Spiritual Growth – Page 29 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.

We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to victory. ~ Step Two to Victory

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. ~ Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

This Step emphasizes the importance of believing as the foundation of spiritual victory. Without faith in God’s power, we will miss the opportunity to experience His full restoration in our lives. We have to know deep in our heart that God is with us and for us. And because His Spirit lives in us, He will guide us if we let Him.

It’s vital that we remember the Holy Spirit is very sensitive and can be easily offended by our sinful behavior. If we want the benefits of God’s power working in our lives, it’s important that we guard our hearts and actions so that the Holy Spirit will stay with us. (See Ephesians 4 for a deeper study on this.)

A great quote from one of my favorite ministers says:

“The glory of God resting on an unsanctified life will crush it. The glory of the Lord resting on a sanctified life establishes it.” ~ Bill Johnson

In other words, if our life isn’t purposely set apart for God’s use with a deep belief in Him, His glory will crush us because our faith isn’t mature and strong enough to handle His power working in our lives. But on the other hand, if we give ourselves totally over to the Lord, in obedience to His Word, the Holy Spirit’s power will strengthen and mature us.

Think about a young child, maybe 10 years old. She wants to drive your car. She might have the ability to do it, but it could be harmful to her if you let her. She wouldn’t have the emotional and physical maturity to handle that responsibility.

God is always testing us to see if we are strong enough for His glory and power to be made real in our lives. He won’t ever give us more than we can handle.

Question: How does believing in God’s power to restore your life change the way you approach the challenges you currently face?

We may not know what the day will bring. But we know Who will bring the day! ~ We the Kingdom

Take a few minutes to watch/listen to this song by We the Kingdom. It’s so inspiring, and the lyrics are powerfully relevant. Be blessed! ~ Tamara

In the MY VICTORY VOYAGE column I’ll be looking back primarily over the last two years of my life seeking to find everywhere God was faithful. I’m striving to learn lessons from the struggles of my life experience, asking “What is God trying to teach me? What do I still need to learn?” This column publishes the 3rd Friday every month in 2025.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

The experience of aging is different for every woman. So far it has been relatively easy for me because, thank God, my body is in good health. Although, I mistreated my body a lot in my teen years and again when the mid-life hormonal shock of menopause set in. Overall, most of my life I have eaten healthy and exercised regularly.

Sadly, my mental and spiritual state hasn’t always been as healthy as my body. For me, this requires a system of intentionality, a solid daily routine of time in God’s Word! That is the only thing that will keep my mind, emotions and spirit in check. I want most of all to live a life that honors God and brings glory to Jesus Christ.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

Keeping limits and time boundaries on social media influences is a key to good mental and spiritual health for me. It’s too easy to get dragged into the comparison trap that only leads to depression.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Let’s be determined to take care of our mind, body and spirit so we can be all God has called us to be as we represent His kingdom here on earth, maybe even for 120 years.

Stay alive and breathing, look with hope for the joy only He can bring!