Rooted {Book Review}

Rooted: Going Deep into God’s Transforming Love by Lara Williams officially released today. I've had the privilege of being on the launch team for the book and it's a Bible study I believe God sent my way at just the right time.

A couple of years ago, my One Word for the year was Persevere. It was a hard word to accept and live with, and yet, it was a constant reminder that I was not alone. 

I knew I had to keep my focus on Jesus and keep going. And when I stumbled or something was thrown at me, I had friends to remind me...Persevere.

"When we hear of or see another's faith and love being worked out in everyday life, it produces courage in us to press on. It inspires endurance.…The faith of another can ignite our own faith." – Lara Williams, Rooted: Going Deep into God’s Transforming Love (pg. 36)

It's true. Seeing how someone else walks through her hardest days without losing hope because her focus is on Jesus is encouraging and inspiring. It reminds me that because I'm not walking alone, I can persevere, even on the days I want to throw up my hands and say I've had enough.

When I read these words from Rooted, they not only reminded me to persevere, but made me wonder what others think when they see me.

Can someone else be encouraged when she sees me walk through my days in faith, with my focus on Jesus? 

I hope so, not because of anything I do—but all because of who God is and the way He works.

My job is to keep my focus on Him, draw from His strength, and not lose hope no matter what comes my way. God will use my faith to reach others, as He sees fit. {Tweet this}

If you're looking for your next Bible study (or even if you're not) check out Rooted. Author Lara Williams shares from her own life experiences and leads the reader through the book of Ephesians, without it being overwhelming. This 6-week study is divided into daily sections so it's easy to work at your own pace, either with a group of as an individual study.

For more information about Rooted, visit Lara’s website at tooverflowing.com/rooted. And don't miss out on the launch week bonuses!

(Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed in my review are all my own.)

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Lara Williams/Rooted]

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofHisBeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories, #RechargeWednesday, #ChasingCommunity, Moments of Hope, #gracemoments, #DestinationInspiration, Sitting Among Friends, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FaithonFire, #WriterWednesday, #FreshMarketFriday

Called to Persevere

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

I’ve read this verse so many times, each time soaking in the comfort it provides. Yet, when I read it again recently, there was more.

There was still the comfort and reassurance I was seeking, but there was also the reminder to persevere. {Tweet this}

As much as I’d like God to remove the obstacles and difficulties I’m facing, that doesn’t always happen. He does promise, though, to be there with me.

As I persevere through the deep waters of disappointment and discouragement, He walks through the waves with me.

As I persevere through life’s storms and the rivers of difficulty, He keeps me from drowning.

As I persevere through the flames of oppression, hardship, and suffering, He keeps me from burning.

As I persevere through daily difficulties and life’s hardest days, God is there, walking with me—making sure it doesn’t consume me.

His promise to you, and to me—

He will be with us every step of the way.

Guiding, guarding, and protecting.

Offering strength, comfort, and reassurance.

Today and all of our tomorrows.

We only have to look to Him, trust Him, and rely upon Him.

He will be by your side, and mine, as we persevere one day at a time. {Tweet this}

When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers.
    If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned.

Isaiah 43:2 VOICE

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, PurposefulFaith, #TellHisStory, From Messes to Messages, Coffee for Your Heart, Recharge Wednesday, Writer Wednesday, Porch Stories, Grace Moments, #ChasingCommunity, Faith on Fire, Grace & Truth, Faith ‘n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Jami Amerine

Thank You Persevere

Have you ever come to December ready to kick your One Word for the year to the door?

That's where I was as 2016 came to an end. So long Persevere! That was my word—Persevere. You can probably guess...it wasn't an easy year.

But, as I packed Persevere's bags, I realized something...the end of a One Word year doesn't mean I'll never deal with that word again. After all, I lived with it for a year. We got to know each other. {Tweet this}

Persevere was the word God whispered to me right before 2016 began. The word I argued with Him over. And the word that reminded me time and time again to keep going.

Persevere is a part of me now, just like my words from past years—Trust, Praise, Let Go, and Renew. They stretched me and helped to define each year.

Instead of goodbye, I feel I should say thank you…

Persevere, I know we didn't always get along, but you were always there for me. You encouraged me when I didn't want to listen. You stood by me during my tears and frustration. And, you gave me a nudge every time I wanted to quit.

I never thought I'd feel nostalgic, but I do. My new word—Called—has moved in, but I'll never forget our time together. In fact, please come back to visit...I still need you! ~Laura

We’re a week into 2017. Do you choose one word each year? Have you ever felt nostalgic transitioning from one word to another?

**If you're looking for a way to study or journal about your One Word, I've created a free printable for you. You can find it on my Resources page, or click here: One Word Journal Worksheet.**

In Christ,

Laura 

  

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #SmallWonder, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, Thought Provoking Thursday, #GraceMoments, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends

Perseverance

I don’t know how Joseph did it. How did he persevere year after year, no matter what came his way?

Remember Joseph? Son of Jacob, beautiful coat owner, second-in-command to Pharaoh.

Joseph—sold into slavery by his own brothers, servant to the Egyptian officer Potiphar, thrown into prison for refusing his master’s wife. (Genesis 37, 39-41)

Remember that Joseph?

I reread his story often, and every time I ponder it a little differently. Joseph’s story is one of faith, strength, obedience, and…perseverance.

That’s what I’m thinking about today—Joseph’s perseverance.

My One Word for this year is persevere, and I find that I’m thinking about it more now than I did at the beginning of the year. Maybe it’s because I’m tired and I’m wondering what I’ve learned. Or perhaps it’s because I’m hoping God shows me a better new word for 2017.

According to my Tyndale NLT Study Bible, to persevere means to endure hardships with patience and steadfastness.

The word alone sounds hard, before even thinking about its implications. Don’t you think?

Persevere.

I wonder if the word ran through Joseph’s mind like it does mine. Surely there had to be a time or two when he wanted to ask Why God?!? Why does this have to be so hard?!?

But the Lord was with Joseph…

Joseph knew it, and others saw it. (Genesis 39) We read about it, and as a story, we see the difficulties and the happy ending. We don’t see the day-to-day.

When I look back on situations from years ago, I can see how God was right there—walking with me, holding me up, and giving me strength to persevere.

But in today’s difficulties, sometimes it’s harder to see God by my side. I know He’s there and He’s never stepped away, but my vision isn’t as clear looking forward as it is when I look back.

I wonder if Joseph had days like this too. He sat in prison for years, and even though he’d found favor with the prison guard, at least some of the days had to be long, dark, and lonely.

Joseph knew God was with him. He endured the hardships and persevered through the mess he was in. My mess is no dirtier than Joseph’s and the hardships are no greater.

I know God is with me like He was with Joseph. Which means…

If Joseph could persevere, so can I.

(And so can you.)

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, #HeartEncouragement, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends

A Reminder to Persevere

 

A few days ago, I was texting with a friend. We were briefly updating each other with what we were dealing with, and at the end of her text to me she wrote one word. 

Persevere.

  

She knows it’s my word for the year. But somehow, I keep forgetting it.

It was the word God whispered to me before the year started, and the word I complained to Him about. The word alone implies struggle, and I was already tired of struggling. I asked for a different word. I offered to keep last year’s word—Renew. But, my word for this year is Persevere.

And somehow, the word itself escapes my memory. It happened when I was speaking to a group of women earlier this year. I could remember the past years’ words, but drew a blank when it came to this year’s word. Luckily, my friend was sitting close and reminded me…Persevere.

I’ve asked myself why I keep forgetting this word and I come up with only one answer—I’m knee-deep in the persevere trenches, and that leaves little time to think about it.

To persevere is to hold on and keep going; to continue steadfastly in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement. (Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com)

In my own words, to persevere is to lean in close to God no matter what comes, knowing that He is leading, guiding, and walking me through every step of the way. {Tweet this}

Disappointment, discouragement, and weariness will come, but with my focus set steadfastly on Him, they cannot consume me. Each trial draws me into a closer relationship with Him and brings me out stronger on the other side.

I need this reminder to persevere. It helps me look back and see how my endurance has been strengthened. And it encourages me to hold tight, press on, and keep moving forward.

  

It’s a good thing to persevere. 

Or as James tells us…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Give Me Grace, #DreamTogether Linkup, Moments of Hope, #SmallWonder, #LifeGivingLinkup, #RaRaLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday

Under Attack

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one word prompt…

Lose

I've been under some serious spiritual attack for a while now. In every area of my life the enemy is working to wear me down.

My friends have also been under attack and this constant assault has us weary. Feeling as if we can't get to the surface for air, we're losing the strength to fight this battle.

And that's exactly what Satan wants—for us to give up, to turn away from God, and stoop to his level.

He wants us to lose ourselves to him. (I got a creepy feeling just writing that.)

But our Jesus has already defeated the devil through His death and resurrection!

And I'm reminding myself that it's through Jesus' victory where I can draw the strength to persevere.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: Five Minute Friday, Grace & Truth, Thought Provoking Thursday, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends

God’s Strength to Persevere

I drove home the other day almost in tears. No reason really. Just. Life.

You know those days? You’re handling what comes your way without upset, taking the unexpected issues in stride, keeping up with the schedule, and then…you hit the point when you realize just how tired you are, physically, emotionally, even spiritually.

Yep, that was me. Tears and driving don’t mix, so I talked to God. And one word was His only answer.

Persevere.

It was His gentle reminder. Persevere is my One Word for this year, but I haven’t been thinking about it much. Just trying to do it.

Now I can’t stop thinking about it in very specific ways.

Persevere—through the tough days that string together for too long.

Persevere—in holding on to hope, when it seems others have given up.

Persevere—in following Jesus, especially when I know I’m under spiritual attack.

Persevere—when it feels like it would be easier to quit.

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 NIV

In God’s reminder to persevere I felt comforted. And strengthened. I realized that it’s not enough to keep going on my own. I need to lean into His strength…and His compassion.

In Christ,

Laura  

Linking up with: Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Faith Filled Friday, #FreshMarketFriday, Give Me Grace, Let Us Grow

When You’re Stuck Between Now and…When Lord?!?

Call it what you want—the desert…a time of waiting…the land between—it’s all a time of not knowing the future. It feels like being stuck between now and when Lord?!?

This time of waiting is a time of growth—uncomfortable, stretching, and learning to trust without seeing growth. I know that. I believe it. I’ve even written about it.

Perhaps I’m just plain tired, because I see God’s blessings along the way. Really, I do.

But, sometimes what I know to be true doesn’t make it to the rest of me. I get tired of waiting and praying the same prayers over and over…because I don’t know what else to pray.

Some days are just hard…

Knowing God has a plan, but not being able to see past today.

Trusting God will bring good out of a trying time, but unable to fathom what that good might be.

Waiting for God’s work in a situation, but still not seeing any change.

So, if I believe and trust, shouldn’t I be able to wait patiently? Maybe. On the good days. But on the tougher days, the emotions take over—weariness, worry, sadness, fear, even anger.

These emotions can be overpowering, and some days, I simply can’t battle them on my own (no matter how hard I try).

But with God all things are possible—even keeping the emotions in check. {Tweet this}

God created us with human emotions. He knows how powerful they can be….and He knows when we need help to control them. But so often, we don’t turn to Him first.

As I tried to work my way out of a bad mood earlier this week, I decided there are a few steps to take when I’m feeling stuck between now and when Lord?!?

* Take it to God right away. Remind yourself of His promises and spend time reading His Word. Ask Him to show you why you’re feeling so emotional. Pray for guidance in dealing with the emotions before they become overwhelming and for peace in the situation. Make a list of Scripture verses that lift you up when you’re feeling down, and keep adding to the list.

* Consider what other factors might be influencing how you feel. I think everything seems worse when I’m tired, hungry, or not feeling well. If I’m physically drained, my emotional strength and patience are also diminished. Sometimes, I just have to recognize that I’m tired and weary and today is not the day to dwell on anything I don’t have to think about.

* Find a distraction…something that will change your focus. It might be reading your Bible, listening to uplifting music, or calling a friend. Even running errands or helping a neighbor can change your frame of mind. Whatever can help to change your thinking—do it.

* Try to look at the situation from a different perspective. This can be difficult, I know. When you’re knee-deep in something, it’s really hard to see it in any other way than how you’ve been looking at it. Ask God what He wants you to see and to reveal a different view of what you’re going through.

I’m not saying it’s easy to persevere from now to someday (when Lord?!?), but it’s worth it. I can’t always control how I’m feeling, but I can control my behavior while under an emotional influence.

What do you do when you feel stuck in a time of waiting? How do you keep the emotions from getting the better of you?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, #LifeGivingLinkup

Persevere—My One Word for 2016

Persevere.

Me: (sigh) But God, that means it’s going to be a hard year.

Last year was hard.

Me: Oh, You’re right. It was.

That was my brief conversation with God on New Year’s Day. I wasn’t ready to embrace the word Persevere at first. It sounded too much like trouble ahead. But, last year was hard. So was the year before.

Maybe Persevere was a good word after all.

I started to dig in to this new word by looking in Scripture.

…rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer,… 

Romans 12:12 MEV

It practically jumped off the page.

Persevere in prayer…even when I don’t hear any answers…even when I’m tired of praying for the same thing over and over…even when I’m tired of waiting.

Especially when I’m tired of waiting because that’s when I get lax in praying. It’s when I get tempted to go my own way.

By definition, persevere means to persist in anything undertaken; to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; to continue steadfastly. (dictionary.com)

To keep moving forward despite challenges in the way, but not foolishly. Not without guidance and wisdom from God.

Persevere in prayer.

Persevere in asking for wisdom and guidance.

Persevere in living the way I should as a follower of Jesus—even when it’s a treacherous road and I’m worn out tired.

There’s more to this word, persevere, than I first thought. And I have a year of learning ahead of me.

In Christ,

Laura

Photo credit: Freeimages.com

Linking up with: #SmallWonder, Give Me Grace