Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10.23-25
Growth is good, right? Good, stretching growth. Stretching is good usually, right? Moving outside of my comfort zone, however, is not always so simple. The hardest hurdle for me is in my mind. But, Lord, this is how I do it, this is who I do it with, this is when I do it … But in looking back after a few weeks or months (or years!), I see the value and the purpose of the stretch and the changes and am so thankful for the way the Lord orchestrated and purposed the changes.
Change comes with maybe a move, a new job, more children, an empty nest, a new opportunity, an overfull room. But also with a change of thinking. Yep, I have always done it this way. But maybe this is the better way now. Perhaps this is where the Lord is bringing me now.
Sometimes change comes with a separation. Maybe even something like a church plant. Some stay and some go. Separation from the familiar can bring change of routine and a different group of people. But underneath, I pray, the same purpose – seeking the Lord with expectation as He continues to reveal His plan and purpose for each of us, personally and corporately. Believing the Lord has strategically planted us here (or there!) for His purposes.
I read this morning of the split between Paul and Barnabas who were God’s chosen men to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles in the years following Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a little uncomfortable to read of the disagreement that brought separation between these men. But the end result is many more people were reached as the two men chose travel companions who were dedicated to the spreading of the gospel and continued the work the Lord had purposed them for. More people. More sharing of the gospel. More lives changed forever.
And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15.39-40
There is a somewhat similar stretching happening right now in our women’s study groups. No disagreements! But certainly some growing pains … with good results we pray!
Monday mornings at our church a group of women meet for Bible study. Their group has grown to require extra help with child care. We have a need for one or two adults to help us wrangle kiddos so moms can settle in to share study and prayer time with others. If your Monday routine could adapt to allowing you to help out once a month, please give me a call or text or email.
Wednesday mornings at our church, our women’s Bible study group has grown to bursting at the seams! So this week some from that group are beginning to meet together on Thursday mornings. This gives both groups room to receive new women to the group and allow the building up of friendships as we partner with one another for the equipping the Lord allows through meeting together regularly.
Our women’s groups now include:
Monday mornings 10-11:30am with childcare provided
Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:30am
Wednesday evenings 6:30-8pm
Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30am
Come be a part … stirring up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together … but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Blessings, Colleen