Encouragements from sisters in Christ

Here are some encouragements from four GCBC sisters in Christ in four different stages of life, answering the question "how has God grown you or encouraged you in these times?"

One wrote: "As for the blessings during this time, seeing more of my husband ... as well as not having so many commitments and slowing down. The quiet pace suits my lazy nature, I like not being “busy” :) I do however greatly miss seeing everyone and singing for the Lord."

A young adult added: "The last several weeks have definitely been filled with both challenges and blessings. Extra time alone without the busyness of normal life has given lots of opportunity for reflection. I have become increasingly aware of sinful tendencies in my life and am prayerfully working through them. The extra time has also allowed me to establish routines that have given me more consistency to be in the word, to be in prayer, and to memorize scripture. I have been reminded more and more that my identity and security are in Christ alone."

Another sister in Christ said "the one thing God has done for me is shown me a fuller sense of the depth of His love and care for me through stopping my life as I knew it. I am so grateful for these incredible 3 months I have had seeking and experiencing a love in the midst of such turmoil and unknown in my life being reassured daily our God is in control of every single detail.... My prayers are constantly with you and the elders as I can't even imagine the decisions you have to make and the warfare that could be swarming around all of you.  Praying Psalm 27 for all of you!" 

And one more: "It was lovely for us to consider and discuss your question about one way we have grown or been blessed.

Psalm 46:10 tells us "be still and know that I am God." Let go. Release. Give up control. Submit my will. Intimately fellowship and really know Him. Maybe that sums up the greatest growth and blessing for me as I continue to understand how to practice God's presence.

Psalm 73, all of it, but especially verse 26 is so meaningful. "My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." And 28 "...I have made the Lord God my refuge."

... we have used our time to write more letters and make more phone calls to encourage our family, friends and those we've been reaching out to.

March 26, Thursday morning, the seventh day, I woke up feeling great fear, isolation, frustration and anxiety. I felt constricted and confined. When will this end? ... It was before 5:00 am and still dark. I asked God to speak to me, and immediately in my heart and mind came: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

That's so simple: This fear is not coming from God! So it must be coming from the enemy of my soul. Being controlled by fear is like being insane. God gives a sound mind.

God is teaching me to be very still. He IS in control. What do I have to fear?

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will help you. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."     Isaiah 41:10"

Thank you sisters in Christ for preaching to me! What about the rest of you (guys can chime in too :) Feel free any of you to comment below on what God has shown or how He's grown or encouraged you in these times.