On this week’s Monday Matters, I’m sharing encouragement from one of my favorite people, Deborah “Debbie” Sheneman.
Debbie lives outside Atlanta, Georgia with her husband of 32 years, Allen. She has two grown children and is known as Gigi to her four precious grandchildren.
Debbie has an unbelievable testimony of faith which includes losing her 11-year old son in a hunting accident 28 years ago; only months after she accepted Christ into her life.
Despite the countless questions and real pain, Debbie has rested in her faith to become a woman after God’s own heart. Her testimony has been shared over the years as a beacon of hope to those who feel lost in the midst of despair.
Proverbs 31 best describes Debbie when it says:
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” vs. 30
Most recently, Debbie and her husband Allen have been presented with the challenge and reality of health issues. Allen recently underwent surgery to prepare for dialysis and a kidney transplant.
During this difficult and trying time, Debbie shared the words below and I hope you find encouragement in them as I did.
Debbie, thank you for your testimony of faith and thank you for being my aunt!
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Debbie Sheneman – Abundant Courage
I have been contemplating and praying – at times arguing – with the Lord about the one word he seems to be repeatedly giving me for this year.
That word is COURAGE!
You see, there are many things I fear: flying, tall bridges, and water covering my face just to name a few. Honestly, I have never considered myself a courageous person.
But as this year begins to unfold I can already see that I will need abundant COURAGE.
Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” And verse 9 adds, “Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.”
I was taught from a young age, fear of the Lord is a good thing.
It is a reverent fear, because he is God!
This year, I will claim Joshua 1:9 as I begin to live out COURAGE.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I am counting on this word from the Lord!
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If you would, join me in praying for Allen and Debbie as they continue courageously.
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C.S. Lewis (Tweet that)
Questions for you:
What specific actions have you taken in your own past to act courageous, maybe when you didn’t feel like it?
What are some of your stories of courage?
Leave some encouragement for Debbie in the comments below.
I hope you enjoyed this week's Monday Matters where we share stories and ask questions that will help you live richly. If you have a story to share or a question to ask, please email it to [email protected] and I may use it on a future post. If you would like to sign up to receive new articles from www.mattham.com, please enter your email in the space above. Thanks again for stopping by and remember, make Monday matter! Matt
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