Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

Search Results for: discernment

How to Rebuild Broken Trust

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“How can we mend our relationship if you won’t trust me?”

“How can I trust you when you continue to lie to me?”

Have you ever had such a conversation? For example, the spouse, reconciling with an erring mate, wants to trust, but can s/he? Mistrust smears gray over a relationship that used to glow with cheerful color. If only you could trust and bring back the joy.

If you’ve forgiven someone, but can’t trust him or her, you’re not alone. Forgiveness and trust are separate issues.

If you’ve forgiven someone, but can’t trust him or her, you’re not alone. Forgiveness and trust are separate issues. #trust Click To Tweet

Forgiveness is between us and God. The culprit doesn’t have to change for us to forgive. Trust, on the other hand, requires change (Proverb 25:19). Here are some tips to guide you.

Use Discernment

If you weren’t already in a relationship with this person, with your current knowledge, would you trust them? Would you encourage your children to hang out with someone of their character?Continue Reading

How to Move Forward—After You Forgive

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You forgave, but they never apologized or changed. How do you treat them going forward? How do you handle someone you’ve forgiven but don’t trust? What do you do when you want a healthy relationship, but they don’t?

When we think someone is wrong, we want to help them see the light, change their ways—and stop hurting us! We prefer handling someone else to corralling our own impulses and strong emotions. But God didn’t give us the power to transform them. The Holy Spirit produces self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

We only frustrate ourselves when we focus on changing someone else. It is better to accept responsibility for what we can manage—ourselves.

We’ve worked our way through the process of forgiveness by spelling FREEDOM. The M in FREEDOM stands for: Manage yourself.Continue Reading

How Do I Know God’s Will?

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Have you ever had trouble discerning God’s will? You pray, but don’t receive a clear answer? I think most of us have experienced this.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn. 10:27 NASB). Romans 8:14 says the Holy Spirit leads God’s children. And the Holy Spirit will lead us into truth (Jn. 16:13). But at times I doubt my ability to hear.

I fear the static of my own distractions, others’ strong opinions, and the enemy’s taunts will drown out God’s still small voice. Here are some principles that have helped me.Continue Reading

Is There a Thief in Your Mind?

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This weekend a friend brought up my health. She asked how Satan might be using my health challenges to stop me from reaching my purpose. Her question caught me by surprise—and turned on a light.

“Oh my,” I gasped. “The book I’ve put on hold is called Little Strength, Big God!”

I chose that title because that theme tied the biblical characters I was studying together. Now, I was the one with little strength.

My friend Linda’s question made me realize I’d taken my health issues as a reason to put the book aside. Continue Reading

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