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HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

anon
link
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 4:01 am
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the link for yesterday's post goes to Being The Girl That No One Wanted. not sure if it really matters or not...
Jennifer Y.
Re:
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 7:47 am
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Wow! When I read this testimony, I felt as if I was reading the words of my own testimony that I've been to afraid to voice or write. I know that I've overcome by the grace of God, but sometimes it seems as though I'm still living in that period after having the tumor removed. A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a woman from my church who basically told me I needed to stop living as though I was still sick. Believe it or not, this actually helped me a lot. I've been praying against those thoughts whenever they come up, immediately.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. It has really encouraged me!
Christina
Prayer
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 8:17 am
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Prayer is truly powerful! God answers prayers, not always in the way we want, but He does. In God's timing and the way He wants things done, it happens. God loves His children, and we are closest to Him when we are praying. We never stand taller than when we are on our knees!
Mattea
Re:
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 9:08 am
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God works everything out for good to them that love Him and them who are called according to His purpose!
Heidi Jo Fulk
Jennifer Y.
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 5:47 pm
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Jennifer--Praise God that you are seeing what God has done in you and what He still has for you now and in your future. I'm praying that you'll be able to share your story with someone and encourage them as well. I'm encouraged by you now!!
Vic
Just a little story...
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 6:14 pm
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Hey girls! Can I share a quick story with you? It is not as impressive as the story above, but it just really encouraged me.

It was Saturday. The next day the teens would be coming to our house after church for dinner. The house was a mess! My mother had a whole page of things to do. I volunteered to bake the cookies, to help out some. We wanted to double the recipe in order to have enough cookies. I started taking out all the ingredients.. and there was almost no vanilla left. I told my mom and the stress level that was already there just increased some. As she walked to the cupboard she took a breath and said, "Lord, We give these cookies to you. If it be your will let there be vanilla in the cupboard." She took and chair and looked in the top of the cupboard. I must admit I thought, "Yeah, I doubt there is any vanilla up there." Man, did God teach me a lesson! :) In the back of the cupboard was sitting a bottle of vanilla! We never put vanilla up there. God spoke right to me and said, "I care about your cookies. I will provide for the small things in life." It was just such a blessing on a busy day!
(The cookies were delicious, but even more so because they were the Lord's!)
May the Lord bless your days!
In Christ,
Vic
Mere N.
A question.
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 7:29 pm
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This testimony is amazing.

I have a question, though.
Why do we always hear about big health problems and such and a lot of people pray for that person, but then if someone has a problem, not quite as big as a brain tumor, per sé, no one will really help you pray, or people shrug you off 'oh, that's not such a big problem.'?
Well, I've had allergy and asthma problems most of my life. Day to day is a struggle. It's hard to breathe, I get bad side effects from medicines, bad reactions to allergies, and it's always saddening that I can't run around outside and play with my little siblings for very long or I'll have to take ten minutes to catch my breath.
You see, I never have people that when they hear it they'll pray for me. This isn't a visible problem. It's not like a broken arm. People can't see it, but it's there and it's not going away.
Mere
Ashley
Great Post!
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 7:38 pm
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Thanks for sharing. This was so encouraging! God is always with us wherever we go and in whatever we do. Have you ever heard of the singer Laura's Story?, her husband had a brain tumor a while ago and she actually wrote songs from that time. They are called Blessings and Perfect Peace.
aftergodsown<3
Re:
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 8:30 pm
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The hardest news I ever had to receive was when my parents sat down with my younger brother and myself to tell us that our older brother had left the faith and was moving out even as we spoke in a nearby Starbucks. It was the hardest thing I ever had to hear, and the most difficult thing my family has ever gone through.

But I can relate to the feeling of peace that washed over Heidi. As my dad held me through me tears, the lyrics of "It Is Well With My Soul" ran through my head. It might sound cheesy, unbelievable even but I knew that God was with me, He was in control, and He knew my brother far better than I. It's this knowledge that brings peace that surpasses all understanding.
Heidi Jo Fulk
Mere and Ashley
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 8:33 pm
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I think you brought up something important, Mere--in two ways. First, that we need to pray for and ask for prayer for all different "levels" of struggles. Maybe there is someone you can ask to pray for you regularly for your asthma and allergies. And maybe there is someone you can pray for with struggles like yours. And second, that many of us have a physical reminder of our dependence on God. Sometimes those can be draining and tedious, but I know I need mine.

And Ashley--yes, I love those songs and have heard the background testimony for them. Thanks for getting those in my head for the evening!
Vic
Re:Mere N.
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 8:38 pm
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Mere, I am praying for you! If I were with you I would pray with you and hopefully encourage you!
Now, sometimes, people fail to meet our expectations. I understand what you mean by Christians not responding to these 'unseen' problems. It really hurts. Occasionally I would like to share with fellow Christians my problems, but they don't seem to care! It really hurts me. But, God cares about our problems. It's truly amazing. :) Even when no one else cares he always will comfort and heal. Isn't that amazing!
In Jesus' life He healed the most rejected, unclean, and sickly people. The women with the bleeding disorder was beyond help. She was an outcast. You know what God did? He healed her. A person whom all else rejected! Not saying God heals all our disease, but He cares.
I would say, people hurt us. It is inevitable. Fix your eyes on the savior and heal will comfort and give perfect peace. How wonderful!! The God of this universe cares. It gives me such joy!
Now, maybe we can pray with someone with an 'unseen' problem this week? I will, if you will. Then we can check back on this post next week and ask each other how it went. How does that sound?
I hope I encouraged you in some way.
Praying for you!
In Christ,
Vic <3

Matt 5: 3-12
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Mere N.
Re- Vic.
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 9:46 pm
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Thank you.
There aren't words to express the kind of gratitude I have for you to pray for me.
I know someone with an 'unseen' problem. Yes, I will pray for her this week. And I guess I'll hear from you on this post next week.
God bless,
Mere
Rachel M.
Prayer in Trial
on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11:34 pm
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People say "I'll pray for you" over the things in life that seem overwhelming. However, I like to pray about the seemingly "small things" as well. God loves to hear us talk to Him. I can relate to you with this topic, Mere, because I have sometimes felt so frustrated when someone has a word for another, or that they will pray for them, etc. God is still keeping His eye on you, even when it doesn't feel like it! I think a lot of the time people forget to pray about the things that aren't as obvious...God still cares about them though! In Isaiah 43:1, God says that He calls us each by name, and that we are His!

I have also realized that sometimes people are praying for you...even when you don't realize it. I have often prayed for people and they still do not know that I did. In the same way, I have had people pray for me that I did not know did.

God has made you so specially, Mere! He made you just like He wanted to! You are flawless in His eyes. Song of Solomon 4:7, in the CEB version, says this:

"You are utterly beautiful, my dearest; there's not a single flaw in you."

Mere, I understand that this can't be what you want for your life. No life of suffering (at all) is desirable as humans. God hates to see us suffer, but He knows that it can work for our good. Mere, He has a plan for you! A plan so perfect that it goes beyond our comprehension. God will never do anything to hurt us. It is all for our good so that we can grow in Him. Have you ever noticed that those Christians in suffering seem to grow through their trials? He is giving you this opportunity to learn and grow! Don't let this chance go by. Seek Him in your troubles. It's okay to ask God why that you have to go through this. Maybe instead of focusing on how hard it is, (and I know this is difficult), but thank God for this opportunity to grow.

Before I go, here are two verses that I think you should look up:

James 5:13-16
^It's okay to ask others to pray for you! I know that I have! Just because this verse says that the person will be well, think about this: Does it mean physically, or could it be spiritually as well?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Love and prayers!

In Christ,

Rachel =)
Mere N.
Re: Rachel M.
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 7:54 am
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Thanks Rachel.
It's good to know that you'll be praying for me. Can I pray for you this week?
Mere
Christina
Everyone That Has Talked About Prayer
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 8:23 am
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Everyone needs prayer whether they think so or not. We have been talking about prayer in church for the past few weeks and talked about how we need an intercessor (I think that is the correct word). We need others to pray for us because we can't always do it, we need help because we grow tired and weary. Nothing seems to little to God, and nothing is to big for God. Take all your problems to Him. Don't hold anything back! He knows it all, He is just waiting for you to give Him your problems.
RachelAllison
Miracle Story and Prayer
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 10:03 am
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This one's not really about me, it's about my parents... but I'm forever in awe of the the whole thing and all this talk of prayer brought the story to mind (this comment might be a little long).
My dad grew up in a family that was pretty much inherently unchristian; immorality was the norm.
When he was little, him and his two other brothers were on a float in one of their town's biggest parades of the year. A camera guy from the newspaper got their picture, but didn't realize that my dad's little brother was giving the finger to the cameraman. Somehow it got through the editors and ended up being printed.
The day the paper went out, a lady and her friend saw the picture with the names of my dad and his brothers underneath and started praying for them by name. The lady scribbled down my dad's name in her prayer journal and prayed for him from then on. He didn't knew she was praying and she didn't know if her prayers were doing any good, but still she kept on.
Several years later my dad co-owned a printing shop and hired the a young woman (who would eventually be my mom) to do odd jobs around the shop.
Pretty soon they began dating and my mom brought him home to meet her parents. She introduced my dad and my grandma said, "Wait a minute.. I know that name!" and she ran to get her prayer journal. Turns out, this was the boy she had been praying for for so many years, now a grown man and dating her daughter. I'm pretty sure once she saw him she prayed all the harder. His hair was down to the middle of his back and I've been told he was just a little rough around the edges. He had a caring heart, but a bad temper, and he wasn't exactly the kind of guy a good Christian lady would want to see her daughter (who had strayed from her Christian upbringing) bringing home.
After a while, my mom became pregnant with my oldest brother. The realization that he was responsible for this life and that he wouldn't be proud if his son became just like him, jolted my dad's heart where it needed to be.
A guy began coming into his printing shop every week, asking him to print a few dozen shirts with a bible verse on them (I can't remember at the moment, which verse it was). The guy didn't have a lot of money, so he had to do a bunch of small orders on a weekly basis, rather than one big order just once. My dad worked on the shirts, each time having to read every word carefully to check for mistakes. Of course he'd memorized the verse by the time he was done.
On top of that, my mom (who was still pregnant at the time) had to go get her feet massaged because of some issues she was having. The lady that did it was an 80 some year old with a huge heart. As soon as she was done with my mom's feet, she told my dad to get in the chair and preceded to rub down his size 13 feet with her feeble hands. As she did, she would say, "Did I ever tell you about the time I got saved?" and then she'd give her testimony. She did this every time and my dad began to wonder if maybe she was just old and didn't remember that she had already told him this. Whatever it was, dad became very familiar with that story.
And then one night, alone in his room and wrestling with conviction, he surrendered his life to God. He woke up the next morning a changed man. Where before music had been his god, he had no taste for the things he used to listen to. He went to the bar with his friend and ordered his favorite drink, but he couldn't stand to drink it. As radical as this change had been, he didn't know to tell anyone, so my mom didn't know about it.
They were planning to get married and so they began per-marital counseling and when the guy asked my dad if he was saved, my dad began telling him what had happened, much to my mom's surprise. She just gaped at him saying, "I knew something was different!"
In the end, my mom saw the change in my dad's life and realized how far she had strayed from the way she had been brought up. After that, she re-dedicated her life to the Lord.
Now my dad is a pastor and people shake their heads and tell him they can't imagine him with his long hair and leather jacket, but I'm sure my grandma still has that vivid picture in her mind. It turns out, her years of prayer had payed off.
Rachel M.
Mere N.
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 1:48 pm
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Mere, I would love it if you prayed for me! You are welcome! =)

I definitely need it now!
Lorree, with the LYWB team
Mere N.
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 3:09 pm
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You make a good point, Mere N. We do tend to rally around those who are suffering greatly and “forget” those who struggle in other ways. We often here only health related requests at prayer meetings.

Do you think you could you find one special friend who will commit to pray for you about your asthma, Mere N? Someone who you know will pray when she says she will? I’m sure it will do your heart good to know someone is praying for you on a regular basis.

With ongoing, chronic health issues, it is important to have the prayer support of our parents, family and friends. While we would love to have God cure you of this, sometimes He chooses not to. But He promises to pour out His grace on our lives so that we can continue on (2 Cor. 12:9-10). His strength is made visible in our weakness.

I’m thankful that even though it may seem like no one cares or is praying for us, God cares. He sees everything you are going through, friend! Nothing is hidden from His sight. And not only does God care, but Jesus (Rom. 8:34) and the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26) are praying for you right now. I hope this Truth brings you comfort, sweet friend.

I’ve prayed for your strength and your courage as you face your asthma knowing that God never makes mistakes and He longs to use this in a positive way in your life – to cause you to trust Him and draw closer to Him each day.
Becka4Christ
Re: aftergodsown
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 7:58 pm
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I just want to say you haven't been alone with this struggle! My own older brother (who had never accepted the faith although my family are practicing Christians) left home when he was 17. He's now 19 and I can't explain the turmoil our household went through, especially the months leading up to the moving out.

To share some of my story, I became a Christian three years ago when I was almost 15. I'd gone through something extremely shattering a few years before and then my mum began having neurological problems. We found out she had something on her brain, and then a little while later she was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. All this combined led me down into depression and I became very suicidal. I woke up one night a month or two before I'd planned to kill myself and I realized I couldn't go on anymore. I couldn't stand to think I'd wake up the next day. I was just getting out of bed to walk to the bathroom to cut my wrists when I broke down and told God that if He was real and caring and relational, that he had about fifteen seconds to get through to me before I cut myself. He did - and I became a Christian. The whole story is a lot more complex and much longer but this is part of it... And my mum is in remission from the cancer. Praise God!
Karissa
Unbelievable
on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 8:31 pm
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"I realized how carefully the Lord had planned this tumor, and I actually felt humbled that He had entrusted it to me." This one sentence from your testimony honestly stopped me in my tracks. Humbled? Entrusted?! What faith you showed...thank you SO much for sharing this. I needed to read this. God never takes us through circumstances we cannot handle. God is good all the time.
Lorree, with the LYWB team
Becka4Christ
on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 1:08 pm
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Thank you so much for sharing your testimony, Becka! God is good even though there are devastating things going on around us! I’m so thankful that He met you in your time of need and brought you to salvation! I join you in praising the Lord for your mom’s remission! Blessings on you, sweet friend!
Jazzy
Re:
on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 5:44 pm
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Hi!

Thank-you so much!! Wow, that's tough to have a brain-tumor!!! That gave me some-hope as well, currently I'm recovering from Post-Traumtic Stress Disorder, and I was tired of over-coming things in my life, and I was at the point where I just wanted to throw my Bible across my room to be honest... (But didn't!)

It's often hard, to see the good things that are coming out of this, but there are:) If there's one thing you could seriously pray for is perserverence, motivation, and MY MEMORY TO BE TOTALLY RESTORED!!:)


The weather was triggering wretched mind-memories from what happened....

(I basically had an emotional break-down.) Long story.. I do have support here at home, but not as much prayer support, I have some friends, but some-times my older siblings don't really understand what it's like to have PTSD, they usually get made, before they try to understand, (and it's hard to explain to them!)

Basically when you're traumatized, it's like you're world is turned upside down, and I know I'm a lot better then 9 months ago, but I could use a lot of prayer, mostly for more Christian fellowship, and it's harder sometimes to do it on my own! I'll take all the prayers I can get, this may sound silly but the weather sets me off with triggers...

Joy! And could you pray that God would give me more peace, and comfort and more believers who will encourage me to continue to go through therapy etc, work through a 230 page book! I'm on page 110!

And that I wont grow angry at God but instead grow closer!! And heal!!:) MY PRAYER IS THAT GOD WOULD TOTALLY HEAL ME AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED! :)

Thanks for sharing your testimony!!!:)

Blessings!!:)

PTSD is the hardest thing I've ever had to over-come and God continues to remind me: "For God works all things together for Good, for those who Love HIM and are CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE,"

Thank-you!!!:)
Bonnie Kate
@Mere N.
on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 6:36 pm
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I totally get the "not-so-important" stuff. I have REALLY bad cramps, but I don't ask anyone to pray about it because it would sound kind of funny to stand up in the middle of youth group and announce that I have excruciating pain with my cramps. (My mom and I think that I may have had an ovarian cist rupture once... I can't really tell that to a whole lot of people too.) But I will definitely pray for you!
Mere N.
@ Bonnie Kate
on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 8:47 pm
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I'm having bad cramps as we speak. And I totally hate when you just want to say "Pray for me! I have Cramps!! They're killing me!" in youth group, and you just have to sit there and be like. " I have an unspoken" when you're like trying not to scream from the pain.
My cramps are actually intensified because of my asthma medication. ( Cause that's bad enough problem as it is, why not add some more pain!?)
Seriously, but I can't stop taking the asthma medication, so I can't stop with the bad cramps. And I usually have them for two-three weeks before I 'start'.
I'll pray for you!
" Women are like superheroes. We can bleed for five days and still survive!"
Joke I found. LOL.
RachelAllison
@Mere N and Bonnie Kate
on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 9:56 am
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About the cramps, I know it'd be awkward to stand up in the middle of youth group and announce your condition... but other girls would definitely understand this (ones that have to deal with cramps, that is) and I think asking for prayer just among your Christian girlfriends would be a fine idea. Even asking for prayer here, since I'm sure a lot of us can relate... I know I can! And I'll be praying for both of you. :)
One thing that I've seen work for really bad cramps is soy; it doesn't work for everyone, but my best friend gets really bad cramps and if she eats/drinks stuff with soy in it, it makes them a whole lot better.
For me, it's calcium. The months when I remember to take my calcium supplement regularly are a LOT better! In fact, calcium helps with any cramps (not just the monthly kind)... I use it in a spray if I get a cramp while exercising.
Anyway, just wanted to encourage you guys and let you know I'm praying for ya!
Love,
Rachel
Mere N.
Re: Rachel Allison.
on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11:51 am
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Thanks. It's always good to hear "I'll pray for you". And I'll be praying for you, too.
So, my problem is, my asthma meds intensify cramps, and then my antihistamines that I have to take for allergies cause everything to...er, well, we're all girls, I get constipation, and it causes everything to just hurt. Hurt, hurt, Hurt.
Aside from that I have bad PMS that involves nausea and headaches.
I had been really nauseas one time, and I said to my mom, " Mom, if I was married, I'd think I was pregnant!"
So, anyway. I also get bad dill pickle, salsa, chips, chocolate, and crushed ice cravings.
And a lot of the time, I'll have problems with controlling my emotions, so I started a devotional called " Holy emotions. Biblical Responses to every situation."
I'm almost done with it, and it's really helped me. I have one day left, and I'd encourage you all to read this. It can be found, I believe, on YouVersion (website, or app)
Its been a really good devotional. I've seen the change.
Sorry for rambling. I'll pray for all of you girls struggling with cramps! I hate em too.
Mere
Jazzy
Over-coming For God
on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 1:56 am
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One thing I'm impressed with is, that Heidi found gratitude during her tumor, and for me I'm trying so hard this time not to grow angry towards God and, continue to go through all my therapy, and my book of 230 pages, it's just hard to find gratitude when one day, you are perfectly normal and happy, then bam the next day you're world is turned upside down, and have another medical issue, any recommendations on passages I should look and pray?

I'm trying to see the good things that God is doing!

Thank-you, this road is rough!

I'll continue to keep you posted!!

Blessings!!!
Mere N.
@Jazzy
on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 9:58 pm
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Hey, Jazzy.
I can relate with the medical issues. One day is just great, and then the next WHAMMO!
What helps is to remember that God is always holding us. He's got us, and he's got a plan.
Have you heard the story of the footsteps in the snow?
A man was walking through his life with Jesus. When everything was going well for the man, two sets of footsteps were made as they walked through the snow. But then, when things became tough, only one was there. The man felt that those were the times when he was walking by himself. Finally, at the end of his life, he asked God about it. " Why did you leave me in those hard times? The times when I needed you the most?"
And he replied. " You never walked alone. Those were the times I carried you."
(I hope I have this story correct. I only heard it once.)

Now as far as verses, look in Isaiah 40:31- But those who wait upon the Lord, He shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint.

Psalm 94:19- In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

2 Corinthians 12:9- And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Hope these help! I'll be praying for you!
Mere
Carrie, with the LYWB team
Re: Over-coming For God
on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 11:23 am
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You are on the right path, Jazzy, in realizing how important it is that you cultivate a heart of gratitude even on the darkest of days. At times we must all offer a “sacrifice of praise” (Heb. 13:15) from hearts that long to honor our Great God, but must walk by faith and not sight (because we can’t quite put the pieces of the puzzle together yet) knowing He does all things well!

So the best thing you can do right now, friend, is to focus on the truths about who our God is and the awesome promises He has made to His children. Here are a few to help you get started:

• Lamentations 3: 21-26
• Romans 8:31-32
• Romans 8: 35-39
• Isaiah 58: 11-12
• Isaiah 50:10
• Isaiah 49: 14-18

Praying for you to rest in the arms of your Beloved Savior today, my friend.

Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders ( Deuteronomy 33:12).
Mere N.
@Vic
on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 11:39 am
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Hey Vic.
I prayed for a person I know with an 'unseen' problem this week, and I saw a small change. That is gratifying. She seems to be doing better.

Also, I was watching a video on YouTube this week (a Christian music video) and I was looking at the comments. There seemed to be an argument between a Christian person and a person who was just being blasphemous and disrespectful and hurtful to others, and saying mean things about Christianity.
The people on the other side (Christian side) of this argument were politely correcting this person and quoting verses.
After I saw the comments that this person being kinda mean had posted against the Christians, I prayed. I don't know who this person was, but I prayed hard that somehow, God would send his word and light to this lost soul.
The next day, I checked back on the comments, and the person saying these things the day before had a new comment posted thanking all the Christians and saying that he had been convicted and led to the truth. He was now a saved child of God.
Now, I know that this is the Internet, and he could have been lying, and just posting anything, but I truly believe that this person was changed.
That was an answer to prayer.
Mere
Becka4Christ
@Vic
on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm
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Great idea! Sorry I only saw your post just now but I'll share what I've learned anyway.

I did pray for someone this week. I know her personally so she's not "unseen" but she is misunderstood and she puts up a fake exterior like no one else I know. I even managed to talk to her about Christianity last week and she's at least open, so I'm going to keep praying for her and I'll post again if anything changes in her that I see.

Over the last three years I've had a regular prayer time for a certain person I met online when I was 13. She was an atheist and when we lost contact she was in the peak of depression and I terrified she would kill herself in the next little while. Being online and all, I felt very helpless so as soon as I became a Christian (a while later regrettably) I have prayed countless times for her. We have never regained contact but as of about a year ago (long after her depression hopefully) I found out she was still alive! That was one of the happiest days in my life and I'm not sure if she's still atheist or not but I'm convinced I can keep praying and God isn't inhibited by distance.

Another time I had a guy internet friend who was also depressed, though not openly suicidal. He had no friends. I tried talking to him about Christ and he'd experienced bad things from the Christians he'd been around and he wasn't too keen. But I began praying for him, and I remember one night staying up to a crazy hour because I couldn't stop writing a prayer for him. I'm sure it was God guiding my pen because I didn't find relief until 10 pages later or so. Likewise the story above, I haven't heard how he's doing. I'm still confident in the power of prayer though.

For the sake of repeating the similar storyline again here, I'll leave this as the last example. There is a girl who is the sister of a couple of very good friends in my church. She doesn't come to church herself but last year God suddenly put her on my heart. I prayed a lot, and finally I felt led to write her a letter. That led to a couple more letters without any response. One day I suddenly I felt convicted to pray for her. I got out my notebook and wrote and wrote and it felt like something was really happening, it felt intense and urgent. The pressure grew to a peak and then it was like it hit open air or something - and I could stop praying. I felt peace after that. A few weeks later I saw this girl and she had changed drastically. She used to have a husky, controlled sort of voice and dark clothes that said "don't come near me" and things like that, but when I saw her she was wearing color, just a t-shirt and jeans without a heavy jersey, her hair was pulled back and she was smiling! I talked to her a little bit and her voice had changed too, it was smoother, nicer, much more open. Something was different. Nothing to report since then but it was very encouraging!

One little thing more - a friend asked me if I'd prayed for him on a certain day at a certain time because he'd felt God's peace wash over him when he needed it, he hadn't prayed, and we were extremely close friends. I couldn't remember but I looked back into the old pages I'd written and voila, I found one from that day at that time and I'd asked God specifically to give my friend peace. I thought that amazing! Such a small, little, cute answer to a prayer. God cares for the little things as well.

God bless everyone!
Becka4Christ
@Vic
on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 8:49 pm
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I forgot to mention something. I think it's awesome when people have told me they pray when they see a low-rider or druggie or prostitute someplace, or even just someone who looks a little down. Prayer makes a difference and it can touch anyone, anywhere, and it's a beautiful habit to persevere in! Occasionally guys drive passed when I'm walking on the pavement and they hoot, whistle and wave out the window at me. I feel junky but I pray for them on the spot. Part of me feels a bit victorious because I know prayer trumps what they can do or say to me, and the other part of me sincerely feels sorry for them.

Anyone else have thoughts?
Vic
Re:Mere N. and BekaforChrist
on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 6:12 pm
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Hey!
Thanks for your comments on prayer! My prayer life really needs a lot of work. What are some tips you guys have on cultivating a deep prayer life?
Ok, I did pray for one girl this week. She doesn't have a physical illness, but a spiritual one. I prayed for her and the next day she then wrote a note apologizing to the girls in the class for they way she had treated us. She now is working on being kinder and controlling her temper. That was a neat experience.
Now, the girls in my class cause so much drama. I become so annoyed sometimes, but the Lord is teaching me grace through this. This one girl is extremely controlling and self absorbed. Our personalities clash majorly! (Because I suffer from those problems too) Right now I believe she is on the brink of developing an eating disorder. Could you pray for her, and for me to be able to give have wisdom to love and help her. I do not think that if I were to give her advice she would listen. So, I would appreciate your prayers in that.

Mere: I do think your prayers did help that man. That is awesome! Your prayers affected a man you never knew. How cool is that? :)

BekaforChrist: I love how you are so open about your faith. That encouraged me truly! Those stories really ministered and encouraged me. I often pray for lost people walking down the street, my heart hurts so much for them. But, I know prayer is the greatest most powerful weapon we or anyone has.
A man in our church has a police officer friend in NYC. The man in our church promised to pray for him (the man in NYC) every day a certain year. Well, he forgot. Except one Tuesday at 1:00. The next summer when he told the man that, the man was shocked. That exact moment, when he was prayed for, he was in a foot chase with a criminal. The criminal pointed the gun right at the police officers head and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened! People later examined the gun and nothing was wrong with it. There was no reason the bullet shouldn't have left the barrel. Now that is an amazing story of prayer! I had chills when I heard it.
Keep strong!
Vic<3
Mere N.
@Vic.
on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 6:57 pm
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That story is chilling!!!
How great is our God!!!
Lorree, with the LYWB team
Vic
on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 2:05 pm
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I am excited to hear of your desire to pray for others. Spending time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer (communication between two people who love each other) is the best way to continue to cultivate your prayer life. Writing or journaling your prayers, praying Scripture and praying through a list are great ways to continue to prioritize prayer in your life. Thank you, Vic, for caring about others so much that you are willing to speak to your Father about them. Keep it up, sweet friend!
Lorree, with the LYWB team
Becka4Christ
on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 2:06 pm
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I love how you are taking your thoughts captive! Instead of judging and holding grudges, you are turning those thoughts into prayers for those who most likely don’t know the Lord. Keep on praying, friend! God can work in the lives of others through our prayers. God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20). Keep on praying, friend! It is the most powerful thing you can do for others in your life.
Jazzy
Re:
on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:34 pm
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Hi Mere!!!

THANK-YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! You're comment really blessed me and encouraged me and almost made me cry in a really good way!!! :)

I've never heard of that book before! I'll have to pick it up! A lot of times, I'm wrestles, especially these past few days because of triggers and PTSD is not easy to over-come in a day!

I was diagnosed last July! And I'm going through some intense therapy, these past few days and it's like everything springs up and it's like not apart of you!

I COULD USE ALL THE PRAYERS I CAN GET!! PTSD is the hardest thing I've ever had to over-come, and it's so hard to find joy during this time! Or watch my favorite movies etc, and I know God is always with me!!! Because God is always constantly singing worship songs, or reminding me of a Bible verse! I always stop and listen to what God is saying and stop what I'm doing and write it down!

It's scary some-times, because I feel like God when will this ever go away? Normal 24 year old's don't get PTSD.....

Why God me yet again? Thank-you, I'll have to check that book out in the Library! Will you pray that the enemy totally flees, and for more emotional support and Christian Friendship??:) And God will totally heal me AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED?

I was always the happy-chipper, joyful one then bam! You're world is turned upside down! Thank-you for your prayers Mere!!!! How can I pray for you??:)

In what ways can I pray for you?

Your-sister-in-Christ,

JAZZY:)
Mere N.
Re: Jazzy.
on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 12:40 am
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You are SO welcome.
It pleases me to know that through my words God has used me to encourage and uplift.

The thing about praying that you would be fully healed, well I will pray for healing in your life, but did you stop to think that maybe God is using this health issue to bring you to a point where you are more relient on Him? Is he using this to teach you to pray more often?
God uses EVERYTHING for his glory. For you to become a better Christian.
I have asthma, so I know the feeling of
" God, can you just heal me?"
Part of my asthma condition is that if I get nervous that I can't breathe suddenly, I'll stiffen up involuntarily, which tightens my airways. Making it harder to breathe. it's a viscious cycle.
I prayed that God would take it away. I just wanted to be done with it.
Then I thought, " Hmm. What could God be using this for the good of? How can I get the most out of this trial?"
And the answer was, I had to look up multiple verses about peace. I've found that when it gets hard to breathe, thinking "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, giveth I unto you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Helps.
Once I did this, I was able to apply that peace to other situations.
I've been able to stop losing my temper with people, life has been less stressful (even though my little sis just had to have surgery, and EVERYONE else WAS stressed out.)
And I am more at peace.

So ask yourself, what is HE trying to to teach me?

While I wouldn't have asked to have asthma, allergies that require shots every two weeks, knee and back issues, excema, and bad PMS issues,
God has used it all for his glory, and to make me a better person!

I've had you in my prayers since last week, and you're still there. I'll continue to pray for you!

Would you be willing to pray for me that I won't have to start physical therapy and wearing a brace for my knee? It hurts every day, due to a complication from a head cold last fall. I'm only 16.

All for Him!
Mere
Becka4Christ
@Vic
on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 5:35 pm
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Your comment is amazing! This comes at an interesting time because my girls group is just now going through a life application book on how to cultivate our prayer lives. I’d love to share a couple of things I’ve learned. The first is more a general point but maybe it’s helpful.

1) Prayer can come in all sorts of different forms. We communicate in so many diverse ways and prayer is the same. Most of my friends know how much I love writing, and I use this almost daily as the support of my prayer life, though I don’t work well with a daily plan and I don’t use one. It’s encouraging (and enlightening!) reading back over old letters and journal entries like this.

2) Prayer can be exciting and personalized! It can be something you wake up in the morning and just WANT to do. Maybe we can make this a bit more personalized to you to make prayer very attractive to you specially. Your daily creative strengths can be used to keep you motivated. What's something you really love doing?

3) Leading on from the second point, the way to pray is often the answer when sorting out your motivation to pray more. If you’re into knowing what your love language is, I’ve found that the love languages mirror favorite ways to pray. My list, in order of most dominant to least, is gifts, serving, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. Mostly if someone has a dominant love language, they tend to communicate to others in the same way. Letters to me signifies a gift I could give someone, and it’s a way of serving God by using a talent He’s given me. It also cultivates quality time of course. I suggest maybe finding out what your keenest love language is and centering your “way to pray” around that. Just an idea, I’m not sure how stable it is though. But the main thing is try different things until you hit the one you’re in love with.

4) Lastly, I had to say it so bluntly but the only way to improve one’s prayer life is to PRAY. Pray more and more and it will automatically cultivate your prayer life more.

It’s fantastic that you prayed for this girl! Amazing! That sounds like a very neat experience, and I hope it was very encouraging for you.

Lord, I pray that You’ll give Vic the patience to deal with this girl in her class. I pray that You’ll keep this girl and work in her, and work out any conflict between them. And Lord I pray that You’ll protect her from any potential eating disorders or other struggles, I know how strangling they can become, and please give Vic the wisdom and the commitment to love this girl no matter how she acts. Let her be open to taking Vic’s advice, and let her listen Lord. Amen!

Also in answer to your specific note to me, thanks for finding something useful in what I said, and I’m so glad you could be encouraged! That is an amazing story and so gripping. In fact it reminds me of a true story I heard. This young man was in a dorm in college, and he wasn’t a Christian but his roommate had been trying to talk to him about Christ and the Cross. One night this young man wanted to dive into the outside pool and feel the water in the dark (you can imagine how awesome that would be!) and so he climbed up onto the diving board, couldn’t see a thing, and was about to dive off when a floodlight beamed on from behind him and a voice shouted “No, don’t jump!” The man looked straight ahead and his arms, in preparation for the dive, made the shape of a cross because of the light behind him. He looked down and saw that the pool was completely emptied of water – he hadn’t realized that it had been closed for cleaning. He collapsed right there on the diving board, having been seconds away from being smashed on the pool’s floor, and he wept and became a Christian. Cool story aye? When I tell people that I always add something at the end – do we realize how close non-Christians are to ending up in Hell? Do we realize how blind they are, and how misled, and how much they need someone to flip that floodlight’s switch? Really, the switch is right under our finger every time we breathe and have contact with someone who is not saved. Chilling isn’t it?

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If I think of any other tips and such things, I'll be sure to leave a comment. I have this post bookmarked so it won't get lost in the archives somewhere. God bless! :)
Becka4Christ
@Lorree
on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 5:40 pm
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Thanks for the encouragement, and for the support. I’ve been struggling with taking thoughts captive in other ways and I’d really appreciate prayer for that. Prayer certainly is the most powerful thing and it’s overwhelming almost how we can do such every single moment of our lives!
Lorree, with the LYWB team
Becka4Christ
on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 6:19 pm
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Praying for you and the battle you are in, Becka4Christ. Remember, Greater is He who is in you than He that is in the world. Battle on, sweet friend! Pray on!
Vic
Re: Beka4Christ
on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 7:44 pm
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Sorry it took me so long to respond to your comment! I'm not sure you'll see this but.. Thank You! I will keep those tips in mind when cultivating my prayer life. :) May God bless and keep you.
Becka4Christ
Re: Vic
on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 4:50 am
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Thanks Vic. I'm glad my comment could be useful! God bless you too. :)