Shaun Groves
First Gresham preaches against being a pharisee. And now, easy quitting? This football camp of his is ruining my life.
So he climbed in the minivan after yesterday’s practice and announced that he doesn’t want to play offense. Only defense. Now, this was coming from the kid who was a great safety (that’s a defensive position) last season but also scored 50% of his team’s goals as halfback and quarterback.
“Dude,” I said, because all great fatherly wisdom should begin so eloquently, “that’s like Troy Polamalu saying he doesn’t want to play defense. Do you hate scoring? Is it the points or the applause that you hate?”
He laughed, used to his greatest life struggles being answered with sarcasm.
Turns out, he loves both points and applause, but not the pressure of being quarterback.
“It doesn’t feel good.”
“Getting hit?” I asked.
“Being in charge,” he said.
And it’s true.
Being mom or dad when the ends won’t meet, when kids need discipline? Doesn’t feel good.
Being a student studying for finals, practicing for piano juries? Doesn’t feel good.
Being the boss when people will have to be laid off, when change has to be made, when majority opinion has to be bucked? Doesn’t feel good.
Taking the snap when it’s third and long? Doesn’t feel good.
“The choice is yours,” I told him. “But before you decide, why don’t we spend a week praying and thinking about what kind of pressure this is. Is it pressure you need to endure to be a leader? Or is what you’re feeling God’s way of protecting you? Do you need to keep going or quit?”
And that’s the question I’m asking right now too. About a few things in life. The pressure doesn’t feel good. I want to quit. That would be easier than praying and discerning. That would feel better.
But is this pressure I should push through? Or is this God’s warning that I’m in danger? Or that there’s something better?
Praying.
How could I pray for you?
Jessica says:
Well, we’re officially in Canada!
… and unemployed.
Fill in the prayer blanks. 😉
Shaun Groves says:
Congrats! On the completion of the move…not the unemployment. Praying.
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
For us, life is the same mix of heartwrenching trials and heartwarming blessings that we’ve been experiencing for a while now.
I’ll be praying for you (and Gresham) for the decisions you’re facing currently. 🙂
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
Coming back to say, if anyone feels led to pray for my 14 year old step-daughter Nico, I would appreciate it. She’s been alienated from our family and recently walked away from Faith in God. She’s headed for scary places, so prayers are appreciated. I love her like she was birthed by me and this is one thing that wrings my heart on a daily basis.
Shaun Groves says:
Absolutely. Praying now, Michelle.
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
Thank you so much! I am going to pray through the other comments left here as well.
Holly Prosser says:
May I just comment that last year, I was saying the same words about our son (now 16). In the year that has passed, God has continuously pulled him back to His side. Our son is back, and so is his passion for the Lord, for life, for family. It’s beautiful to see redemption that close! I’m praying for your step-daugther as she is testing the waters of the world. I know that fear, so I’m praying for you as well as you discern how to parent best.
Much love to you, and already celebrating her return to the Father.
Loriann Smith says:
Dear Sister Michelle, Praying for your Nico right now. Oh, how well I understand. It’s so hard, but we can’t control another person. If you go to my blog (no pressure, I just happened to write my last post about this very thing), you’ll see how God is helping me through an extremely dark time with my little girl who was brain injured by a drunk driver. She actually went missing for 2 weeks. Any way, Lord, lead Nico beside the still waters….restore her soul…for your Glory and her good. Be strong Michelle, march on!
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
I have tears in my eyes from these beautiful replies. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and replies.
Currently, we are cut off from communication with Nico, but I reach out daily in prayer. My heart aches, but I know that in my own journey, I had to live on the wild side for a while to get to where I am now. While I have no real “claim” on her, I do love her with the same passion as the two girls I birthed.
Knowing that others are praying for her means so much to me. I am thankful and touched.
Cathy says:
Dude! You’re posts are wrecking me. I’ll try to make this short (although it’s not my strong suite).
I’m a single foster parent. I adopted one child after 16 months in my home. Now I’ve agreed to take permanent custody of a second foster child. Her mother will retain rights and I will no longer get support for her – including medical insurance. Even with a good job, the budget is not balancing on paper. I know accepting that responsibility seems crazy, but I couldn’t stand up in front of a judge and tell him that my God wasn’t big enough to provide for this child after I had testified that my faith was what allowed me to tackle this challenge “by myself”. She’s been in my home and family for over two years and there was no way I could uproot her and make her go live with strangers. Now she needs a surgery which will require at least one night stay in the hospital and possibly some time in PICU at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Being single and supporting two kids, obviously I have to work a full time job. Due to her illness, court dates, etc I have missed a ton of work and for some reason my normally adequate brain can not put together a logical sentence, (a job requirement for computer programming). As a result, I have 5, FIVE, projects that are late. Way late. Needless to say, my job is in jeopardy. I am stressed beyond belief and really, really want to just quit right now. I used to thrive under pressure. Now I just feel like folding.
I’m betting you can relate to a lot of this, so I would really appreciate your prayers and I will be praying for you as well.
Cathy says:
I’m guessing you’ll forgive the typo (you’re) in the first sentence given the circumstances. 🙂
Loriann Smith says:
Praying sister…
Cindy@12Tribes says:
Cathy – my heart and prayers go out to you…perhaps this is not appropriate (what I am saying next)? But the comment can be deleted if it must be…but Cathy, I think God might be directing you to someone who can “walk along beside you” and perhaps help you see all things more clearly…including your own stress…I am praying for a Godly “counselor” to walk along beside you at this time…and perhaps God is calling you to start a business of your own? That you can work at from home? But praying for the current job situation to extend grace to you…
Shaun Groves says:
Stopping now to pray for you and I’ll do that all weekend too. Please update us when you can. Praying God gives daily bread…physically and spiritually.
Zoë says:
I know how hard it is being a single mum. It is much more than twice the work. I will keep you in my prayers x
Heather says:
Cathy, I am praying for you now. God bless you and your family.
Cathy says:
I just wanted to pop in and thank you all for your prayers and sweet comments. I love the community here! Things are still tough but God is providing day by day.
Barbara says:
So, one thing I love about this is that you are communicating to your son that the way to come to a decision of whether to play defense or offense is absolutely the same way that you will make the decisions you are facing. I think our kids marvel (and relax!) at the realization that their parents don’t have all the answers and that we remember that youthful questions were hard to resolve. I also love it because I needed a kick in the pants today to see my pressure as one that requires perseverance. Thank you.
brad says:
Wow. So “there” right now. I needed this article. Thanks.
Zoë says:
Tomorrow I make my statement to the police about stuff from my childhood. It could simultaneously be one of the best and worst moments of my life. Just talking on the phone to the police officer made me queasy. You can guess I’m feeling the pressure a little here, too. But I have been through so much already that I’ve learned that feelings are changeable. They don’t dictate. This is one time I know I’m doing God’s will. I would very much appreciate prayer.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You have no idea how much this blog blesses me. God bless you – and thank you.
Kit says:
Ditto, I love this blog, it’s probably my favorite. Not many things seem to get through to me these days, but I always find that something on here will resonate and I learn something– and enjoy it with a laugh at the same time, bonus!
Shaun Groves says:
Zoe, my heart breaks thinking about what you might have experienced. No child should feel unsafe. Ever. Praying for healing and courage right now. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with us here.
Zoë says:
Just wanted to pop back and say thank you. It all went as well as could be expected. God was in charge of it all.
Keeping all the hurting/struggling people in my prayers today. Remember – you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to save the whole world. God got there first. God bless to everyone.
Melissa Jones says:
This is a situation where anonymous comments would be helpful, imo.
Pray for my stamina. I’ve been working some overnight shifts in mission control for the spacecraft I’m working on right now – I was there all night Sunday night, until 1:30AM last night and the night before, and will be there all night again tonight – followed by a quick nap and a 2+-hr drive (each way) to pick up our oldest two from their grandparents. I get back from there, then have a full Saturday and Sunday, followed by another overnight shift….and I’ve been working similar hours since the end of April. The end is in sight (my last shift will be on July 2nd!), but it’s still a long way off with kids to care for and life to live in the mean time. I just feel like a zombie most days.
Also, our youngest (14.5 mo) spent the morning with me at the hospital (mostly she was standing on a toilet while we were waiting for her to pee into a cup, but that was followed by her having some blood draws). She was a champ and didn’t cry even once during the bloodwork, but pray that we find the reason she’s so small still (shy of 17 lbs) or at least rule out some possibilities.
Shaun Groves says:
True about the anonymous comments. Folks can always e-mail me at shaun AT shaungroves DOT com…or talk to a friend in the real world. I hope they do.
But thanks for trusting us with your prayer request. On it.
shayne says:
I’ve realized lately that I’m a bitter person. I don’t enjoy my life and every day seems like a pain in the you-know-where.
Jesus I’m cool with. Love Him. But people? They get on my last nerve.
A couple of weeks ago I kind of got the message from God that He was about to take me through some healing. Translate: “Shayne…we’re about to open that closet door really wide and get rid of this nasty attitude of yours.”
So yeah…some prayers would be awesome.
Thanks.
Shaun Groves says:
Praying bitterness out of your heart, healing from whatever’s hurt you. Thanks, Shayne. You know, on the bright side, bitter people tend to be funny. Hope the funny stays with you long after the bitterness if gone. I love seeing your face and reading your words around here, Shayne.
shayne says:
I am assuming you mean funny “haha” and not funny “wacka-doodle-doo.”
Seriously though…thanks for the kind words. And for the prayers.
I need to pray for you more often. I will work on that.
Loriann Smith says:
So grateful we have a Savior! We all stumble in many ways. Praying for your heart and mine!
Melissa Jones says:
And somehow I completely missed the last two paragraphs. Praying for you as well!
Kit says:
Wow, that is quite the football camp…. or quite the kid you’ve got there 😉
I feel like the mom magically making ends meet, trying not to snap at the kids, stressed about communicating with the husband, it definitely doesn’t feel good! I don’t even know what I need prayer for exactly. Marriage healing and something spiritual that is hard to explain? I do know all my troubles would probably be helped at least somewhat if my simple prayer request for better sleep from my 5 month old would be answered. Being super sleep deprived doesn’t feel good either.
Shaun Groves says:
Sleep is HUGE. I haven’t slept well for a couple weeks. I find myself losing patience, answering with “that” tone far too often these days. Praying for rest. for both of us ; )
Lindsay says:
Grrr… Dang, This Blog Always Ruins My Life
Kit says:
LOL! too true 😉
Monica Selby (@monicajselby) says:
Hey Shaun! I love the wisdom you shared with your son. Praying and discerning is hard work, but it’s the only way we can know what kind of pressure it is.
For us, moving, jobs and young kids (both the feeding them and the raising them) involve quite a bit of pressure. The good kind, I think. 🙂
saravarghese says:
Going through marriage counseling (hopefully). Afraid of retreating back into same destructive patterns out of fear. Trying to find the balance between courage and defiance. Determination and being stubborn. Please pray. Pls. Pls. Pray.
Shaun Groves says:
Praying. Six friends have divorced or separated in the last two years. Pains me every time. And I know what I feel is only the tiniest fraction of the pain they feel. Praying for resolution, humility, teachability, restoration, forgiveness all around. Thanks for the opportunity to support your marriage, Sara.
Melanie says:
We are very close to receiving travel clearance for our adoption. Expect to head to Korea a week from Saturday. We are taking a military flight, it is “space available” so we could get bumped. Please pray for room on the flights that we need. And for us all as we adjust to each other – son in Korea is 3, older kids are 8 and 6.
Thanks, Shaun. I really enjoy your blog.
JD says:
I’m seeing football through new eyes these days, thank you for the lessons and wisdom shared.
Sounds like a season of growth all around. Praying for you and your family, Shaun. Just received my 2nd copy of your CD in the mail yesterday, grateful for your music.
It’s been a very tough year here. The kids and I are naming it “The Year Of Job”. My husband of 17 years left the kids and I, our hopes and dreams, and everything to pursue “happy”, which he believes he’ll find in a young woman he met on the internet. He told the kids that it was like having a Lamborghini in the driveway, and everyone saying that he was blessed to have a Lamborghini, and “sure, the Lamborghini is nice, they’re right, but what I really want, what would make me happy, is a Grand Prix, and I’ve decided that life’s all about being happy, so I’m going to leave to pursue what makes me happy and get the Grand Prix.” Shortly after this, he lost his job, sending us in a downward spiral financially, on top of everything else. The more time goes, the worse it gets, car breaking down, utilities being shut down, things getting stolen, the enemy is being relentless.
I’m trying hard to love him as Jesus would, to give mercy, grace, forgiveness, radically so, even when it’s hard… and, there are days when it’s harder than others. I’ve chosen to continue to let him stay here, in our home (while we have one, at least), so right now, he’s living with us for as long as possible until she can move to Canada, and then he will be gone. It’s an opportunity, for as long as I can, to continue to be a light in his life. I’m not the best at it, but I’m willing, and I’m trying.
Don’t quite know what the kids and I will do, where we will go, how we’ll get by, but somehow… some way… God will take care of us and our sponsored kids. He clothes the flowers in the valley, cares for the fallen sparrow, He tends to the broken… He’s all we’ve got that we can’t lose.
Pray as you feel lead… God’ll answer.
Amy says:
JD, this breaks my heart for you. I am praying.
shayne says:
Oh JD…I’m am so so sorry.
Praying for God’s provision for you spiritually, mentally, financially and physically.
Walking out the forgiveness is hard…good on you for hanging in there. Praying for your husband as well. A good lesson he might start learning is that women are not vehicles. We don’t get men from point A to la-la-land in 5.2 seconds.
Praying for your kids as well.
Christine says:
JD, I just ran across your testimony on Jessica’s blog, and found it one of the most beautiful I’ve ever read. I am so sorry for all the pain you’ve endured. I will pray faithfully for you and your children and husband.
Please don’t be offended, but I wonder if your husband might need to be kicked out at this time? You can break fellowship with him—like David did with Saul when Saul was hunting David–while still praying for your husband and extending love and forgiveness. A healthy boundary needs to be in place so God can deal with your husband’s sin–without any distraction and with a bit of desperation to help the process along. Separating is not divorcing, but putting up boundaries against abuse. The kids need to see a healthy boundary, since your husband, while still there, is continuing to emotionally abuse all of you. Breaking fellowship with an unrepentant sinner seems like what God would want right now. You are not breaking a marriage covenant in asking him to leave for now. It isn’t the same as threatening divorce, IMHO.
My husband lost his job in 2009 and has been working two part-time jobs these last few years, totaling 54 hours per week. The pay is very low, and we’ve come close to having utilities turned off, and our very old cars have broken down more times than I can count. But God has always provided for our needs, and I have not been forced to work. Sometimes it is a relative who helps just in time, without even knowing there was a financial emergency. It is very, very hard to accept help. Especially more than once. That may be the hardest part. No one talks about how hard it is when God provides through other people. It takes time to see the help not as charity so much, but as God’s provision. We sponsor one Compassion child, and write to two others, and I know I would never want them to see our help as any thing other than a beautiful blessing from God. I am working on that in myself. The prideful alternative is to try to find work myself, and stop homeschooling, which seems less than what God would want for our children (and the childcare would be horrendous for four children). I will help pray you through these financial disaster months.
In His love.
Loriann Smith says:
I am so sorry for your pain…I know about the Job thing and I see more and more of God’s people suffering under heavy loads. But He giveth more grace. Hang on JD…and remember for certain that these sufferings are not a sign of a lack of God’s favor. They weren’t for Job, or Mary, or Joseph etc…
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
JD, my heart is heavy for what you are going through. I love you SO much and will amp up the prayers for you and your family.
Amy says:
Your boy has got some wisdom. I am not a leader either. I’m happy being support.
There’s something in our life that I haven’t put out on the Internet. We thought that we were done with certain phases of life only to find out 5 weeks ago that we get to do it again.
I haven’t had the greatest attitude about it, thankfully my husband has been a wonderful support to me.
So, prayers for my attitude? 🙂
keturah says:
Your son is very wise…something im sure he has seen modeled often. Will be praying for him and you. That God will give your clarity in making decisions.
Please pray for my 14 year old son and 14 others from our church that left this morning for a 2 week mission trip to the Philippines. Hard for this mama to put him on that plane but know I would be disobedient if I didn’t.
Michelle says:
Well said Shaun! What a great reminder to slow down and re-evaluate where God is leading!
Liz Reeves says:
My husband & I had to announce to our 12 yr old son this week that he has to take a “Reading Improvement” class this coming year in school, which means having to give up his 1 elective class (choir) which he dearly loves. It broke his heart. Between tears, he was also very angry. He has always felt some sort of competition with his sisters who excel at everything academically, so this was just more validation (in his eyes) to support that feeling of inadequacy. I know he will be OK and he WILL get through this & it will be good for him in the long run, but his self esteem just took a major hit and he’s still sad and hurting. Pray for him, please!
Kris says:
Seriously Shaun. If writing is something you’re debating quitting, Please don’t! This post is a sucker-punch to the gut I totally needed. And your boy? He’s got more wisdom than men twice his age. God be praised for the hard work He’s doing in your heart and in your son’s. I’ve always heard, when ou want to quit, that’s when you’re on to something. The enemy would love to crank the heat and force you out of the kitchen. Praying for you, that God speaks clearly and guides your decisions. Your words bless so many, your heart for the Lord and your accessible testimony is such a gift! You’re real, and honest and Christ just leaks out of you. You can’t help yourself, can you? 😉
As for all these tremendous struggles in the comments, I’m praying right now for each of you. God is so good and more than capable.
Kit says:
Great comment! I 2nd that!
Amy @ Living Locurto says:
Thank you for this. I feel like your son right now and never thought of it in the way you put it. A good point for adults and kids:-) Great timing that I saw this on twitter. Thanks!
Shaun Groves says:
You’re welcome, Amy.
Alia says:
We have only three months until my husband is out of the military, and he is desperately searching for a job to support our family of 5, prayers are welcoed and very appreciated!
Mary says:
Oh, I needed to hear this. I’ve been struggling a lot lately with how simple it would be to just quit, give up and do something easy with my life, something that won’t require risk or sacrifice. Really, instead of thinking about it, I should be praying about it (even though I’m pretty sure I already know what the answer will be – and that part of me won’t like it). Thank you so, so much for this great insight and this wonderful reminder.
Heather says:
I have been asking myself the same question lately. Is this pressure/ stress/ stretching something I should just push through, or is God telling me it’s time to make a big change? Is this one of those character-producing seasons, or do i need to make some tough decisions? My husband and I have recognized that my work situation is unsustainable, but we aren’t sure what the change should be and when. Long commutes, little time to recharge, no time to care for our home, no place of community, etc. leave me feeling constantly exhausted, cranky, and stretched thin. There is a possibility that big changes could be on the horizon (adoption!) but we have absolutely no idea when that might occur. I’m not sure I can keep this going indefinitely! We are really seeking wisdom from God right now and patience to wait on His timing not ours.
jennibell says:
Dang! I can’t tell you how this “hit the mark”. Thank you for taking the time to share. . .I know you think that blogging is “just another thing to do” but you really have a gift of writing and sharing and meeting your readers where they are at. Blessings to you.
MainlineMom aka Sarah says:
This is timely. So we learned that due to some changes the Haitian government just made, our adoption is in jeopardy. But we don’t know for sure. We don’t know if this is God closing a door on that dream, steering us to another country and another child, or if we should press forward, should fight for this plan we thought we were called to. We wanted to be leaders, to clear the path to adopt from Haiti for those in who would want to after us. So now it’s all a big fat question mark. I have to admit that the temptation to bail on adoption completely and go back to our normal, perfect, comfortable life has entered my mind. But I’m pretty sure that’s not what God wants.
Shaun Groves says:
Praying.
Ann says:
Could you pray for my son struggling with Crohn’s Disease? And for me, struggling with discouragement?
Shaun Groves says:
Been there, Ann. Not with Crohn’s, but something similar, supposedly incurable, painful and debilitating. Eating raw for almost a year and lots of prayer and, well, I’m healed. Praying the same outcome for your boy.
beth says:
I’m 5 days overdue with baby #3. I’m tired. Trying desperately to stay in a positive and patient zone… it’s hard.
Also – potential gigantic changes for us as a family are on the horizon, happening (maybe) just days after the baby arrives.
He is in control. Need to remember this and believe it!
Shaun Groves says:
Praying, Beth.
[email protected] says:
just had to come back and say thanks – i’m holding the most darling 3-day-old baby boy… he was 9 days overdue but worth every minute of wait 🙂
Carol B. says:
Hoo boy! I’ve been wanting to quit my job lately (crazy, I know), and trying to talk myself into seeing doing so as a God thing. But in the back of my mind, waaaay back, I had this sneaking feeling that I was trying to get out of that uncomfortable feeling of responsibility. Thanks, Shaun, for articulating this for me.
Cindy@12Tribes says:
Good message – ahhhh, the Lord has been showing me how many times I miss interjecting Him into the discussions little Miss Sweet Tweener and I have…thank you for another example…
Jessica says:
I am blessed to see Jesus here!
To see people really caring and praying for each other is a breath of fresh air in the mist of a raging sea (cold, dark, hurting world)!
I too have undergone deep pain but honestly I wouldn’t take one ounce of it back compared to the deep love communion I have had with my Jesus (the lover of my soul). I know now that if he gives I love him and if he takes away I still love him! What an overwhelming joy to see the beauty in my losses! The experience of the pain has taught me more then hundreds of lessons and the most has been learning to fellowship with him in his sufferings and allow the hurt to become his hands and feet and heart for the hurting ones in this world! ..I’m experiencing beauty for ashes and the worth of it all!
Because of Him,
~Jessica
Beth says:
Praying for discernment about the areas where I want to quit, and clarity for the areas I think I should start but don’t know how or why.
Clear as mud?
Thanks.
Shaun Groves says:
Gotcha ; )
Terah says:
I am blown away by the sense of community I see here and the prayers offered (many on the spot!). This alone encourages me.
My hubby and I just celebrated 31 years (ring and all:) but our Wild Ride has been one for certain. Always my best friend and love, he’s had 10 years dialysis, 2 kidney transplants and countless surgeries. In the last 18 months, 2 heart surgeries. The only real period of time that was sort of ‘normal’ for him, I went thru breast cancer! (Surgery, reconstruction and chemo)Committed to homeschooling from the get-go. Last of three (one miracle and 2 a result of 1st transplant) graduates next year. Prayer request: In the last 5 years, Medicare, disability and dis. insurance have been a confused mess leaving even more financial issues than we would have had enough without!
God has opened doors for me with Simply Music and my Studio is in a huge growth spurt–I need the energy and verve of a 25 year old, large coke and some fries, please!!! (sorry:)
My hubby’s health is still not great and we have months to really see the benefits of the last surgery (for HOCM). God has been so faithful thru the years but of course, there are medical bills, bills, bills and I could teach the Whole World to play and still have more bills…
I think the most coveted prayer request besides the obvious would be Finishing Strong regardless of how it looks on the outside. That I would not ‘faint’. Thanks. Will cover the other requests on this thread right now before I move on with my day.
Thanks Shayne for the real and helpful insight in the questions you laid out. Very helpful.
Shaun Groves says:
Still praying for all of you this week. Thank you for that opportunity.
Holly says:
I am totally delurking here. This post killed me. My husband and I are the parents to three young kiddos (including a set of twins) and we are foster parents. Our very first foster child just left less than a month ago. It was crazy hard and absolutely nuts. I have seen in myself the strong desire to seek comfort and normalcy, which really collide with obedience in this situation in particular. Thanks for making me think.
Kathy says:
Oh my. How many times in the past year have I just wanted to quit? And if I was a person to pick a word for the year, the word for last year and this year would be “Persevere.” Wow. It is so hard being in charge. This was so good to read – your words Shaun, and the words in the comments. I am blessed and humbled.
We will celebrate 25 years together this fall and I wonder if that milestone will really be seen. I believe HE will give back the years the locust have eaten, I really do. Perhaps after the locusts stop eating? The devil is mighty foe, but my God is mightier and I will persevere.
A prayer for a softened heart towards the Lord? Not just believing, but really trusting? Like “hold your nose and jump in” kind of trust. It is scary, but we so need this in our marriage. We need to let God truly be in charge. I do not want to be come a statistic.
Leah says:
Good to have blog friends in high places huh? I’m here from the link at Ann Voskamp’s blog, and see I am commenter #70! I have long liked your music, though I have never bought any of your CDs {if it makes you feel better the last time I did buy a CD, cell phones were hip and new}. I am so relieved to see that you can be a good, godly, concerned parents AND be sarcastic.
PS.
loved your write up in Relevant about Donald Miller too.
Cheers,
Leah
Kristi says:
I, too, came from the link on Ann’s blog. But I’ve been feeling like quitting for a long time now….we’ve been trying to adopt for years and it just keeps getting put off for one reason or another. Now we’ve been on the waiting list for over a year and have still not been chosen. It breaks my heart daily and confuses me no end about the heart of God and His will for my life. Does He not want us to adopt? I have felt for so long that we were supposed to adopt several children, from all over the world, and yet it isn’t happening. Please pray for me to know whether I’m supposed to give up on this or not.
Amy Hunt says:
No, it doesn’t “feel good”…but asking those questions is such beautiful worship. It’s inviting Him in even more.
Good stuff here! As always.
jamie isabell says:
I am in China volunteering for an orphanage (I’m a nurse) working and taking care of 50 orphans with special needs. And I am praying about going home. There are so many things that make me want to quit, but I want to be obedient. The spiritual warfare here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. That along with the tremendous responsibility and worry about monthly support feels almost overwhelming some days. I need prayer for discernment and heavenly wisdom. Thank you for this post.
Christy Bauer says:
Lord I pray for Jamie to have a clear picture of your will. I pray for the wisdom to know what to do and the strength and faith to do whatever it is that you would have. I pray that Your presence would be evident around every turn and for Your grace to be unending. Amen.
Jamie, thank you for being willing to go and to serve our Lord. Those precious children are lucky to have you. Know that I will be praying for you regularly.
TCobb says:
Praying Ephesians 6:10-20 over you, Jamie Isabell. And also Psalm 3:3, that God would be your shield and your glory and the lifter of your head.