"The end is only the beginning".... I love how optimism is instilled in this quote. Tonight was the last gathering of my women's small group. The support, friendship, & love that was established has been truly amazing~ I mean, I feel so close to them & I've only known them for 10 months! I'm tremendously grateful to have these beautiful (both inside & out) sisters in my life.
I found so much growth through WSG! If you know anything about me, it has been a struggle getting plugged into a church. Luckily, I was able to find a "home" at CPC... one of the BEST decisions I've made!
I felt so fortunate to have Leilani & Rhonda (HAHA!!) lead the group. I found the discussions to be very insightful~ and honestly, it was incredibly interesting to understand the book of Genesis on a deeper level. I've heard the stories before, but now we were able to make connections, understand the symbolism, and found a way to make it more applicable to our lives.
Sooooo, I also sweated bullets tonight (I got so nervous and HOT! lol)... why? It was the first time someone challenged me to co-lead a bible study. I didn't think I was "holy moly" enough to do so & I simply didn't have the confidence to lead... but I realized, it wasn't about that. I was only asked to be a vessel...
Some interesting highlights:
- These comforts (knowing that God will never give up on you, God uses broken and failed people) without challenges can lead to laxity, but the challenges without the comforts are crushing!!! I believe this to be soooo true!!!
- The more we see how weak and undeserving we have been, the more his patience, love, and grace shine out and cause us to wonder.
- God can call faithful and Godly people (because essentially, we are ALL sinners) to endure terrible suffering. Some say it can be painful and destructive; others say it can lead us into a life of greater usefulness, greater growth, and most of all greater JOY. An obedient life does not move us into a suffering-free life nor a life of greater comfort- I believe it just opens up our eyes.
- As we look at Him and rejoice in what He did for us, we will have the joy and hope necessary - and the freedom from idols and pseudo-securities - to follow the call of God when it is dark and difficult. Trust. In. Him.
- You are more sinful than you dared believe, but more accepted than you dared hope. I get the chills from this one!!! haha
you encourage me so much, gina :) thanks for doing such a great job leading us! i want to hang out with you more this summer <3
ReplyDeleteand i love this --> "You are more sinful than you dared believe, but more accepted than you dared hope."