Finding Hope For Life was a direct answer to prayer. I desperately needed help to face, and work through, a seemingly hopeless dental phobia. I also had other struggles I needed help with, but this one was more immediate because I needed to begin the process of having some pretty extensive dental work done.
I was quite literally paralyzed by fear at the mere thought of this, which also led to panic attacks at the thought or mention of a dentist. I was also deeply grieved because I knew that I was not trusting God. I knew that I had to work through this with Him, so it was extremely important to me to find a solid biblical counselor that would point me to Christ and Christ alone. That is exactly what I found at Hope For Life from Mark.
He genuinely listened to me, pointed me to God’s Word, explained to me how to yield to Him and His Word, and to ask myself questions to get to the root of my fear, and hopelessness. He expounded on Scripture, which really helped me to better understand who God is and His trustworthiness, and how to apply Scripture to my life, as well as going through lies I was believing and lining them up against what Scripture says.
He continually reminded me of the hope that we have because of Christ. The fruit that this brought forth was more than I ever could have imagined. I set to work studying, praying, meditating on Scripture and putting into practice the things Mark went through with me.
Slowly over time, I began to realize that my phobia was really a major lack of trust in God, muddled with a bunch of lies I had been believing, and even though fear was still there, it was losing its grip and my trust in God was becoming greater and I was learning to strengthen myself in the Lord.
Eventually, I knew that the time had come to actually begin my dental work which was to have my teeth extracted in order to have dentures placed. Fear was still present, but I was able to prayerfully (and with thanksgiving) take steps forward, fully trusting God, continually reminding myself of what God says to be true. I also saw this as being able to show Him the genuineness of my faith, and I wanted to please Him.
To date, I have had twenty teeth extracted without any form of sedation, which I never thought possible with my level of fear. God has also blessed me with an amazing dentist who has shown me great care and patience throughout this process.
God has done an amazing work through this ministry. I am truly humbled and grateful for His great mercy and grace, and I am equally grateful to Mark and Hope For Life and how God is using him to help others in our time of need.
This story is just one of many we have been grateful to be a part of. It is a beautiful testimony to the fact that nothing is too big or too small for the Lord, and that the practical truth found in His Word always brings hope when applied to our lives.
MINISTRY PRAISES
+ In the past 23 years, thousands of people have received Biblical Counseling through the ministry of Hope For Life, on a donation-only basis.
+ Hundreds of lives and relationships have been given new and lasting hope by applying the principles found in God’s incomparable Word.
+ People all over the world are able to access our free articles and other equipping materials via our website HopeForLifeOnline.com
+ We continue to thank the Lord for the privilege of sharing the hope of His Word in a darkening world. We are so very grateful for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support. Thank you.
We Praise God For You!
HOPE FOR LIFE MINISTRY
Hope For Life Biblical Counseling & Equipping is a non-profit ministry based in the Central Valley of California. We have always been fully committed to providing biblical counseling at no cost to anyone in need, along with classes, books, and other equipping resources for the local community and the worldwide body of Christ as a whole.
In addition to being a full-time counselor for well over two decades, Mark Baker actively develops and teaches courses on a wide range of subjects, including forgiveness, conflict, marriage & relationships, biblical counseling, and discernment. Emily, Mark’s wife, handles the administrative and artistic side of the ministry, while holding down the fort at home.
Because we truly believe that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope,” we are passionate about sharing that Word every chance we get —whether through counseling, teaching, writing, or art.
+ Equipping Resources: Hope For Life Shop
+ Scripture Art, Cards, and Calendars: Hope Ink Art
+ Stay in Touch With Us: Subscribe
+ Support the Ongoing Ministry of Hope For Life: Donate
Leave A Comment