Wednesday, May 9, 2007

I Am-Lesson Five-I Was


Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever found yourself 'in faith' yet bewildered or demoralized?Yes, I have found myself "in faith", yet bewildered and confused. Fighting the battle of infertility for 16 years, wanting a baby with all of my heart. I kept my faith in God, believing that He would let me be a Mother one day. But, every month, when I did not become pregnant, I become more confused. I would say in my heart, what have I done to make God mad? Why does He not want me to have a baby? But, in His time, not mine, I would learn the answer. He needed me to be available to take care of my Mother, which was a fulltime obligation. I praise Him for always knowing what is best for me.
2. Do you consider yourself content? Would you describe it as Decidedly Content or Dreamily Content?Yes, I consider myself content. I would describe it as decidedly content, I have decided with Gods help, I will be content. Even though my Mother has passed away, and the rest of my family has turned away from me, I am content with my life. I have my God, and my husband. I am not alone, and I choose to be happy.
3. If you are not content, are there circumstances that keep you from this feeling? I am content.
4. Have you ever found yourself in a place where you looked back on a period of your Christian walk and believed a great opportunity passed you by?I would have to say no to this question.
5. Do you ever believe your faith was stronger in an earlier time in your Christianity and find yourself floundering now? My faith was stronger of course, before I went into such a deep depression after my Mothers death last year. I was very lost, and floundering, but God caught me in His net, and made me whole again. Thank You Father.
6. Can you recognize that this season may be one of great preparation instead of a period of "I Was"?Yes, I truly do recognize that season of my life, as one of great preparation. I feel it has made me stronger, and I am now able to help others that are dealing with the pain and hurt of depression, and grief.

13 comments:

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Denise,

Your answer to #6 is what it is all about! Taking those experiences and ministering to others through them...Bless you!!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

What a pleasure it was to get to know you through your answers. You sound like a woman of great faith. You've endured some difficult challenges and leaned on God through them all. Good for you! And best of luck with the challenge!

Mindy said...

Your answer to question 2 encourages me!
I want to be "decidely content" with HIM and HIM alone.......and I think that is what HE is teaching me!

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Great post Denise!

Hugs and Love,

Angel

~Layers*of*Me~ said...

Very powerful and honest answers! And great music too! =)

Connie Barris said...

Well, you and I have more and more in common...
I went through infertility with my first child.. it's a long story.. and one I'll share at some point.. because I hate to deal with it now..the decision I made...

Your answers are so honest... thank you for sharing....

2 Corinthians 1:3-5....are for you.. and all of us..

I'll post mine soon

Momma Bear

Allison said...

Wonderful as always my friend - and you sure have been a GREAT help to me...more than you know:)

Nise' said...

Denise, each time I visit you I leave encouraged and looking forward to visiting again to see what God is doing in your life. Thanks for sharing your heart.

Anonymous said...

I want to thankyou for doing this study by reading your answers and Gretchens I was able to understand the questions better
thanks for doing this study and thererore helping me do mine
bless you

Gretchen said...

I lost my mom 8 years ago, Denise, and I can relate to your depression. If we didn't love so dearly, we wouldn't feel so bereft at the loss. Blessings to you with this study, and your Thankful Thursday also was quite inspiring to me. Love "Oh Happy Day", too. :)

Miriam Pauline said...

Denise thank you for sharing so frankly! Blessings to you.

Crystal said...

I really appreciate this study....I know that we all experience struggles for a reason even though they are not obvious at the time...
Thank you for sharing my friend!
Blessings

Susanne said...

I am always amazed how God can take those "deep valleys" of our lives and turn them around for use in building up His Kingdom, and for His glory. I will pray for you my Sister, as you continue to allow him to use you help others who are struggling. Have a wonderful week!