Dec 30
Today’s Truth
But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3 ESV).
Friend to Friend
Each day brings fresh possibilities and opportunities for us to trust God. As I think of what lies ahead today and in the upcoming new 
year, I’m reminded of a lesson God taught me years ago through a team building exercise called the Trust Fall…
Our arms were braided across each other’s, and our hands were locked tightly. As the young girl stood on the tall tree stump above us, she looked over her shoulder and saw with her eyes that our formation was tight… that we were ready for her. She heard with her ears that we would catch her… that we would not let her get hurt. Yet the fear that screamed in her head told her not to do it. Not to fall backwards.
Her legs shook and lips quivered. Other campers had gone before her. She and her cabinmates had successfully caught each one. But this camper hesitated – allowing the looming possibilities of failure and pain to paralyze her from action. The risks just seemed too great.
She trembled.
We encouraged.
She cried.
We encouraged.
Then, finally, with determination in her heart, she took the plunge. She fell straight backwards onto the safety net of our arms. We bent low to the ground giving way to her fall and caught her with cheers of excitement.
She did it!
As her trembling legs regained their confidence, she stood tall and beamed from ear to ear – realizing that she had faced her fear. Joy was felt from heart to heart as each of us rejoiced with her. Mission accomplished.
Early in the day, we had trekked across the campgrounds to the “Trust Fall station” as a group of counselors and campers who didn’t have a shared experience among us, an unconnected strand of strangers. Now our wooded team-building time had come to an end, and we left the trust fall station having bonded deeply as a group of new girlfriends prepared for a fresh journey of fun and adventure.
Each of us took turns at the trust fall that day. We all faced a set of scary circumstances and were forced to work through our doubts, tremblings and fears. As a result, we learned valuable lessons and strengthened our relationships.
Since my days of being a camp counselor, I’ve faced many scary life trust falls: financial trials, relationship strains, relocations, sickness, loss and difficult family matters. I’ve trembled and I’ve cried. I’ve been paralyzed by “what ifs” and “whys.”
We all go through difficult seasons and trials. Times when we want to see the invisible arms of the One who says He will catch us. Times when we’re afraid to fall into them.
Wherever you go and whatever you face, God is with you – yesterday, today and forever.
The Lord bids us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
He wants us to trust Him.
He catches us when we trust fall, when we live by faith. And to encourage us along the way, He spurs us on by sending a cloud of witnesses who testify of His faithfulness. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).
Today, whether you identify with the shaky young camper on the trust fall stump or with the cabinmates who were filled with encouragement for another, God wants you to trust Him… right where you are.
It might be scary. Tears might be shed. But God is faithful and can be trusted.
Like the Psalmist, let’s choose to say, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
When we trust fall from our struggles into the faithful arms of God, we break free from fears that paralyze us. Trust Him today, friend. I’m cheering for you.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are good, loving and faithful – and You know exactly what I’m facing. Please take this burden from me and help me to fall into a deeper place of trusting You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What is God asking you to trust Him in or through right now?
Spend a few moments praying about it. Then write about it in your journal or leave a comment about what God is calling you to trust Him with.
More from the Girlfriends
Got some back-burner heart dreams that you’re ready to prioritize and make happen? Do you desire to be mentored professionally and challenged as you progress toward your goals? Gain focus, bolster your courage and sharpen your competencies through 1-on-1 personal, ministry or business coaching with Gwen Smith. Spots are limited. Learn more at GwenSmith.net/Coaching.
© 2021 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
This has been a strenuous year in our church. I am burned out from doing, doing, doing and dealing with toxic personalities. It’s the only church I have known since I was saved 20 so years ago. I am letting go of numerous positions and responsibilities. So far God has found others to take these on. I am struggling as to stay or go. We’re small. I pray for God to help me discern what is best, His will. It’s hard.
Faith is a challenge. As women we take on more, step in to fix things,and pretty soon we are overwhelmed. In 2022 I long to be more of a Mary and less of a Martha. I recently read this in Mitch Albom’s “Stranger in the Lifeboat”: “Don’t you see how worried we are?” He answers “Worry is something you create.” “Why would we create worry?” He answers “To fill a void.” “A void of what?” He answers “Faith”
Powerful words.
Lord, I want to freefall into your arms. Help me stay focused on You knowing the faith you gave me is sure. I long for peace in You, guide me. As the song says, ” help me be a little more like You and a little less like me.” Thank you for your love and faithfulness. In Jesus name.
My future as a lonely 75 year old
This is just what I needed this morning. 9 years ago We moved 750 miles to Iowa not knowing a soul. Our reason for moving, my son Zach was in a horrible accident in 2009 at age 18 and was diagnosed with a Traumatic brain injury.. After his long rehabilitation and no signs of improving and still unable to walk, talk or eat, but understood everything, he was placed in a nursing home. They had no idea how to take care of a brain injury. So we found a place in Iowa called On With Life. On December 31, 2012 he was admitted. I lived in an apartment for 6 months until my husband joined me after the sell of our home in Louisiana.
On With Life has been a blessing for him, they take really good care if their 32 residents. I struggled with moving here but Gid gave me several signs that it was where he wanted us to be. A stranger telling me “Gid told them I was doing the right thing” then shooting stars in the sign of the cross. Daughter, son in law and my 2yr old grandson came for this Christmas and left last night. I thought I woukd be ok. Nope I have cried and cried and even this morning. 😢 I have cried to God why? Just why? I have told Satan to leave me alone, that he does not rule over me. God Almighty does! I know this is where I should be and I am trusting Him until He leads me elsewhere. My son needs me here to be with him. There are no other places closer to home. I pray the Lord keeps my 63 yr old body healthy to be able to travel to go back home to visit twice a year. Thank you for reading this.
I’ve just been diagnosed with Covid19. I’ve been very sick so I got tested. I am very scared. I know I need to give it to God, but I guess I’m too weak. If anyone could pray for me to feel God’s strength, I would appreciate it.
God bless Girlfriends In God.
I am being asked to trust God with my daughter’s life as she fights metastatic breast cancer. I am also being asked to trust that God will protect the tender hearts of her two children as they go through this with her, along with hers and her husbands heart.
This has been a struggle at times….
But your emails provide a good support and reminder of Who is in control here, and I know it is NOT me.
Thank you.
Pamela,
i will pray for you.
Father God, please heal this dear lady of this horrible virus. Please let her know that you have her in your hands.
Thank You for Your healing touch.
In the blessed name of Jesus, i pray. Amen.
Connie
Trusting my Future!!!!! I know, Gwenn!
Happy Blessed Fantastic Faith Filled 2022!!!
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Ladies I am praying for you all!
Lord God our Savior, I just thank You for the GGs providing this platform for Your beautiful daughters. God I thank You for hearing our cries and allowing us to come into Your presence. Abba Father, You know everything we need and more! Lord, please, provide Chris with the discernment she needs to stay or go. God strengthen Carol Ann as she continues on her journey of life. You have blessed her with 75years and I know You are still with her. Provide people in her life to help her stay envying You God. Lord, you gave Dana and her family the faith to move out to Iowa. Please keep them as they continue to care for their son and stay united as a family. Bless Pamela as she fights COVID with you and so many others. Lord, continue to hold her with Your righteous right hand. God let Carol know the weapon may form, but not prosper because You are in control as they fight breast cancer. Help her daughter remember she does not have breast cancer because it does not belong to her body! It is just a thing the enemy is using to distract and we come against all cancer in the name of Jesus! God bless all these ladies, the GGs, and all those seeking You in 2022. Let’s us all be lights to put out darkness for You! Bless my family as we leave our 15 yr old son in Arizona for a great opportunity and go back to Virginia. Help me to continue to walk by faith and not by sight. Lord, I love and give you all the honor and praise! In Your name Jesus, Amen!
Love and blessings to you all!
Nancy
10 Months ago my husband and I packed up a pretty idyllic life (well paying job, beautiful house, awesome car etc) and moved to Namibia to start farming. My husband was convinced this was his dream job and after lots of praying I believed it was what God wanted.
We have put all our savings into this enterprise and now my husband keeps saying it was the wrong move and he things we should quit and save what we can. It hasn’t been easy and we are desperately waiting for rain but I am still sure that this is what God called us to do. I just don’t know how to motivate my husband.
Pamela I hope you get better soon. We are also all fighting COVID and the fatigue is crushing. Hope you get better soon.
Keeping everyone else also in our prayers!
Dearest GIGs, PLEASE know that I am praying with each of you. I love reading the devotionals, and many days, I am so touched by what I read in the comments, as well. Each need is great,, and I would like to encourage each of you to continue your Faith journey, as I know our Savior hears every prayer lifted and feels each of our emotions.
Dana, I want you to know that my heart is right there with you, and I will lift you and your family every time the Lord whispers your story to me. Please know that you are not alone in the tbi world, as our child suffered a massive stroke at a very young age. Our family has so much to be thankful for, and though our stories are different, I do understand your “Mamma’s heart”. I pray that God gives you the peace that you need each and every day and that it will work out so that you can see your daughter and her family more often, too! Remember, God knows the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37). I don’t even know if you will see this, Friend, but I just felt the prompting of the Lord to encourage you!
Much love to all—and thank you, Gwen, for your sweet spirit and following God’s call as you minister to so many!
—Amy—
Again, By design God awakened each of us to another day that He has made with plans (steps) that are ordered by Him. I found myself reading this devotion at this appointed time. I prayed after reading each of the concerns of each of you, my dear sisters in Christ Jesus. My family and I have experienced so many deaths in our family since 2020 that it seems unreal, amongst those who have died was my mother on December 11, 2020 just one day before her birthday and most recent one of our sons to COVID-19, November 2021. My youngest sister is faithfully trusting God as she is undergoing Chemo Treatments for breast cancer, the list seems to go on and on… I am a pastor and in the midst of it all must continue to serve God’s people. Some days are more challenging than others, I am encouraged today as I sam reminded to “Free Fall”. I am grateful Gwen for this ministry to sisters. I have used from time to time, thoughts from your devotions as I preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the church I serve. Please lift me and my family in prayer as I continue to “Free Fall”’ trusting God more and more at each obstacle (opportunity) I face.