older but I do it and it helps with the pain. So as I seen him and read this today I am glad I didn’t give in to my fear and not go. Which I have to say as I seen my blessings all around especially those two boys of mine on the stage getting achievement awards and the youngest getting his Varsity letter as a Freshman in one of the oldest and I believe toughest sports. Yes that is why I was there. I want deny that I felt others stares and I felt it was my weight. I then closed my eyes again and a deep breath , when my eyes opened it wasn’t me they where starring at but my two wonderful boys and a lot of other parents saying what great young men they are becoming. So if I had let my fear of my weight insecurities I wouldn’t have gotten to see my two boys with the biggest smiles on their faces all evening. BTW it wasn’t just because of the desserts!!! Us as women need to always support one another and not be afraid to talk with each other and read Gods truths to help us all be the women God created us to be!!!
Bridgett, thank you for sharing this with us! I am so glad God gave you the strength to go and enjoy that special time. I’m sure that meant so much to your boys for you to be there. I will pray for you as you continue your journey toward better health and realizing you are beautiful and oh so loved !! God bless.
Bridgett, thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I love how JESUS washes away our insecurities and shows us the truth of who we are in Him. It is clear that you are a good Mom and I bet your boys were so happy to have you at the banquet supporting them! I, too, am falling in love with yoga. Jesus seems to meet me on my yoga mat and I walk away seeing my life more clearly and feeling more centered in Him.
I keep reading today's post over and over again, it resonates with me so fiercely lately. I have been struggling so much with my soon to be mother-in-law. I have not yet been able to build any sort of relationship with her and she does not understand me. I come from a Christian household and Jesus has always been my priority, but she is not a believer. I know wholeheartedly, that Jesus has put it on my heart to love her and show her who He is but I feel like I fail day in and day out. It is exhausting to try so hard to be sweet and kind and loving and still be criticized for one thing or another. I have become cynical, I know I have. I have struggled with resentment for her and my endurance is running low, but the beauty of it is that now that I am broken down and truly have nothing left to give, I am finally to a point where Jesus can take over.
Instead of me trying to show her His love, He will show her His love. Instead of me trying to reveal the Truth, the Truth will reveal Himself. Christ's power works best in my weakness and, let me tell ya, I am weak.
Today, I am broken and beaten down, but I am so full of joy and hope because I don't have to do it all, all I have to do is reconcile to the Lord and let his sweet grace wash over me.
Restoration can come in the most unpredictable ways and places and all I can do is marvel at the goodness and the grace of our God!
Thank you ladies for sharing your stories, your struggles, and your successes! God is SO GOOD, isn't He? :)
I’ve experienced a similar situation, Kelsie. It was challenging, difficult, and unwanted. But God used it for good – and not the good I imagined (at times I still have hurt feelings thinking back) but the good He desired. The good that made my (now) marriage that much stronger. That much more open in communication and the affirmation that God brought my Husband and I together. Praying for you during this season. That you continue to surrender it to Him and grow through this with your future husband. Hugs to you!
Thank you, Beverly! It's so encouraging to hear your perspective from the other side! I know God has big plans and His grace is sufficient! Hugs to you too!! :)
This conviction has been on my heart for awhile now, especially as a creative small business owner in the wedding industry. There have been many times where I've listened to Satan's lies of "you're not good enough" and constant comparison of other's who look like they have it all together, are more "blessed with success" than I am, etc. I love the line about how God's economy is not one of scarcity but of abundance! He gifts us each differently and there is great reward and encouragement in cheering those people on. May the Lord help me be that person, only through his strength.
P.S. if you're referring to Chantilly Chargers in Northern VA, totally know it!
As I am sitting here doing my study, away from home visiting my grandmother (a trip I think I asked you all to pray for!), I just was missing the depth of this one. After a wonderful season of hearing amazing things, I know in many ways I am being tested right now. As I was reading through the comments, it hit me. Oh you guys! How blind I was being! My mom is here with me, and we are visiting her mom, who is nearly 91 and in poor shape physically. She keeps saying he just wants to die and that life is no fun anymore. At the same time as being what I desperately wanted, it is depressing and heartbreaking. Truly bittersweet. We drive home tomorrow (Ohio to North Carolina), and this may be the last bits of time I ever get with her. Last night my mom and I were discussing Grandma’s faith, which has always been so strong, but seems to be wavering now. I see more sin creeping in where it wasn’t before, and so much more discouragement. I spent some of that time encouraging my mom, and then later my grandmother. So, yeah, this was for me! It was just deeper than I saw at first. Anyway, thank you all for your comments today, they really cemented the message for me. I love you ladies.
Love your honesty and it so hit home. Thank you!
Wow! Yes, I needed this message this week and in this season of my life. Thank you.
I absolutely needed this, I had a crazy world changing… life shattering event almost a year ago that still affects me to this day. But I have to believe that God's grace, mercy, and blessings are sufficient for all… including me. I like to consider myself a "cheerleader" of the people, but lately I let my own pride get in the way of really seeing the needs of others. Thank you for this devotion and this community. A daily blessing, she reads truth is.
To be honest, there are times when I feel like God forgets me. My heart will feel hurt followed by anger and then disappointment & entitlement rise to the surface producing a very ugly version of myself. I become selfish and controlling and sometimes harsh. It is just not pretty. Because it is true – "When I trace back these insecurities, I make a startling discovery: I’m afraid God’s economy is one of scarcity, and I believe there might not be enough of Him to go around." And I need to re-gather myself, remember His Truth, and continue this slow renewal journey of capturing and training my thoughts for Him.
Because – "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)
Every good gift is from Him and He does not run out! Because of His abundant grace – everything we have or don't have is a gift from God. How amazing and freeing is that?! I no longer need to get so caught up in what I think I deserve because I have all that I need from my heavenly Father and He knows best. He has not forgotten me and He does not change, even when I let myself get carried away with the shifting, rolling waves of my emotions. God is so good!
Thank you for this perspective, Kelsey. It is so very encouraging and right in line with what has been on my heart lately.
I am so grateful for today’s reading. I have loved ones in my life that lean on Realism to justify there points of view, but Kelsey you hit it on the head….fear, jealousy, insecurity and just not feeling like you will be enough leads us to let our hearts stay in this condition and now I know how to pray for them.:)
Thank you! This was the most convicting post of all for me! Humbly I stand convicted!
Oh this struck a chord, too. I have long struggled with bitterness in my life. At first, it was when I didn't have a boyfriend and then all my friends did. Then, I had a boyfriend, but wasn't married and all my friends were. And then I was engaged, and was jealous of everyone who was getting married before me (I had a long engagement.) And now that I'm married, I struggle with envying my friends who are buying houses and having babies.
For so long, I wanted to blame my bitterness on my situation. If ONLY I had a boyfriend, then I wouldn't be jealous. If ONLY I was married, then I wouldn't be jealous. But in reality, I am jealous and bitter because I have a problem within my heart. I am my problem, and I can't run from me.
Praise God that He changes US, from the inside out, instead of just changing our circumstances.
Such wise words Emily. Thank you for sharing!
Praise Him indeed. So grateful He desires to change our hearts and grow them to Him – humbling us and showering us with grace along the way. I appreciated reading your story. Thanks, Emily!
What a great post today, Kelsey! Thank you for the statement about God's abundance — it made me think and rejoice! He knows us and knows how to provide for us.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" – 1 John 3:1
This is so incredibly true and such a good reminder to walk with and cheer on our family of believers! You have no idea how God used this today Kelsey, thank you so much!
Thank you again SRT for your honesty and boldness!!! Months ago I was telling a Christian counselor through my church how I use "being realistic" as a coping mechanism for disappointment, heart break and let down. I have been reading Gods promises since that time and Isaiah 55 really spoke to me today. Thank you for your words as they encourage me to be more honest and vulnerable.
Bullseye, Kelsey! Thank you for today's honest, heart-expressed entry. I've been blessed by it and am rejoicing with everyone in their enlightenment as well.
This is beautiful! I am praying for a heart that stretches beyond my vision. For the Lord to give me a heart that is for all, not just those closest to me.
Oh how hard but refreshing to read this devotional. God is so good. Why do I cut him short by not believing there is enough. And worse, how I’ve modeled that lie for my children. That is so not what I want. My prayer is to trust God all the more and teach that trust through example.
So good!
Thank you for this! It's so good to be honest with one another and to exhort each other daily! (Hebrews 3:13) God bless you as you take part in strengthening the sisterhood!
I'm not a very social person. I wish I was. I see women who can have a conversation with ease, like it's nothing, but for me I'm so awkward and I don't know what to say and I just really have a hard time communicating what I think and feel. I often times take on the "woe is me" attitude and get down in the dumps VERY quickly due to the fact I don't have friends. If only I could be like that girl who lights up a room instead of the one being the wallflower. But this reminded me that God made me the way I am for a reason. I don't know that reason, but I'm trying to understand it.
Lori, I struggle with this too, and only more so the older I get. I’ve been getting more involved in my church and hoping to develop relationships with some of the ladies there but it just doesn’t come easy. So many times I’ve gotten down, wondering what is wrong with me? It’s probably been a couple months ago, but Focus on the Family had a broadcast with Kathy Koch on her book, ‘How Am I Smart?’ and it was a real blessing for me to hear it. Nothing is wrong with me…my mind operates differently than a lot of people around me, and God made me this way on purpose! You may benefit from listening to that audio on the Focus website too.
Dr. Koch is awesome!!
Oh how I struggle with this too and sometimes…a lot of the time…it really gets me down. I also think it's gotten worse with age. When I was young I was very talkative and confident with people but not so anymore. I will definitely listen to the audiocast you've mentioned and check out the book. Thank you for the suggestion.
This one hits so very close to home! I’ve been the one who said I sing better than her why didn’t I win or get chosen. I’ve been the one to do everything for everyone and spread myself so thin that no one got 100% of anything be it mom, wife, employee, student or volunteers. This one is honestly helping me to see that others feel the same at times and I long to be a cheerleader for Christ! I want to be the one cheering for others instead of boasting my talents. Thanks so much for every eye opening devotion because I am growing daily!!
Thank you for your honesty….I have often prayed about these same feelings…and wonder why I have them…thanks for your message today…I will hold it close in my heart!
I seriously love how honest every single one of these women are with all of us strangers. Thanks for that! I struggle with being that open with my friends You guys make me feel like my short comings are ok because even the strongest women of Faith have them as well.
We're all just women in need of a Savior! :) Isn't that what's great about Jesus? He says "Come as you are!", not "Be this and THEN come." :)
I noticed the scripture quoted on the picture is Isaiah 55:21, but there is no 21st verse in Isaiah 55. Can someone help me find the true verse so I can mark it in my Bible please? :-)
The picture actually says Lamentations 5:21 :)
It is lamentations 5:21
It’s verse 12 Carrie.
Looks like they fixed it! Now it says Lamentations 5:21. Thanks!
Reading the comments today was a breath of fresh air. Thank you ladies for sharing your stories with others. I’m 34 and still waiting for the love of my life. I too feel jealousy when I see others who seem to have truly found their soul mate. I find myself saying oh thats not real. Its just what they want people to believe. I get angry with the Lord wondering where is mine? I’m a good person, so why havent I found my love yet? Its very frustrating at times. Deep down I know God has a plan for me. I cant wait for the day I can sit back and see why He had me wait so long. Why it was His timing and not my own. I pray for the strength to sit back and wait until God delivers me mine. I also pray to be a true cheerleader. One who can find joy seeing other peoples happiness and truly being happy for them without the jealousy and anger. Thank you all for sharing. I got a lot out of this today.
Jenn,
Thanks for sharing, I am also in my 30’s waiting for a soul mate. I have asked many of those same questions. Why God? And jealousy is a constant struggle when my younger brother and sister are both married and now have their first kids. I know God is using me in my current ministries, but I still wish for a husband. It helps to know I am not alone in this struggle. Also someone’s comment on being content with where I am at is super important because I realize I cannot expect a man to make me content if I am not finding my contentment with God right now.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for being honest. Really appreciate that. It really goes a long way in communal encouragement.
“God is not stingy with his blessings.” Simply put and forever true!
Ouch. Just ouch. Thanks, Kelsey!
Praise the LORD there is enough of Him to go around! As I read today's passages I keep thinking about deceiving and destructive sin is. For even Paul says in Romans 7, "For I do not d the good I want, but then evil I do not want I keep on doing." Sin is sneaky and seductive. It is sin that makes our hearts faint and our eyes dim. It is sin that wears us down and out, steals our joy, knocks the crowns off our heads. I wander from the life-path without even realizing it…only to find myself crawling through the dusty wilderness lost and exhausted. We find no rest there. BUT then there is a voice in the wilderness that says, "Come! Come as you are! It's free!" Then the passage in Isaiah 30 that says, "In returning and rest you shall be saved" Then in Isaiah 55 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, FOR HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON." Abundantly! So as I return to the life-path this Lenten season, I'm led forth in peace. There is joy. There is singing. There is purpose. Lord, may your word be in our hearts and may it not return empty.
Thank you, Kelsey, for your willingness to be authentic today! My heart resonated with almost everything you wrote (except for being a junior high cheerleader
This spoke to my heart today because lately I have not been all that great of a cheerleader. I've been a cynic- not truly rejoicing with friends and family when they are blessed and joyful because I think that I deserve some measure of that joy too. I want a piece of it. The thing is…I can have a piece of it. I can choose to remember that God is not scarce and that joy can abound. I can pray to be able to truly rejoice and celebrate.
I so needed this today. I have been struggling to redeem my relationship with my sister-in-law and doing some hard work has uncovered years of hurt, bitterness and envy. I never realized what a heavy load she carried into our relationship and now can see the pattern of brokenness through the last few years. What started as a sincere desire to help repair our relationship has turned into a nasty recount of all the wrong committed on both sides… including things that happened in her childhood that she still holds. I don’t know how to fix it anymore. I just pray that God will restore what He can, that He will guide my words and thoughts through this difficult terrain and that He will give me peace and understanding. Selfishly I want to justify myself when her accusations fly but I know this is not my job and it will only bring further damage. This whole Lent study is hitting me square in the heart each day as I try to navigate these waters. I am so very grateful for this community of believers!
Shanelle I feel like I could have written your comment. Literally have just walked through something very similar. I know it seems like the trivial answer, but all I can say is PRAY. Pray hard. Bring others into the situation and ask them to pray (just be sure to be clear that you are asking them to PRAY about the situation, and not gossip about it.) You and your SIL need the Lord to soften and heal hearts. And I found in my own praying that my bitterness dissolved into broken-heartedness for my SIL and our relationship. We're still working and walking a hard road, but I do think the Lord has started to work redemption for us.
I think being her cheerleader and praying for her might be the kindest, most helpful thing you could do for her. Praying for you both!
Thank you so much for your words. It’s hard not to feel alone in the situation! I am grateful for your prayers!!
Prayer request this morning:
Ladies, I know this seems trivial, but I would appreciated being lifted in prayer today. My hubby and I are scheduled to fly out tomorrow morning for a long weekend getaway (that is waaaaaay over due)….and I have a cold that has been kicking my butt all week. Please pray for healing for myself and pain free flights (my ears are a MAJOR issue on flights….and being congested is a scary prospect) and that we are able to enjoy our time together…..(I am hopeful that means we are out exploring….not sitting with kleenex's in the hotel! LOL!!) Thank you so much my dear SRT girls….I just love starting my day with all of you! xoxo
Praying for you this morning. So thankful that there is no request too small or big for our God! Thankful as well for this community of women – your words bless my soul each morning.
Praying that you & your husband will be able to enjoy some time together on your vacation, for relief from illness & an easy flight. (Btw, a couple of Sudafed always help me deal with the air pressure in flight & the congestion. I take two before flying even when I’m healthy).
Heather,
I’m praying for you, your health and a joyful, peaceful getaway with your husband. I pray that no matter the circumstances you and your husband have an amazingly fun and beautiful time together. God bless you and keep you safe!
I hear you, sister! Just got back from a much needed plane flight get away with my hubs where I also had a cold! Praying for relaxation and joy and reconnection in your marriage! God is faithful to provide that! Thankful for the gift you received in getting this trip together <3
It has been tough for me to be an encourager to my brothers. They are both addicts and continue to struggle now for many years. I have honestly become pretty cynical and hopeless that they will ever find God. The analogy of a cheerleader is comforting to me though… It reminds me that I can still “root for their eternal redemption” without playing the game for them. In this situation, cheering on the sidelines is the best way to love on my self and my brothers. Thank you for this encouragement and such a timely reminder! God’s grace WILL NOT run out.
Alyssa, I am touch by your comment. I too have siblings, a daughter and a niece that struggles with chemical dependencies and have lost a brother in law to alcoholism. To watch someone you love self destruct is such a helpless feeling while your prayers and cheers on the sideline seem to be ineffective. I am ashamed to say I gave up hope on my brother after 30 years of addiction, 2 prison terms, a divorce, loss of jobs, loss of a child and loss of his mental faculties – I was no longer praying for God to heal him – as I felt it impossible. He was too far gone. Well, God has mercifully shown His grace to me and my family as my brother is going on 8 years clean and has mentally and physically returned to the loving sweet brother of our childhood days. He has fully submitted his life to the Lord and leans on Him daily to fight his addictions. Each of my family members I mentioned are in a good place and are clean – however, it's a daily struggle. God has shown me that through loving on them, encouragement and steadfast prayer makes the difference through this journey. Dear God, please wrap your loving arms around Alyssa and give her strength and encouragement to share with her brothers.
Thank you, Rhonda! What an inspiring story. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement :)
God used this to hit a place so deeply hidden in my heart. Hidden because it hurts to touch, like a bruised broken spot. Hidden because I don’t like to look at it for fear I will have to call it by name.
As Kelsey says “my lack of cheering on my people can be linked back to some level of jealousy, insecurity, or fear of not measuring up. Often a combination of all three.” As if “I’m afraid God’s economy is one of scarcity, and I believe there might not be enough of Him to go around.”
Sisters, I find myself in tears as God speaks these truths to my heart this morning. I pray for His forgiveness and that He will begin to heal these broken areas, so that I can be the encourage He calls me to be.
Beckey
http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
Oh my goodness! I couldn’t agree more. This is just what i needed to read this morning.
God help to overcome my insecurities so i can be a true friend and encourager as you’ve called me to be.
Thanks for sharing the Word with women daily. It’s changing the world for good and His glory!
Oh, do I need this. THANK YOU. Lord, let me be a real cheerleaders for You and Your people – one from the heart – Your heart.
For the sharable picture – there is no Isaiah 55:21!!! I’m assuming that’s supposed to be Lamentations. Just a heads up as you share it ladies! (:
Lol, yes it is Lamentations 5:21 not Isaiah 55:21 :) Good eye!
It’s fixed! (:
It’s powerful to read stories of women who are struggling with finding joy in the station they are at right now. I feel that. I am single in the southeast at 23. I am in 3 weddings this summer and watching a lot of my friends get married. It’s hard and lonely. Even though I don’t want to be married right now I wish I had a boyfriend. I try to restore myself in so many other ways besides Jesus whether that be the gym, friends, food or TV and am afraid like Kelsey said: “When I trace back these insecurities, I make a startling discovery: I’m afraid God’s economy is one of scarcity, and I believe there might not be enough of Him to go around.” I doubt that God has enough for me. How foolish. He is the only one who can fill and heal me. I can find restoration in Him.
Father god, I thank you that I can come to you when I’m thirsty. Fill me up till I overflow, I want more of you and less of me. Your ways or not my ways and your thoughts are not my thoughts. Thank you for your everlasting love and faithfulness!
You are in my thoughts and prayers this morning Anna :)
Oh, Anna, I remember those days. I was a bridesmaid at least 5 times that I can remember. It seemed it would never be my turn. I'd always hoped and thought that I'd be married by 25 or so and have kids before 30. Instead, at 25 I was fighting Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was getting CT scans and chemo while those friends who had married started having babies. What's fair about that? I would complain to God. I would give Him the silent treatment. I was a good girl! When would He give me MY turn? I wasn't always bitter, but there were times. And I can certainly identify with feeling, as the writer so eloquently put it, "afraid God's economy is one of scarcity." I remember that feeling. But oh, sweet sister! His plan and His timing! Wait for it! Don't settle for anything less. Wait as long as it takes. And while you wait, don't wait! In other words, live! Serve! Travel! Study His word and get to know who He really is! You are so wise to know that He is the One Who fills, heals, and restores. And as you draw close to Him, He will fulfill His purposes for you.
Instead of marriage and kids before 30, God's plan for me was different… and far better than anything I'd ever prayed for. He brought me healing from cancer, and in His time, He brought me a husband that far surpassed all those years of dreams. I married at 34. I had my first child at 36 and my second at 38. So… my original plan was about a decade off. ;) But I would wait all over again, knowing what I know now.
I pray for you, Anna. I feel like I know you. I feel as though I've written this to my own 23-year-old self. Our God loves! He is creative beyond belief! And His resources are limitless! I pray that as you stay close to Him, He will lead you on adventures you've never imagined!
I totally understand where you're coming from, Anna. I'm 22, and I've watched several friends tie the knot in the last few years. It's hard to wait for your turn, isn't it? But I've been constantly reminded that even in that future stage of life I dream about, it is not going to be perfect and I'm not going to be whole – unless I'm turning to fulfillment in my Father. You're right – He's the only one who can fill you and make you complete, even when you find that handsome lifelong companion of yours! Be encouraged in the fact that the weddings this summer prove you've been blessed by friendship – those brides treasure you and it will be an honor to stand alongside them on their special days. Praying for contentment for you now and that God would meet you right where you are.
I chuckled at the reference…I was a very short-lived pom pom girl. Not a cheerleader but a pom pom girl. I remember our school (and this is really BACK IN THE DAY, lol) decided to have a cheerleader SQUAD and so moms got busy making these not-so-adorable soft corduroy red pom pom outfits and our gym teacher ordered us all the coveted red and white pom poms. We were beside ourselves to be up in the stands, and a few times down on the court, with the REAL cheerleaders.
Not only do I want to be one who encourages, I don't want to be fake about it either. I want to be a REAL encourager…loving my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ and cheering them on to perfection in Him. Celebrating their victories and holding their hands in the darkness. I can only do that when I am reflecting HIM.
As Kelsey so beautifully said, "Instead of feigned excitement for their earthly accomplishments, I want a heart that sincerely roots for their eternal redemption." Amen.
Blessed Friday!! Enjoy your weekends Sisters! ♥
Thank you for bringing up the fact that we need to be REAL with our encouragement. Sometimes it needs to be said in order to be practiced. Blessings to you.
Amen!
I agree, Candacejo! I want to be a REAL encourager. What you wrote reminded me of an old post by John Piper (http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/love-is-more-than-a-choice).
I pray that my love & encouragement would be sincere and from the Spirit working within me – always.
I am so thankful you mentioned that we can only be real in our encouragement when we reflect God. Just the other day I talked with a sister about how I simply cannot love some people the way I’m suppose to because I desperately need to tap into the way God loves…I need to see who they are to Him because my own brokenness hinders me from loving the way I should. Your words…reflecting Him…said what I was trying to say. Thank you!
After a year and half of trying to get pregnant, I just experienced the high and low of finding out I was pregnant to then miscarrying a few weeks later. As a woman in my 30s, it seems everywhere I look people are having children or posting their beautiful ones online. I realized this past week that I can get so bitter at times toward others and The Lord when I covet and think “that’s not fair.” In my 20s, I came to this point when I single and became to the gifts of my season of being a single woman. With a heart of conviction and a sadness of how I act when this sin overrides my love for others, I’ve been praying this week for God to give me His eyes and heart to enter into the JOY of The Lord and give me a heart that truly can rejoice with others for their happy news. We must seek His everlasting water when we are thirsty, meeting him in the valley to restore us when we feel left in the desert of scarcity. His goodness and faithfulness does not end and He cares for each one of us on the journey we are on! I loved reading Isaiah 55:10-12 this morning. Thank you for your encouragement in this devotion.
Robin, my heart is breaking for you today in your great loss. I have not experienced that myself but have loved on others who have. So difficult to see so many of your friends starting their families when you are not able to enjoy that yet. I have shared on here before my son and dil's desire to have a child and the pain that comes with that heartache.I don't know if you saw their video of that journey but it has encouraged many and if you want to take a look at it I pray with all my heart it would encourage you today. https://vimeo.com/album/2989095/video/101128729 May the Lord wrap His arms of strength around you and your husband and love you through your hurt. In Jesus' name. ♥
Candacejo, thank you so much for cheering me in with your words as a sister in Christ and thank you for sharing that video of your son & daughter in law. I hurt with them & loved to hear their hope & joy in The Lord still resonate. I am so appreciative of their willingness to share their story of their desire to have child with great waiting, long suffering, and God’s beautiful mercies in their marriage & service to others. I pray they continue to serve The Lord in such faithfulness & are blessed with a child – through biological or adoptive means. Thank you again for reaching out to me.
I've had some of that journey, Robin. I know the ache and the sense that there's this "mom club" you just can't get in and it just seems like you ought to. God knows the ache and He has a tender heart. Keep looking to Him. He alone will provide…strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Your times are in His Sovereign Hands. (Psalm 31…especially verses 14 and 15)
Prayers lifted for you Robin <3
Robin, my heart breaks for you I was standing exactly where you are twenty one years ago. The only difference is I didn't have a life centered on Christ. The announcement of a friends pregnancy would bring me to tears. Oh and being invited to a baby shower would cause me to go off the deep end and lock myself away from others for days. I was completely miserable and my marriage was beginning to suffer. I thought it was all about me and always wondered why I was being punished. After a failed IVF I had had just about enough, but was encouraged to try again and it was successful. Funny thing is God knows how to reveal his will and uses others to show us that will. You see the family and friends I begruged, was jealous of, resented, and envious of is the same family and friends who were there cheering me on praying for my husband and I. After another attempt at IVF I am happy to say we were blessed with twins who are now grown and in college. Now as a Christian who is filled, I look back at that season and realize how blessed we were. Don't let the enemy steal and rob you of your joy. Will be praying for you and your hubby dear sister.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
Oh, Robin, I cannot yet fathom what it is like to want a child then lose a child. But I do know what it’s like to want a blessing then lose a blessing. It can break my heart wide open shaking me to the core. But it can also draw me closer to our good and gracious Father. Praying for you during those season. That you have the strength and courage to lean into Him and trust His plan.
Oh Robin, your post brings tears to my eyes. I have been exactly where you are. I know that danger of deep seated bitterness. I remeber the pain. I just encourage you in seeking His joy and restoration. Big hugs dear Robin. Thank you for sharing your heart. This has helped me see that while i am now in a different place in my journey there are still some of those seeds of bitterness lingering.
Thank you, thank you, ladies, for the great comfort and encouragement you brought me in the last 24 hours by reading your life stories and the truth of how much God loves us and is ready to overfill us in His abundant grace. Thank you, Kelsey, for leading a great cheer of The Lord to us all!
Oh Kelsey thank you for your honesty. It was as if you were writing about me. Just last night as I prayed with my hubby i felt challenged by God to truly be an encourager of others. This reading has just expanded on that and emphasized it even more. It was as if God spoke these word through you just for me this morning. Thank you for being an emcourager of me!
Beautiful, Melinda. You ARE an encourager to all of us! ♥