God's Guiding Word

How God's Word Guides Us Through Uncertainty

2 Timothy 2:7, "Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

Have you ever been confused about which direction to take? Do I go left or right? Do I choose this job or that one? Should I move or should I stay? God's word doesn't mention which house I should buy or who I should date. So, what do we do when we're confused?

When a woman comes to stay in the live-in program, many are confused - confused about how much God loves them, confused about how to "clean up their act," confused about relationships, and confused about suffering. The first thing we do is direct them to who they are in Christ. We teach them the fundamentals of what God does with sin, as in Romans 6:6, "Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin." We teach them about their security, as in 1 Corinthians 3:23, "And you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God."

As the women go through the daily activities and chores, they are encouraged to take time to journal and pray. They are given study materials to go through and meet daily for prayer. They learn how to communicate with one another and work, together, whether doing dishes in the kitchen or working in the yard with Sue, our groundskeeper. They are accountable for their time and meet with a counselor regularly. The residents learn why they sin and how to overcome it through renewing their minds. There is always a staff member available if they need care, compassion, or someone to talk to.

Sometimes clarity comes slowly, and confusion clears up gradually. But daily, God continues to reveal Himself and His will to us - through His word, through godly counsel, and through prayer. Ephesians 1:9, "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him." And 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

If you feel confused, know that you are not alone. Call the Women's Refuge of Vero Beach - we are here to help.

Judy Fitzgerald
House Manager