Our HOW (Hearts of Women) group continues to be strengthened in God's grace. And this coming Monday, Novemebr 25 from 6-8, We will celebrate thanksgiving together with a light dinner, conversation and a testimonial from one of our precious friends. We have been doing these testimonials for the past three months and the stories just knock my socks off about the love, loss, survival, and hope that is displayed through these lives. These women are my heroes. They are walking in faith, taking one step at a time in trust and are survivors of a most heartfelt loss. And my prayer for them is that God will continue to let his presence be felt, his comfort be wrapped around them and his love be poured into them. May they know that they are never alone, and that he, through he is not seen, is a constant companion.
Our lesson last month was another great one, this time focused on Esther. Esther is one of my very favorite books of the bible; for it is indicative of the way God works and is such a clear picture of what a relationship that is built on faithfulness and trust with God looks like. The story has everything, a hero, a villain, danger, practiced patience, courage, trust that God will prevail in spite of what circumstances look like, a king of integrity, etc. But the main focus is on Esther and her commitment to follow God and prayerfully seek his way in the midst of turmoil.
For our October meeting, God put on Jan's heart the topic of Ester and it was such a grand reminder that each us has within us the capacity to live faithfully, trusting that each step of our way that God's presence remains constant, his love remains unconditional, and his power remains unchallenged. Her gifted lesson is filled with depth of compassion, empathy, love and above all hope. When she speaks, she speaks with a kind and gentle spirit but also with a mighty conviction of who God is and puts forth a constant reminder that he sits majestically and sovereignly upon his throne. Nothing is wasted in his economy and through all things if we let Him, God will grow us to know him better and love him even more, and trust him in the midst of turmoil.
The following notes will give you a small glimpse into the lesson; for it is one that we all can hold tight to:
HOW
October 28, 2013
It was the middle of September and we had all gathered at the home of our dear friend to kick off our yearly bible study. It was so exciting and comforting to all be together after having been scattered for the summer. To be with this group of girls is just such a comfort and such a blessing. We have been
together for years and feel like family~~~~like sisters~~~~sisters in Christ. We have prayed together, laughed together, cried together and walked heart to heart through life’s greatest joys and life’s greatest sorrows. This is a group bonded by faith in Jesus and girded by courage based on His promises.
So our choice of Esther for this year’s study was a perfect fit.
For weeks, God has been whispering “Esther is the topic of the next
HOW meeting.” My reply has been, “ Lord, you’ve got the groups mixed up. Remember, that’s what we’re discussing in my Bible study group.” ( Ha, me telling God He’s got it wrong~~~ but, that’s just how we talk to each other. We’ve gone round and round on several issues! ) Lord, Esther preserved the destiny of the whole Jewish nation. She was a big deal~~~what she did was huge!!! Without Esther Your whole plan of salvation would never have happened. I just don’t see how her life relates to the HOW group.
This was His answer~~~~
1) Just like Esther, I have a plan and a purpose for each of your lives.
2) Just like Esther, as you stand between fear and the unkown you each must believe by faith that I am faithful to my promises.
3) Just like Esther, in the face of overwhelming circumstances,
you each must trust Me to provide the courage needed to take the next step. 4) Just like Esther, each one of you are my child, you are each a King’s Kid and entitled to all the privileges I have promised you.
5) Just like Esther, I have already equipped each of you with everything you need to fulfill my purpose for your life. And,
6) Just like Esther, no situation is hopeless, for with Me, all things are possible.
And so you see, by the mere fact that you are here, YOU ARE AN ESTHER! You are the embodiment of faith and courage in action. We may not know what lies ahead, but we know Who
Has gone before us to prepare the way. We know Who has given us the courage to take the next step. We know that every morning He is waiting with outstretched arms saying, “This is the day I have made. I want you to rejoice and be glad in it.”
Our journey through grief takes us through a maze of emotions physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that we would never dream to have been possible if it weren’t for the fact that we are living it. Navigating the twists and turns of the maze takes bravery and courage, but results in a renewing of our spirit which offers us hope and encouragement. As a “Maze Navigator”, YOU
ARE AN ESTHER!
Grief isn’t for sissies. Esther was not a sissy. As she took a risk and a giant leap of faith, God’s providential hand is seen in her every move. It took sheer courage and strength to deal with the circumstances in which she had been placed; and so it is for each of us. It takes sheer strength and courage to deal with the circumstances in which we have been placed. Even dealing with the little surprises life throws our way on top of everything else.
At the end of the day, after you’ve hiked over treacherous mountains (5 phone calls to straighten out THAT bill), crawled through the desert (what do you mean my car’s manifold heat control valve needs to be replaced) climbed over barbed wired ( I don’t know Mr. Disposal Man, the water just keeps gushing out) and run through mine fields (you can’t give me a ticket, there’s no way my inspection sticker can be expired.), you ask yourself in amazement, “Did I really accomplish that?” As you allow yourself to be still and quiet your heart you realize God’s providential hand rests upon us, too.
You are not a sissy! YOU ARE AN ESTHER!
Father, how I thank you for the gift of the HOW group. Another
amazing circle of sisters bonded through faith in Your Son and
girded with courage based on Your promises. May you give us eyes of faith to see your fingerprints and feel Your providential hand on our every situation. Give us courage to step outside our
comfort zone as we take a leap of blind faith toward an unknown
future.
Psalm 46:1
Thank you Lord for being “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory
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