Thoughts of this article came while relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches of South Beach, Miami, over looking the aqua blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. I laid there listening to the water crash against the shore while seagulls made their sounds flying overhead. It amazes me that even in the midst of a very challenging road the Lord gave me three wonderfully relaxing days. Selah …
“Tie your shoes on tight, because the road’s about to get bumpy.”
A friend spoke this to my husband and me one night at church. It wasn’t just any night; it was a night of prophetic words. In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul talks about speaking prophetically to one another in order to strengthen, encourage, and comfort each other. One might read this and think, “That wasn’t encouraging at all.” Let me just say this word was conformation of what we were feeling in our hearts. We felt we were already on a bumpy road and now it was about to get bumpier. Although this kind of stung a little, it brought comfort in knowing we (God, my husband, and I) were all on the same page.
About a year ago I wrote an article called “Living over the Rainbow.” Little did I know that I would need to go back and read the words I wrote to gain strength and find encouragement. The article was about trusting in all of God’s promises no matter what situation you might be facing. Living by faith and not by sight is something that God had been teaching me while learning to completely trust in Him. You can read about it here. Well, apparently the teaching is not over because class is still in session. I’ve been a little behind in my homework.
Okay, here we go. I got my shoes on tight.
While my husband’s job was in “transition” I decided to just put everything on autopilot. I became numb to the fact that we were struggling. If I was to be completely honest, it was pride that truly drove me to that point. I was very proud that not too long ago, we were able to give above and beyond to those in need around us. The fun things we once did and didn’t really have to think twice about suddenly became very difficult.
The bumps are getting pretty bad here. Bills need to get paid, kids gotta eat. What’s the plan??
Let me just say for the record that I am a planner, so when I heard the words “get ready”, this was one road trip I didn’t look forward to. The pressure of “not having enough” started to get the best of me. I was getting very frustrated with everything that was going on around me. Anytime anyone would ask, ”how are you doing?” I would think to myself, “they really don’t know what they are asking.” So to spare them all my dramatic details, I would just smile and say, “I’m okay.”
God, where are you? Trying to wait patiently …
There are a couple of people in this world who are so close to me that they know and see beyond the smile and the nod. One of these is my dad. He breaks me every time.
He and my mom came to the house to visit. As we were sharing, I just unloaded on him and told him how hard it has been and how I haven’t been the “supportive” wife that I feel I should be in this time. Words that I have expressed have been, “I didn’t sign up for this” and “how can this be happening?”
We talked about how I was ready to go fill out an application and work graveyard hours somewhere so I could help us get through the month.
We talked about when my husband would call me for some encouragement, instead of giving him words of affirmation and a “you can do it!” I was giving him a list of plans and purposes that I wanted to see take place.
We talked about how I was so focused on everything that was happening around me that I couldn’t see that there was an opportunity for me to bless and encourage my husband with the power of my words.
And then it happened. The tears came a-flowin’ from both of us. He talked about his faith journey with my mom. We talked about God’s goodness in the midst of the hard times. We talked about the times we gave when we had nothing to give and how God rewarded us for our obedience. He allowed me to see how important it is for my encouragement to be that much stronger for the sake of my husband’s ability to move forward in confidence.
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:11-12
My faith became empowered and I poured my broken heart out to God. The Lord quickened me and refreshed me and it was as if He gave me some high-energy vitamin water that my spirit needed. My prayers became those of praise and thanksgiving:
“I thank you Lord that you have placed me here. There is no place I would rather be, because I trust in You and You alone. You are my shield of Faith, my strength, my hope is in You!! I lift Your Name on High!! Glory to the King!!”
I began to read many Psalms, and my heart desired to worship like David did. He starts out in his songs so broken and hopeless and somewhere in the middle it appears the Lord hears his cry and strengthens his faith and by the end he is rejoicing like no other!!
“Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:6-7
Although our circumstances are uncertain, I know one thing is for sure: it is my choice to praise Him, to worship Him with every fiber of my being, to reach down into the depths of my soul and bring Him my sacrifices of praise. Trusting is something that at times seems impossible until you realize it comes from a place of gratitude. Yes, even if I don’t see over the rainbow on this bumpy road, I choose to trust in, lean on and rely upon the Lord, and I will praise Him.
Maree,
Boy, can I relate to all of your words written here! Anthony and I have prayed for you and Rob and your family from hearts of understanding … understanding emotions and situations from walking a road that's similar.
Praise God that He used your Dad to break the fear that was trying to win the battle for your heart and for a testimony that's about learning the gift of praise in uncertain times. I know your story is not neatly tied up with a pretty, little bow, but that makes it all the more valuable.
Choosing to press into God, to trust, lean on and rely upon Him is sometimes a difficult choice when we can't see two feet in front of us; difficult because we have to release everything we have our fingers on in order to fully embrace Him in the process. Praising Him in the midst of it all is even harder.
I pray that your unfinished story reaches every heart God intended to fill with courage and praise when He sat with you and began writing this piece of this testimony in your heart on that Miami beach. And Anthony and I will continue to pray for you and your family as God continues to unfold this season of your journey together.
With Much Love,
Babs
Thank you for your honesty, what an authentic place you are speaking from. I can more than relate to your life experiences and am encouraged to stay the course…praising God as I go. Blessings.
You are such a source of encouragement!! Thank you for constantly putting into words what my heart has felt. Choosing to praise God in the midst of crummy circumstances seems to be what God is graciously beating over my head these days, so this post was another confirmation.
Love you friend!
Beautiful, just beautiful. Praising Him in the midst of your difficult circumstances, that's true love.
Love you, love your heart!
I understand EVERY word you're saying, girl. We have been right there in that very same spot….multiple times! It is so hard. But you are doing the right thing – praising your way out of despair!! God is good and He will not let you go hungry or homeless – I attest to His faithfulness, my sister! Keep standing, keep praising and keep speaking life into dead situations. The Ashworths are agreeing right along with you!!
I REALLY needed to hear this!! Thank you for your wisdom & words of encouragement. They are truly inspiring!
I'm not going to write a paragraph about how much I love this, but I do!! I lack in that ya know … Trusting area. Thanks for encouraging me!
Lover you!
Love you! I know the Lord is writing an amazing testimony and preparing you for great things to come.
I love your honesty, and writing from such a humbled place! Such a great lesson to learn about honoring and uplifting your husband even when your flesh feels differently. Thanks for sharing!
I've read this about 10 times today…letting it absorb and finding comfort that we are not the only ones struggling. I could say a lot right now, but I'm going to stick with "thank you"…for being so honest and vulnerable. As hard of a day as today has been, I found unmeasurable comfort from this. Thank you so very much…
MAree, thank you so much for sharing and being so vulnerable and honest! I always love to read what you write, it comes right from your heart….God is so faithful to bring things to FULL completion!
hugs, kerrie!
I'm so proud of you My Maree, how honest and vulnerable you are in your writings. I know this has been a very challenging time we have been going through, and I am convinced that the end of this season will bring a testimony that truly glorifies God. We will see the glory of the Lord revealed through our family, and I want to publicly thank you for being such a wonderful pillar for me, encouraging me and walking with me, come what may.
i love what you shared with me yesterday on the phone….how you are writing this before the outcome is final! to me that speaks volumes and shows that you and Rob are already victorious…you are just waiting for the circumstances to line up with what you know to be true. i love you precious friend and i am glad to live life with you….
Maree, I have been there and continue to find my self asking if my Creator, my Savior, my God and King really hears me. You know what… He does, even when we can't find the words to utter, He hears us. He knows just what we need. You can trust Him with everything. Thank you for choosing to worship Him and even though our situations my not look great, our choice of worshiping our King will bring about blessing! May He pour out blessings on you in unexpected ways may He provide special treats for you that you were not expecting! Thanks for sharing and opening your heart! He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you!
You are truly my Aztec Princess – I know how difficult this time is and my heart aches for you and my son. BUT, this too shall pass and the strength and wisdom gained from the struggle will unite and empower you and your precious family. As I watch you grow and mature I, again, feel blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing this… I know so many of us can relate, but our pride stands in the way of sharing. Fear that someone might discover that our life might not be as it seems from the outside….It is always at my weakest moments that I am brought to my knees and given the greatest strength and that is my prayer for you. He will be glorified and your family will be brought to a new level of understanding…. so hard to praise Him for these trials, but I trust His plan for your precious family is perfect….know that you will be fervently prayed for.
Sweet Maree, thank you for being so transparent. The last 2 years for us were plain HARD. It seemed like we were living lives contrary to the Word of God. The enemy wanted me to believe the lie that God really isn't good to me, that somehow He was passing over us where the meeting of our needs were concerned. David had had this on his heart during that whole time, that the mark of a mature believer was that when trouble comes, you stand strong and don't be shaken. You're standing strong Maree, God loves you and He's so Good! I know you know that. He's turned our situation around and I know He's doing that for you. So much is going on in the spirit realm. He's working things out on your behalves. I can't wait to hear the rest of your story!
You know I completely understand! We've been through the hardest two years of our lives and thanks to wonderful woman of God like you, and lil nuggets of hope and faith such as this, things are turning around. Thank you!!
I heart your courage and integrity on a daily bases … This happens to be only one area of your life you inspire me with your life! Love you like family!
Speaking for Ris … Speaking for the Stars!
So encouraging Maree! Inspired by what God is doing in your heart showing you how to love Him and honor your husband more.love u
Precious Maree…Your decision to trust Him not only blesses your readers, but your Daddy, and be reassured that God IS entirely faithful! As He works on your behalf, there will be no mistake that His hand and FAVOR will be evident all over your outcome, just as His peace that passes all understanding is all over you during this time. As you've shared your heart thru this, just know He is beaming with pride and joy over your devotion to Him. Love you, love you!
I love your heart, Maree. Thanks for always being "real" with all of us. What a blessing to have a sweet daddy that you can have a heart to heart with like that. An earthly one AND a heavenly one. You are a blessing!! love you–
Babs,
Your words touched my heart so incredibly deep. You have no idea!! Thank you for being such an encouraging friend. To both you and your husband. We are honored to have you in our lives. This article is only the beginning. I look forward to writing part 2!!:)
Love you,
Maree
I really appreciate your support and encouragement!! It is greatly needed, especially when going through a hard time.
God is faithful!!
~Maree
Your words meant so much!! Thank you!!
I love how God put you on my path for such a time as this!! Standing strong with you my friend!!
Love you,
Maree
Marci!! I'm so incredibly grateful for you!! Your life is a living praise to our God!!
Thank you for your beautiful loving heart!
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for agreeing with us and standing with us!! Nothing like strong believers coming together in unity!!
We will keep praising!! Thanks for the encouragement!!
Love you,
Maree
Praising God for His everlasting kindness!! He knows exactly what we need when we need it!! His faithfulness will never end!! Keep going strong!!
Love,
Maree
I LOVE you Renee Pellet!! You have been a rock to lean on in this time!! So thankful for your friendship!!
I receive your words!!:)
Love,
Maree
Thank you for hearing my heart Sarah!! This is something I learn new each and every day. Two are better than One!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for sharing your heart!! It amazes me how God provides us with the right words at the right time for a specific time in our lives!! I pray your days get lighter as you lean on His understanding and comfort. You are His treasure!!
Love you,
Maree
Kerrie,
Thank you for hearing my heart!!
Believing with you to see that Full Completion!! So incredibly encouraging!!
Love you,
Maree
Maree, my husband and I walked the journey you are on a couple of times. I can remember wanting to scream at both God and my husband "do something". But in the midst of our most difficult journey that involved lack of job and a serious health crisis God gave me two life lines. The first was Psalm 34:19 'many are the afflictions of the righteous, BUT he LORD GOD delivers them from them ALL". the second was spoken my our pastor's wife as we had just entered a life threatening crisis and no health insurance and my husband was unable to work…..She turned ans said, "God must love you a lot….to trust you with this testimony!". Today I not only have a strong testimony of GOd's love and faithfulness, but of His continual provision for my every need. if that were not enough, now He has taken our journey and called me to launch a ministry for the widows of Gateway. He named it WOW—Women of Worth! He has used these difficult times to equip, prepare and connect me "for such a time as this" o be an encouragement to each of the widows. Keep praising and read II Chronicles 20:1-30
I love you more each day my sweet Robert Louis!! You are an amazing man of God and I KNOW He has big plans for us as we unite together as one!!
You and Me together….we can do anything!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU,
Your Maree
You are a LIFE friend and I treasure you always!! Thank you for your on-going love and support!!
I love walking this life with you!!
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for reading and for your words of truth and encouragement!! They really meant a lot!!
Love,
Maree
Mammy….How I love you!!
Your words really do penetrate deep into my heart!! Thank you for your love and support. You have such a servant's heart that God has given you to be able to walk with us through this!! A million times thank you!!
Love you,
Your Southern Belle
Wow!! Thank you!! Your words are very much appreciated!!
It is when we are so desperate and weak and fall to our knees that God gives us the strength that we need to press on!!
Thank you for your prayers!
Love,
Maree
Thank you Tracy!!
Everything you said I am in complete agreement with!!
I realize just how weak I really am…and just how strong He REALLY is. Trusting is something that I am learning new everyday!!
Love you,
Maree
You are such a fierce woman Priscilla!! Thank you for standing strong, even when you thought you were weak. God has built you up and shown you His faithfulness!!
Can't wait to meet your princess!!
Love you,
Maree
There are just no words for the gratefulness and thankfulness that I have for you.
All the nuggets you have given have made me richer, all the faithfulness that you have shown, have made me stronger, and all the love that dwells in the depth of you heart that you have showered over and over me have made me love others the same.
Your friendship is priceless….
LOVE YOU,
Maree
Thank you sweet Rebecca Lee!!
I love doing life with you every day!! You are a gift and I am so thankful for the richness and wisdom that you bring into my life!!
Love you more than words,
Maree
Leah,
You are such a faithful and supportive friend!! Thank you for your forever words of encouragement!!
Love your beautiful heart!! So glad you are in my life!!
Love you,
Maree
Shelly,
Little did I know the treasure I was getting when you came into my life!! So glad we are on this journey together!!
Thank you for your words and blessings!!
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I can totally relate to your situation. Thank you for your honesty.
Maree-I kept bookmarking this article in my mind so that I could come back to read it-I had no idea why I was so drawn to the first lines you shared, but now I am so glad that I made time today to read such a beautiful expression of your heart and your life! We have walked through similar seasons multiple times and it is always a focused effort to choose to live what we believe. Thank you again for your amazing tranparency and beautiful dedication to live your life out loud!! xooxxoxo m
Maree- ok, this might be one of my favorites from you. I couldn't stop reading. I so love your transparency. I can totally relate- when things aren't working out the way I think they should, I will try to tell my husband what I feel like he needs to do. "If you will just.." I too like to have a plan so i know how everything will work out- but God always brings me back to.. "Do you trust me".. of course I do, I just need to see what the game plan is.. and again.. "do you trust me?".. I have to release His plan by walking in faith that He has good plans for us, even when i can't see it. And I love this article- because in the meantime, we need to get our eyes off of what we see and turn our focus to Him. Worship Him; praise Him.. It changes us. It changes our focus. And ultimately He says, "Hey, I've got this..". Really good Marie!!
This touched my heart and I have been praying for your family since I read it earlier this week! I can relate, could have written the same story. After years of constant stress and pressure our situation is shifting and I can look back and connect the dots of God's faithfulness. I know it was at least in part a season of equipping and preparation. It will be fun to read the end of your story!
Jean,
I received so much encouragement from your comment!! Especially the word you got from your pastor's wife. I love that the Lord used your testimony to start a ministry for widows and re-defined them as Women of Worth!! What a great ministry!!
You are a BLESSING!!
~Maree
I am amazed how much encouraging others in the areas we are struggling with, results in encouraging us and strengthening us in return. Thank you for taking the time to read.
So glad you were encouraged.
Be Blessed,
Maree
Thank you for bookmarking my article!! Makes me feel kinda special!!:)
You are always a great splash of His SONSHINE!! Thank you for your words.
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for your always uplifting and encouraging words.
So often I think I am the only one going through this!! It has been so refreshing to hear others testimonies as they have walked down similar roads.
Even though you live far away, your spirit is so close to me!! Love you sweet Celeste!!
I carry you in my heart!
~Maree
Thank you for praying and for sharing!
Connecting the dots of all God's faithfulness strengthens our trust, that much more! Love it!
Blessings to you as you walk out His plan.
~Maree
Maree–There are no easy answers to persistent suffering and difficulty. When the days turn into weeks and the weeks to months and the months to years, it's easy to drown. And yet, it is exactly in that place that our Gracious King and Redeemer reminds us that suffering is meritorious in His eyes and brings us the reward of His favor/grace. While most of us deserve to suffer because of our own sins, there are some in every generation the Holy One chooses to impose chastisements and sufferings on for the sake of others. "But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of G-d." (1 Peter 2:19,20) "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is LACKING in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the messianic congregation." (Col 1:24) We have just transitioned into the new year 5772. The 5772 verse in the Torah is Deut 32:20 where G-d states He is hiding His face. The root word in Hebrew for hide is the same root that forms the word for Esther. G-d is never mentioned once in the book of Esther and because of this it was not going to be canonized as scripture. However, the codifiers of the scriptures were wise to place it in, because though G-d is never explicitly mentioned, we can see Him working throughout the entire story "behind the scenes." Your willingness to praise Him through this disciplining process is looked at with FAVOR! We are also in a year of blessing as 2 = the second letter of the Hebrew alef-bet and is the first letter of Brachot = Blessings! Standing with you in praising Him no matter the pain!
Love, Carola
Sooooo…speaks to us! Needed the encouragement and you always give us a sweet dose. Love & thank you Maree!!!
Carola,
Wow!! Amazing insight to the Word of God!! I love how God speaks to you. You and Terry have been so incredibly encouraging to us during this time. Thank you.
Your comment has caused me to want to dive into the behind the scenes book of Esther.
Love you sister!!
~Maree
Rachel,
You are a precious friend and I hope you know just how much I love and appreciate you!!
Standing strong with you!!
Love you,
Maree
Dear Maree,
I read your article last week while I was at Jessica's. I was very much blessed and touched by all of it. During and after I read it I thought as if I were opening a book that had two binders on the outside and the pages of a book that you had to open up in the middle. As I open pages one at a time from the middle to the outside it is like uncovering something to get to the bottom or the end of the book. At the bottom of the book was your heart, opened and exposed for the world to see and you didn't care what people thought you just wanted them to know how faithful God is and that God can take you through any trial no matter how bumpy or bad that it gets. I'm so very proud of you and know that every day you are getting closer to God. Love you, Mom
I needed to read these words in the most intense way. Thank you for your honesty.
Momma,
Your comment left me speechless with tears flowing down my face! Thank you for seeing me and always depositing God's love and truth into my life!! I am forever grateful!!
I love you more each day!
~Rita
God's words spoken through others are sufficient for the season's of life we go through. I'm so glad you read this today. God has more for you. His promises are true!
Love,
Maree