Last week three friends shared stories of pushing through challenges and routine quiet times to hear God in fresh ways. I heard from many of you, encouraged in knowing you’re not alone. That’s good God stuff!
Today three more amazing ladies share of persisting, facing fears, and seeing beauty in all things.
YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH ME
Laura Grover really wanted to run. She had tried several times before, but breathing issues made it impossible. But she agreed to meet me at the track to give it one more try. This time she was hooked!
Determined to run, Laura saw a doctor who diagnosed her exercise-induced asthma. Now, she uses an inhaler to log an average of 20 miles a week! It took commitment and hard work, but she gives credits to the deserving One.
‘God has shown me clearly He can open doors I thought were closed, and open them for His glory. Running parallels my relationship with Jesus Christ. To be better and stronger, I must make time to run or I’ll become weak. I must make time for him or I’ll be spiritually weak. I claim 1 Timothy 3:8 for my spiritual and physical health:”
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
I HAVE NOT GIVEN YOU A SPIRIT OF FEAR
How do you overcome a lifelong fear of water? If you are Toby Detzler, you take swimming lessons and sign up for a (gulp!) triathlon! Her words are applicable to any anxiety we face.
“Realistically, God did not promise I was not going to drown or get attacked by a shark. But, I realized fear is what held me back from doing anything. If I wanted to complete the triathlon, I had to face the fear. I prayed the WHOLE time I was swimming in the open water for God’s protection. I remember times swimming in murky water and my mind would picture a shark coming up from beneath – and it was then I had to plead the Blood of the Lamb. I would get winded and my body felt like a rock, I was afraid I would drown and no one would even notice me gone. I had to plead the Blood again. Many times I had to stop swimming, take a deep breath and praise HIS name, because if I didn’t I would literally have a breakdown in the water. I had to lean on HIM and I had to KNOW in my mind and heart that HE was with me.”
I HAVE MADE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL
Michelle Dycus knows about dark places. But, God rescued her, and now she shines with his light. A gifted photographer who captures beauty in all God’s creation, her pictures are real, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful.
“Photography means painting with light. I use the light to paint in the darkness. God is light and he is there with us in the dark. It says so in Psalm 139.”
“Many people may not see much beauty in the men and women who walk the streets everyday. But I do.”
“I love photographing people because we are created in God’s image. Even the homeless, prostitutes and murderers He created in His image. I try to convey this through my captures. That EVERYTHING God created is good.”
Thank you Laura, Toby, and Michelle for sharing your stories. Keep running the race, living boldly, and being a light for God.
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Wonderful work Beth! Perfect in everyway my friend!
I love you Michelle. You shine like Jesus and always make me smile! Thank you for taking time to share part of your story!
Bless The Lord oh my soul. This blog makes me want to shout!!! I love these women and how our God radiates through them! Praise The Lord!!!!
Aren’t they awesome? And we get to be their friends, LT! Thank you for always being the iron that sharpens my iron. Love you much.
Why, oh why didn’t I mention how running has gained me such a phenomenal friend?! So very thankful for you.
I so wanted to write, “And Laura chose me to be her friend!” I mean it, girl. Who knew sweat and 6am Saturday runs could bond us together? Love you dearly.