The Winners FromThis Week’s Drawing!
Written by Becky on May 18, 2012.
The winner’s from this week’s drawing for free books are:
Sherry, Carri and Melanie!
Congratulations! Please send me your addresses and I’ll get a book in the mail to each of you!
Blessings and Hugs,
Becky
A Confidence Boost For Monday
Written by Becky on May 14, 2012.
Five Verses You Need for a Confident Week
Here are five great verses to boost your confidence as we enter this new week. Check them out:
- Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Be confident this week that God is at work in your life and that what He starts, He finishes.
- I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Be confident this week that through Christ you can do all He has called you to do.
- Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Know that throughout this week you can approach God confidently in prayer.
- My heart is confident in you, O God, no wonder I can sing your praises (Psalm 108:1 NLV)! Throughout your week whenever you feel your confidence slipping away, praise God intentionally that your confidence rests in Him. Praising God by faith restores lost confidence.
- The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (2 Thessalonians 5:24). You can be confident that whatever God has called you to He will do it through you! Your circumstances are not catching Him off guard.
What part has scripture played in rebuilding your confidence? Leave a comment and I’ll enter your name to
win a free book.
Moving Beyond Self-Doubt – For Mothers
Written by Becky on May 13, 2012.
“That we might not rely on ourselves but on God.”
2 Corinthians 1:9
Today is Mother’s Day and I am feeling sentimental. I know through the years of raising four kids there were many moments when I felt inadequate. If ever there was a job with a lot of pressure to perform it’s motherhood.
I remember holding my infant son moments after he was born. I looked into those big blue eyes and panic set in, what did I know about raising a son? At the time, my husband and I were living far from family and friends serving as missionaries in the country of Sudan. For some strange reason I felt a tiny bit more confident raising daughters. But now, cradling my son in my arms I longed for supernatural wisdom and divine revelation. In my heart I prayed, “Lord, I have no idea how to raise a son. I’m so thankful for him but, so fearful that perhaps I’ll irrevocably screw this up! Please help me. In the moments when I don’t know what to do will you please show me your wisdom? Will you show me what it looks like to model confidence for him and also point him the direction of faith? Will you show me how to affirm his manhood and raise him to be the man you desire him to be? Every time I don’t know what to do God, I’m going to look to you.” That prayer was critical, not just for raising my son but also for raising my daughters.
What I learned during the journey of raising kids was that my feelings of inadequacy might have been a blessing. Every time self-doubt washed over me, I ran to God. Gradually, I began to view my inadequacies as an invitation to deeper dependence on God. As I faithfully leaned into Christ, He supplied the wisdom I needed for the moment. I didn’t always do it right but thankfully my kids were great at forgiving. More important than every little decision I faced with the kids was the growing dependency I developed on the Lord. My son Josiah is now 28 and his wife Shaina will give birth to their first son any day. God answered my prayers for my son in ways I could never have imagined. I am confident that when he and Shaina don’t know what to do – they’ll run to God.
If you are a mother today and feeling so inadequate for the task of parenting, may I encourage you? View your inadequacies as invitations to lean into the Lord. You won’t do parenting perfectly. In the journey you’ll make mistakes and that’s okay. Just keep crying out to God for wisdom and cling to Him. You’ll not be sorry you did. One of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is a deep dependency on God himself.
How have you dealt with your feelings of inadequacy as a mother? What has helped you in your journey? Leave a comment and I’ll enter your name into a drawing for a free copy of Finding Calm In Life’s Chaos.
Tips for Overcoming Self-doubt: Tip #3 – Prepare
Written by Becky on May 10, 2012.
“I am the vine;
You are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him,
He will bear much fruit;
Apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Do you remember that feeling when you were a kid and forget to study for a test? I sure do. It was awful and created a lot of anxiety! When facing challenging tasks I have found that I struggle far less with self-doubt if I am prepared. But, I have often felt confused about what’s my part, and what’s the Holy Spirit’s part. Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing. Does this mean we should not prepare and then simply trust that at just the right moment He will show up? No. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul writes that we are to do our best to be prepared so that we don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. My part might be to become
so familiar with presenting the gospel that I don’t get nervous when witnessing to a friend. The Holy Spirit’s part is speaking through me and working in the heart of the other person to whom I am witnessing. Or, when writing a message my part is studying and practicing. Then when I get up to speak I can lay aside
my notes and ask the Holy Spirit to completely take over. Perhaps for you, your part is preparing an agenda for a meeting you will lead. If you prepare and
develop a plan for what needs to be covered in the meeting, you can relax and lean into the Holy Spirit for direction during the meeting. Maybe your part is to research homelessness or some other social issue in your city. Then when the Lord shows you the time is right you can serve intelligently and sensitively. The fruit – or the outcome of any task is the Holy Spirit’s part. Your part is to prepare.
How can we best prepare for the assignments God will give? One way is to become familiar with scripture. Spend a few minutes every day reading your Bible. If you don’t understand something, take the time to do some research on the passage. Spend time praying each day and asking God to help you to be ready for whatever He allows in your day. Open your heart to continue learning and growing both spiritually and vocationally.
Share your thoughts. How have you found that being prepared has helped to quiet the voices of self-doubt? Leave a comment and I’ll enter your name in a
drawing for a free copy of Finding Calm In Life’s Chaos.
Overcoming Self-doubt: Tip #2 – Stop Comparing
Written by Becky on May 9, 2012.
“Each one should test his own actions.
Then he can take pride in himself,
Without comparing himself to somebody else.”
Galatians 6:4
It’s so easy to get pulled into the comparison game, isn’t it? We might compare our bodies to the bodies of other women. Or, we might compare our achievements with the accomplishments of others. Mothers of young children compare their children to the children of others in the realm of milestones: Walking, talking, potty training etc. Mothers of older children compare their kids to other kids in the realm of achievement; sports awards, honor roll, test scores, etc. The problem is that comparing can create self-doubt. If we are going to overcome self-doubt we need to stop comparing.
The Apostle Paul warned the believers living in Galatia against comparing. Each one of us should rejoice in the abilities God has given us rather than looking to the abilities of others. Rather than asking, “How do I stack up against others?” ask, “Have I lived up to the potential God gave me?” If you are struggling with self-doubt check yourself, have you been comparing yourself to others? If you have, try this instead. Next time you are tempted to compare yourself, or your child to others, try giving thanks instead. You might try praying something like this:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the way you designed me. I praise you for the gifts and abilities that you have given me to use for your glory. How I thank you that I don’t have to worry about measuring up to some unattainable standard. I only have to surrender every gift and ability to you and trust that you can use my offering to bring you glory.
In what areas of life have you been tempted to compare yourself to others? What have you found helpful? Leave a comment and I will enter your name in a drawing to win a free copy of Finding Calm In Life’s Chaos.
Overcoming Self-doubt: Tip #1
Written by Becky on May 7, 2012.
“So do not throw away your confidence;
It will be richly rewarded.”
Hebrews
10:35
I remember standing on the edge of a high diving board when I was ten years old. A long line of people were waiting. My palms grew sweaty as I looked at the distance between me and the water. Panic began to set in and the tears followed. People started yelling, “Common, hurry up! Jump, for crying out loud!” I stood there frozen for what felt like hours and then I did what any rational ten year old would do, I turned around blinded by my tears and started back down the ladder. People were clearly annoyed as they had to move out of my way. Boys my age began calling me “sissy”, “baby” and “chicken.
I felt so ashamed of my failure. I knew I had to try again, but the risk felt enormous. What if I made it to the top of the ladder again and froze? What if everyone in line began to taunt me again? What if I did a belly flop? Ouch! The day continued to pass and I continued to weigh out the options. I had already experienced the shame of failure once but I knew if I left the pool, I might never try again. Eventually, I cautiously made my way back up that fateful ladder. I held my nose, closed my eyes and took one step off the end of that diving board. To others, it wasn’t an impressive feet, it wasn’t even a dive, but to me it was an enormous victory! I had conquered my fear.
I have tried to hold that principle in my mind especially when self-doubt and fear are crippling me. When I feel paralyzed by my own
apparent failure, I force myself to take one simple step forward. The Apostle Peter had to do this after denying Christ three times. Talk about a failure – Wow! He must have felt like such a loser. But in John 21, after the resurrection, Peter spots Jesus on the shore of Galilee. I wonder if he felt embarrassed, or ashamed? We really don’t know. All we know is that He throws caution to the wind and is the first one to dive out of the fishing boat to reach Jesus on the shore.
What about you? How have you moved beyond failure to take the next step? Don’t let failed efforts paralyze you. Move beyond them and
try again. Share your thoughts. Leave a comment and I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win a free copy of Finding Calm In Life’s Chaos.
A Declaration For Women In Christ
Written by Becky on February 19, 2012.
Yesterday, I sat glued to the T.V. watching the “homegoing” of Whitney Houston. I was struck by the fact that though from all appearances, Whitney had it all – she struggled with self-doubt. On February 28, I will be flying to India where I will be speaking to a group of Dalit women. (You’ll be able to follow my trip on Twitter) They are the lowest of the low in India’s caste system. Most of them have been abused. I wrote the following declaration for them but, as I was praying this morning it struck me that self-doubt torments both the poor and rich a like. So I share this declaration with you, with hopes that God will empower you to stand strong in your identity as God’s beloved daughter. Be blessed today!
“I am Blessed”
A Woman’s Declaration
I am blessed….
I am the beloved daughter of the Most High God.
I am holy and dearly loved.
I am precious and honored.
My sins have been forgiven and my wounds have been healed.
I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers me.
In this world, I may be poor. But in God’s kingdom, I am rich. I am a co-heir with Jesus Christ.
In this world, I may lack influence and power. But in God’s kingdom, I have authority in Jesus name.
In this world, I may experience suffering and shame. But in God’s kingdom, I have joy and hope.
My past can no longer traumatize me – I belong to Jesus.
My abusers can no longer shame me – I belong to Jesus.
My fears can no longer control me – I belong to Jesus.
My sins can no longer condemn me – I belong to Jesus.
I am the daughter of the Most High God.
I am blessed.
(Colossians 3:12; Isaiah 43:4; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:21-22; Romans 8:26; Galatians 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8;16-18)
Prayer of Praise When You Feel Inadequate
Written by Becky on January 26, 2012.
This morning I was reading about Moses and the burning bush. God speaks to Moses calling Him to lead His people out of bondage. Moses feels intimidated by the call and immediately the thought comes to his mind, “I can’t”. Moses struggles with so much self -doubt. (Exodus 3-5) I can relate to Moses, what about you? Often, God calls us to tasks that our larger than our abilities. Our natural response is to freak out and stutter, “I can’t”. What God promises Moses is not that He will increase his abilities but that God’s presence will go with Him.
As I was meditating on this passage this morning, I wrote the following prayer of praise for when I feel inadequate:
“Lord Jesus, I praise you because you call me to tasks that are larger than my abilities. How I praise you that you are the Vine and I am only the branch (John 15:5). The branch is never stressed out when it is abiding in the Vine. I praise you that you left your Spirit to dwell in me (John 16:7, 13). I praise you that where I am inadequate, you are more than able. My weakness provides an opportunity for your strength to be magnified. How I praise you that you promised, “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24).
God’s presence in unthinkable places
Written by Becky on January 19, 2012.
But the Lord was with Joseph there, too
and granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer.”
Genesis 39:21 (NLV)
Sometimes our lives take an unexpected turn and we end up in unthinkable places and circumstances. This is what happened to Joseph. You remember the story I’m sure; Joesph has this incredible dream where his brothers and father are all bowing down to him…..not very wise to tell his brothers…..but a dream and a promise from the Lord just the same. I’m sure when Joseph was imagining how the promise might be fulfilled he never imagined he would end up in an Egyptian prison! I’m sure there were moments in prison when Joesph felt forgotten and like he must have imagined the promise God gave. What a comfort to realize that even there, in prison, the Lord was with Joseph. His presence hadn’t left.
One of the challenges we face in trusting God is that when life takes an unexpected turn and we find ourselves in our own personal ”prison”, it’s hard to believe God’s presence is with us. But here’s the thing; Life will often take us to unexpected places and in those moments if we dare to trust God is indeed there – He will pour out His favor.
What is the unexpected you are facing today? Do you feel as though God has forgotten His promise to you? Will you dare to proclaim, by faith, “I trust you Lord.” If you choose by faith to trust Him, His presence will envelope you in the most unthinkable circumstances.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Written by Becky on January 11, 2012.
Today, January 11 has been declared by our president, The National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In the Protected Innocence Initiative, Sharedhope International graded all fifty states, and Washington D.C.on their currant laws impacting child sex trafficking. It seems that the law should protect the vulnerable, assist victims, and punish those who benefit from the use of children for sex. However, the opposite appears to be true. Instead of protecting the innocent, the girls who are sold into sex slavery are treated as criminals while those who use them get off free. The goal of the initiative was to emphasize the need for protection, shelter and services for the victims of sex trafficking.
The results of the report card that Sharedhope International gave were honestly pretty dismal. “Four states received a “B.” Twenty-six states failed. Four states don’t even have a law in place making it a crime to sexually traffic youth and children!” (Quote from Sharedhope International) The report was shared with Attorney Generals from around the States. While the results are both staggering and depressing, there is hope in Jesus Christ and together we can make a difference. So how can you raise your voice against this travesty? I have a few ideas:
1. Don’t put your head in the sand and hope it will all go away
2. Find out how your state scored by conacting www.sharedhope.org
3. Raise your voice by supporting legislation that protects the innocent and convicts those who are trafficking and using little girls and boys for their sexual pleasure.
4. Make a donation to Shared Hope International so that they can effectively continue their work to protect the youth and children of our nation. www.sharedhope.org
5. Pray! I believe that prayer moves mountains. (Mark 11:24) If you would like a visual reminder to pray and to raise your voice against this issue check out The Redemption Necklace sold at www.beckyharling.com The proceeds go to Shared Hope so that they can continue working to prevent, restore and bring justice on behalf of children of our nation.
Please, will you carefully consider how you might raise your voice?