"We also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5
Join us as we discuss what God taught Hagar and Cristy in their wilderness of despair, as well as what He's taught us! We would love to hear about and pray for your wilderness of despair story, so please share it with us in a comment.
Chapters 5 and 6 from Marian Jordan on Vimeo.
Comments (2)
Marian Jordan
July 22nd, 2011
9:16 am
Diana,
I can't tell you how much your story has blessed me this morning. Praise God for His perfect timing and how He reaches out to us in our great moment of need. He is working good in your life through this season.
I would like to encourage you....our enemy loves to bring us into despair by getting us to put our focus on ourselves, instead of Jesus. He will accuse you and tell you that you aren't what you should be. Each time he comes with those accusations...point him to the cross. At the cross, Jesus paid for your life and He (Jesus) said you are 100% accepted, 100% righteous and 100% beloved.
Stop listening to the father of lies. He loves to see the children of God in despair. He is a ruthless liar, but Jesus is TRUTH! He loves you ...and He will accomplish His plan and purpose for you.
I pray you'll walk in His Truth today!
Love you
Marian
Diana
July 18th, 2011
7:21 am
I had a recent encounter into the wilderness of despair. Last Thursday, I find myself losing hope in my ability to be the woman God has called me to be. To be a leader. To be a teacher. To be a mentor to others. I found my thoughts wrapping around these statements, “There’s no way you can do all this. It’s too stressful. You get too attached to people. You aren’t good enough to live up to all that God expects of you.”
I felt so weak that night. A couple of friends of mine called me and prayed for me. I tried seeking God, but felt like he didn’t want to hear my excuses. I was on the verge of giving up. I finally fell asleep and expected to be better the next morning, but I wasn’t. I went in to work and everyone was asking what was wrong with me. One guy even offered me a hug. Luckily, it was a slow day of work, so I decided to catch up on my WSFW reading. I had left off on Chapter 5. I found myself getting lost in the words. It was like you were writing them for me. I found great comfort in the truth that “when we are alone in the wilderness, God comes looking for us.” He was looking for me. I just needed to call on Him.
It wasn’t until I started working on the small-group questions that it really started sinking in. The wilderness can be a dark and scary place, but you don’t have to do it alone. God will bring you out of it, but he wants you to confess and share it with HIM in order to show him your trust and faith. By the afternoon, I was reenergized. Although I hadn’t been in the wilderness long, it was definitely a trial for my faith. I praise God for those who were praying for me and for giving me the opportunity to seek him. Continue to pray for me ladies because I’m certain this won’t be the only time I feel that way. I rejoice in the comfort that God is preparing me for future battles with the skills necessary to overcome despair.