Suffering, a Blessing or Curse?

Suffering, a Blessing or Curse?

Suffering, a Blessing or Curse?

by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: John 16:33b, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Hebrews 4:16, Isaiah 43:19

In the world you will have tribulations (trials and suffering); but be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b)

Blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation (affliction), that we may comfort those who are in any trouble (affliction), with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation (comfort and encouragement) also abounds (is abundant) through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Lord, I have been struggling for quite a few years while persevering in prayer for my children who have been suffering some of the worst trials anyone can endure: betrayal, divorce, relational problems, mental health issues, a debilitating undiagnosed illness, harsh judgement from others, loneliness, depression, and fear. I am crying out to You to help me understand and to help me encourage them. Help me to love them and listen to them to validate and affirm them. These trials have left my children feeling all alone in their struggles; friends and family have left them. They have been judged harshly by others who do not understand.

How do I encourage them when I too am struggling? Turn my perspective around, give me a Godly view of what You are doing so I can encourage them to look up to You, because You are our only hope. I know You are a good Father and You do not allow your children to suffer longer than is necessary. But it has been over 3 years and 24 doctors later with no diagnosis for my son. He struggles because there is no vindication, and he is being judged harshly by others. My daughter is fearful to trust a man again because of the betrayal she experienced. My granddaughter is suffering with rejection wounds and anger issues, who cannot understand why her dad and mom are divorced. She struggles to believe in You because she does not perceive You as a good Father.

I am humbling myself before You. I am running to Your throne and bowing down my will, my thoughts, my heartache, and pain, and I am giving them all to You. I am boldly coming to Your throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Take all our pain, suffering, confusion, and exchange them with Your peace, Your love, Your joy, Your presence, and make us a beautiful living testimony of Your faithfulness to a world that is watching us and how we deal with these trials. Show them, Lord, how great a God You are. We want You to be magnified and glorified through our testimonies. Give us the strength and courage to stay strong, to suffer well, and to be humble and teachable. Increase our faith and trust in You so that we will not be shaken, nor will we waver, but instead, we will stand strong on Your Word and Your Truth that will endure forever.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. How have you been suffering lately?
  2. Has God revealed the purpose for your suffering?
  3. Has God used you to minister to others because of what you have endured?
  4. How can we come alongside and encourage you during this time?

We live in a fallen world, and suffering is a part of life, but prolonged suffering is hard, and we can feel all alone in our suffering. Please reach out if you need prayer or encouragement: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved dearly,

Toni

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of suffering because it brings me closer to You. It humbles me and gets my attention so I am ready and willing to hear from You. Thank You that through my suffering I am conformed to the image of Jesus. I pray through my suffering I will have a greater capacity to love and have compassion for others who suffer. I know You never waste my suffering but You use it for my good and Your glory.

The Lord gave me this verse:
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

 

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God’s Peace

God’s Peace

God’s Peace

by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scripture References: Psalm 119:165, Galatians 5:22-23, John 16:33, Psalm 147:4, Isaiah 9:6, John 10:29, and Daniel 2:21

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Everyone in this world desires peace. The politicians are promising peace, but they cannot deliver that.

Why do we yearn for peace in our souls? Because we are all created by God, who offers this peace to all His children. Peace is listed third in the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Jesus told us in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation, trials, and suffering, but be assured and confident I have overcome the world.”

God created us for a relationship with Him, but we try to fill this void in our hearts with all kinds of things, but nothing satisfies. Only a relationship with Jesus can satisfy our longing soul for fellowship with our Creator God and Father.

Jesus is the answer to every problem we face in this world. He binds up our broken hearts and heals our wounds (ref. Psalm 147:3). He is the Great Physician.

In Isaiah 9:6, which is a foretelling of His birth, it states that Jesus will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

How can we describe God’s peace to someone who has never experienced it? It’s the knowledge that I am forgiven, and I don’t need to hide my sins and secrets anymore. I don’t have to wear a mask and pretend anymore that everything is great. I can be real. I am loved and accepted by God just the way I am because Jesus paid my sin debt on the cross. I am no longer separated from God. I can love and forgive others because of what God has done for me. I am free. That is what gives me peace. I don’t belong to the devil anymore; I was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. I belong to God now, and no one can pluck me out of the Father’s hand (ref. John 10:29).

Another kind of peace comes from trusting God, no matter what is going on in the world or in my personal life. During this very turbulent and sometimes toxic election cycle, I worked 9 days of early voting, and I will work on Election Day, which is a 14.5-hour day. I still have peace.

Do you know why I have peace? I recognize that God is in control. None of this is taking Him by surprise. Daniel 2:21 says “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes Kings and raises Kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those how have understanding.”

God is the one ultimately who decides who runs this country. We still need to do our part. I vote. I put a “No on Amendment 4” signs on my lawn, and I have worked the polls for over a decade. I thank God for giving me this time to do it, the strength and endurance to wake up at 4:30 AM, and I pray daily.

The enemy is continually trying to rob you of your peace because he knows you belong to God. He cannot take your spirit to hell, but he can torment you.

Spend time alone with the Lord in a quiet place, and allow His Holy Spirit minister to you. He loves you so much, and He knows your struggles. He collects your tears in a bottle. He knows everything about you, and He still loves you more than you can comprehend. Ask Him to cover you with His peace and to protect you. Make a daily decision to walk in His peace regardless of what is going on around you.

Questions to take to heart:

1.) Are you experiencing God’s peace right now?
If yes, why do you feel peace?

If no, what is preventing you from experiencing His peace?

2.) How can we encourage you and pray for you today?

My prayer for you is that you will experience the peace and joy of the Lord in your heart, mind, and soul. Please reach out. We are here for you. Email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,
Toni

 

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My Wound of Rejection

My Wound of Rejection

My Wound of Rejection

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: John 4:13-14 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

John 4:13-14
Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of the water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Why do I long to belong to my earthly family?

Why is that rejection wound so deep?

Why do I want most what I cannot have?

The Lord speaking through the Holy Spirit, “Because, dear Little Bird, you were created to love and be loved, especially by your family. It’s how I created you. The well is dry, Little Bird. Stop hoping; Stop dropping your bucket down expecting them to fill it. I only can fill you. I am the Living Water, springing up into eternal life. When you drink this water, you will never thirst again. Come, Little Bird, let Me fill you until overflowing. Allow My love, so gentle and so kind, heal all your broken places. Let My peace cover you like a warm blanket on a cool winter night, and let My joy fill your heart and mind with hope and true contentment. Will you allow Me to do that for you?”

“Yes, Lord, I surrender all. I want You to be my all in all. I want You to fill the longing in my heart. I want You to validate and affirm me. I want You to give me peace that the world can never give me. I want Your love to flow through me. Your love is gentle, kind, patient, not puffed up, not selfish, does not hold onto wrongs, but instead rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Your love never fails.”

 

Dear One, I know your heart has been broken too. I pray you will allow Jesus to heal you in all your broken places and allow His Living Water to fill you.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. Have you experienced rejection in your past?
  2. Do you still struggle with rejection even now at times?
  3. What do you do to help you overcome and heal that deep wound?
  4. How can we pray for you in this area?

I pray you know how much you are loved by God. He has a beautiful plan for your life. What the enemy meant for evil, God can turn around for your good and His glory. Please reach out if you need to talk: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,
Toni

 

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The Importance of Community

The Importance of Community

The Importance of Community

by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-13 and 15-16, Romans 12:15, Ephesians 4:14, and Ephesians 3:17,19.

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:11-13, and 15-16 (NKJV)
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

I have noticed over the years that the women who stay connected and accountable in a safe community continue to grow spiritually, and they feel safe, deeply connected and loved. These women have huge victories in their lives because they are dedicated to following the Lord and living in community. Each of us has been given a role in the body of Christ by God. We see in the Scriptures above that Christ is the Head, and each one of us is a part of the body. We are called to do a specific job in the body to keep the body functioning properly.

Why is community so important? You have all heard the saying, “There is safety in numbers.” That is true for your spiritual life also, not just your physical safety. When we stay connected in community, we are protected from the enemy’s fiery darts. His primary goal is to get Christian women isolated so he can lie and torment us. How many of you know what I am talking about? We have all experienced the loneliness and despair that overcomes us when we are isolated, especially women with abortions and abuse in their past; we are an easy target for the enemy. But after we join a safe group and stay accountable, we are now protected.

It’s not just being a part of a group that protects you. It’s being an active member of the group, serving and participating consistently, not just being an observer. We must invest in the group by sharing our hearts, our tears, our triumphs, and our prayer requests. By sharing with the group, you don’t know how your share may help encourage another woman.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

This is how the church is supposed to operate. We should be more like a hospital than a social gathering.

My hope and prayer for each of us is that:

  • Our faith will grow stronger.
  • Our relationships with one another will grow deeper.
  • We will be mature, strong, confident believers in Jesus.
  • We will not be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.
  • We will have a strong Biblical worldview.
  • Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.
  • We will be rooted and grounded in love.
  • We will know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.
  • We will be filled with all the fullness of God.
  • Everything that we do is pleasing to God.
  • Our words will always speak life and encouragement to others.


    (Ref. Ephesians 4:14; 3:17,19)

God has so much more for us to accomplish in the upcoming year, but we as a group must be ready and equipped for this season in the ministry. I see God doing a new thing. On April 20, 2024, several of us from the ministry went to an event. Afterwards, we had lunch together, and out of the seven of us who attended, five came from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. I believe this is the next area of growth for us. God is raising up strong, healed, equipped women to minister to Spanish-speaking women. Soon my gospel tract will be on our website in Spanish with these precious women in mind. We want them to hear the gospel and be saved.

Look at these joyful faces. Would you believe that five out of the seven have been abused and all have had at least one abortion?

Toni Weisz and friends lunch at Nauti Dawg April 20, 2024 Lighthouse Point, FL

Toni Weisz and friends lunch at Nauti Dawg April 20, 2024 Lighthouse Point, FL

 

I pray you are encouraged to step up your game and make Jesus and sharing His love your priority in everything you do. I pray if you have not been regularly connecting in a deep and meaningful way that God will give you the courage to be open and vulnerable to share. God has so much for you as an individual and for us as a group to accomplish. Will you pray and ask God what your role in the kingdom of God is and in this ministry?

I am honored to be serving with you in this ministry. It truly is a beautiful thing to watch God work in and through us.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. What are some areas in your life that you are working on?
  2. What is God leading (calling) you to do?
  3. How can we be praying for you?

Please reach out if you need prayer or encouragement. Just email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,

Toni

Read more of Toni's blogs HERE.
You Are the Light of the World

You Are the Light of the World

You Are the Light of the World

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: Matthew 5:3-16

Matthew 5:3-16
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you, when they revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Today, we are going to take a break from our usual format because so many of us have been suffering from some very hard trials, and I want to use this time to repent of any sin in our lives and to pray for guidance and wisdom in our personal lives and this ministry. Lord, so many in our midst have been suffering for a long time with no relief. We ask, Lord, for You to move mightily on our behalf. We are seeking You with our whole hearts. Please attend to the voice of our prayers. Your word says that You collect our tears in a bottle. So precious in Your sight are Your saints.

We pray for our leaders in our government. Lord God, we pray your Holy Spirit will break those whose ways and policies oppose You. We pray that You will bend the arrows they are firing at Your children so their own hearts will be pierced instead. Lord, confound those who are swift to shed innocent blood, who cause division, who lie, cheat, steal, and run to mischief. We pray that You will convict them of their sins so they can confess and turn from them. Lord, we are praying for their salvation, in Jesus’ Name.

We pray for our leaders in the church and in ministry. Lord, we bind any spirit of pride in the Name of Jesus. Help us to be humble and teachable. Help us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. I pray our words will not be harsh but will be life–affirming and encouraging. Help us to continually extend grace to others. Help us to be patient, kind, and compassionate. Let the glorious light of the gospel shine through our actions and words. We pray others will be drawn to You through our testimonies.

We pray for those who have heard the gospel and have rejected it. It’s the goodness of God that leads to repentance. Father, help us to reflect Your beauty in this world. Help us to love others the way you do, without partiality. For they are Your image–bearers and Your most magnificent creation. Lord, we are praying You will have mercy upon them. Open their spiritual eyes to see who You are. Open their hearts and make them soft and pliable like clay in the Master’s hand. Lord, we are praying for a mighty harvest of souls saved.

Father, we are praying for a mighty revival in our land; let it start with me, Lord.

Many times, we feel alone. I want to encourage you with this song from Hillsong United, “Another in the Fire”:
https://youtu.be/WUSsEo52-a0. Let’s listen together.

Now let’s go to the Lord and share our hearts and our burdens. Let us confess sin and receive the forgiveness and healing we all need. Let’s join our hearts in one accord to worship and thank God for His goodness and faithfulness.

Please reach out if you need to talk or need prayer. You can email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are dearly loved,
Toni

 

Read more of Toni’s blogs HERE.

A Beautiful Testimony

A Beautiful Testimony

A Beautiful Testimony

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: Ruth 1:15-18 and James 4:6-8a,10

And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more (Ruth 1:15-18).

Even in Naomi’s suffering, she was a powerful testimony to her two daughters-in-law who were living with her. So much so that Ruth left her family and all she knew and followed Naomi and embraced her God. To suffer well is not an easy thing to do, especially when we are plagued with prolonged suffering, hardship, and pain. We cry out to God and ask, “Lord, why is this trial lasting so long? What am I supposed to be learning from this? Please help me to endure.”

I know several of you are in a season of prolonged hardship, grief, difficult family situations, pain, physical challenges, and depression. It makes my heart sad to see you suffer so. But I know that our God never wastes our pain. He uses it for a specific purpose, which could be for salvation, or to make us aware of a blind spot, or to expose an unconfessed sin, or spiritual warfare, and/or a combination of several things, or the fact that we live in a fallen world and these human bodies are slowly breaking down.

I know in prolonged seasons of suffering; I have learned some very valuable truths about God that I would not have if I were healthy and strong and able to do my daily routine.

In your season of prolonged trials, what is God showing you?

Others are watching how you handle adversity.

For one of our dear sisters, her prolonged trials are leading her husband to seek the Lord. Praise Jesus for that.

While in this season, how has God used you to share the gospel with others or to pray for others or to receive help from others (which is sometimes hard to do)?

A humble and teachable spirit is of great value in the sight of God.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4: 6-8a and 10).

When we keep our eyes focused on God, I believe suffering can conform us to the image of Jesus. We can reflect His beauty, love, forgiveness and compassion to the world around us. When we have a humble, teachable spirit and we are seeking God with our whole heart, God can do amazing things in and through us. I believe this is what Naomi did, and as a result of her suffering well and seeking God with her whole heart, God turned her ashes of grief, sorrow, and despair and turned them into great joy. Ruth married Boaz and conceived a child who would be the grandfather to King David. Naomi’s life had been redeemed by God. She felt so blessed and cared for by God, and I pray that you too will experience that joy again.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. What is God showing you during this time of prolonged suffering?
  2. How can we come alongside you to help you endure this very difficult season?
  3. How has God used your trials to minister to another person?
  4. How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. If you need to talk just text or email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,
Toni

Read more of Toni’s blogs HERE.