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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Those strategies are spot-on, Kate. Step #5 reminded me of a seminary prof who was asked, "How do you get up at 5:00 in the morning for Bible study and prayer?" He answered, "I get up!" We have to put in the effort, just as you said. And when we do, Christ has promised: "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28).

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Kate Dreston's avatar

Thanks Nancy for those good comments!

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Chris Craft's avatar

Thank you Kate. Forgiving someone who hurt you is probably the hardest thing Jesus asks of us. When I asked for the Lord's help with this, He dictated a list of things for me to pray for the one who had hurt me so badly. The Lord promised that my prayers would change not only the person I was praying for, but more importantly, those prayers would change me. He was right. 💜

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Kate Dreston's avatar

What a wonderful testimony Chris. The Lord can heal those deep hurts. It is so difficult to forgive but God can work miracles. Thank you so much for reading and then sharing so others can be encouraged by your experience!

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Phyllis Scantland's avatar

I pray every day that if it’s not good for me, please let me know and let it go out of my life. Maybe I’m just not seeing it right now but I hope I’m open to it because I really want to do it right.

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Kate Dreston's avatar

What a wonderful attitude Phyllis! You have a heart for the things of God. I want to be like that too. I just want to be obedient to Him. Thanks so much for reading and also adding to the conversation.

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Phyllis Scantland's avatar

I’m struggling with whether a relationship is right or not. I keep praying for clarity but I think I am supposed to be here to learn and to be a light to this person. I’m not unhappy but I feel something is missing. So I just keep praying. 🙏🏼

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Kate Dreston's avatar

I'm sure God will make it clear to you in His time. I don't think God tries to confuse us, He will help us know His will. Praying is what you can do.

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Jules Powellhi's avatar

A good word to use in everyone’s lives!

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Peggianne Wright's avatar

I don't think God has ever led me to give up on anything. But, I have failed to let God lead me in the right direction. Thanks for your thought-provoking devotional.

🐾💗🐾

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Rebecca Jones's avatar

I grew up hearing that God takes it away from you and He does but you have to let it go, too often, we pick it back up.

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Kate Dreston's avatar

So true. And sometimes you have to ask God to take it in spite of our holding our clenched fist. Sometimes I pray, “Help me in spite of myself.”

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Cork Hutson's avatar

Relationships are the hardest to let go. This was perfect and timely to send to a friend who is struggling with that now. Thanks, Kate.

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Kate Dreston's avatar

you are so right, I'm dealing with that right now.

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