This past weekend was a weekend different from any other I have had yet. I was invited by my cousin to attend this Bible Exposition weekend for women. I registered in December, received the specific passages to work on, but didn't quite get the time I needed to dig in and study that I wanted to. I was overwhelmed, humbled, and felt more inadequate than I've ever felt in my Bible study/theology realm of life.
Yet I rejoice to the Lord because that is right where I needed to be in my life. I needed God's loving, gracious reminder that I have been taking His Word the Bible, and my Bible/Theology major for granted. Yes I know that I always have something to learn...but this experience of not doing well and in a way "failing," was needed.
I had not been taking the time to study in a way that aided my Bible study to change my life towards Christ. As I was not changing, I hadn't been using the study tools that I had been taught, and therefore, I wasn't helping anyone else either.
There were so many other women there that were actively involved in expository Bible studies with the women at their church. This was another element of humility for me. I also witnessed older women bringing younger women whom they had mentored to this weekend. It was such a beautiful picture of Paul's call in Titus 2:3-5. I must admit that I have continued to reach out to women in my church and pray for this type of discipleship--of which I am not receiving. I shall continue to pray.
I was also inspired and encouraged by this weekend. We were studying 1 Peter, each of us different sections and we would present to our small groups of 6-8. We would get feedback on our handouts, and we got to hear the other women's gleaning from their studies. Our weekend finished with one of the speakers/group leaders finishing up 1 Peter 5.
This was such a great finish as we were reminded that like us, Peter failed at the beginning with Jesus. Yet when Jesus came back from the dead Peter was forgiven and challenged to "feed my sheep." As we read 1 Peter we see how faithful Peter had been, 30 years later! 1 Peter is full of grace and focus on our true rock--Christ!
This also helped me to apply--yes I have failed, but like Peter, Jesus has not only forgiven me He has risen me up to learn, study, and teach other women. I have been challenged to come back home and start with one woman. From that, she would go on and grow & teach other women...and God will do the rest in my desire for women's ministry.
The goal is transformation of lives through the Gospel and for the glory of God. I cannot do that without Christ and I cannot hear God without rightly dividing the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 5:6-11 (exhortation to the elders dispersed in what is now known as present day Turkey)
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
