Gals, one of the most impactful lessons God has provided through motherhood, is how important it is to pray.

Recently, my sweet 11-year-old daughter was incredibly nervous. Perhaps terrified! She was preparing to get a shot at the doctor, and wasn’t thrilled about it. I could relate to her angst and certainly could understand her fear. I earnestly wanted to comfort and encourage her, but all that came to mind was how easy it would be to say, “You’ve got this, hon!”

It’s an exhortation we hear often.

A sentiment which pumps us up.

But, is this right?

While gazing upon her tear-stained frown, it was clear that I needed to stop and pray for her. It was a moment of being still together. A sweet time of her hand resting in mine. Trusting together in prayer that God would…in a way that only He could accomplish…help us through that difficult situation. Even if we didn’t know how He would do it!

This conversation followed…

“Norah, there’s a quote by Elisabeth Elliot that says, ‘Fear arises when we imagine everything depends on us.’ Do you feel as though everything depends on you?’ Her answer surprised me… “Yes” she responded. I then looked into her eyes intently, “Baby girl, it does not depend upon you. Whatever ‘it’ might be…Being strong enough, brave enough, smart enough, cool enough. Hon, this is one example of why Jesus came down. Jesus made a way for God to be with you in every situation. And He is with you today. His strength will be there when you need it most, and the peace that only Jesus gives will hold your heart.”

Instead of saying, “Hon, You’ve got this,” God reminded me to steer her eyes upward. She needed hope! Real hope. She needed to look to her God and not to the wisdom of the world. She needed to hear, “God’s got this, baby girl!” And friends, the relief that flooded across her face spoke volumes! It was then that she forsook the wearisome burden of self-reliance, and leaned into God’s faithfulness. Our children need to know that being enough is not dependent upon them (they can’t be). Jesus is enough for them! There is truly no better lesson that we could live-out for our children, but to help them set their minds on things above where Christ is. (Col 3:2) Gals, no matter what you are facing, depend upon Him… Lean readily into prayer and trust His Word (Bible)! God’s got this!

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8

Grateful,

Meridith

What is the Gospel?

Scripture Says

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”1 Peter 5:6-7

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭62:5‬ ‭

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-2‬

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3-4‬ ‭

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:16‬

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭73:26‬

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23:1-6‬

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8: 1-6

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:10-11‬

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2‬

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:11‬

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:28-31‬ ‭

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18:1‬

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬

“pray without ceasing,”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭