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Lori Schumaker

Encouraging women to face the challenges of life with the hope of Christ.

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Home » Guest Posts » Trusting God With Your Story When You Need to Try Again

Trusting God With Your Story When You Need to Try Again

by Lori Schumaker in Guest Posts

@thatgirlkoki is sharing thoughts on trusting God with our story even when we have to try again. #chosennotcheated #newauthor Click To Tweet

Again can be such an exhausting word.

Every time I think about it, memories of my dad teaching my brother and I how to swim come to mind. Take a deep breath. Let the air swell in your lungs, lunge forward and give it your best, he’d say. I’d nod, bring my hands together, body all gangly and shivering in the cold as I stood on the opposite end of the pool and tell myself to go for it.

Remember to breathe, he’d say a little louder as I did my lap. Right. If you’re a swimmer, then you know that your lap and form is as good as your breathing technique. And once you’re done with your mediocre lap? You’d get a pat on your back and get asked do it all over again.

That’s how I see again. That’s how I hear again. It’s a sore word in my life in more ways than one.

Having to try again isn't what we hope for. We want things to happen right the first time. It's easy to get frustrated and disappointed. But what if your story is made complete by the agains in life? Koki Oyuke shares her story and introduces her new book on trusting God as you try again with a new perspective #hope #chosennotcheated #christianliving #trustinggod

Again was my 2018 word.

Not too long after neighbours came out of their homes to watch the fireworks and shout Happy New Year into the night sky, the journey of again began for my husband and I. It’s as though we found ourselves standing on the crux of every promise God had ever spoken to us.

Have you ever felt that every promise God has spoken to you was about to happen? And then it all fell apart? @thatgirlkoki Click To Tweet

That book my husband had tried to publish right before we got married but couldn’t because we had a wedding and marriage to think about? God gave it a green light. And He miraculously provided for it. We danced for joy, did our research on publishers and went for it only for it to be a disaster. The first shot to our hearts and dreams.

That career in media God had spoken numerously about over the years for me, the one I had quit on because doors kept shutting me out, He was saying to try again. And He started by telling me to write the book He said to because, get this, if I didn’t, He’d take it away. Not my gift but the anointing.

The season of becoming parents had come so we went for it. And I became pregnant immediately. Oh the joy in our hearts! Until…we miscarried a few months after. Even as we healed and tried to make sense of it all, we got pregnant again. Only to lose the baby again, even after our pastor told us it wouldn’t happen again. We were left cradling questions instead of a baby again.

Like I said, again was my 2018 word.

Don’t be afraid to dream again. I was. Don’t be afraid to try again. I am.

Are you afraid to dream again? #chosennotcheated @thatgirlkoki Click To Tweet

It’s not easy trusting God in the same place where you feel broken. It’s not easy trusting that God still has good plans for you in the very place you feel cheated. And even beyond my dreams, God has asked me to cast my net again in the very place of my failure. In the very place of my loss. In the very place of my pain.

It’s not easy. It’s not fun. We’re scared.

It's not easy trusting God in the same place where you feel broken ... where you feel cheated. #chosennotcheated @thatgirlkoki Click To Tweet

But His hands hold on to mine and He looks me squarely in the eyes, gaze so warm you want to just soak in it, and He whispers, again. I know His heart. I know He is good. And I can feel my soul grow wings. I’m still scared, but He’s here with me, reminding me that presence is always the best answer and here looks better when it’s in front of you, holding you, sticking around.

Having to try again isn't what we hope for. We want things to happen right the first time. It's easy to get frustrated and disappointed. But what if your story is made complete by the agains in life? Koki Oyuke shares her story and introduces her new book on trusting God as you try again with a new perspective #hope #chosennotcheated #christianliving #trustinggod

My story, much like yours, is a universal story.

Like me, you’ve probably cradled failure. Promises made to you have been broken. Dreams you gave your all for, even the ones that found home in your heart unexpectedly, have suffered loss and gathered dust in the waiting and door closing. I hear you.

Sis, I wonder if God is standing at the door of your heart right now whispering again even as you shout no. Like Peter in Luke 5, no matter how exasperated you are, won’t you let Him into your boat? Won’t you let down your net again, in the very place of your failure again at His word?

I don’t know what you’ve been through or what lies you’re battling now. I don’t know the bruise that again presses heavy on your heart. But I know that God is a God of plot twists. And even though He can do it all by Himself, sometimes He asks us to partner with Him for the turnaround we ask for in our lives with that word — again.

God is a God of plot twists. Won't you let down your nets and trust Him with your again? #chosennotcheated @thatgirlkoki Click To Tweet

What if again is a mind and heart shift about the way we see ourselves, how we see our situations and God?

What if again is a chance to truly mean it when we say God is good in the bitter and in the sweet? Or that again is how our sailor hearts become seaworthy? What if again is the answer to the prayer you’ve been making all those years? Would you trust Him then? Would you trust the process with its twists and turns?

God’s again is an ask that won’t quit. Won’t you unfurl the corners of your heart and trust Him with it? He writes the best stories and yours is no exception.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see again for the beauty intended by the One who speaks it.


Chosen Not Cheated by Koki OyukeAbout Koki’s New Book, Chosen Not Cheated

Chosen Not Cheated is a story about going back to the place where the light shone in your eyes. Back to the place where you feel weightless, and with your dreams within reach. It’s a story about becoming in the in-between, thin and hard places you find yourself in life. And it’s seeing for yourself, I mean really seeing for yourself, all the ways you’re chosen by God no matter how cheated you feel. This is about scars, journeys, and stories. Yours and mine. Chosen, not cheated.

Buy Chosen Not Cheated: Discover God’s Goodness Through Life’s Detours, Denials and Doubtson Amazon!


Meet Koki

Koki OyukeKoki Oyuke is a stargazer and author who spins galaxies with words. She’s called to heal, teach and inspire people to get a 20/20 vision of themselves. You can find her on her website or Instagram and Facebook. It’s hard to miss her. She’ll be the one blowing kisses like confetti.

 

 



Have You Read Our Story of Hope?

Much like Koki, our story was one of broken dreams. It took, and still today takes, trying again. We had to let our nets down and give God our best again and again. It hasn’t been easy, but the story God is writing is far better than any I could have imagined!

Read our story of hope - our story of learning to surrender ... because we all need the help in letting go of what isn't ours to hold. #surrenderedheartsbook #hope Click To Tweet

Purchase the Surrendered Hearts book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook.com, and Redemption Press.

In a true story of learning that trust means surrendering your version of how the story should unfold, Lori and Bryan finally let go--of their adoption dream, of their daughter, of their fears and frustrations. And in that relinquishment, God began to move. #adoption #nationaladoptionmonth #adoptionstories #godslove


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Filed Under: Guest Posts, Hope, Joy, Just life, Marriage, Redemption, Uncategorized
Tagged: again, chosen not cheated, Hope, Koki Oyuke, try again, trying again

« God Is With You When Others Are Not
God Has a Plan Even When Confusion Overwhelms You »

Comments

  1. Koki Oyuke says

    at

    Thank you so much for this Lori. Reading it over again blesses my heart so. Thank you

    Reply
    • Lori Schumaker says

      at

      Such a good GOOD post and BOOK! Bless you ♥

      Reply
  2. Melanie M. Redd says

    at

    Again, and again, and again!
    Yes!
    This is the Christian life!

    Reply
    • Koki Oyuke says

      at

      That it is Melanie

      Reply
    • Lori Schumaker says

      at

      Oh, it sure is, my friend! ♥

      Reply
  3. adaughtersgiftoflove says

    at

    I have read your blog, but not the book, yet anyway. I never get through all I’d like to read. So glad to hear your have overcome so much with His help. Sometimes, it is hard to believe, again.

    Reply
    • Koki Oyuke says

      at

      Rebecca <3

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  2. When Surrendering Is the Breakthrough You Need | Surrendering to God says:
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    […] surrendering isn’t really surrendering until we do it without an attitude or grudge. To fully surrender, we must trust. When we trust, we have peace no matter the outcome. And when we have all those pieces in place, we […]

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  3. 7 Bible Verses About Insecurity to Remind You of Your Worth says:
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    […] Failure […]

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  4. Bible Verses to Live By This Year {and Every Year!} – Lori Schumaker by Lori Schumaker | Crossmap Blogs says:
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    […] and bad in our every decision. It is a source for Truth … for hope … for inspiration … and for growth. It’s the Bible — the Word of […]

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Lori Schumaker
They tried to roll their eyes at me each morning, They tried to roll their eyes at me each morning, but I still saw the little sparkle that told me the words still mattered. No matter how "uncool" I was, they loved being reminded of who and whose they were!

Our children, especially our teens, fight an incredible battle every single day. The world is at their literal fingertips 24/7 and what it tells them about their identity isn't anything that will give them solid ground to stand on. 

So we need to give that Truth to them. Again and again.

Who are they? They are a child of God, a treasured member of their family, and a representative of themselves, their families, and Christ. 

Whose are they? They are God's. The maker of the universe. The same One who created the oceans, the mountains, the sun, and the moon. The One who created them uniquely with and for a purpose. Who calls them wonderful and beloved. 

⛔They do not belong to the world. ⛔And the world has no right to tell them differently. 👉But, if we, as parents, don't give them these truths and weapons to fight a very broken world, we may lose them to its brokenness. 😭

Give them hugs, spend time with them, talk, laugh, create memories ... but above all, remind them exactly who and Whose they are. Then pray like crazy! 😘💛
"So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord "So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty." -Zechariah 4:6

Whether you are worn out and weary wondering how things will get done. Or you are striving, pushing, or willing something you want to happen. 🌟It will only get done through God's strength. 🌟

The Spirit of the Lord is the strength behind your situation. He has the ultimate say in the matter. Hand it over to Him. Join Him by working with Him, not against. 
Listen. 
Lean in. 
And trust. 
😘
Jesus is my sunshine 💛 When I keep my eyes and Jesus is my sunshine 💛 When I keep my eyes and thoughts on Him and His Truth, the darkness of shadows do not have power over me. 

So if today the darkness seems too heavy, turn your face toward the sunshine. Hope will meet you there. 🌞
If the unsteadiness of this world is causing anxie If the unsteadiness of this world is causing anxiety to build within you, there is a way to be unshaken. 

It's not a one-time deal. It's a longing in our hearts to rest in the One who is in control of it all and loves us like crazy.  It's a faith that surrenders our concerns and control in trust. 

🌟It all starts in prayer. The more I pray, the more peace I find. And when I get all wrapped up in the things going on around me and forget to pray, I feel the pressure rise. God hears us and answers our prayers. 

🛐 Dear Jesus, 
Today I humbly come to You in acknowledgment of how little I really have under control. The world is turned upside down and my peace wavers. Anxiety wants to take over. But I know that You are God and You are on the throne. You are bigger than any calamity or struggle I may ever face. 

Father, I want to rest in the knowledge that I am a child of God. I am Yours. So, today I set the reflection of the world down and pick up Your reflection — calm, steady, and unwavering. A reflection of righteousness, love, and mercy. 

Make me whole in You, Jesus. Make my heart overflow with You. 

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

✝"Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
 I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
 And when you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
 it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
 The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
 all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
 trade the creation just for you.” 
-Isaiah 43:2-4 MSG
Does the Bible confuse you a bit? 🤷‍♀ Do yo Does the Bible confuse you a bit? 🤷‍♀ Do you wonder what it REALLY says about certain topics? Are there questions you've wanted to know but for one reason or another have hesitated to ask? ❓❓❓

🌟I've been writing my latest series because I've been there with those questions. I remember when I began reading my Bible, it didn't always make sense to me. Sometimes even now, I need to pull out all my resources to help me understand something! 

‼‼There is a lot out here on the internet and a lot of it can guide you down the wrong path and into believing things that just are not true. And my heart is for you to know the truth about God and His Word to us, His children. 💕

➡Scroll through to see the questions I've covered so far. If any resonate, jump on over to the series and get some of the answers you are looking for. Then, share them with someone else you know who may be wondering about the same thing or needing encouragement in that area. And of course, if you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to rea.ch out.

You can use this link or by my link in bio.
www.lorischumaker.com/big-bible-questions/
Happy Easter! May today remind you of the hope th Happy Easter!

May today remind you of the hope that always lives. Three days before what we now call Easter Sunday, it seemed all was lost. Darkness prevailed. Jesus died on the cross. Grief echoed throughout the land. 

But as the sun rose on the third day, it was found that death did not conquer Hope after all.  In victory, Jesus rose from the dead. Light conquered darkness for all of eternity. 

So, rise up with bold and courageous hope today and every day. Jesus claimed victory for you and me and everyone who calls Him Savior. ✝

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” -John 11:25-26
Last month this guy turned 20! 🎂🎉 It was the Last month this guy turned 20! 🎂🎉 It was the first birthday I didn't spend in person with him. 😥Our family was supposed to be together but flight delays and closed airports didn't get us all home in time so I could give him my great big momma bear hug! 

This year has taught all of us so much. We've grown individually and as a family in many ways. ➡Life challenges never go without meaning. After all, in the fire is where iron is sharpened. 🔥

I am so proud of the man Zach is becoming. When we lost my father, Zach was there for me and for my mom. Even now, because he knows how lonely she feels and how desperately she is missing Grandpa, he calls Grandma late every night just so she has someone that says goodnight to her. It's only a few minutes each night, but those few minutes mean the world to her. All while working a gazillion hours each week growing his resume and interviewing thousands, and keeping up with his classes at GCU. (if you love basketball, make sure to follow him for all his latest interviews with the best players across the world!)

You make your momma so proud, Z!  It's that teary-eyed and gushy kind of proud that makes me so thankful that God allows me to be your momma. And that He keeps listening to my prayers and working in and through you. 

This year and every year after I pray these things for you. That you:
🌟Keep chasing God and all the things of Him because if you do, all the other things will fall into place. 
🌟Keep trusting Him to work both the good and the bad together for a good. 
🌟Never forget He has a plan. If you live each day for Him and His glory, He will walk you through and to all He has for you in that plan. 

I love you, bud! 💕💕💕💕
Only 10 days until this conference! Local Phoenix Only 10 days until this conference! Local Phoenix Friends, don't miss a day to grow, to refresh, to connect, and to celebrate a purposely designed YOU! 💖

I thought the best way to tell you more about it is to share with you Sheila Arrington's heart behind her event:
⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇

"Life of Purpose is not merely a concept it is a life of intentional practice!  During this conference, you will have real and practical access to proven strategies, interactive workshops, seasoned teachers, and coaches, tools, resources, and prayer. 

Sis, God brought me out of my pit into His purpose for my life and He wants the same for you. Let us help you.

Learn how to step out of emotional pain and be healed of heart wounds that have kept you off balance or frozen in your tracks. Lay a spiritual foundation, find your true identity in Christ.

God has placed upon my heart to call His daughters together and that they may walk in your royal position of purpose that grants you access into places you could never dream of walking into before.

Sis, take the next step to be free in your purpose, free in your soul, free in your vision.

Join us now don’t wait!" 🤝🙌

🌟Get all the details and register at www.SheilaArringtonMinistries.com/Conference 🌟
It’s been awhile since I’ve made a social medi It’s been awhile since I’ve made a social media video. But it’s also been awhile since I’ve truly been active anywhere on social media!

But that is changing! I needed the time to process through all the loss and trials of the last year. And although I know I’m not finished with that process, I feel joy coursing through my soul once again. 

It’s perfect timing, too, because I’m speaking for a breakout session at the Purposely Designed Conference in Phoenix, Az on Saturday April 23rd from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. 

And it’s in person which makes it even better! 🥳

So, if any of these questions resonate anywhere in your soul, REGISTER!! ❤️

1. Do you feel stuck and in the pits? 
2. Are you holding on to your mistakes that can actually hinder you from your distinctive purpose? 
3. Do you feel like your life is not going where it should be? 
4. Are you ready to get unstuck, and move forward? 
4. Are you ready to step out of the pit and into purpose?
5. Do you need a day to focus on you and to tune out a noisy and demanding world? 

➡️Find out more about my session by listening to my video 
Or 
➡️ register today at www.SheilaArringtonMinistries.com/conference
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Living surrendered takes courage. But when we let go and choose to trust God, we tap into a fountain of courage and of life-giving hope.

Join me today to grow in your faith. You will get full access to the Library of Hope which is filled with free printable resources to start your journey.
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