Building An Authentic Faith
By Bennett Rolan – Editorial Manager
David Swafford was out of answers. His wife, Susan, was pregnant with their first child, and as a graduate student, David wondered how he would provide for his growing family. Without a clear path forward, David and Susan also faced an appointment with a specialist for unknown pregnancy complications.
“I was in a total panic,” he said. “I added up the cost of what I thought we needed to have a baby, then I compared it to what we actually had. The columns didn’t come close to matching. I thought, ‘We can’t afford this child, and now there’s some sort of health problem. I don’t know what you’re doing, God.’”
Anticipating the upcoming doctor’s appointment, David laid his fears before the Lord. As he prayed, David remembered God’s faithfulness in the past and surrendered control of the present.
“I knew that wasn’t what faith looked like,” David shared. “I had to repent for my lack of faith. I prayed, ‘You are going to have to provide for this child, because I can’t.’ When we went to the doctor, they did an ultrasound, and we saw this tiny little gummy bear baby. The doctor said, ‘We were concerned it was possibly cancer, but everything looks great!’ Those health issues were totally resolved. That’s still my favorite ultrasound image.”
God was growing David’s faith, and the couple experienced His healing presence. But David’s trust was built on more than a moment. After years of testing in trials, God had established a firm foundation of faith.
Faith Built in Adversity
Two years earlier, David and Susan had clear plans for their future. As newlyweds, the couple moved to France, where David was earning his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering. While abroad, David and Susan received a phone call that changed their lives.
“It was about 11 a.m. for us, which meant it was 5 a.m. in the U.S.,” David said. “We knew immediately that whatever was on the other side of that phone call was not good.”
The couple learned that Susan’s mother had been in a traumatic car accident. The impact knocked her unconscious, and just before the car erupted into flames, a stranger pulled her from the vehicle. Her identification was locked in the trunk, so the paramedics transported her to the hospital as an unidentified woman.
Hours later, Susan’s father was notified, but her mother remained in a coma. For 11 days, her family waited, hoping for a full recovery.
“I don’t think I really understood the severity of it until I was back home and visiting the hospital,” Susan said. “When she woke up with severe brain damage, I didn’t realize how serious it was going to be.”
When doctors detailed the gravity of her mother’s condition, Susan volunteered to return to the U.S. to become her mother’s full-time caregiver. Months later, David joined her in Atlanta, Ga., where he continued his studies.
“I don’t think I felt any bitterness over my mother’s situation,” Susan shared. “I think I just felt compassion toward my dad. His upcoming retirement was not going to be what they had planned. It was completely derailed. We were in the house for the transition with him, but I knew at some point we would be leaving.”
While caring for her mother, Susan was invited to a nearby BSF class. As a young adult, she had been a BSF member but had taken a break during her time in France.
“I was able to be a part of an evening class so I could stay with my mom during the day. BSF was God’s provision. It was my break from hospital duties,” Susan shared. “Later, when I was asked to be Children’s Leader for the first time, I didn’t have kids, I was a caregiver for my mom. The advice I would have gotten from my mom was taken away, but God replaced it with the training I got from BSF. Those women taught me so much. It provided a better foundation for parenting than I could have planned myself.”
David also joined a BSF class, along with Susan’s father, and the family grew in their commitment to God and His Word.
“I had been a Christian for 20 years at that point, but being in the Word of God, and actually studying it, was so important,” David shared. “BSF taught me how to do that. Not to just rely on man’s words, but to allow God’s Word to speak. Then He would confirm it with other sources. When we don’t learn to study on our own, it’s as if we’re missing the feast God has set before us.”
Building a strong scriptural foundation developed the Swaffords’ faith and helped them accept the reality that Susan’s mother would never fully recover.
Faith Tested in Trials
Four years after the accident, and two years after his daughter’s birth, David finished graduate school. With a Ph.D. from a renowned program, David’s future seemed secure. But job prospects were limited and, once again, David and Susan’s faith was tested.
“I remember having one interview in California as we finished the BSF year,” David said. “I knew I wasn’t going to get the job and was facing months without the spiritual support of those BSF guys. I had to do something to provide for my family.”
In their darkest moments, as they prayed through their fears, David and Susan approached God with confidence. Clinging to His Word and remembering His provision gave them the faith to trust God with their family’s future.
“God doesn’t promise to take away hard times just because you’re a believer,” Susan shared. “He pretty much guarantees hard times. But God uses us and our stories. God uses broken people for His greater purpose, even with all of our faults.”
After months of struggling through financial insecurity, David accepted a position as a sales engineer, a significant departure from his original plan.
“God perfectly orchestrated each step,” David said. “I didn’t see what He was doing in the moment, but I can see now how much better His plan was than mine. If I hadn’t been in the Ph.D. program, we wouldn’t have relocated back to Atlanta. We were supposed to be here so Susan could care for her mother and we could both serve in BSF. It was never about earning a graduate degree; it was about learning to trust Him. God used it to accomplish His purpose.”
Faith Prepared for a Purpose
In studying Genesis this year, David read chapters 21 and 22 with a new perspective. Instead of solely focusing on Abraham’s remarkable faith, David saw God’s preparation from one chapter to the next.
“In Genesis 21:12, I noticed that God was telling Abraham, ‘You need to let Ishmael go, you need to send him away.’ And that would have been really difficult,” David shared. “He was sending Ishmael, a son he loved, into the wilderness with no indication he would ever see him again. Just a few verses later, in Genesis 21:20, it says, ‘God was with the boy as he grew up,’ proving that Abraham could trust God with his son.’
“Then you go to the very next chapter, and it’s the same request with Isaac, except this time, God is not only asking Abraham to surrender his son, He’s asking Abraham to sacrifice his son. It’s almost as if the Ishmael experience was a ramp to God’s request with Isaac. Once of the themes here is trust. I think you see God building Abraham up for that. Abraham learned that he can trust God to care for his children better and more fully than he ever could.”
Through Susan’s mother’s accident, God taught the Swaffords to hold their plans loosely. They learned to adjust their expectations and embrace God’s direction. When David’s career path took an unexpected turn, God had already laid a foundation of faith.
Today, David serves as a BSF Teaching Leader, and Susan is a Children’s Supervisor. They have three daughters, ages 8, 5 and 2. And while they no longer live with Susan’s parents, they regularly spend time with them. Their girls are learning how to care for their disabled grandmother, and the couple sees every step as preparation for God’s future plan.
Like He did with the Swaffords, God pushes our faith to its limits. And when our plans fail, He asks us to trust Him with confidence. Every challenge offers an opportunity to respond in faith. And as God meets us in our darkest moments, we learn He alone can be trusted with our greatest fears and uncertain futures. He is faithful to prepare His people for any situation.
What a wonderful story snd reminder of God’s promises , his faithfulness and love for us. Thank you!
A great story of faith and trusting God.
He has brought me through many difficult times. I have known for a long time that if anything comes into my life He is with me. I have a strong faith but I have come to know God even more intimately through BSF. I have not studied the Old Testament that much but through BSF I see how important it is. I love it and l am growing more with each lesson. I have Bible studies in my home in the summer, would I be able to use this one on Joseph when I start my study?
I am so thankful that God uses broken people for His greater purpose with all of our faults. The things that we go through is all about learning to trust Him. Thank you Jesus for your love!
Wao. That’s encouraging my faith has been lifted. Holding onto life loosely
A true testament that God is faithful to his followers .
Am so so encouraged with these testimonies Bsf has indeed transformed my life too and am building my faith through the deep studying of God’s word. I hope to build stronger faith that will help me live above my fears and self.
Wow. God is always so faithful even when we are not able to fully trust Him.
Looking forward to understand the story of Joseph’ life and how God used him to help his siblings inspite of what their plans were towards Joseph Help me lord to fully trust you
Sharing your renewed faith in your trials and rejoicing in God’s unfailing control of events. . Our man made plans are His masterpiece to display His power and draw us closer into His presence. To you Oh Lord is all the glory , majesty dominion and authority both now and forever . Amen
God had a blessing with the Swafford family name on it. HE provides all we will ever need,in this life and the next.
We must remember that as God is, so are we in this world.
He’s a winner.
So are we !
I love that it’s learning to trust God and accomplish his purpose
Trusting God’s plan and all the unknown possibilities is difficult for me; I’m learning to lean into Him and in doing so it causes me to pray for his help and guidance. Thanks be to God
Thank you Susan and David for your faithfulness in trusting God’s way. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Ancient word guide us home.
its vital to adjust my expectations and embrace God’s direction cos its the best for me.
I need not planned ahead God. God already had a good plan for me. Trust and rely on Him.
This story of the Swaffords is encouraging. Lord help me to trust you even when i don’t understand.
Proverbs 3:5&6
As the Lord was with the three Hebrew men in the fire, He walked with you through the fire and you didn’t burn and the flame didn’t consume you. What a beautiful testimony. May the Lord bless you all as you glorify Him through your obedience.
Wonderful witness and inspiration to us all!
Thank you for your testimony of God’s faithfulness. I am learning to trust Him to work in the life of my adult daughter who has problems that I can’t “fix”.
Thanks for sharing your testimony of how God stretched your faith to expand your territories. May the Lord be glorified. I am encouraged.
In the study of Genesis, I have learnt that whatever i go through is known to God and He wants me to stay focused Him in faith with Thanksgiving. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Through Bible study fellowship I’ve learned that although I may not understand all that God is doing in my life, I can always trust Him. I no longer question God about things I don’t understand because He has a purpose and it will be for good. Praise God.
What an amazing and inspirational faith story! I can apply it to my life. PTL!!!
Such an inspiration testimony, thank you so very much for sharing! My heart was touched when I read you dropped everything to return home to care for your disabled mother, what a positive example you’re setting for your daughters! I pray God will increase your Spiritual as well as physical strength as care for your mother.
Like Peggy said, as we look back over our lives…..like Jacob, Gen 32:10
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which you have shown your servant.
Those Bethel moments of gratitude, feed by the delight you find in discovering God’s quite mercies in you life.
My life too was changed with an car accident when my tall, dark and handsome husband suffered in a car accident leaving him paralyzed neck down. Life for the both of us has been challenging. But GOD has worked miracles after miracle in our life as we both survives with this thorn. I will pray for Susan and David , her dad and the girls. Like HE saw and heard Hagar tears and crying HE hears and answers our cries. I love BSF for opening our eyes to learn more about the GOD that loves us.
Even tho He slay me, Yet I shall Trust Him; now and forever!!!!
God is faithful, as reading David and Susan, this scripture came to mind Jeremiah 29:11 For the plans I have for you, not to hurt you, but to prosper you,. God plan is perfect and clear, if we just only trust him with every aspect of our lives. God Bless you and your family. thanks for sharing.
Jeremiah 17 : 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience. GOD works in a mysterious way and HIS way leads us to be the part of HIS eternal Kingdom. Praise The Lord.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, this encourages me that God is always with us no matter what we are going through. To trust God always.
Beautiful testimonies of growing faith and trust. Thank you
If we take the time to look back over our lives, I’m sure most of us would be able to see how God has directed our path through life. The troubles He has seen us through and their outcomes may not have been pleasant or the results we wanted, but in the long run they have always led us to a better place. Thank you Father for always watching over me.
Glory to God! Thank you for sharing your testimonies. I related so well of God’s GOODNESS! because He delivered me from a traumatic head injury in a car accident. Praying God’s continued blessings to your family.
Great! Your story is indeed another story the Lord is using ,along with the Genesis study , to mature me in faith; trusting, believing in the God who pursues, perseveres with those He loves (this is from our lecture aim for the week). Thank you. God bless.
David and Susan. Thanks so much for the sharing. Been reminded of how hard l have been struggling to work for my well-being under unfavourable conditions. Yet God is working deeply to grow my faith. GBU.
what a great testimony, we may not understand the process but we can lean on HIm and trust Him for He is faithful.
Thanks David Swafford and family for sharing abit of your journey of life and how God provided and worked through you to overcome the adversity through faith in purpose wholeheartedly. We praise the Lord all BSF’S fraternity of believers. The Doctrine of suffering embedded Genesis no doubt very empowering to all who obeys and trust in. To God be the glory forevermore Amen.
Very inspiring story which have made me rethink of my real relationship with God. I should let God be God in every situation of my life. Thank you the David’s for challenging my faith.
thank you. God is good
Praise to be the Lord. Thank you for sharing testimony and God’s care to His children.
Thank you for sharing your testimony David and Susan. It is such an encouragement. God bless and keep you.
I loved reading the story of Susan and David it goes to show when god is in control .prayers are always heard .when you feel there is a hard road ahead our God will carry us .
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. God knew whatever David and Susan were going through, it was like the way Abraham was tested. David and Susan remained faithul and in the end they were or they are winners!
What a blessing to hear this family’s Journey of Faith. Yes God is faithful and you find that true when you study his word. May God continue to bless this family
Amen! Amen!
So encouraging
God knows the best for us
Thanks David Swafford and family for sharing abit of your journey of life and how God provided and worked through you to overcome the adversity through faith in purpose wholeheartedly. We praise God for the Doctrine of suffering embedded Genesis is more appealing and empowering to our hearts to them who trust and and obeys the God Almighty. To Go be the glory forevermore Amen.
thank you
This family’s life experience has inspired me. I trust all things Almighty GOD will take care of us every step in our lives because HE has The Plan.
Thank you for sharing your story! I too am learning how personal our immutable God us! So I can trust Him fully, and live with His profound peace. His love makes all the difference 😉
Loving studying/teaching Genesis-first year TL, what a beautiful training ground our positions grant us.
Thank you David and Susan for sharing, indeed God is at work behind the scenes even at those times when we feel like we are on our own. So many circumstances and problems raise questions in our minds, but through it all we are learning God is trustworthy. God bless you.
It’s a beautiful testimony. BSF study of the Bible helps us to lean on God more than ever. Our understanding of God our creator and his ever present help in our situations.
God bless your family more as you share your blessings David. Amen
Such a wonderful testimony! Brought tears to my eyes!
Thank you !
An inspiring real life story. The hymn “God moves in a mysterious way” comes to mind. One of verses aptly puts it this way:
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.
May He help us to simply trust Him everyday!
I needed that, I agree it has been an amazing study, how every week in our desperate situation God has met us( my husband, who also does BSF)! Loved the doctrine, every week hitting the nail on the head!
Beautiful testimony of God’s provision and His eternal Grace.
Thank you Susan and David for living a WELL with GOD..,
So grateful for your blog. You have shared how God’s plan is a great plan we just have to adhere to His will. May our Lord continue to use you both. Prayers for your parents Susan.
How amazing the way God establishes us through suffering! Thank you Susan and David for the encouraging testimony. May you continue to experience His faithfulness as you see His new mercies morning by morning.
Thank you Debra! Prayers for my parents mean a lot to me!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am looking forward to class tomorrow. Genesis is so up liftingYour story just reinforced it. Thank you, in Him
Mary Shead
Thanks for sharing your wonderful faith journey it’s convicting as our family is going through serious challenges yes BSF had been a great help in my faith journey I share this to my son and daughter in law God Bless BSF.
This testimony is encouraging. I am also GENESIS, I see the hand of God, he is also teaching about families, broken relationships, God is in control
The study of Genedis is such a source of increasing my faith &
total dependence on God
God can only be good so trusting when things aren’t going as we thought they would but absolutely knowing that His plan is perfect and always on time.
As a member of David’s class I can definitely say that he is a gifted teaching leader. I am often surprised by how well he leads the class. I have often thanked God for David by saying Lord, you sure know how to pick them.
I know David is very thankful for you too, Dr. Philippe! We are blessed by your friendship.
I loved walking through this testimony with David and Susan! My faith became even stronger as I watched God strengthen their faith in Him through all of their pain and suffering. Trusting our Creator,, Lord and Savior brings joy to my heart! Thank you BSF for these blogs and for the wonderful teachers we have helping us to dig deeper into Gods Word for more understanding!
An awesome testimony and very encouraging. If God is willing to be with one, then he is willing to do it for others. And He will do it again and again for His children. Genesis has been one story after another of God keeping His promises. He not only keeps His promises for people in the Bible, but also for you and me. God loves us, is with us, and will never let us go.
Awesome, thanks! So encouraging.
Thank you so much. I have seen God in my life . I have been experiencing so financial difficulties ,even holding back my giving in the church where there is a program almost entrusted to me. Please do pray for me. This program has a due date of March 2022. I still trust God that He is going to come at the right time. Thank you and be blessed.
Thank you David and Susan for sharing your testimonies.
I agree with you whole heartedly.
May God bless you and continue
to use for His glory.
thanks for sharing your story it encourages me to have patience and wait on God for guidance .and to have faith learning how to trust God in all situation.
Great testimony. It teaches us to wait on God, depend on God, trust God, and, in all of this, God grows our faith. It was awesome to see how BSF was used to guide them through those stressful times.
So helpful! Thank you!
Instead of solely focusing on Abraham’s remarkable faith, David saw God’s preparation from one chapter to the next.
What a wonderful account of God’s presence in your lives and His guidance, just as we are seeing in the lives we are studying in Genesis. His plans are so far superior to ours! Thank you for sharing to encourage and bless your BSF family.
Indeed, God’s faithfulness & His abundant Provisions to prepare His chosen, the Swaffords & us for any hardships.
He aims to bring many sons & daughters to His Glory.
Thanks for sharing your faith journey – Swaffords to cheer us on this Journey to Heaven
Thank you for your testimony. It supports the fact that it’s only when we pray first and give God our challenges will we see his plan , feel his peace and experience The joy of his blessings as he leads us forward.
Excellent u too have learned to trust God in all situations. He is faithful Ge never changes and He encamps surrounding your every move. Praise the Father Son and Holy Spirit
What a beautiful story how God is guided you. It’s certainly brings to remembrance My past life woven with sin, despair and desperately seeking strength and peace from my trials that I was experiencing. Thank You for sharing.
Thank you Swaffords for sharing your story, it is very encouraging. I am grateful for how BSF encourages me to study deeply, to feast on God’s Word.
Sharing your experiences and growing your relationship with God is a wonderful and encouraging testimony. I pray that your faith and trust in God will continue to be a blessing for others to grow in Him and to yield to God’s unstoppable plan.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. Very encouraging and uplifting.
God gave me just what I needed in this blog post. I have struggled with my daughter Sara, who no longer wants anything to do with God. I can now let go and give her over to the Lord; knowing that God is in control .
I will pray for your Sara and your patience for God’s perfect plan and timing! One of our daughter’s is a Sarah too!
Holding on to our plans loosely, (or anything we care deeply about), is a good lesson to learn. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us.
Holding on to our plans (or anything we care deeply about), is a good lesson to learn. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us.
Very true, God can be trusted for He keeps His promises upon our lives.
Very inspirational and encouraging. As we journey in our faith, we will go through trying moments and tribulations. But I am comforted by God’s promise that these are really to sharpen and prepare us for HIs greater purpose.
Oh, this is very encouraging. May we learn to entrust our lives to God at all times.
Thank you Swafford family for sharing your testimonies. God is more than faithful and your example of trust and growth is truly inspiring..
Praise the Lord for He knows us well and leads us one step at a time. He holds the future. We have to learn to trust His with the details.
My heart is blessed beyond measure with every testimony included on the BSF Blog. Thank you so much.
Before I read this meditation I was stress and confused but God is good naw I am sure I should trust God with all my concerns and not depend on my solution.
It was very encouraging
“In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.”
AMEN
Awesome encouragement. Thank you for sharing your lifes story and reminding us that God can turn around each and every situation we encounter, to the glory of His Name
What an Inspirational story. This blog has come to me at a time i am going through a difficult moment. Having my tubes partially blocked and diagnosed with fibroids/Polyps. I am convinced that God allows us pain and suffering to draw us closer to Him. My relationship with God has tremendously grown and i believe my Miracle is on the door.
Thank you for this testimony! We have had a lot of uhoh moments this year. I am afraid I don’t respond as you have. Your story has opened my heart to trust!
Beautiful testimony of God’s provision and grace through trusting HIS plan and not our own…David’s passion to share God’s Word each week is so encouraging and challenging …as my husband, son and grandchildren benefit from each week. Thank you for showing us that our struggles are real but so is our GOD!
“When we don’t learn to study on our own, it’s as if we’re missing the feast God has set before us.”
Absolutely love this quote! So true!
Such an eye opener!
Our Unchanging, Promise Keeper God can be trusted, even (especially) in our darkest moments!
Thank You Jesus for Your unfailing love!
This true life story shows how God works in the life of those who trust Him
May my faith grow as I learn to trust Him more
When our faith is tested, it is an opportunity to grow closer to God.
Very encouraging journey for David and Susan. What stood out for me is clinging on God’s word. What he speak to us. To put our trust in him and our faith in him only. Susan and David may God bless you and your family for sharing with me .
Thank you Swaffords family for your inspiring real life situation. I can easily identify with all that you went through. God works in his mysterious ways as he prepares us for work in his vineyard. On our own we can do nothing . We need to put faith and trust in the living God.
what a beautiful story of a walk with God. Sometimes we need these witness strories to bring each one of us back into the beautiful hands of the Lord.
Thank You Jesus
Thank you for sharing God is in control of our lives though when we have challenges we forget this fact and focus on the challenge. But we must learn to trust in God and lay all our challenges at his feet. God bless.
Quite encouraging and motivating especially to those passing through challenges and hardships.
It so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know “thus saith the Lord.
Interesting and encouraging testimony.
What a testimony of faith in deed! No test, no testimony. A wonderful encouragement to embrace life’s challenges with faith and trust in God.
Building faith in adversity, wow, this testimony could not have come at a better time. Thank you, we praise God
Thank you for the Swaffords experience, for the last 48 years, I have suffered a condition known as Rheumatoid Arthritis. It a very painful disease that causes inflammation to the bones such that when a severe attack happens, most times am unable to walk however much I try to. I have prayed, fasted, climbed mountain and valleys, attended healing meetings, hands have been laid on me, what can I say? I have taken local herbs, modern drugs, name it but alas year in and out the pain is still on me. Recently when I went for another checkup, I was told I have Osteoporosis!!! What are my recent lessons? I felt the spirit telling me to Be joyful and patient in the midst of my suffering – these two qualities were totally absent in the 48years of ailment. Of recent, through the book of Genesis which we are currently doing in BSF, I have learnt even more and more that I need to be patient in the midst of suffering knowing very well that at the end of all the sufferings good results, tidings, blessings will come my way for God is seeing what am going through. In Lesson 20 ( Adult Questions Genesis 30-31), Question 13 states “which of today’s verses help or encourage you? it is Genesis 31:12b that says “….12 for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.” Therefore God sees all that Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis has done to me I and believe, trust and hope that He will sustain me to the end. He Who has sustained me thus far ( in and out of hospitals – year to year) is the anchor of my LOVE, JOY, FAITH and HOPE. I thank BSF for building my faith to such great levels.
This blog post comes as a great encouragement to me, reminding me about God’s faithfulness in all circumstances. My dad died in January this year after a year long battle with cancer. This has been a difficult season for the family and especially for my mum. My siblings and I are doing what we can to support her. Work, grief and providing support have worn me out . David and Susan’s testimony reminds me to look to God. But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. They will mount up on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40:31
Indeed a great testimony of faith journey through it all. I have experienced and tasted God’s goodness in the most trying times of darkness.He takes us through it to keep refining us inwards to fulfill His great purpose.No trial or tribulation frightens me any more. He walks with me and talks with me each day with His blessed assurances.
GOD is truly faithful and He can be trusted totally. I am encouraged by your testimony its exactly what I needed.Be blessed
A beautiful story of faith and trust in God.
I have been encouraged.
uplifting and encouraging.
God is always faithful
Look at every step as preparation for God’s future plan cause He alone can be trusted with with our greatest fears and uncertain futures.
Thanks Swaffords!
Thanks very much for your testimony, its very inspiring.. may God bless you all.
I am touched by this story of the Swaffords.A good testimony indeed about how God walks with us and directs our steps as long as we surrender to Him.
Very encouraging story. My experience is that hard times for me are an avenue to greater responsibilities by God. And so, they should be gone through with the necessary faith and hope that God will usher in something that will make us thank him for the difficult patch.
Wow–what a testimony and what encouragement to keep on trusting God when life seems hardest and darkest!!
Praise be to God for His awesome care and plans for our lives!!!
What a beautiful story of faith!!
Truly encouraging to read this family’s journey of faith amidst turbulent times!
Greatly encouraged as my own family is going through a financial struggle now. Thanks for sharing your lives. God bless you all.
Thank you for this blog. I read it just when I needed it. I am caring for my disabled husband and today was a very difficult day and I was at the end of my rope. Then I read this and it was encouraging. With prayer and supplication trust in God. I needed the reminder.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I too pray that I may learn to trust God with confidence and build my future on God’s firm foundation
Wow, what a testimony! Thank you the Swaffords for encouraging us to remain faithful in the service of the Lord, because His mercies are new every morning.
Wonderful, merciful, strength giving grace. Praise to our Lord.
Praise God for the wonderful story of God’s faithfulness and testimony of Swafford’s amidst trials .
I have been battling post Covid complications since last 3 months and this blog has been a huge encouragement .
Quite encouraging piece. I also have been challenged to trust God in very trying and depressing times of my life. I can trust God with all that seems impossible to me. Bsf has come in handy and Genesis is a good place to start.
Praise God for His mercy is new every morning & His Grace is limitless! Amen!
It’s so true, “God doesn’t promise to take away hard times just because you’re a believer,”
Thank you for sharing your encouraging story!
I am in the middle of one of the most difficult struggles I’ve ever gone through, and as I study these last few weeks in Genesis on grace & sanctification, I see that God has me right where He wants me: humble and dependent on Him for my future and next steps as I face some challenging decisions coming up. I too am trusting Him not knowing what’s in store for my upside down world.
God is glorified through your lives. He will “. . . put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ””
Zechariah 13:9 We “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 Thanking God always fir the refinement!
Awesome , I needed to read that
God’s amazing plans for us are far greater than we could ever imagine. We see what we believe we are suppose to be, but God shows us what we really need to see through His Word—His Promises. Glory to God!
Thank you, Swafford family, for sharing your life story with us! It is beautiful and authentic!
Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing your story of faith and trust, it is so encouraging and feels so real and its beautiful to hear that God provides for our every need and we need to allow Him to do that for us.
Your story is very inspiring,full of encourangement,giving Hope and Comfort.
Indeed when we put our trust in God,we have every reason to be confident in His Love and Grace.His Mercies and Promises are new every morning and He fullfill every bit of them.
As the word says He will never leave us nor forsake us.In every situation that we could be in, God is always Faithful and Gracious..BSF has taught me the word of God and to perservere the difficult circumstances of day today life.Calling upon God to help me strongly to remain in Him. Having a close rrlationship with Him is of great joy.
May His Name be Praise forevermore.
What a beautiful encouragement! May the Lord continue to make that faith even stronger for you and me. BSF came at the right time for me as well.
God is so faithful!
It is such a blessing to me to read these stories of God’s provision., especially since in our daily lives, we
sometimes forget how He has carried us.
Thanks for the testimony. It has renewed my faith in God.
Very encouraging testimony. My daughter is going through a rough moment. She is very sire she is in the wrong career abd wants to resign or switch career. I dobt seem to be getting through to her as she is very adamant she is right. Abraham trusted God to care for his children and he did. I am encouraged.
that is a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. I was surely blessed by it.
I also love bsf!
Thank you for sharing that faith-builder story
Inspiring journey. Thanks for sharing how your faith grew through challenging life experiences. Your story blessed me. ?
Thank you Susan and David for sharing how God brought you through the unexpected happenings, the change in plans, dreams, and challenging situations to trust Him more and grow in your faith in Him. Praise God for giving us His Word and BSF as a means to study, absorb, and learn from others. It helps me to be reminded, we all go through trials. I am thankful that God draws us closely to Him.
This testimony has grounded my faith to face the world. Been going through related.
Our God is wonderful and amazing! Thank you for the beautiful testimony of David and Susan testifying God’ love and purpose. Yes, after all “it was about learning to trust Him” be it times of hardship or good times.
I also come to walk closer with God through studying His Word at BSF since 2009.
I am a GL now and learning with my group of ladies to depend on the Lord with all our life struggles and challenges.
Praise the Lord.
A person is never shaken when he or she is at per with his or her faith.
Thanks for the strong faith in Christ.
God is good ALl the time!
An awesome read. Am really encouraged by the shared experiences. God orchestrates our lives so that all glory goes back to Him. Am so encouraged. God bless you.
Absolutely wonderful testimony! Keep allowing God to use you!
I am encouraged by your story.Every week I attend a banquet of spiritual food through my BSF class which leaves me thirsting for more.
I am leaning to look at the broader picture and see how God is using events in our life to shape and mould us.I enjoy the lectures and the notes and the sharing from my sisters under the gentle yet purposeful prompting of our leader
The story of David and Susan is very uplifting. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this story about how God uses all things to bring Him glory. I am going through life changing circumstances and am finding much needed peace through Gods word in Genisis. The big one that brings peace is how God provides what we need. It is a repeated theme in this year lessons in BSF study in Genisis.
I too am so glad that God has lead me to BSF and am growing in my relationship with the Lord. God bless you for sharing your story it has been uplifting and encouraging.
I really needed this. Thank you.
God is great and is working in the lives of His people to establish them as a witness despite the challenges that life brings. May this legacy that we have become partakers continue to the Glory of His Name.
Thanks for sharing your testimony.
Truly enjoyed reading the article of David’s growing faith/surrendering to God’s direction in full trust.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey/ trials/testimony. I have struggled for 17 years with Mild traumatic brain injury and though it was called mild,it challenges me daily with executive functioning. I am grateful that the one thing I get to do because of God’s grace…is worship him,study his word,serve him during different seasons. Some feeling great and some with unexpected lapses in processing,mild depression and inability to focus. Because of the word of God and my faith I embrace the daily cognitive challenges that have left residual damage. I struggle sometimes and diving regular into his word keeps me hopeful and realizing that the Lord has called me to be an overcomer… Blessing and Favor to you and your family as you too are indeed overcomers as the Lord carries you through seasons of uncertainty and yet, you continue to trust him!
He is Soo faithful!
The Lord bless you & family richly, you are a overcomer in Christ Jesus! Amen!???✝️?
Thanks for sharing your twists and turns. It encourages all of us as each faces the difficulties God has especially determined to use in our sanctification.
Thank you for sharing which is indeed encouraging & heart warming. I am reminded to know our Heavenly Father cares for each of us and He always has His perfect plan to serve HIs purpose.
My daughter, Sarah has been looking for a job almost a year now. She has gone through interviews after interviews but with no success. I am also praying God to give her a Spouse, she is 33 this year. She is also attending BSF and I thank God for it so she can keep her hope in Him as I reminded myself He is Sovereign (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse also helps to remind me & give me strength to continue praying for Sarah too.
this is very encouraging, especially in a time we are all being tested in various ways.
Our daughter has been out of work for a year now due to Covid. she lives in Brooklyn.
It is not easy to keep on praying and trusting when you can’t see God working.
So thankful to have witnessed the journey into a deeper faith that David, his family, and his extended family into which God has led them. In so many endeavors in our lives, it is not the achievement of some goal but a vehicle God uses to fulfill his purpose in our lives.
I really enjoyed this blog. It just goes to show that the family that prays together stays together.
Very inspiring story of God’s amazing grace and faithfulness. May God continue to bless and use them for His purpose!
I’d love to study An Authentic Faith.
We learn so much about the Word
through hearing others testimonials
and meditating on God’s Word. This story shows that it’s not about our plans because God is in control and only He can map out what direction we are going.
I’m facing uncertain times. Need lots of prayer! I have lots of God stories of what God has done in my life and I’m not done according to his plan!
What a touching story you are a prepared preparation ?♂️?✅
This faith story is so timely and encouraging to my husband and I, as we find ourselves in a place of waiting on God; a ‘holding pattern’ of sorts. Five months ago my darling husband and best friend was made redundant after 7 years at a well-known Global Company. Within weeks of that, God spoke to my hubby on a mountain top, reminding him of Who his Creator and Provider is and encouraging him not to fear, but to trust. It’s been a very different start to our year than what we could have imagined or envisaged. However, our memory and experience of the Faithfulness of our Heavenly Father exceeds everything. We choose to make fear a visitor (an unwelcome one) instead of a resident in our home. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord – in good, bad and uncertain times. Our faith in Him is not linked to our earthly successes, but to the Promises of an Almighty, all powerful God who allows us to stray, but Who redirects us to the original plan He has for us. As He did with Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau so He will do with us too.
Oh, beautiful thanks for this story. I think reading this encourage me a lot, because I had and still have a lot of hard time and feeling, although I need to say, that I trust God and know He is with me and he will fulfill his promise. I love my Lord and savior Jesus Christ! My life have been a rough in the sense of passing a lot trauma when we were kids due to being part of a family of 17 children. I know my mom did her best to fulfill our needs, but it was not possible. I know we had father and mother, but my parents didn’t have time to give enough time to explain all the questions any kid has, no time to assist to the school meetings, no time to bring us to a sports event etc etc.. however I understand the circumstances we all were living in those days!
I have a lot scars in my heart, but I also have a lot love ❤️ God put in my broken heart and give me the opportunity to continue to fallow his path. I ask God to bless me with love for his scriptures and to love my neighbors as my self. I want to be able to share my stories with others, so they can see that we are not alone, that we have a living God who watch us and will be with us in all situations.
Beyond measure, the account of adjusting & holding loosely to plans, surrendering to God through
adversity & fear–paralleled to God’s stages of preparedness for the families in Genesis– is illuminating!
It helps to bring Genesis to life through more of a practical-application lens.
Bless them for being so candidly edifying☦?.
God bless you all beautiful family with a great faith.Our best cannot come to the perfection of God ?
Thank you for this wonderful testimony. We met a new crisis this week that has broken our hearts and I needed to read your journey through hard times. Our youngest of 4 children is filing for divorce. I don’t know what God will do but we hurt for our daughter and her 9 year old and 3 year old. Her husband is into drugs and alcohol and has refused to take his meds or seek adequate help, so the decision needed to be made for the protection of the kids and our daughter. We are now helping with the kids and helping financially as much as possible and mostly praying. Your words reminded me yet again of our loving and caring Lord in every situation.
What a beautiful inspirational story. Trusting God in difficult circumstances is the key to our spiritual growth! Thank you God for the difficult times in our lives
Very encouraging. I too am struggling as God grows my faith in Him and provides for my family. What struck me most was the comment that you have learnt to hold your plans loosely to be ready to follow when God leads.
Thank you for sharing your testimony of God’s FAITHfulness bringing you FAITH-FILLED moments to G-R-O-W as you called on God. He calls is and carries us to places we never dreamed of going, but He always goes before to prepare. His plans are BEST even when we can’t see what is front of us. God be praised.
Each believer has had their life plans interrupted some how or somewhere along their life journey. We look at the pieces and wonder how God will reassemble them. Feeling disappointed or panicked we eventually turn back to God for his grace to do its work in changing our plans and attitudes. God is developing our character and teaching us patience. We see the revised plan and recognize the God who comes to us in times of trials. He is the God who constantly cares and leads us along life’s journey. Trust and obey for there is no other way, as the hymn line goes. If you want to see how God works in some tremendous life trials. Just read some hymn writers’ stories. Hope is living in us and has to be brought back to life.
God’s timing is perfect. Thank you for writing this!
I needed this message right now and these time. Thank you!
This is a very encouraging story of faith.
Wow, I needed to read this story of trusting God. I need to trust Him through my physical pain. Like Jacob, God has given me a “limp”.
Thanks for sharing this testimony David and Susan. It is very timely for me. God bless you both.
Gives me hope for my future! God will get me through the days ahead!
Fantastic story of faith through adversity. Thank you David for sharing your story of enduring and growing faith.
This is such a great story of how God provides for His children – often in unexpected ways. A pastor once described sanctification as a process of returning to our original blessed relationship with our heavenly Father. Through the tough lessons of life we learn to trust Him and our faith grows. May God continue to bless this wonderful family and may His provision for their future become more apparent.
Great story. We had a similar test of our faith regarding a high level job loss. The experience tested and matured our faith. Several years later we discovered BSF. Bsf has helped us to take our faith to a higher, mature level.
Thank you Lord. Thank you BSF. Thank you to this family of faith.
This is wonderful story of experiencing God’s Word and embracing God’s sanctifying process.
David, I have appreciated you as our teaching leader. I did not know of all your trials but they really speak to us about God being in charge and our developing our faith to turn loose of ourselves and say “Lord I can’t do it alone, please hold my hand and walk with me. “
What a beautiful story of God’s Faithfulness and how He prepares us for our next step. Many times our plans do not come to fruition but His plans prevail and are taking us to the place He wants us to be.
Love the honesty and genuineness of their stories. Sharing the situations that don’t work out like you want is so important because God is still bringing good things out of bad situations (even though it might not match our idea of “good” in the present. Thanks for sharing!
This is a beautiful story of faith and God’s faithfulness; thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you for sharing your story about trusting God. I enjoyed it. It really spoke to my heart. May the Lord bless you and your family as you continue to grow in Him.
I walked that challenge to trust God when our son with Down Syndrome was born, and once again when he passed at age 29. Learning to trust is hard, but God walked beside us.
(I think) I made up a saying”God does His best work when we just can’t see how.” It has been true for me any number of times. I understand, then, that I have made my God far to small! I appreciate the
Swafford’s journey in faith from one thing to the next, all part of God’s good plan, that sometimes we get to appreciate in retrospect. Thank you for their story.
Alleluia! Amen!…
this is truth from the Swaffords!
…if God has not tested your faith to near breaking point, then you are not yet chosen or appointed to a task…
you are in line
as a believer (a Christian), simply brace and brave yourself for impact…it is a guarantee! you will be TESTED!…
the Lord’s name be praised forever! for HIS mercy endures FOREVER!…
this is atamba in kampala, uganda…
thank you for sharing, I and my household needed this…
What an outstanding couple and the hard road they climbed! It was a joy to read their story and shows how God worked in their lives.
Thank you for the encouraging blog. Indeed our God is faithful and trustworthy.
That is a beautiful testimonial. Thank you David and Susan, love hearing David’s lectures in Conyers and I miss seeing John on Tuesday night’s. Hopefully, one day this virus will be gone and we can get back to normal. Y’all are a beautiful family, God bless you.
Thank you for this testimony. Your journey of faith led by God truly encourages me at this moment of my life where I will also give birth to my first child in a month, while having all kinds of chaotic news everyday by living in HK.
May the word of God bound our neck and heart so we always have help in the darkest time.
God’s plans for our lives are orchestrated in all that we do. He is faithful and a loving God. He is ever present.
Indeed in our uncertain times, God is certain about our future; our destiny
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Swafford’s Blog inspired me to write this note; I am so blessed to have discovered it just now.
I just now took a break in my study of Genesis 35,36 in BSF. this afternoon to write to you.
I am a Group Leader. I have been with B.S.F . for over ten years. Only since my being here in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada did I take the role of Group Leader. Now, this has been “put on hold” for the time being due to Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatments which ended after 25 days on 6 January. I am now in the progressive healing stages.
I do continue with each week of B.S.F. and remain in contact with the group co-ordinator, John Tan, and with the teaching leader, Sted Chin.
I am so blessed to be involved in the study of God’s Word now and over the past ten years. This has been “The Key” to my stability of faith during this health challenge in my life at the age of 82.
The Lord is my Strength and Song.
In His Love and By His Grace,
Brother Gordon E. Carpenter
Hallelujah , what a great testimony, our awesome God can be trusted in every situation and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways always perfect. May God continue to bless Swafford family for His glory and to their good.
This article is so on point, especially with the pandemic. We don’t know what tomorrow holds but we can rest in the security of knowing Who holds tomorrow.
Amen, brother
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I seem to need lots of reminders about God’s omnipotence in those times of struggles and testing. Thank you for reminding me that God is bigger than any problem I might face and that He will use my problems to grow my faith and deepen my faith roots.
Amen
What a beautiful example of Gods leading and direction.
Yes the Lord our God is always faithful even if our circumstances may dictate otherwise.
Amen, Sharon o
“Praise God through HIM all blessings flow!” We just have to look for the blessings even if through the tears.
Thank you for sharing
I am so blessed reading that blog. So many lessons I have gotten and remembered from that story. Thank you for sharing! To God be all the glory!
I am experiencing a faith walk in my life. Reading the Bible and participating in the study of God’s word has helped me to remain on the path of trusting God. Years ago, my son became ill with a mental illness. I am trusting God to use both of us in ministry to serve people who are suffering.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of God’s Faithfulness . This time in our life I see God working in so many life’s. Thanks to BSF and all of the special leaders. May God Bless each of you,
“Abraham learned that he can trust God to care for his children better and more fully than he ever could.” I needed this reminder regarding my adult daughters and 19 year old grandson. Thank you!
Carol, I loved that reminder also!!
This testimony inspired me to see God’s hand in my life. This couple’s journey shows me that God is in the details, and He has a plan in mind.
I admired both and how God give them tests but I personal know the plans of God are always perfect ! I have gone through many trails but in all God’s hand was near me , and he give me the strength to keep going ! People tells me how strongly I am ! But is God’s Grace the one making me stronger ! Thanks for BSF this study of Genesis ! I learn about things I didn’t knew ! Praise the Lord for BSF
Maria, I love that others can see God working in your life. We can’t hide His wonderful works!
Thank you all for sharing your testimony, I really needed this today! May God continue to bless and keep you as you go forwarded in your walks of faith.
David and Susan give me a lot of comfort in our hard time. It is encourage us to trust our Lord whatever we face. God will carry our hands to go through the hard time. He never gives up us. He will keep us safe and still (Psalm 91). God is so good. He is so good to us. Thank you and praising Him everyday.
Beautiful testimony! I’m so much encouraged to see the ways God provides along the way. He is a faithful God.
Like what David’s quote that ‘it was never about earning a graduate degree. It was about learning to trust Him. God used it to accomplish His purpose.’
God bless this family!
How much this family story is a blessing to many.
Jesus loves stories too.
Wow! Thank you so very much for sharing your faith journey.
Walking with God is a great adventure despite the perceived hardships..This was very encouraging to me at this phase of my life..BSF has taught me to Trust God through His unerring Word..I’m 80 and can confidently say God always keeps His promises and answers every prayer sent to him..He never lies and tunes His ear to our suffering..My wife of 54 years recently went to be with Him..So just always Trust Him, know His promises, rely totally on Him, before anything else .. Matthew 6:33
Oh my! What a testimony of faith and of God’s love. So encouraging!
Applying God’s Word in life everyday, especially in our most challenging times , is just another way of asking ourselves that age old question…DO I REALLY TRUST GOD! Genesis is amazing!!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!!
Very encouraging!
This was a beautiful story of testing and trials and God’s faithfulness and love. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks David for allowing God to use you to build my faith. This message has come at a time I was reviewing my life and thinking that I am behind plan and the pieces of the puzzle are not fitting together especially at the family and career front.
I am challenged by the journey that the Lord carried you through to get to trust Him fully
Thank you Mr and Mrs Swafford for your testimony of faith step by step in the hardest of times. You are an encouraging couple. God Bless you.
Thank you David and Susan for sharing your story. It is very touching and reminds us that God may not remove our trials but that He will use them to make us stronger Christians. We share our stories to show others how God’s plan for our lives is so much more meaningful and brings fruits that are eternal. May God bless you and your family in wonderful ways.
This message was very helpful to me in understanding the study of Genesis & in my own personal journey. Thank you
A great blog, again God doing his work in us for His glory. I love the faithfulness of David and Susan. Not an easy road but one which we can be assured God is walking with and leading us. PTL
Very Encouraging!
This story is a true testament of trust in God. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful account of being flexible and trusting God in that flexibility!
God allows trials , in many forms, to come into our lives. Many times we are exhausted because we try to divert, defuse, and destroy what God has allowed in our lives. We desire to control what we can not. When we open our hands and mind to give up, surrender in defeat and humility, he reaches out his hand to navigate us through our storms of life and he teaches us he is faithful and trustworthy.
Thank you for sharing your story. What a faith-builder!
Thank you
I had tears in my eyes as I read this beautiful story of your walk with God. Step-by-step, He led you and your family to give from the heart willingly. What a wonderful blessing – Faith and that cornerstone foundation that only Christ can provide! God’s purpose and plan were carved in stone before you knew it. Thank you. Father, for giving me insight into my life. As someone said, “Sometimes you do not see it (sin, etc.) until you are on the other side.” I see the pieces, but often it is difficult to put them together until God leads me, through others, to His bigger picture.
Wow that is awesome! I see Him structure my future too! His hand of grace has lead me down paths of righteousness!
After having to face lung cancer in July 2019. I’m alive! I’m healed! I’m cancer free! He is able!!!
Very true God teaches us through the challenges and tests of life
Glory to the Father!
so good…thanks for sharing!
Such a great reminder that our Lord is in charge during all times, but His Presence is so acknowledged during trials.
What a beautiful testament to Gods faithfulness. Love seeing the trust that he wants us all to have in him. The bible shows that & their story show us. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for letting God shine through you
Thankyou for the authentic & tangible examples shared in your life as God prepared and enable you to trust him… never a simple or easy choice, but obviously one that has built a marriage and family of great character and contentment.
Glory Be to God!!
Today, I am lifted by your testimony & I have the assurance that there is no detail God does know of my purpose and my family and our destinies are in his hands.
May God help us to be faithful to his word. God Bless you for sharing your experience in building an authentic faith.
Precious lesson
I appreciate this very encouraging blog. It is wonderful when we can see new things in scripture and apply them to our lives so that God can direct our steps and bring us to a greater faith.
I thank David and Susan for sharing their journey of faith with us. Our faith can only grow when we have come thru the trial of pain, grief, “misfortunes” (i.e. in human eyes) when we walk with God. We need more of such testimony today to prepare us if such circumstances was going to happen to us. God is impartial to us, He allowed those people in Genesis to encounter those situation and He also could let it take place in our lives. These are not just stories in the old times. However we must also hold firm to whom we have trusted – a faithful, unchanging God from the beginning to when He comes
Many thanks to the Swaffords for sharing their faith journey. Their story is such an inspiration and certainly compliments our Bible study in Genesis.
I thank God for the great encouragement I have derived from David and Susan’s testimony. Yes, as we study Genesis God is moving us on in our faith. And it is all for his glory and honour.
Wao great encouragement that the trials we face grows up our faith in God. So so helpful. Thanks for the life experience that strengthen me.
Beautiful and encouraging testimony. Thank you for sharing it!! Challenging and inspiring!
Beautiful words, reminding me always of trusting in God to lead.