Last, year around this time I received a phone call from my dear, dear friend Lainie. She told me that she felt the Lord calling her to do a Kay Arthur bible study of the book of Hebrews and that she had come across a few friends who felt they were being called as well. She then asked me if I would like to join her.
Although God had not specifically said to me to go study Hebrews, I was definitely feeling led to do a bible study, so I happily said yes!
What followed was almost 6 months of massive spiritual laundry getting thorough sorted, washed and dried, folded and put away- in me. It truly was a life changing event. Lots and lots of tears, frustration, confusion, more tears, then, slowly realization, clarity, renewal, refreshment, and pure joy and elation! It was that dramatic. I have several witnesses who can attest to the process, and I was not alone in my journey. Everyone was deeply affected by this study.
Fast forward to the present: January 2011 arrives and I receive an email from my dear, dear friend Lainie. She tells me that she has been feeling pulled to do a Jeremiah bible study called, "Listening To God in Difficult Times" and would I care to join her?
Hmmm...let's see. This time, I hesitated for about a minute. I now know what "doing a bible study" really means. It's not just sitting down and filling in the answers in a workbook. It's the Lord doing an amazing work in my life. And I can feel my Lord saying, "Kim, it's that time again." And to be quite honest, I am full of nervous anticipation!
It's one thing to stumble blindly into the tempest and come out the other side closer to God and a better person. It's quite another thing to see the tempest coming and knowingly walk straight for it, all the while remembering the battle that raged from the last one.
However, having been through it once, I have a deeper understanding of how much my God Loves me. He is true, and full of grace. He knows where I am at and what I need and what the others in this bible study need and where they are at. Although it might be a rough ride, he is right there with me the whole way, holding my hand and keeping me steady, leading me through the darkness. And in the end, He is there to dust me off, hug me, love me and bless me so that He can use me to bless others and show others who my Jesus is.
So, I know that if God sends Miss Lainie-pants to come a knockin' on my door with a bible study itch, then most likely, I'm itchin for a bible study too and we are both going through it together!
It all starts up again tonight. I am so excited to see what God is going to do and to see the Holy Spirit at work.
Blessings,
Kim
