I Have A File

By Cindy Beall


I'm realizing every day just how many women need hope.

I have spoken with numbers of women over the last 7 1/2 years about marriage issues and crises they are facing. So many so that I don't even remember who they all are. And that can get embarrassing when you meet them face to face.

I tell you that because a lot of these women are referred to me because they are now "going through" what I "went through". So, I visit with these women, mostly on the phone, sometimes via email, occasionally in person, and try to help them make sense of something that is absolutely senseless. When someone brings up pornography or infidelity around these parts where I live, a lot of my friends say, "You should talk to Cindy Beall."

Because you see, I have a file.

My file is 7 1/2 years old. It's got information in there that will make your head spin but will most certainly bring you unspeakable joy. My file is thick and gets thicker by the day with each story I hear and with each step I take. My file is a little tattered but is holding together fairly nicely because of the holy adhesive used to secure the frayed edges.

I've got a file.

My all-time favorite Bible teacher, Beth Moore, was speaking one time about a situation in which she was asked to participate. As she was preparing to go and minister, she told God, "But I don't have a file on this!" Beth Moore had never walked the road of those to whom she was about to minister. She did not have a file.

You may not have a file about something through which your best friend is enduring or what your child is experiencing or what your spouse is going through. But let me tell you what you do have. The Holy Spirit.


And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. Eph. 1:13-14


If you are a Christ follower, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you ready and willing to lead you down the path that you don't think you have any business traveling.

Ephesians 5:18 tells us, "be filled with the Spirit." As we yield our lives to Him and allow Him to come in, he will become our file.

God allows us to use our past hurts to help others. But, don't sell yourself short on how God can and will use you. And don't forget, my fellow Christ follower, that according to 2 Peter 1:3, His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness.

Last time I checked, everything meant everything.

Scripture Of The Day: "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!" - 2 Peter 1:3 (MSG)



Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com