UPDATE: The winner of this week’s giveaway is Carla L. Thanks to everyone for entering and submitting such great comments!
Hi Friend,
Have you ever done something in your past that has followed you into your present, only to make you feel like it will define you forever?
I’ve had things happen in my past – things that I’m not proud of and things that I wish I could forget – that haunted me for years.
Let’s just say I’ve given the Enemy a lot of rope to string me up and leave me dangling. He’s taken many opportunities to point his twisted finger at me and say, “See, look at what you’ve done in your past. Shame on you!”
Has the Enemy ever done that to you too?
It took me years to realize that Satan is powerless over my life; unless he convinces me to believe his lies and false accusations.
By God’s tender grace and lavished mercy, He has forgiven me of those past sins and reshaped my thought life. I no longer see those past experiences covered by a shroud of shame. Instead, I’m reminded through God’s promises that I am accepted, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and love. And so are you!
My friend, Tracie Miles, can tell you a lot about her past. Although our stories are different, she struggled too with the shame and pain from her past. And she’s written a book in hopes of helping women understand that God can use them for His great purposes, not despite their past mistakes and hurts, but because of it.
This week I’m giving away a copy of Tracie’s new book, Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past to Create a Beautiful Future.
In her new book, Tracie shares the healing, hope, and peace found in Jesus Christ while inspiring women to look at their past experiences as a foundation for an amazing purpose God has in store for them.
God doesn’t want anyone living in the shadow of their past, but in the light of His future for them. We can’t change the past, but we can allow God’s truths to change our hearts, and in turn, change our future by embracing God’s promise that He will never waste our pain. ~Tracie Miles
Your Life Still Counts will help you:
* Break free from the pain of your past by learning how God can mend your deepest hurts
* Restore self confidence by embracing your value and worth in the eyes of Christ
* Uncover your spiritual gifts and qualifications by exploring your past with a new perspective
* Embrace life with new passion and purpose by discovering your life still matters to Christ
* Be inspired to step out of your comfort zone and pursue the life of purpose God designed for you
This book is very special to me because Tracie invited me to share my own story in her book. I’m grateful and excited to be one of the contributing writers of this amazing project!
To celebrate I’m giving away a copy of Your Life Still Counts.
To enter the drawing leave a comment below sharing why you would like to win a copy of this book or to whom you’d give a copy to if you won.
The winner will be announced next week.
Today and every day, know that I am praying for you!
{Photo Credit: Kevin Carden – Creation Swap}
Judy S. says
Leah,
Please pray or me now. My past is holding on to me like a shroud. Like a poison. I have trusted Jesus for my healing and to be set free from it but its like a net that won’t let go. How I struggle daily, sometimes moment to moment. What Brandyen and Angela shared are pretty much my struggles too, only the situations are different. The insecurity, sense of worthlessness and repeated failures, the constant condemnation from others and towards myself, the depression that is slowly eating away at me, robbing me of my own little family. Due to all this, even though I’ve been reading so much and have been so encouraged by Proverbs 31 daily devotions + articles like the above from you and others, messages I’ve watched on Christian channels, etc but it all seems meaningless and comes undone when I’m facing a situational issue that makes me lose control, react and speak my mind without thinking, out of anger and bitterness, sometimes even with the urge to physically harm the one I’m mad at. It is just like an endless cycle of pain, failure and futility. I don’t want my daughter to suffer due to this, which she already is in a way. My husband and I are on and off everytime I lose control. I feel like there really is no point in living, I am a shame to the ones who love me, my dad, brother and other family members who care deeply for me and who are genuinely praying for me. I lost my mom last year, she died of ovarian cancer. She was my biggest support system and I miss her terribly, very lost without her.
It just seems like everything is going wrong at the same time and I can’t handle it all together. I’ve been told I’m a bad mother due to this constant outbreak of anger whenever I react to something that aggravates me. During my childhood I’ve been told I’m useless and won’t amount to anything good. I’ve kind of healed from that train of thought but it still has a hold on me at times. I hear it from the people I live with often enough. That’s what make me lose control in spite of knowing and having the truth and freedom Christ has given me. I’ve been robbed of my motherhood and its been very painful to not be in control and charge of my own child. I have been trusting and leaning on the Lord for many areas and He has started the healing process in some areas, but there’s still a long way to go. Through it all, I’m still falling and messing up and beating myself up for it emotionally. Its like I take 5 steps forward in victory and before I know it, something’s happened and I’ve failed again and gone 4 steps back to square 1 again. Everyday I keep wondering what good can ever come from my life, from me. Is it worth going through all this? Is there a point? I know the answers but this constant battle in my mind and physical situations are the triggers that keep going off, causing me to fall every time. I want to run this race and finish the course Jesus has set for me, victoriously. I want my life to be worth it, to count for Jesus in every way.
Leah says
Judy, my heart aches as I read your comments this morning. Sister, I am praying for you now and will send you a private message via email. I know it doesn’t feel like you can have victory in all this, but Jesus is living proof that you can. He is greater than any stronghold, oppression, depression, anger, pain, heartache and struggles we face.
Luanda says
I’ve been saved for many years now, but there are days when it seems like my my past has a grip on me. I wish I could explain how I feel in words. I look forward to reading your book. Thank you for this opportunity.
Carla says
I am struggling moment by moment to deal with the trauma of my past… from being raised by a mother who physically abused me and ingrained into me that once people got to know me, they wouldn’t want to be around me because I’m a pathetic excuse of a human being…the guilt and shame of ending a very unhealthy, abusive marriage and subjecting my precious little girl to all that pain and confusion…my recent sexual assault. I am currently dealing with all of this while trying to manage a chronic pain condition, keeping a roof over my daughter’s head, give her food to eat and …..
I would treasure the opportunity to find out how God can use all this pain and hurt to His glory, and how I can get the messages from my childhood out of my head and see myself as Christ sees me so that I am a better role model for my little girl so she never doubts whether she is worth being alive or who she is in Christ.
Tammie Jones says
I would love to add this book to my collection…….thank you providing this chsnce.
Donnisha says
This book would help a lot to deal with the guilt and shame of addiction. My past never seems to leave me and usually returns in my dreams.
Jen Y. says
I’m not sure if it’s too late to enter, but o well. I would share this book with a couple of my friends. One is struggling accepting that God can forgive and love her. The other doesn’t think she deserves good things because that what she was told growing up. This book would be great for them.
Leah says
Jen, it’s not too late. The winner will be selected today at 5:00pm EST so your entry will be included in the drawing. Thank you for leaving a comment on the blog today. Blessings!
Brandyn Smith says
Man….why am I hung up on the past? Deep Question!! The simplest answer is I don’t like who I am. Almost everyone always hurts me in one way or another or I hurt them back in defense or even unknowingly. It started at an early age. My mother was physically abusive, my parents were divorced when I was 10, and once I started protecting myself and my younger sister from my mother’s physical abuse, my mother became more ragging in her anger and more intense with her emotionally abusive words and still is to this day and I am now 41. I had bad relationships all my life with men and was trying to get love in the wrong way. I was pregnant at 15. Although I did not ever want to be a mother because of fear you repeat what you learn, I keep my son, loved him and raised him. Our relationship is not the greatest today because I was a kid raising a kid and I yelled a lot while I was struggling trying to work, go to school, care for my son and manage all the responsibilities and bills. I did not abuse my son physically and never bashed him as a person. My son was clinically depressed as a child. I know that now but did not know that then. I only know it now because of something he had told me happen to him as a child and I too had now suffered with severe depression myself. I foolishly thought my son missed his dad at the time. I keep praying God will repair our relationship. I recently found out I am bipolar I…the worse kind. This comes from my mother’s side, my point being it is genetic. During this terrific time of being full-blown hypermanic vs. severely depressed and continually operating between the two. I have done and still do things I never would think I would ever do like not bathing but once a week, I forget to brush my teeth all the time, I have gambled my life saving away, I cannot work due to cognitive issues and that is just scratching the surface. The worst things are how everyone thinks your are stupid, sick and you lose your friends who you thought were life-timers and even your family treats you like an outcast or hopeless case. All of the above things keep me in a cycle of not liking me and if I don’t like me, how can God? If my own family doesn’t love or want me around them, then why would God? And I just really, really feel like I should have known better and made better choices and I am mad at myself for not doing so. So I am stuck bashing myself over the past….these deep pains….I desperately want to know how to get past them and find my God given purpose for my life and have blessed assurance Jesus loves me and He is mine.
Leah says
Brandyn, thank you for being so transparent in sharing your story. I can tell by your words that you’ve been through so much in your lifetime. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world, filled with sin and people who choose to make bad choices. You may see yourself as a product of your parents, but God sees you has His child. He does love you and Scripture says His thoughts towards you outnumber the grains of sand. You are always on His mind. Although you’ve had a lot of inconsistency in your life, God’s love for you is constant. He will never leave or forsake you. And His promises are available to you. Start fresh today. How? By making one wise decision at a time and saying yes to Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I am praying for your today!
mandee says
I would love to receive a copy of this book! I have overcome a lot in my past, and have been wanting to learn more on how to use MY story to help others that need to break free from the shame of their past.
Terri Septer says
I would love to get a copy of this book because I know God has forgiven me for my past but sometimes it still creeps up and Satan tries to use it against me. I would also share it with both my sisters & my brother! They would really benefit from reading it as well!
Angela Thornton says
I am struggling even though it’s been 6 months since my breakup with my fiancé. I put my entire self worth into being a good future wife and mother to my son and his 2 sons that when it ended, I didn’t know who I was anymore. My dreams were OUR dreams, my future was OUR future and now that I don’t have that any longer, WHO AM I? What’s MY purpose? I didn’t rely on God’s direction before, I just thought that he brought me the “right” man. Then when it was over, I thought I was being punished for something in my past. I am trying my hardest to believe that neither of these are the case, but it’s a daily struggle. During all of this, my 18yr old son made some bad decisions and got into some trouble. So along with my self confidence of doing what I believe I was meant to be as a wife, my confidence of being a good mom was defeated. I have never had so many struggles at once. However, I feel as though during my struggles, I am growing in my personal relationship with God. A relationship I have never really worked on in the past. I would like this book to read so I can continue in my search to feel like I matter. Like I still have a calling and to be patience in the Lord to use me. That my the disappointment in my past happened for a reason.
Leah says
Angela, I can tell by your words that your struggles and wounds run deep. Life can be so difficult when those closest to make unwise decisions and we’re greatly affected by those decisions. I’m so glad to know that your relationship with God is growing. That’s wonderful news. As believers in Christ, our purpose is (1.) to glorify God in all we do (2) strive to become more like Jesus (3) find our satisfaction in Him … instead of in possessions, positions or people (4) seek Him first & love Him above all things. As you focus on these goals, your relationship with God will continue to grow deeper and you will fulfill your purpose. I’m praying for you!
Kadi says
I have such a story to tell – but I struggle with the ability to openly share my story with others – shame, fear, doubt, insecurity all bubble and overflow with the inability to trust people enough to allow people to know certain aspects of my life. I hear or read about people’s struggles, how they overcome obstacles and trajedies in their lives, how God heals and transforms their lives and how He uses them to help other people. I feel so connected to them – yet I lose out on that connectedness because it is one way – they never know about me and what I have and am going through because of my inability to share that connection with them.
I know that God has been nudging me to write my story and find avenues to share my story with others. I know that God has been working in me to trust in Him and to trust in others and to trust in myself. I know that God has a purpose and a plan for me. I know that God uses our hurts and pains to make us stronger and whole. I know that God isn’t finished with me yet. Yet knowing and believeing and doing are all different and until they all come together… it’s all just knowledge.
“In her new book, Tracie shares the healing, hope, and peace found in Jesus Christ while inspiring women to look at their past experiences as a foundation for an amazing purpose God has in store for them.” I want that so much – yes, I want to read the book, “Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past to Create a Beautiful Future”, but I, more than ever, want the “amazing transformation and freedom and purpose” that God has promised and intended for me!
May God continue to Bless each and every one of us!
Leah says
Kadi, I’m praying as God continues to nudge you in sharing your story, you’ll take a step of faith to move outside your comfort zone and share it with others. And I believe that when you do, the healing and blessings you’ll receive will flow because of your obedience to God. The shame, fear, doubt and insecurity all comes from the Enemy. He doesn’t want you to have victory in the area of your life. I want to encourage you to trust God and only follow His lead. He is faithful!
Jincy says
Hey Leah!
I am from India & I really love what Proverbs 31 Ministries is doing! I get their devotionals in my mailbox and I make it a habit to read them daily. I sometimes feel sad thinking though about my past and keep wondering how’d it have all been had I made the other choices. I know it’s bad and I shouldn’t keep lingering onto thoughts of the past. But this is something that I am still struggling with.
Please pray for me that I am delivered from the sins of my past and that I live with joy in the present that the Lord has gifted me.
~ Jincy
Leah says
Jincy, thank you for writing. I love knowing that you’re from India … how exciting! I want to encourage you today by reminding you that if you’ve already confessed your past sins to the Lord and are taking steps of repentance, than God has already forgiven you of those sins. As far as He’s concerned, they don’t exist anymore. Receive your deliverance that has already been paid for you by Jesus Christ. He has redeemed you, friend. Start living in the freedom that you already have.
Chris says
My 19 yrold daughter is in Ariz in a drug recovery program for the past 10 mos. She is doing amazing – praise the Lord! But as a mom I worry about the “what ifs” & what is to come & what she will deal with in the future. Iwould love to give this book to her to help her work thru things. Thank you 🙂
jennifer malone says
I would love this book. We have all had hurts and deceptions but praise the Lord he is the author of truth. I would love to read this as well as share with my four teenage daughters. I want them to see that God is the author of their lives even when Satan tries to convince them otherwise.
Amanda Evans says
I’d give a copy to my sister to read. She has a very painful past.
Lisa says
I am still haunted by the enemy for something I did 20 years ago when I was single mother of two to support my children . I am always afraid that someone will find out especially my husband who I have been married to for 17 years . I would love to win a copy of the book.
Tami F. says
I would like to win this book because of the words “He will never waste our pain.” Almost my entire life has been one of emotional and physical pain. I pray that God will use it, that would make it all worth while, but I don’t see that happening. I need the peace that would bring!
Linda N says
Leah,
I am so touched by your responses to readers’ comments. You so beautifully reflect God’s grace, acceptance, tenderness, love, encouragement,and wisdom. I’ve never seen a blogger so in touch with her readers. You are called and blessed.
Leah says
Linda, thank you for such encouraging words. Your comments made me smile. 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by the blog and I hope you’ll come back real soon. Blessings!
Linda N says
Would love to win a copy! I need it! I’ve made some of my worst choices as a grown woman walking in faith. I knew that it was grief fueling those choices, but I also knew what I was doing was wrong. Knowing that it was willful sin has been such a burden, and though I’ve accepted God’s forgiveness, I still haul a residual bit of shame & guilt around like a chain around my sense of worth. It’s a process and I am taking more steps forward than backward. God is compassionate and patient with me! I do love Him so.
Leah says
Linda, no sin of ours can outweigh the grace and mercy of God. He is so faithful! Forward progress towards a life that reflects Jesus is worth every step of struggle. Don’t look back wearing shades of guilt and shame. Look forward, sweet friend, for your future with Him is brighter than ever!
Mary T says
Leah, I am a long time follower of Tracie and have read her book “Stressed-Less living” participating in her OBS! I would love to read her new book and share it with both my daughters. They are both identifying with negative occurrences in their pasts! Self-condemnation…they need to know that they are loved by a Forgiving loving Father and that their Life Still Counts! Thank you for sharing!
Leah says
Mary, I’m so excited to hear you’re an OBS fan! I hope you’ll be joining us for the next study, Before Amen, by Max Lucado. It’s going to be awesome!!
Stephanie says
Leah,
I have had my past hurts, mistakes, and sins, follow me for as long as I can remember! Your first sentence said it all for me. As I continued to read I felt like you were writing about me up until the last sentence. I hope and pray this book will help open the door for many women to be healed. Thank you for sharing this post and book with us!
May God Bless you and Tracie abundantly:)
Leah says
Stephanie, as I read your post I was reminded of Galatians 5:1 that says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us {Stephanie} free. Stand firm {Stephanie} and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of bondage {shame, guilt, condemning thoughts}.
Don’t let the Enemy keep you down when Christ has already set you free, sweet friend! You are free ~ now walk in it, sister. 🙂
Stephanie says
Thank you Leah for your powerful words of encouragement!! I believe it and claim it!!! I thank God for speaking to me through you! :)))
Charlene says
I was a victim of bullying growing up- as an only child I didn’t talk much about it to my parents or anyone else. I just would yell back at the bully. This has affected much of my life & being distrustful and not liking myself. Over the past 20 years I’ve been slowly healing and growing. Of course it was just over 20 years ago that I met Yeshua (Jesus). Before that I had few friends and struggled with relationships. I’m happily married to my best friend on earth and he has been a blessing on my road to a better relationship with God. Not sure why I’m saying this here- I guess it’s just to say I understand the bad of the past- my fault or not- it’s all baggage that weighs us down. I pray we can walk away from that suitcase of hurt and let it melt into oblivion.
Leah says
Charlene, it’s heartbreaking that bullying has been around for thousands of years. It’s another result of sin. What I’ve come to discover is that when someone bullies us, it’s not a reflection of who we are, but instead, it’s an infection from what is broken inside of them.
Sheila says
Leah,
I am writing because my daughter was abused for about three years by one of her uncles, it started happened when she was 10 she never told us till after she got married. She turned 40 in August she has alot of hurt and pain that she struggles with every day some are worse than others. She has never had a close relationship with her Dad, he left our family about 14 years ago. We see him he comes to the kids birthdays parties (she has 3 boys and 1 girl) he is married but she has been so hurt by all of this. She is a Christian and her husband helps with Sunday School since both are teachers. She needs to get over the pain I would love to have that book for her, but Iam on a fixed income and cant afford it. I just would like to hear your comments on this.
God Bless!!
Leah says
Sheila, I’m sorry to hear about all your daughter has been through and I’m praying for her today. Wounds go deep and sometimes last for years. I think this book would be a great resource for her, but her greatest healing with come from Jesus. With His help, she can overcome. {Romans 8:37-39}
Teresa says
I would like to win this book , read it & then pass it on to my daughter. I was a terribly abused child . Both physically & sexually. I was told that I should have been an abortion & that I would never amount to anything. I grew up to have many problems in my life . Took so many wrong turns, & did so many bad things trying to kill the pain. The worst of all is I was a really bad mother to my children. Espically my daughter. I did repent & seek help when she was about eight years old. I do not have her love or respect & she will not forgive me. I am so sorry for hurting my daughter. I did not mean to & I changed many, many years ago. I know have grandchildren that I never get to see & they live very far away. My children are not saved either. I know God had forgiven me , but I hurt so much & so deeply everyday. I am turning fifty next month. So much of my life is over & I don’t want to spend the last of my life this way. I need my children’s love & i long for them daily. I pray everyday that for two specific things for my family. Salvation & reconciliation. My parents are dead. My brother has HIV & does not talk to me because I am a Christian. My sister lives in a slum , had a brain tumor, nitro-valve prolapse, & Crones disease. I have to many health & heart problems to begin to list. Our parents are both deceased & i live in a very isolated rural area. It’s in the middle of no where. I am so lonely & i miss my family terribly. please pray for all of my family & my husband to get saved. Even if i never see them or talk to them again , I ask God to please make sure we are all a family in Heaven.
Thank you
Leah says
Teresa, thank you for honestly sharing the struggles you’ve face in your past and the ones you’re facing today. Life on this earth can be so painful and ruthless at times. As believers, we have the hope of eternal life. To know our life doesn’t end here on earth, but continues for eternity in heaven with Christ. Don’t give up praying. Don’t give up seeking God. He hears you. He sees you. He catches each one of your tears and He loves you very much!
Moya says
Yes I have something that keep coming back. and still make me doubt myself, that’s when talking to God really helps! This book looks really good I would like to get it
Amanda Evans says
I’d love a copy of this book. I, too, have a yucky past.
shelley henry says
I am praying that God will lead me to help other women the way He has helped me in being an overcomer of my past. Knowing He has set us free and we are a new creation in Him!
Marcy says
I had a lot of things in my past that I struggled with, sins I committed and sin committed against me that Satan loved to hold me in bondage over. Then as I grew in God I began to have healing in those areas….but 10 years ago we were forced out of ministry and I was so devastated that I put up a wall between me and God. Consequently I fell into sin and hurt my family very badly…..now GOD has been healing me….praise HIM for his mercy and GRACE…and I BELIEVE I am forgiven and I have peace….but the one area I am still struggling in is exactly what the title says….How can God use me again??? Do I WANT to be used?? Do I want to OPEN myself up again to people?? I am fighting against fear which I know is not from GOD and I desparately want to be the woman God wants me to be.
Leah says
Marcy, I understand those feelings of worry – not wanting to be hurt by others as we open ourselves up for ministry. We have to remember that what we do is for the glory of God. It’s all for Him. Yes, people will disappoint us and even hurt us at times. But, God never will. He is the reason we say “yes” to love others … because we love Him.
Becca says
Good Morning Leah. I know I’m forgiven – God’s Word tells me so yet from time to time that old feeling of guilt inevitably creeps up on me and I am reminded once again of all my short comings and failures – especially those decisions made when I wasn’t wholeheartedly serving God. I would appreciate receiving Tracie Miles’ new book, Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past to Create a Beautiful Future to remind me once again of God’s tender graces and lavished mercies. God has forgiven me of those past sins and I need to continuously remember this so that, like you, I too can have my thought life reshaped.
Leah says
Absolutely and it’s a continual process of reshaping our thoughts, attitudes and actions as we keep our eyes fixed of Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith!
Dawn says
Hi Leah,
I have struggled for years with my past. I know I am forgiven but Satan uses every opportunity to throw it back in my face. I have so much guilt and shame and I have a very difficult time forgiving myself. I have had so much rejection in my life and that plays like a recorder in my mind over and over. I think this book could help me. Thank you.
Leah says
Dawn, I’m praying that Romans 8:1 would become so engrained in your mind and heart that Satan would be wasting his time messing with you. I encourage you to memorize this verse and the next time Satan comes calling you can tell him to “take a hike!”
Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has FREED you from the power of sin {guilt/same/rejection} that leads to death.”
Cynthia Powers says
Hi Leah: I often think about my past mistakes and know that God has forgiven me. But, it is hard to forgive myself for the immature things I did. I would love to read this book and get some insight and new ideas for letting go of the past.
Leighanne says
I struggled for a long time after I went through a divorce of my 14 year marriage & that was over 10 years ago. Early on I had the mentality that even though the divorce wasn’t my choice; I had so disappointed God because His Word states “He hates divorce”. He has showed me so much over these years of who I truly am in HIM!! I have someone I hold very dear to my heart & have for over a year now that I believe is struggling with hurts from the past & if God opens a door of opportunity again in the future to have a relationship with this person; I’d like to be able to share other people’s thoughts as well as mine to help him move from his past hurts & to help him live a God centered future. I would love to read Tracie’s new book!!
Denise Kamppi says
I am still struggling with my past, I have got the idea and thought of, I have been saved and by Gods grace I’m forgiven. there are times the the past hunts me and it’s so hard to just let go of it. Im excited to read this book and pray that this will be a healing time reading it.
I would share the book with my sister in law, Who is one of the strongest person I know, she has the whole forgiveness thing down and can preach everything on Gods love with so much passion. I would love to share this with her. God Bless you all who are so inspiring not only to me but the many other women who need this book to get the total forgiveness and move forward. <3
Leah says
Denise, I’ve discovered the best way to stifle the memories of my past and to quiet the accusations of the Enemy is to reflect on who God says I am. I encourage you to do the same because nothing rushes joy to the center of our hearts faster than claiming the promises and praises of God. 🙂
Janet says
I would share this book with my daughter who struggles beleiving God can forgive and love even her:(
Leah says
Janet, I’m praying for your daughter today. That her heart would be softened to receive the fullness of God’s lavished love for her.
Pam Grill says
Even though I know that God has forgiven my past, I am still reaping the consequences of my sin. I have a lot of shame and regret but I’m thankful that God is there holding me up. I’m so thankful for Proverbs 31 ministries and how I’m gaining ground with forgiving myself and trying to do the best I can do at this point in my life.
Leah says
Pam, not only is God holding you up, but He’s reflecting on how beautiful you are! For you are fearfully and wonderfully made. {Psalm 139:14}
Raquel says
I would love to share this book to my daughter in law she need to here the truth that God has and will forgive her. As I try to show her the love of Jesup she still lives in her past. I pray that she can feel and know how much God is loves her and how crazy is about her.
Leah says
Raquel, I’m praying for your daughter-in-law today. Keep sharing God’s truth with her and know that His word does not return empty, but accomplished His will and perfect purpose. {Isaiah 55:11}
Jeanne says
I would love to read this book and then share it with my 2 daughters to read as well. Our family has a past that had some very tough times and I know this book would give each of us a look into how that past can be used for good in the future. I read Tracie’s book Stressed Less Living and it is one of my favorite books!
Leah says
Jeanne, you would love this book! Each chapter includes a story from a different woman telling her story of the pain/shame from her past. Each testimony sheds light on how God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose {Romans 8:28}
Jennifer Gearheart says
I have had a lot of things in my past long ago that I let haunt me and until I gave it all to God, He released that fear, and all the negative emotions that went with it. Now recently, I am separated, a single mom and have a son who got into trouble and now in jail. I refuse to let the darkness creep in. It is so hard. I sometimes feel alone and I know that is not true. I would love to read this book so I can let God shine through me during the tough times.
Leah says
Jennifer, I’m praying for your son today ~ asking God to protect him while he’s in jail and to surround his cell with angels. I pray that your son comes to have a closer relationship with the Lord.
Carol says
God has brought much healing to the fear of the sins of my past. There is still one big thing that I am so very ashamed of – it might change my 43 year marriage fundamentally and I would be devastated if that should happen. I believe that at some point my husband will begin serving our Lord and then perhaps that will join the other big sins that I can share how God used to make me me. I love how God uses our past to change others futures. He is awesome and I love Him so very much!
Leah says
Carol, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the blog. I can tell you have a close relationship with the Lord and He loves you so very much too!
Melani says
This sounds like a wonderful book! I would love to read it and I would love for my daughter to read it!
Kathy says
The book sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks
Nancy says
I have an incident from my past, which to this day, still is hard to let go of and accept God’s forgiveness. I pray that i can accept his full forgiveness as I move forward with my life.
Thanks,
Nancy
Leah says
Nancy, if you have confessed these sins, rest in knowing that God is faithful and just and has already forgiven you and has cleansed {1 John 1:9}. Don’t allow the Enemy to hold you back when freedom has already been given to you, sweet friend.
Michelle says
I’ve been struggling with emotional pain this past year, wondering if or how God will use it in His plan for my life. I was blessed by your post.
Leah says
Michelle, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the blog. 🙂
Deanne Metzloff says
I have struggled for a number of years with my faith and acceptance of forgiveness but have more recently struggled through relationship issues that some days are paralyzing and I think this book would be really help in my journey 🙂
Leah says
Deanna, I’m praying these verses over you today:
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. {Numbers 6:24-26}