This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
~1 John 5:14 NIV~
I didn’t write much throughout the month of November because I was struggling with the notion that I had nothing to say. I was caught up in a process of trying very hard to hear God and wanting to be quiet so that when He did finally speak, I would be paying attention. I have a tendency to talk too much at times and I was in dire need of a word from Him to tell me what to do with this next phase of my life. That word finally came to me in the form of a request from our women’s Bible study group at church. We had just finished up Beth Moore’s James and we were trying to figure out what would be the best way to spend a few weeks in a study during the holidays. I had suggested we do The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson earlier in the year, but it hadn’t been the right time then. Finally, we all agreed that it was time to draw some prayer circles and I was asked to lead this study.
We are currently in our second week of The Circle Maker and the concepts that I’ve been reading about are finally starting to make sense. I understood them on the surface, but it wasn’t until I put them into practice that I began seeing the true value of what we have been learning. My ministry, Higher Ground Ministries has been a small ministry at best. I’ve not known what to do, what direction to take next, or how to achieve the goals I’d set for myself. Not sure why I was having this difficulty; the only excuse I can offer is that the devil really didn’t want me to kick things into high gear with this ministry and so, he confused me with reminders of every single inadequacy I possess. He had me convinced that I could never make things work.
After watching the second video for this Bible study, I made the decision to begin praying for direction for the ministry again and this time, I targeted specific things I wanted to do to get things moving while I’m getting our application for 501 (c) (3) status together. I asked God what He would like me to do for the women I wish to serve in our community. He answered and He even told me what I needed to do next. And so, last night I sent out e-mails to about sixty of my female friends and family members asking for donations of new underwear, socks and bras to be given as Christmas gifts to women and girls who are currently in shelters. Within about an hour, I had fifteen responses and commitments from all of those ladies to donate items for this project. I was absolutely thrilled! Today, I received an instant message from a friend asking if I wanted to go on her radio show and talk about the project. Of course, I said yes and I’m scheduled to be on this Thursday at 5 p.m. I’m so blessed to have a great bunch of friends and family to support the things that God is calling me to do.
So, the point of this post is to tell you that I’m stepping out in faith, praying big circles around my dreams and following God’s direction so that I may glorify the One who has made me new. Even when I begin to doubt myself, He remains faithful and gives me time to come back to my senses and do what He has created me to do. When you are struggling with not having enough confidence to follow through on your dreams, remember that God put those dreams in your heart for a reason. He never gives us more than we can handle and He has created us for our own unique purpose to bring glory to His name. His glory is our strength and His love never fails. Let Him guide you down the path you must go. Let Him light the way with His marvelous light.
All that said, if you have donations you would like to send, please
e-mail me for details. I’m collecting these items through December 15th and all donations of new items are appreciated. Or if you would like to donate cash to help cover gift wrapping supply costs, that would be wonderful as well. More information is available at the
Higher Ground Ministries blog.
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
~Exodus 15:13~
answers beliefs Bible church dreams faith fear God humility lifestyle prayer sadness thinking
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My name is Rebecca Benston. I’m a Christian. I’m a woman. I’m a mother. I’m a writer. I’m a thinker. When I write fiction, I am usually writing a mystery series called The Rona Shively Stories. My P.I. character, Rona Shively is feisty, fearless and fabulous and is usually caught up in something she doesn’t want to be caught up in. In addition to this series, I also have a blog called Higher Ground for Life. Through this blog, I’m hoping to reach women or anyone who is seeking to develop a relationship with God and give them inspiration to get out there and follow His path for their lives!
I also have a blog called Leading the Follower. This one is my favorite. I write about religion, faith, spirituality and all that goes along with it. What we believe, what we don’t believe, what we are told to believe and how society feels about believing in general. I do a lot of testifying here and some of what I say may make you angry. Most of it will make you think. Some of it will make you cry. Any of it could make you laugh. It’s really up to you.
If you are looking for practical advice, honest conversation, and no nonsense observations about living in today’s world, check out my blogs at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com and http://www.ronashively.wordpress.com and http://www.highergroundforlife.wordpress.com and http://www.leadingthefollower.wordpress.com. And if you’re so inclined, you can purchase my books and some other great, inspirational works from Higher Ground Books & Media at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com.
Be blessed!
Leading the Follower 