Last year, I read a biography on the late Susie Spurgeon (wife to the late Charles Spurgeon, English minister/theologian). This biography coincided with a research paper I was writing for my Master’s degree at Moody Theological Seminary. The more I read, the easier it was to admire Susie and the life work she accomplished for the Kingdom of God.
For decades, and at an early age, Susie was plagued with an illness that kept her in great pain, and usually home-bound. Susie started a book ministry to encourage pastors with limited resources by providing them with books to aid with their preaching. She also wrote a lot of letters! :) Reading about her life has inspired me to write my own letters of prayer & mentorship to women. Oddly enough, this mentorship program is something I started before I knew I’d be on bed rest for 9-12 weeks.
Since introducing this mentorship program, I’ve heard from women praising God over their newly found faith, requesting comfort over anxiety or fear, experiencing motherhood trials as babies are born and/or special needs support is necessitated, given a cancer diagnosis, experiencing job changes or “empty nest” status, desiring community at church, and needing discernment over their children’s education.
This is a lot to bear alone, isn’t it? Community within the church is so important, and I’m so encouraged by the fact that community can exist whenever two or more believers gather. (If you’d like to receive a letter of prayer from me, please fill out this quick form.)
That said, I’d like to include three letters of encouragement for difficult seasons. They are like small prayers that can be adjusted to fit our precious and important circumstances. I believe two important “keys” to Spiritual growth are reading God’s Word daily and meeting with other believers on a regular basis.
Philippians 2:15 encourages us to “shine like stars” in the world.
Amen!
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Dear Sister,
May you feel and see the Lord’s blessing over you, your family, and the generations that follow. Though you are in a tender situation, may you feel the Spirit as you daily read God’s Word to learn more about Him. As you spend time with others, may your eyes glisten with love despite your circumstances, your ears listen well despite your pain, and your mouth be a fount of encouragement reflective of God’s love.
May your heart bask in the mercy of God as you pray for your children and grandchildren.
- Deuteronomy 6:4–9 is a model for us believers to follow
- James 4:8 is a promise for us to lean into
- Luke 2:19 and 2 Timothy 1:7 are beautiful life statements
All my love,
m.
Dear Sister,
While it’s true– you are in a sad and difficult situation, I want to be sure to emphasize the Lord is still with you! He has not left your side. I want to encourage you to journal the situation you’re in and your feelings. Both are important. Remember that your prayers during this time are important and impactful. The Lord hears them all, and He will answer them all. He is faithful. There is a lot of Spiritual “behind the scenes” work happening when you submit to God, stay in communication through prayer, and open your heart to God’s will. Please do not worry during this season. This is the time to let your faith lead you! Commit yourself to worship, Biblical study, and community in Christ. Numbers 6:24–26 is my prayer over you during this season.
All my love,
m.
Dear Sister,
Start here with a deep breath in, and a long exhale out. You are not alone. Isaiah 43:1, “…do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” The affects of anxiety are gripping; I know. Christ knows this, too. What I want you to remember is anxiety is simply being afraid of something you’re expecting. Invite God to open your eyes and calm your heart. Flood your mind with Biblical truth – renounce the devil and his schemes to distract you. To the best of your ability, ask for help, eat well, get fresh air, and guard your schedule. Ask the Lord for strength in these areas. I am asking the Lord to guide you towards healing. He goes before you with unconditional love!
All my love,
m.
The last 2 letters of encouragement were greatly needed today. My son just got out of the hospital and I’ve been struggling with a lot of anxiety.
Thank you :)
I will certainly be praying for him. I struggled with anxiety for a long time. I know the solution can differ for each person. For my own healing, I found reminding myself of the truth was helpful. I also needed to make sure I went to bed early. For whatever reason, the later it got the less control I had over my spiraling mind. Writing out what is causing the anxiety, and pairing it with reality (or the truth) may be helpful for you son. Bless you, Sabrina and son.
I love the idea of writing letters of encouragement! And what a wonderful activity while healing from your surgery. Thank you for sharing these letters!
Thank you, Katie :)
God bless, Maggie and family! I was just remembering when we first met at a church class in 2009 I think. You and Zack were so young and starting out it seemed! Look at how far our Lord has brought you! Ministering to so many!! Love and prayers from Claudia We need your prayers too. The Lord knows…<3
Hi, Claudia :) that would have been within our first year of marriage! He certainly has been faithful to us, hallelujah! I don’t know how to keep the peace and positivity without God strengthening me. I am praying for your whole family… you and Mark are being lifted up! xoxo