Women of Faith

Where can you find hope in your darkest season? How can you survive when the odds seem stacked against you? Will anything separate you from the love of God? Find answers to these questions and more in the powerful and real-life testimonies that illuminate the pages of this book. Testimonies often inspire and give hope to others who may be going through difficult seasons in their lives. Seventy-eight Women of Faith chose to share theirs and hope to convince anyone reading them that they should not give up on themselves or the love of God. This compilation of testimonies, written by contributors as young as seventeen, matriarchs in their nineties, and women warriors of all ages in between, resonate with eternal truths and authentic emotions. You are sure to cry, smile, and praise God for His mighty works. You may find yourself or maybe someone you know in each story. The voices and emotions behind the stories speak of loneliness, vulnerability, abuse, painful losses, and other seemingly insurmountable challenges of life. They also speak of women living victoriously by embracing their faith and surrendering to peace that surpasses all understanding. As you read, you may discover treasures of wisdom about living a joyful life in all circumstances. You may be inspired to endure whatever challenges are in your life just by knowing about the joyful outcomes of the faithful few presented within these pages. And, you may be compelled to share a testimony of your own.

In our hearts, we all want to experience closeness with God. We want to know Him and be known by Him. We long to see Him face to face, hear His voice, and touch His hand. We want to hear Him call us His child, His friend, His beloved. Yet in all of our yearnings, we often miss the simple truth that God is already with us! He is already closer to us than any sister, friend, or other human being could ever be—if only we could have our eyes opened to this reality. In this study, readers will be challenged to come to this reality and see how the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives. They will be challenged to consistently meet with God each day and reveal their true selves to Him—the good, the bad, and the ugly—so they can develop a closer relationship with Him.

Most of us desire to have balance in our routines. We want to get to the place where our household, work, diet, rest, and exercise schedules are all in perfect harmony. But as believers, we know that if we don’t have spiritual balance, we will never truly have balance in any other area of life. For this reason, we have to consider the state of our heart and determine whether anything is taking priority over God. In this study, readers will have the opportunity to examine our levels of balance and see how they measure up against Jesus’ example. For it is only when we start within—and allow God to work in us—that we can find the equilibrium we need.

We expect so much of ourselves. We want to be the best daughters, moms, and friends that we can be. We try to act in ways that are pleasing to God and set standards that are hard to maintain. All too often we fail in our efforts—and end up feeling disappointed, discouraged, and convinced things will never change. In this study, readers will discover that this isn’t God’s plan for our lives. No matter what mistakes, errors, or blunders we have committed in the past, He will redeem us and set us on a new path! The best part is that we don’t have to wait to awaken to this grand new day. As we connect with God, He will reveal His plans for us today!

Opportunities in life abound, but if left unchecked our busy schedules can quickly consume us. Doing too much will strip our gears and empty our tanks. As we run hard and fast on the treadmill of life, we will find our souls growing weary, our bodies growing weak, and our spirits running dry. In Finding Rest in a Busy World, you will explore what the Bible has to say about the importance and value of rest. You will learn ways to recognize if your schedule has gotten out of control and how you can apply the brakes to restore healthy boundaries in your life. Even more, you will discover how God promises you can rest in who He is, what He’s done for you, and what He will do for you. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

All too often life falls short of our expectations and happiness seems just out of reach. We run face disappointments, disarray, delays, and drawbacks. We want to be the kind of women who exude serene calmness, cheerfulness, and acceptance even in the midst of trials and difficult situations, but that is hard to do! In Pursuing Contentment, you will explore what the Bible says about truecontentment how it is a skill to be learned. You can break old habits and patterns of thinking and choose to be grateful in all circumstances. You can say, like the apostle Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). You can cultivate contentment in your heart. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who were directly guided by God. Noah was guided to build an ark. Moses was guided to lead God’s people. Mary and Joseph were guided to travel to Egypt to escape King Herod. But how does God guide us today? How do we know what He wants us to do? Is it possible to miss His guidance and mess up His plans? In Following God’s Guidance, you will explore the different ways God communicates to you and how you can learn to recognize His direction. You will see how He speaks to you through the Bible, through circumstances, and through a “quiet nudging” within your Spirit. Above all, you will discover how to discover God’s presence and direction in a fresh way. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

We see love everywhere. It binds husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and close friends. But all the love we experience in this world pales by comparison to the love God has shown to us. This was a love so profound that He “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish” (John 3:16). In Experiencing the Love of God, you will look at key passages in Scripture that talk about the divine love that God has for you. You will see how the Bible is really a love story, for God—your Hero—was so determined to be with you that He went to incredible lengths to save you. One day, He will return for you and take you to the home He has prepared! God’s love is truly unparalleled, and all He asks is that you receive it! The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

God has given each of us unique talents, skills, and abilities. He has given each of us important strengths that He wants us to use for His glory. But for some reason, we often have trouble embracing that truth! We tend to underestimate our strengths and buy into the lie that our talents aren’t good enough or that our skills are not needed. In Building Your Strengths, you will examine what God says about your unique gifts and how He has given you those abilities to shine for Him. You will take an honest look at your past and consider those events—and even those trials—that have made you a stronger person. You will also see how you can build on the strengths God has given you to better minister to others and grow in your faith in the process! The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

King David encouraged us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Our heavenly Father serves up a feast of His truth, grace, peace, and freedom to us in abundance—and invites us to enjoy it! When we discover His goodness and truly “count our blessings,” it changes our entire outlook on life. In Discovering God’s Goodness, you will explore what the Bible has to say about God’s grace and what the Lord did to rescue you from the prison of sin. You will uncover how God’s unmerited favor made it possible for you to be forgiven, redeemed, and restored so you could experience eternal life with Him. This is a blessing none of us deserves—but God gives it to us anyway if we accept Him and live our lives for His glory. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

In Psalm 31:14, David writes, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” David was able say this because he had developed a lifestyle of depending on the Lord in every situation—both the good times and the bad. The same is true for us. When we’re willing to completely trust our future to God, the relationship we long for with Him deepens, strengthens, and becomes more vibrant. In Giving God Your Future, you will explore what Scripture has to say about giving everything to God and surrendering to Him. You will examine what the Bible teaches about yielding your will to His and depending solely on His strength. You will discover how you, like Christ, can truly pray, “Not my will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

For many of us, reading the Bible—much less studying it—is daunting. The language is archaic, the stories are violent, and it’s difficult to know the takeaways. But the truth is the Bible is critical, because it is the means by which we know God, experience His love, and understand what He expects from us. In Uncovering God’s Word, you will explore practical ways to dive into the content of Scripture and apply it to your life. You will examine what the Bible says about itself, why it is important to know it by heart, and how it reveals what is truly important in life. You will also see why reading the Bible on a daily basis is fundamental for you to mature in Christ and develop your relationship with God. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

If you are like most Christians, you know you should be praying more often, taking it more seriously, and giving it more priority in your life. But what often gets missed is that prayer is not a requirement but a privilege! Prayer is the pathway to building a relationship with the Savior. Through prayer, the Creator and Sustainer of everything actually listens to us. In Praying with Power, you will explore what the Bible has to say about this fascinating two-way communication with God. You will explore journaling prayers, praying the Scripture, and how to pray your way through a desert or valley. You will also discover the incredible power of prayer and the promises God provides when you go to Him with your needs. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

Sometimes we plod through life with our head down. Day in and day out we push along, putting our shoulders into it, and keeping a stiff upper lip. What we really need is a little encouragement to get through the day. We just need some kind words from others to let us know that what we are doing really matters. In Encouraging One Another, you will explore what Scripture has to say about the value God places on your life and how He notices all that you are doing. You will read passages that will lift your spirit as you hear God speaking His words of encouragement into your life. You will also discover that just as God lifts you up, He wants you to lift up others. The Women of Faith® Bible Studies provide intriguing insights into topics that are relevant to women’s lives today. Each guide includes twelve weeks of study, down-to-earth illustrations, and reflections to help you move the truth from your head to your heart. A leader’s guide for use with small groups is also included.

Joy has a way of working its way from the inside out. When our lives are filled with joy, the symptoms are unmistakable. A twinkle in the eye. A ready smile. A skip in the step. A song in the heart. Joy lends a glow to the face and a lilt to the voice. Joy is contagious. It is also the birthright of every believer, but rainy days have a way of distracting us from that fact. In this study, readers will take a careful look at this uniquely Christian characteristic and discover they have every reason to be joyful. They will see that joy is their strength and their song and provides a solid foundation in their hearts.

Each of us has experienced something that left us broken and in pain. We need to recognize we are not alone—there are others who have been where we are, and God understands how we feel. We live in a broken world, but Jesus came to make us whole. In this study readers will learn how to recognize in their hearts they are children of God and made free, how to break free of the cycle of pain and not pass on the same legacy of sin and pain, how to forgive those who have wronged us and be reconciled, how to get past feelings of injustice, and how to experience joy even in the midst of suffering.

"How easily we forget God is in control. How arrogant of us to think we are running anything!" ? Marilyn MebergMany of us spend our time placing invisible chains on ourselves and those closest to us. Often without realizing what we are doing, we make our world smaller and we put God in a box. The more we insist on owning and controlling, the less room we leave for God to work in our hearts. In Amazing Freedom, renowned Women of Faith authors share insight into the freedoms we can experience if we will just let go. In the first section of the book, each devotional describes something we can find "Freedom from . . ." In the second section, you'll move on to what we're given the "Freedom To . . ." do. And finally, the devotionals explain why we have that freedom at all, in "Freedom For . . . ." Amazing Freedom is filled with stories that will encourage and rejuvenate your spirit. Embark on a new journey unencumbered by the world and experience the peace that will follow. Be encouraged. Be uplifted. Be free.

From all of your favorite Women of Faith®! This lighthearted and inspirational collection of brand new devotions shares a message of grace with the warmth and wisdom fans have come to expect from Women of Faith®. Boundless Grace offers a love that has no limits, a spacious freedom for the woman who trusts in the Lord every day. Unfathomable Grace reaches deep into the heart, showing that wherever you go God is always there ahead of you. Immeasurable Grace is the overflowing, never-ending fullness of life and joy kept in the heart of God for his children. Eternal Grace shelters us through the storms of life and walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. Together, forty devotionals told in the authors’ diverse voices give a compelling view of why and how we can find infinite grace in Christ. Infinite Grace includes a special tribute section remembering Barbara Johnson. Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Mary Graham, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Thelma Wells, Carol Kent, Sandi Patty, and others remind you that even if time is scarce in the busyness of life, God’s grace never is!

Couldn’t we all use a good laugh? Whether you’re running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it’s Monday (again), you’ll find joy in these pages where women—and a few men—share their hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Pets, potlucks, husbands, hot flashes, typos, tykes... This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a chapter to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There’s never a bad time for a good laugh, and Laugh Out Loud is..

Women of Faith, renowned for their unique combination of personality and truth, offer fresh new messages in four new topical study guides in the popular Women of Faith Study Guide Series. Each study guide, teeming with insights and quotes from the conference speakers provides twelve weeks of Bible study and a leader's guide for small groups.