Leah Stirewalt

Out of Deep Waters

  • Home
  • About
  • Speaking
    • Speaking Topics
    • Endorsements
    • Booking – Inquiry Form
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Disclosure

Worry Wart

February 4, 2011 by Leah Stirewalt 2 Comments

It’s been another packed day and evening, hence another late night blog post. Thanks for bearing with me, as I near closer to the end of the 40 day blog writing challenge. Now – the real question…how often will I blog after this 40 days ends? Honestly, I’m not sure yet. I really think I need to have a set schedule, or else I’ll end up not writing enough. So…we’ll see! I just hope you stay with me. I’ve loved having all of you newbies (and oldbies) hanging out with me! Such sweet blog friends – I’m a blessed woman!

I just have to share that I had a bit of a breakthrough tonight. Simply put, I’m a worrier. I’ve worried my whole life about all kinds of things and even tons of things that don’t even make sense to worry about. I’m also a “what if” person. What if this happens? What if that happens? I’m always thinking about a contingency plan in case the bottom falls out. That said, within about 10 minutes of walking in the door at home tonight, my husband shares something with me that literally caused another round of worry to start up. All of these “what if” thoughts started going through my mind. I was not only worried, but I was agitated, afraid, and simply…tired. I had a class at church tonight and only had about 30 minutes at home before I had to head on out. So, I left the house – in a bit of a huff, not really in a frame of mind for my class.

Now…friends…let me just tell you, I only live about a mile and a half from our church. But in that short little jaunt, the Holy Spirit did an amazing about-face work in me. I was praying aloud in the car, and I actually heard myself say…”Leah, stop it. Don’t you know…as it is written, ‘Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?’ (Luke 12:25). Don’t you remember what you blogged about last night. God loves the ravens and the grass, and how much more does He love you? Now, get a grip. What’s the worse thing that could happen? Even if it does, you still have your life, your health, your family, and of course Sweet Jesus! That’s enough.” Whew! The worry simply fleed. Gone. Over. Done. It has no place in my life.

So, I came home and told my husband about my breakthrough. I think he was a bit surprised and relieved at the same time. I’m sure I’ll fall in this area again, but I’m going to continue renewing my mind with the truths of God’s Word. Just think…it was with the Word that Jesus rebuked Satan, as he was being tempted. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, and I will continue to tap into that power as I wield my sword of the Sprit – God’s Word. I literally feel free!

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • More
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print

Who Determines Your Worth?

February 3, 2011 by Leah Stirewalt 1 Comment

Happy Wednesday blog friends!

I’m sorry I’m so late getting my post up today. I’ve been struggling a bit with what to write. It’s not that I don’t have words. I always seem to have words of some sort. But, often they are simply jumbled up in my limited mind. It often happens when God is trying to get my attention about something. So, I’ve been a bit scattered in trying to hear more clearly from Him. As a result, my blog thoughts are also scattered.

When was the last time someone said something to you that hurt your feelings or maybe made you question something about yourself? How about the last time someone said something about your physical appearance in a derogatory manner or questioned your gifts and abilities? Did it cause you to shrink back? Was it honest…true…reasonable? Was there something to be learned in it or were you allowing someone else to determine your worth?

It dawned on me today that I’ve been going through a LOT of this type of thing lately. I honestly feel that it’s a direct result of a fast that I did not too long ago. Without fail, during and following an extended time of fasting, I’m always tested. (But, I’ll take the testing anyday for the extreme blessings that come from the fasting.) Anyway, as I’ve also been going through this Made to Crave journey successfully (praise God!), I’ve found that heat has been turned up in the testing. I’ve encountered some interesting comments lately from friends, strangers, and everybody in between. Some have challenged me, but some have just been downright ungodly.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Sometimes God does everything He can to get your attention, and He’ll use other people to do it – if needed. If that happens – you best be listening sweet friends. However, the other times seem to be from the enemy – often speaking through well-intentioned people. And…it’s just the little words that rattle you, get you of course, cause you to question who you are in Christ.

Tonight, I realized part of what was going on, and I let my perpetrator know where he needed to go…

“Get behind me Satan. You DO NOT determine my worth! As it is written, the same God that provides food for the ravens and clothes for the grass of the field is the same God that created me and loves me even more.”

God determines my worth! God determines your worth sweet friends. If He’s speaking to you about a change that needs to take place, then listen and then be obedient to what He’s asking. But, if you allow others to dictate who you are…determine who/what you need to be or need to be doing…then, ultimately you’ve let the enemy win as well.

There is a war going on. But, just know this…

“…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV

And…we know Who wins!

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • More
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Meet Leah

Leah StirewaltI became "twice widowed" when my beloved prince, Joel, went to his Heavenly home after a brief and sudden illness on February 12, 2017. I’m in a place of shock and devastation, but I intend to use this format to journal my second widow journey, much like I did my first. It’s my open journal, my electronic oasis, and it’s often the place I find true healing as I allow myself to “come clean” with my feelings. Read More...

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe for Updates

Enter your information below to subscribe to blog updates!

Privacy Policy

For Sharing

Leah Stirewalt - Out of Deep Waters

Latest Posts

  • Join My Journey: From Out of Deep Waters to After the Ashes
  • Lost in the Desert
  • What I Remember Most About the 2016 Election (and it’s Not What You Might Think)

My First Book

My first book details the account of my first widow journey. Learn more below.

Rescued and Restored book

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2026 Leah Stirewalt | Design & Development by MRM | Privacy | Terms | Log in