Wilderness Testimonies?

I am 100% in wilderness mode right now. It gets me a little down but God has cut me off from my comforts but I know its needed.

I find myself struggling right now but I feel God telling me to believe for something and pray for someone that I can't seem to bring myself to believe or pray for. I guess the pain of disappointment in the past and lack of trust in my decisions is making skeptical of this. I want to trust God but I see no evidence of my prayers being answered and I am tried of being disappointed. Investing my heart, time, and emotions for nothing. I am honestly resisting. I feel confused right now.

However, even in my feelings, I am confident at the end it will all make sense.

http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/wilderness-experience
 
May 19, 2010
The Faith for Big Prayers
by Katherine Britton, Crosswalk.com News & Culture Editor
"Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven" -- Daniel 10:12
One Sunday morning shortly after my husband proposed, I remember singing at church on a fairly unremarkable Sunday. I don't recall the sermon or anything else that day, but I do remember one of the praise songs - "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord." The song personalizes Israel's trials in the wilderness and the abundant streams of the promise land for the believer's life today, directing her to sing praise no matter the circumstances:
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
'Lord, blessed be Your name!'
Sitting in church that day, I momentarily stopped singing. After dating this guy for almost four years, I finally had a ring on my finger. I finally had a token that what I longed for so hopefully was coming. The slightest hint that the world could be otherwise - and I could still praise God - baffled me at that moment. My selfish heart did not have the faith to pray that prayer, not at that moment.
Recently, I encountered another prayer that I couldn't quite pray:
"God, I'm asking for two things before I die; don't refuse me - Banish lies from my lips and liars from my presence. Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I'm too full, I might get independent, saying, 'God? Who needs him?' If I'm poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 7b-9, The Message)
Few of us have trouble asking God to keep us out of poverty. But asking God to keep us from being too comfortable? I'm too American to pray that without hesitation. By contrast, consider the boldness of these people:
Hannah, the formerly barren woman who gave birth to the prophet Samuel - "And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." (1 Samuel 1:11)
The psalmist who wanted nothing hidden from God - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before being thrown into the fiery furnace - "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)
Jesus Christ, who would later use this verse in the Garden of Gethsemane - "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
Do we have the kind of faith that can pray hard verses like these and mean them? It's easy to pray for blessings, wisdom, health, and the "joy of the Lord." Those prayers make our lives better, we think, and don't require a sacrifice or change of plans. When we come across difficult verses, however, we so easily shy away. Why?
Sometimes my response is too much like Ahaz's, who was offered a sign from the Lord as evidence of Isaiah's prophecy. Instead, Ahaz proudly said, "I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test." He deluded himself. He passed off his lack of faith for his unwillingness to "test" God. Instead of praising his decision, Isaiah announced that he - and God - were about out of patience.
Contrast this to the apostle James, who urged the church to ask with abandon so that they could see God at work. But he gave them this warning: "But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6).
Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you avoiding a difficult prayer? What's your reason? Disbelief that God will really answer? Refusal to acknowledge God's imminence? Fear that God will upset your apple cart? Ask yourself what's holding you back. Let's pray for humility and understanding, and the rest will follow.

The events of the past few days have kept me from seeing this. Thanks Kim, I needed this.

PrettyfaceANB, do it afraid and tell God exactly how you feel. Let Him know you need help following through. I've been there and believe me the enemy (the Devil) tighten his hold on things when we start praying for deliverance. The answer remains, check yourself make sure you repent of any attitudes God points out to you, praise Him, and keep putting on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that will attack you, and when it feels too dificult to pray....pray:yep: I'm rushing but I think some of the other post would add to what I just say.
 
Father how I needed this word today!


Hannah's Destiny
Victoria Boyson
www.speakinglife.net

All Hannah wanted was a son, but God wanted a prophet for His people and a friend for Himself.

"There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah...He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none" (1 Samuel 1:1-2). "And because the Lord had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her" (1 Samuel 1:6).

The story of these two women is not an uncommon one. God often uses irritating people to draw us closer to Him and to push us toward our destiny. God will put people in our lives that have what we want (and are willing to torture us with it) in order that we might seek Him for the fulfillment of the promise He has made to us.

Peninnah became increasingly smug over the fact that she had been given children and Hannah had not. And she used her children as a weapon to grieve Hannah. "This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat" (1 Samuel 1:7).

Moved to Desperation
God desired to do something great for Hannah, but first He would need to prepare her for it. God used Peninnah's deplorable behavior to provoke Hannah and irritate her. That is right, it is true that God needed to irritate Hannah. He needed to bring Hannah to the point of desperation, so much so that she would be willing to give Samuel to Him (see 1 Samuel 1:11).

Hannah's pain and disgrace must have been great or she never would have prayed such a prayer. Her desire for a child must have been agonizing, and now she had promised to give that child away? She had no guarantee of ever having more than one child at this point, but her mind was made up. The child would be given to the Lord.

To be without children during that time in history was a great humiliation for a woman. Women of this region were considered children, until they had children. Only as a mother would she be given the respect and authority due an adult. As Hannah got older her disgrace became greater, and she could not escape Peninnah's irritating remarks. This went on for years, until Hannah was so desperate to remove her disgrace that she made a promise to God: if He gave her a son, she would give the boy back to Him.

"In bitterness of soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. And she made a vow, saying, 'O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant, but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head' " (1 Samuel 1:10-11).

A Promise is Born
Hannah, at the very lowest point of her life, prayed her most desperate prayer. She pleaded with God to take away her barrenness and bless her with a son. "Don't forget me!" she cried. She saw everyone around her receiving blessings from God and getting the desires of their hearts, yet she remained barren. She reached the greatest point of misery she had ever known, and laid out her heart before God. Hannah vowed to make the greatest sacrifice any woman could be asked to make. Her sorrow was so great it turned her soul bitter. Out of this bitter sorrow, a promise was born.

Hannah's heart was open before God and her tears were never more sincere. Into this precious scene blundered Eli, but he did not see Hannah for what she truly was. She was a woman after God, but Eli mistook the most sincere and heartwrenching moment of her life for that of drunkenness.

"Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, 'How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine' " (1 Samuel 11:13-14).

Perhaps, at times, you have had similar experiences to Hannah's. Your heart was outstretched and open before God, but people around you didn't recognize it as anything out of the ordinary or special. To some you may even seem sinful, but they have judged you incorrectly. The very people we think should recognize our potential are the ones that accuse us of being unspiritual or lacking what it takes to fulfill our potential. Not only did Eli miss the importance of what Hannah was going through, but he also completely misinterpreted her actions toward God.

The Avenue of Offense
At this moment Hannah could have walked away offended, but her need was much too great. She was desperate and wanted what only God could give her, no matter what she had to endure to get it. Some of our greatest blessings come to us through the avenue of offense. Hannah could have walked away, humiliated and discouraged, but she did not. She explained herself to Eli. When he realized how greatly he had misjudged her, he felt so badly that he blessed her instead.

"Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him" (1 Samuel 1:17).

She received a blessing from Eli that she may not have had he not offended her. She received his blessing as being from God and, "she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast" (v 18). She was confident that God had blessed her through Eli even though he had misjudged her. She may never have received what she needed from God, except that her longsuffering brought her the answer to her heart's cry. Hannah was not only a godly woman, but her son would eventually take Eli's place in the temple and restore to Israel everything that Eli's sons had lost.

A Growing Promise
Hannah had already conceived Samuel in her heart before she ever conceived him physically. The dream of him had already been growing inside her. She was pregnant in the Spirit with the promise of God. No one, not even Eli, could see the transformation taking place in her heart. It was between her and God alone. She had a secret, a hope, and a dream. When she was referred to as "barren" by others seeking to injure her, she clung to the hope of God's enduring faithfulness.

Similarly, when a woman is first pregnant, no one knows she is pregnant except her. No one else can see what is happening inside her. It is her secret. We, too, carry the promises of God secretly inside us. Others can't see anything special in us because God has hidden it from them. They may even misinterpret our desire for God to be something that is sinful or worldly. No matter how spiritual people are, they cannot see what God has hidden from them.

Just like a baby hidden in the womb, so are the promises God has given to us. He speaks to us of our future as if to impregnate us with His will and purpose for our lives.

We want to tell the whole world what God has spoken to us. But the promises that the Lord has given to us should be treasured in our hearts and not shared with others who may not be able to see that which God has hidden from them.

Destiny's Irritation
God desires to do great things for us as well. But, like with Hannah, He must drive us to desperation so great that we are willing to give to Him the very thing we are asking Him for.

God uses people like Peninnah, to irritate us (see 1 Samuel 1:6) and provoke us until we are willing to do whatever it takes to receive our destiny in Him. The closer we are to the fulfillment of our destiny, the greater the irritation becomes, until we give up our claims to our destiny. We give up our dreams in exchange for His will; our ambitions for His plan.

In return, we not only receive what we were hoping for, but more than we have even dreamt of. Hannah not only got the son she desired, but her family line was established, through Samuel, as priests to the Lord forever. In addition to Samuel, she was also blessed with five other children.

God desires to do much more through us than we think is possible, but it must be done His way. Through His mercy, He keeps us from accepting less than all He has for us. All Hannah wanted was a son, but God wanted a prophet for His people and a friend for Himself.

Promise Through the Pain
"In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:10).

I have heard people say that God would not do anything to them that would cause them to suffer. They say, "God wants to bless me!" and I say, yes, God does want to bless us, but some of our greatest blessings come out of our greatest pain. If we do not experience the pain, it is more difficult for us to appreciate the blessings we are given. It did not please God to cause Hannah such misery, but He could see the future and He needed Samuel. The only way He could get the promise to her was through the pain.

God does see your struggle and your pain; He hurts with you and weeps with you. He is begging you not to give up, because He can see your future and it is great! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Lord's presence remained with all of Israel through Samuel, because Hannah chose not to give up on the dream she had in her heart. She chose to believe that God loved her and saw her as special even when others did not.

If the Lord has given you a dream or a promise of something so wonderful that others cannot receive it, keep it hidden in your heart as a secret treasure, until the moment of its birth. Some things should be kept between you and the Lord. He is jealous for your heart and wants you to Himself. Do not look for acceptance from anyone but Him; hold onto the God who loves you. His will will be done!

Pray this with me:

Dear Father,

Keep alive in me all that You have promised me. Cause all the circumstances that I must walk through to turn me toward You, not away from You. Help me to seek You and Your approval, and not the approval of others.
 
This is really an edifying thread but I also must say (from my experience) that between the self-inflicted wildernesses (disobedience, defiance, rebellion) and the God-led ones (trials, tests of faith/ spiritual strength), the latter never lasted long and had a purpose.

Satan capitalized on the former to contain me and keep me paralyzed. The oft-used "trouble don't last always" was deceptive when the "trouble" was of my own doing and my mindset.
 
^^I agree but I also believe that we can force ourselves to stay in the God led one longer then need be as well, because of the former that you mentioned
 
Yes, like Job, we put God on trial instead... and the test/trial may take longer than necessary - until we finally understand it, the lesson. But when that break through comes, when God finally answers, it's in the form of a mighty wind. Our force is never stronger than His.






^^I agree but I also believe that we can force ourselves to stay in the God led one longer then need be as well, because of the former that you mentioned
 
Yes, like Job, we put God on trial instead... and the test/trial may take longer than necessary - until we finally understand it, the lesson. But when that break through comes, when God finally answers, it's in the form of a mighty wind. Our force is never stronger than His.

Thanks Laela, I needed this. I'm at the "I'm going to do something myself" stage and I'm making a big mess of things. Leaving me tired, frustrated and the enemy getting hope that I would go under.

Last week I was made to realise that those fighting against me, good church people, are using devilish devices. I wish I was exagerating. Now I know why God lead me to the book about Christian curses. Things were bad enough but now they are acting as if there's no God and these are Church leaders. Sorry, I don't think this belong here so I'll just stick to the principles.... God is and He will fight for me and the Holy Spirit does speak. Of my own I would have never thought such things as I have witnessed could happen. People who are bent on controlling another no matter what are prone to slip into witchcraft to get their way. For those who come up against this, the hard truth is that vengeance is still the Lords. Always be mindful to forgive those who are coming against you no matter how hurt, angry, or scared you may feel. Forgive and let God take over ( a message for myself). You cannot overcome evil with evil. I am still in a daze but I can no longer bury my head in the sand, I still want to, but God has allowed the enemy to expose themselves and I can't ignore it.

You all know I need some serious prayers.
 
At the bolded, I fell into this trap as well. :yep: It took so much faith and effort just to get to the WILDERNESS that I was ANGRY that the trials kept coming, one right after the other. :wallbash: I had to remind myself that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God will deliver us from them ALL!!!



Beautiful testimony, and I literally believe that my physical sacrifice of praise is what pushed the sale of my house - I would literally get in my bedroom, put on some praise music and dance and worship every day, no matter if I was tired, sick, etc. It was our second time on the market and no real bites, but to encourage me God showed me a "SOLD" sign, so I began to praise Him in advance and JUST BELIEVE that it would happen. And it did, within a few months of that vision, if not sooner!!! I'm gonna come back and post a pic I took of that sold sign!!! :grin:



Yes, the wilderness experience is not only faith building but a process of purification. You can't carry all that baggage with you to the Promised Land. :nono:


This thread....:cry2: Such knowledge and wisdom......I have been going through a wilderness period for 7 years! I was single, raising my sons, longing for an end to the lonliness....I thought that God had sent me a man who would love me for myself and my children. I was so happy. We had been friends for this whole 7 year period so I felt like I knew him and could trust him. BOY WAS I WRONG! God pulled back the mask on who he really was. Showed me some HORRIBLE ugly things. I went through a depression so deep I didn't think that I could get through it. I asked God why would he bring me so close to the happiness that I prayed and fasted for, only to snatch it away!
But God in his loving kindness and wisdom showed me that he wasn't snatching happiness away from me, he was showing me that it was POSSIBLE, but NOT WITH THIS Person!
If I had married this man I would have had a horrible lifetime of lies, cheating, and evil with myself and my children.
GOD STEPPED IN RIGHT ON TIME! Opened my eyes!
I am still at the end of this wilderness period. This man is trying to defame my character, called me horrible names and spoke of me being an awful mother to my children. BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I have no desire to retaliate against him for what he has done. God is soo good! He kept me in the midst of this. Sorry for the long post but this has touched my heart so and brought this all into such clarity for me.
:reddancer:

^^^No problem. I really love this thread and all you ladies, because I really felt so alone. To the point I've had to fight loneliness because it wasn't just being alone. I don't know how to explain it properly so let me think about that lol.


But last week I asked to just have at least one person who would stand in agreement with me on the promises I've receieved from God. Because in

Matthew 18:19-20 it says

"19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Maybe we should all start praying for each other (I mean we should anyway) but I've really been blessed just reading what your ladies are going through and learning from all of you.

I agree with the bolded...:bighug:
 
I am 100% in wilderness mode right now. It gets me a little down but God has cut me off from my comforts but I know its needed.

I find myself struggling right now but I feel God telling me to believe for something and pray for someone that I can't seem to bring myself to believe or pray for. I guess the pain of disappointment in the past and lack of trust in my decisions is making skeptical of this. I want to trust God but I see no evidence of my prayers being answered and I am tried of being disappointed. Investing my heart, time, and emotions for nothing. I am honestly resisting. I feel confused right now.

However, even in my feelings, I am confident at the end it will all make sense.

http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/wilderness-experience

Pretty - this thread has so many gems it's ridiculous. It's now one of my favorite LHCF threads. When you get a chance, really dig through it, especially the posts from Kimbb - they are so profound and offer so much encouragement.

Hang in there, the first stages of the wilderness can be really brutal, especially when all of your earthly support systems start to get cut off. God may be removing all of your options so that you have no choice but to lean wholly on Him. This is the time when I was the angriest at God. Hang in there and trust that He has a purpose and plan for you, that everything He is doing will ultimately work out for your good!!


Kimbb, that last post...WOW. It reminded me that I cannot talk to everyone about what God is sharing with me. And also made me think about how He allows us to get so desperate that the very thing we want we are willing to give back to Him and let Him do it His way, since our way just won't work.
 
I'm happy God can use me and the words he gives to me, to help you guys out as well!


and it doesn't make sense how many good things are in this one thread.

Pretty - this thread has so many gems it's ridiculous. It's now one of my favorite LHCF threads. When you get a chance, really dig through it, especially the posts from Kimbb - they are so profound and offer so much encouragement.

Hang in there, the first stages of the wilderness can be really brutal, especially when all of your earthly support systems start to get cut off. God may be removing all of your options so that you have no choice but to lean wholly on Him. This is the time when I was the angriest at God. Hang in there and trust that He has a purpose and plan for you, that everything He is doing will ultimately work out for your good!!


Kimbb, that last post...WOW. It reminded me that I cannot talk to everyone about what God is sharing with me. And also made me think about how He allows us to get so desperate that the very thing we want we are willing to give back to Him and let Him do it His way, since our way just won't work.


Yeah. That hit my heart so hard yesterday. I was crying, not even because I was upset I just felt like for once I was making progress and God was giving me understanding as to the last three years. Like it was no longer a mystery. When I got that message the storm was over, it was literal...and I'm so happy that now I get to move.

I used to try and talk to my best friend and she... :nono::nono: ....I've been dealing with a lot personally and emotionally because I'm like your close to God and you should see it. After that I just didn't care about what she thought anymore. I was with her when it came in my email.


I really needed that yesterday. I needed that in a way I didn't know I needed that, I couldn't of asked if I was given the chance to be able to apply such understanding to my life. I just thank and praise God for it. I hope that it's helping a lot of you as well!


Please just pray for me because now I know it's time to praise my way to my breakthrough and the enemy is trying to make me think and feel like I don't know how to praise. But everywhere I look and go God is telling me to praise my way there, that I'm almost there just keep going.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Laela, I needed this. I'm at the "I'm going to do something myself" stage and I'm making a big mess of things. Leaving me tired, frustrated and the enemy getting hope that I would go under.

Last week I was made to realise that those fighting against me, good church people, are using devilish devices. I wish I was exagerating. Now I know why God lead me to the book about Christian curses. Things were bad enough but now they are acting as if there's no God and these are Church leaders. Sorry, I don't think this belong here so I'll just stick to the principles.... God is and He will fight for me and the Holy Spirit does speak. Of my own I would have never thought such things as I have witnessed could happen. People who are bent on controlling another no matter what are prone to slip into witchcraft to get their way. For those who come up against this, the hard truth is that vengeance is still the Lords. Always be mindful to forgive those who are coming against you no matter how hurt, angry, or scared you may feel. Forgive and let God take over ( a message for myself). You cannot overcome evil with evil. I am still in a daze but I can no longer bury my head in the sand, I still want to, but God has allowed the enemy to expose themselves and I can't ignore it.

You all know I need some serious prayers.

I'm at this stage too but then I think about how I got into this wilderness in the first place - by not following God's instructions. I'll keep you and all the ladies in this thread in my prayers. This is a difficult spiritual journey and we need to hold on tight to God.
 
Thanks Laela, I needed this. I'm at the "I'm going to do something myself" stage and I'm making a big mess of things. Leaving me tired, frustrated and the enemy getting hope that I would go under.

Last week I was made to realise that those fighting against me, good church people, are using devilish devices. I wish I was exagerating. Now I know why God lead me to the book about Christian curses. Things were bad enough but now they are acting as if there's no God and these are Church leaders. Sorry, I don't think this belong here so I'll just stick to the principles.... God is and He will fight for me and the Holy Spirit does speak. Of my own I would have never thought such things as I have witnessed could happen. People who are bent on controlling another no matter what are prone to slip into witchcraft to get their way. For those who come up against this, the hard truth is that vengeance is still the Lords. Always be mindful to forgive those who are coming against you no matter how hurt, angry, or scared you may feel. Forgive and let God take over ( a message for myself). You cannot overcome evil with evil. I am still in a daze but I can no longer bury my head in the sand, I still want to, but God has allowed the enemy to expose themselves and I can't ignore it.

You all know I need some serious prayers.


I remember I said that for a while. Well if God won't do it or hurry up I'll force it myself, human force will get it done or to the point I need to be at for God to finally do something with this.....

I'm funny you know.:lachen:sadly though I think I said that this year too...

I don't know why I personally thought that would work. I thought I could do something to....I didn't even get close to being able to try and do something on my on.

I'll keep you in prayer too because I know how you feel right now, and letting go of that is hard too, but trust me your not alone
 
I am reading alot of getting employment, a house, a car, etc...

Anyone in the wilderness before they met their husband? Please share!
 
I didn't post that story lol


I was just clearing my throat :look:

What story was this? :look: A testimony I hope. :look:

Anywhoo :lol:, I checked this great book out from the library, and it was EXACTLY what we have been talking about in this thread:

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst:

She says that there are 5 phases of faith you'l pass through to achieve your dream:
  1. Leaving - In order to go to a new level of faith with God, you've got to leave the old behind
  2. Famine - In this new place, you'll realize your comfort zone is gone, and you'll learn to depend on God like never before.
  3. Believing - Your experience of God becomes too real to deny
  4. Death - Coming to the end of your ability to make things happen seems like death to you. But to God, this is the only way to new life with Him.
  5. Resurrection - In a way only HE could, God makes your dream come true. Only then do you understand that real joy isn't in the drea itself but rather in the richer faith you acquired along the way.
She also said there are 5 fundamental truths of God that go along with these phases:

  1. God has a plan for you.
  2. God is with you.
  3. God will make a way.
  4. God isn't surprised by death.
  5. God brings dreams to life.
Very encouraging, and right in line with what we've been discussing. :yep:
 
There are some wilderness testimonies are in this thread

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=390198&page=3

:yep:
^^^Yup...def helped out a lot at the beginning when I didn't know what was going on or what to do....Mrsellers and Supergirl's testimonies seem the closest to what I've dealt/dealing with

What story was this? :look: A testimony I hope. :look:

Anywhoo :lol:, I checked this great book out from the library, and it was EXACTLY what we have been talking about in this thread:

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst:


She says that there are 5 phases of faith you'l pass through to achieve your dream:
  1. Leaving - In order to go to a new level of faith with God, you've got to leave the old behind
  2. Famine - In this new place, you'll realize your comfort zone is gone, and you'll learn to depend on God like never before.
  3. Believing - Your experience of God becomes too real to deny
  4. Death - Coming to the end of your ability to make things happen seems like death to you. But to God, this is the only way to new life with Him.
  5. Resurrection - In a way only HE could, God makes your dream come true. Only then do you understand that real joy isn't in the drea itself but rather in the richer faith you acquired along the way.
She also said there are 5 fundamental truths of God that go along with these phases:

  1. God has a plan for you.
  2. God is with you.
  3. God will make a way.
  4. God isn't surprised by death.
  5. God brings dreams to life.
Very encouraging, and right in line with what we've been discussing. :yep:


I think I'll go and look for that book! Yeah hopefully I'll have one...but I've learned it more then just a husband it's what I'm supposed to be doing with my future as well.


It's not just you lol
 
This is on my heart to share though I obviously don't have a husband testimony. :) Lol.


ABOUT BEING IN A WILDERNESS BEFORE MEETING YOUR HUSBAND:

-Listen to God carefully. The devil has a way of bringing counterfeit "white knights in shining armor". Perhaps it was the stripping of a counterfeit that brought you into the wilderness. Whether this was the case or not, beware of counterfeits while in the wilderness. You are most vulnerable in the wilderness and thus have to pay close attention to God's voice. He will let you know whether a man is from Him or not.

-Trust God entirely. While in the wilderness, you may be tempted to go back to a previous counterfeit or to search for a husband yourself. Stop! Leave the task in God's hands for He is able to see things we do not see. He has our best interest at heart. Trust Him to bring your husband (or instructions to meet your husband) without your interference. Trust Him and wait.

-Dealing with loneliness. Turn to the word to experience communion with God. Turn to the word to experience His unconditional love and joy. It is normal to have moments of loneliness during this journey, but do not turn away from Him. He will fill this void while He works to bring you your husband. Additionally, seek a bible study group or communion with other Christians. In some wilderness cases, even the latter has been stripped, in which case you must solely rely on God.

-Delaying the Promised Land (i.e., the husband). The quicker you get to the place (spiritually) that God wants you to get to, the quicker your husband will come. Do not delay this Promised Land by complaining, doubting, or interfering with God's task. Develop your patience and spiritual maturity. Pray and read the Scripture daily. Fast regularly. Pray for your future husband and for Him remove soul ties to previous men. 40 years can dwindle down to 40 days if you stay on God's path for you.

-Consider what brought you into the wilderness. Was it sinful past relationships? or a distrust that God would bring you the one? or the reliance on a man for comfort as opposed to God? Whatever it was, you will stay in the wilderness until that thing is checked and removed. Your future husband will not come to continue a series of sinful relationships, a distrust in God, or to fill a comfort void that God is supposed to fill.


If I come up with more, I'll post it later. Hope this helps someone.
 
This is really an edifying thread but I also must say (from my experience) that between the self-inflicted wildernesses (disobedience, defiance, rebellion) and the God-led ones (trials, tests of faith/ spiritual strength), the latter never lasted long and had a purpose.

Satan capitalized on the former to contain me and keep me paralyzed. The oft-used "trouble don't last always" was deceptive when the "trouble" was of my own doing and my mindset.


This is truly the story of my life!!!!
 
I am praying for everyone in this thread! I stand in agreement with you all, that will you make it to the side the other side, and more importantly there will be a blessing so great that you can not imagine it in your wildest dream. Know God is working on your behalf even when you feel like your circumstances are getting worst. God is with you and wants the best for your life... He is very faithful and loving!!!! Ladies be blessed and smile even though it hurts!!!!!
 
This is on my heart to share though I obviously don't have a husband testimony. :) Lol.


ABOUT BEING IN A WILDERNESS BEFORE MEETING YOUR HUSBAND:

-Listen to God carefully. The devil has a way of bringing counterfeit "white knights in shining armor". Perhaps it was the stripping of a counterfeit that brought you into the wilderness. Whether this was the case or not, beware of counterfeits while in the wilderness. You are most vulnerable in the wilderness and thus have to pay close attention to God's voice. He will let you know whether a man is from Him or not.

-Trust God entirely. While in the wilderness, you may be tempted to go back to a previous counterfeit or to search for a husband yourself. Stop! Leave the task in God's hands for He is able to see things we do not see. He has our best interest at heart. Trust Him to bring your husband (or instructions to meet your husband) without your interference. Trust Him and wait.

-Dealing with loneliness. Turn to the word to experience communion with God. Turn to the word to experience His unconditional love and joy. It is normal to have moments of loneliness during this journey, but do not turn away from Him. He will fill this void while He works to bring you your husband. Additionally, seek a bible study group or communion with other Christians. In some wilderness cases, even the latter has been stripped, in which case you must solely rely on God.

-Delaying the Promised Land (i.e., the husband). The quicker you get to the place (spiritually) that God wants you to get to, the quicker your husband will come. Do not delay this Promised Land by complaining, doubting, or interfering with God's task. Develop your patience and spiritual maturity. Pray and read the Scripture daily. Fast regularly. Pray for your future husband and for Him remove soul ties to previous men. 40 years can dwindle down to 40 days if you stay on God's path for you.

-Consider what brought you into the wilderness. Was it sinful past relationships? or a distrust that God would bring you the one? or the reliance on a man for comfort as opposed to God? Whatever it was, you will stay in the wilderness until that thing is checked and removed. Your future husband will not come to continue a series of sinful relationships, a distrust in God, or to fill a comfort void that God is supposed to fill.


If I come up with more, I'll post it later. Hope this helps someone.


You're an angel. God sent that to you for me. Everything you said is confirmation I needed. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
 
This was the opening to a email I got, the devontial was a prophecy and I didn't really understand it so I'm not going to post that part, but I thought the opening was nice

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

I live on farmland, so I see the farmers around me rotate crops. Most of the time, they don't plant crops for their actual use as the crop, but as "seed" for future crops. Sometimes it's grass seed, flower seed, wheat seeds, etc.

There is one common technique in most crops that are grown this way. In order to get seed, the farmers must let the crops "grow beyond normal harvest" into a place where it has the the "appearance of non use"—we call it a "growing to seed process." So if it's grass seed, the grass gets high, then brown, then it has seed on it. NOW it's useful. THEN they harvest the seed and make the rest of the crop into hay.

Such is the case with the Kingdom. God sometimes let's things go so far in our lives that it appears we have missed our chance for usefulness—missed our "crop" so to speak. Nothing can be farther from the truth. When a crop goes to seed, it makes room for MANY future crops that ARE useful. With that in mind, read this article about what God intends for you and for the Church and even the world in the near future.
 
This is on my heart to share though I obviously don't have a husband testimony. :) Lol.


ABOUT BEING IN A WILDERNESS BEFORE MEETING YOUR HUSBAND:

-Listen to God carefully. The devil has a way of bringing counterfeit "white knights in shining armor". Perhaps it was the stripping of a counterfeit that brought you into the wilderness. Whether this was the case or not, beware of counterfeits while in the wilderness. You are most vulnerable in the wilderness and thus have to pay close attention to God's voice. He will let you know whether a man is from Him or not.

-Trust God entirely. While in the wilderness, you may be tempted to go back to a previous counterfeit or to search for a husband yourself. Stop! Leave the task in God's hands for He is able to see things we do not see. He has our best interest at heart. Trust Him to bring your husband (or instructions to meet your husband) without your interference. Trust Him and wait.

-Dealing with loneliness. Turn to the word to experience communion with God. Turn to the word to experience His unconditional love and joy. It is normal to have moments of loneliness during this journey, but do not turn away from Him. He will fill this void while He works to bring you your husband. Additionally, seek a bible study group or communion with other Christians. In some wilderness cases, even the latter has been stripped, in which case you must solely rely on God.

-Delaying the Promised Land (i.e., the husband). The quicker you get to the place (spiritually) that God wants you to get to, the quicker your husband will come. Do not delay this Promised Land by complaining, doubting, or interfering with God's task. Develop your patience and spiritual maturity. Pray and read the Scripture daily. Fast regularly. Pray for your future husband and for Him remove soul ties to previous men. 40 years can dwindle down to 40 days if you stay on God's path for you.

-Consider what brought you into the wilderness. Was it sinful past relationships? or a distrust that God would bring you the one? or the reliance on a man for comfort as opposed to God? Whatever it was, you will stay in the wilderness until that thing is checked and removed. Your future husband will not come to continue a series of sinful relationships, a distrust in God, or to fill a comfort void that God is supposed to fill.


If I come up with more, I'll post it later. Hope this helps someone.


Uhm. I love you? :lachen:

I have to look like I'm working so I'll say more a little bit later.


ETA: Actually I won't I'll just have one big testimony
 
Last edited:
What story was this? :look: A testimony I hope. :look:

Anywhoo :lol:, I checked this great book out from the library, and it was EXACTLY what we have been talking about in this thread:

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst:


She says that there are 5 phases of faith you'l pass through to achieve your dream:
  1. Leaving - In order to go to a new level of faith with God, you've got to leave the old behind
  2. Famine - In this new place, you'll realize your comfort zone is gone, and you'll learn to depend on God like never before.
  3. Believing - Your experience of God becomes too real to deny
  4. Death - Coming to the end of your ability to make things happen seems like death to you. But to God, this is the only way to new life with Him.
  5. Resurrection - In a way only HE could, God makes your dream come true. Only then do you understand that real joy isn't in the drea itself but rather in the richer faith you acquired along the way.
She also said there are 5 fundamental truths of God that go along with these phases:

  1. God has a plan for you.
  2. God is with you.
  3. God will make a way.
  4. God isn't surprised by death.
  5. God brings dreams to life.
Very encouraging, and right in line with what we've been discussing. :yep:

Taking it all in. Thanks to you all, this thread is certainly a place for the weary.

I have come to realise that the enemy would throw his best punch just so that we would take our eyes off the one true and living God and focus on Him. Frankly I just refuse to fear but keep having to remind myself that power belongs to God.
 
This is on my heart to share though I obviously don't have a husband testimony. :) Lol.


ABOUT BEING IN A WILDERNESS BEFORE MEETING YOUR HUSBAND:

-Listen to God carefully. The devil has a way of bringing counterfeit "white knights in shining armor". Perhaps it was the stripping of a counterfeit that brought you into the wilderness. Whether this was the case or not, beware of counterfeits while in the wilderness. You are most vulnerable in the wilderness and thus have to pay close attention to God's voice. He will let you know whether a man is from Him or not.

-Trust God entirely. While in the wilderness, you may be tempted to go back to a previous counterfeit or to search for a husband yourself. Stop! Leave the task in God's hands for He is able to see things we do not see. He has our best interest at heart. Trust Him to bring your husband (or instructions to meet your husband) without your interference. Trust Him and wait.

-Dealing with loneliness. Turn to the word to experience communion with God. Turn to the word to experience His unconditional love and joy. It is normal to have moments of loneliness during this journey, but do not turn away from Him. He will fill this void while He works to bring you your husband. Additionally, seek a bible study group or communion with other Christians. In some wilderness cases, even the latter has been stripped, in which case you must solely rely on God.

-Delaying the Promised Land (i.e., the husband). The quicker you get to the place (spiritually) that God wants you to get to, the quicker your husband will come. Do not delay this Promised Land by complaining, doubting, or interfering with God's task. Develop your patience and spiritual maturity. Pray and read the Scripture daily. Fast regularly. Pray for your future husband and for Him remove soul ties to previous men. 40 years can dwindle down to 40 days if you stay on God's path for you.

-Consider what brought you into the wilderness. Was it sinful past relationships? or a distrust that God would bring you the one? or the reliance on a man for comfort as opposed to God? Whatever it was, you will stay in the wilderness until that thing is checked and removed. Your future husband will not come to continue a series of sinful relationships, a distrust in God, or to fill a comfort void that God is supposed to fill.


If I come up with more, I'll post it later. Hope this helps someone.

Thanks sooo much! I really needed this today.
 
Back
Top