Big Challenges, Even Bigger God: Finding God Faithful in the Hard Moments of Life
()
About this ebook
—Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens
Author of Shine On
Sometimes life feels like it’s just a constant series of trials, each season presenting us with a new challenge to work through. What do we do in times when things are going from bad to worse? Is it possible to still live in joy and see God at work in our lives?
In Big Challenges, Even Bigger God, Shireen shows that it is, sharing her own hard-learned understanding that, while life is hard, God is good.
You too can live every day in the knowledge that this is true. That even when you fear that you are alone, and feel that He has left you, God is always at work in your life. Remember, the challenges that we face in life may be big, but God is bigger!
It’s time for everyone to experience the comfort of God’s presence in even the darkest of times.
Related to Big Challenges, Even Bigger God
Related ebooks
I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRedefined: The Art of Turning Adversities Into Advantages Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Daring to Fight: When Grit, Grace, & Faith Take Depression Head-On Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCrazy Courage: A Young Widow's Survival Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCan't Someone Fix What Ails Me? 21 Stories of Chronic Illness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMy Battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSeeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Beautifully Broken: From Broken Past to Golden Path Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMidlife Battle Cry: Redefining the Mighty Second Half Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Redemption of Scrooge Leader Guide: Connecting Christ and Culture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHis Healing Hands: Finding God in Broken Places Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYou Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJesus in Me Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Loaf of Bread and a Cup of Tea: Keeping Your Marriage Alive Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOrphan 32 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Blessing of Sorrow: Turning Grief into Healing Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSummary of It's a Long Story: by Willie Nelson | Includes Analysis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Grew Up Little: Finding Hope in a Big God Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Quiet Moments with God for Women Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAnonymous - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPretty Piece of Flesh Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Beautiful Grief: Reflections on Letting Go Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMeal Ideas: Dash Diet and Anti Inflammatory Meals for Weight Loss Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRaising Your Grandchildren (Grandparenting Matters): Encouragement and Guidance for Those Parenting Their Children's Children Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHer Restless Heart - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSoul Survivors: From Trauma to Triumph Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAnonymous - Women's Bible Study Preview Book: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5NIV, Holy Bible Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better (updated with two new chapters) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Reviews for Big Challenges, Even Bigger God
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Big Challenges, Even Bigger God - Shireen Spencer
Trust and faithfulness: two vibrant threads that are beautifully woven throughout an often dark life tapestry. From a childhood with a blind parent to extended sexual abuse to two miscarriages to numerous major surgeries to a devastating cancer diagnosis, Shireen’s journey has been daunting. Yet even as the fabric of her life has revealed varying hues, because of her deep trust in God, Shireen has consistently leaned into His faithfulness. Wrap yourself in her story… soak in her lessons of comfort and provision… and embrace the God who loves us through all of the colours of our lives.
—Ann Mainse
Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries
Author, Speaker, TV Host of A Better Us
In Big Challenges, Even Bigger God, Shireen shares her story with transparency and explores every moment in which she faced overwhelming trials. Her determination to walk through fires with faith is deeply inspiring. God’s fingerprints and the evidence of His presence in these moments are explicit. How great is our God that He can reach His hands down from heaven to carry us through moments that seem insurmountable. Thank you, Shireen, for the courage you had to write this memoir that points back to our Heavenly Father and His deep resounding love.
—Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens
International Speaker
Author of Shine On: The Remarkable True Story
of a Quadruple Amputee
Big Challenges, Even Bigger God presents a glimpse into the real life and real faith of a wife, mother, and pastor. Shireen Spencer passionately and brilliantly epitomizes the truth that life does not have to be perfect to be fulfilling, whilst navigating the experiences of life. This book is more than just a great read—it’s a road map for successful living in the face of adversity.
—Richard J. Brown
Lead Pastor, Kingsway Community Life Centre
Toronto, ON
This book will inspire you! The stories regarding Shireen’s life will help you to see a big God who truly works in the good and bad experiences in your life for something good. A positive and godly perspective on life’s problems. If you are currently going through a life storm, this book will encourage you to keep trusting God, no matter what situation you are facing.
—Rev. Dr. Tina Pitamber, B.Sc., M.Div., D.Min.
Lead Pastor, Solid Rock Community Church of the Nazarene
Richmond Hill, ON
BIG CHALLENGES, EVEN BIGGER GOD
Copyright © 2019 by Shireen Spencer
All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. • Scripture marked NIV taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
EPUB Version
ISBN: 978-1-4866-1806-4
Word Alive Press
119 De Baets Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 3R9
www.wordalivepress.ca
Cataloguing in Publication information can be obtained from Library and Archives Canada.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter One: Practice Makes Power
Chapter Two: Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees
Chapter Three: Something Out of Nothing
Chapter Four: Beauty for Ashes
Chapter Five: Lord, I Want to See You!
Chapter Six: Sounds of Music
Chapter Seven: Heart of Worship
Chapter Eight: Empty Yet Filled!
Chapter Nine: In You I Move!
Chapter Ten: A Time for Tea
Chapter Eleven: No Ordinary Work Day
Chapter Twelve: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Chapter Thirteen: Worship in the War
Chapter Fourteen: The Battle Is the Lord’s
Chapter Fifteen: The Way to a Man’s Heart
Chapter Sixteen: Celebrate Good Times
Chapter Seventeen: Two Is Better Than One
Chapter Eighteen: To Be Continued
Bio
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wrote lyrics to a song many years ago. It truly speaks to how I feel God is working in my life.
And my life is a song written by the Holy One.
Each lyric penned with purpose and with pride.
For each day that I live, I’ll be careful to give praise
To the One who writes the story of my life.
I owe my story, and how it is being used, to God my Saviour. He has given me beauty for ashes many times during my life. I am grateful to Him. I thank God for His love and patience, and for His mercy and grace. I am humbled that He has given purpose to my life. I am nothing without Him.
I am thankful to my parents. The godly heritage and legacy that they have passed on to me has shaped and filled my life. Mom and Dad, I am who I am because of the example both of you have set for me.
I am beyond blessed that God has given me a supportive husband who has always believed in me and encouraged me to be and do my best. Che, you and your love are a big part of my story! I look forward to the chapters God is still writing. I couldn’t do this without you! Thank you for your prayers. They mean the world to me. Thank you to my boys who think Mommy can do anything! You keep me dreaming and achieving.
There have been so many friends and prayer partners who spoke this book into existence years before I even penned it. I am thankful for these supportive, godly women who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself—Vanessa, Mona, Kim, Trudy, Tina, Leanne, Aisha, and Cyndi. Thank you for helping me find my voice in this way. There are not enough words to express my gratitude.
Thank you to Ann Mainse, who listened to part of my story the first time we met and prayed for me and spoke a word into my future. The seed you planted took root, and the journey started because of you.
Thank you to Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens, who is an inspiration and encouragement to my ministry and life. You are a true cheerleader to me in this new journey.
To Renae Jarrett, my new friend, coach, and editor, whom God brought into my life for such a time as this! Thank you for your support, prayers, and gentle way of helping me accept how God has gifted me.
INTRODUCTION
There have been so many people—friends and acquaintances, even strangers—who have told me that I need to share my story. I had never thought that my personal experiences and life events were so drastic or amazing that they required sharing in this way, but I realize now that my story doesn’t have to be a great tragedy to show the faithfulness of God. Most people just want to know how to live through their everyday, normal struggles. There will always be someone going through something much more difficult than I have experienced, but if there are moments in my journey that can help anyone, I am willing to tell the whole story. We all have something to overcome in some way, at some time. This is my story of being an ongoing overcomer.
I try to be a happy person. I am pretty optimistic about life, and truly enjoy laughing and staying positive. For me, it isn’t a facade. I don’t even really do it to make others happy. I choose joy because that is what I want. It is the only way I know how to rise above circumstances and truly be able to live the verse, …the joy of the Lord is your strength
(Nehemiah 8:10).
What I have learned on my journey is that life is indeed that—a daily journey. Finding God at work in my life has been a journey of daily choices. It’s true that I