 |
| Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect |
Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll
God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional. A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days. I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.
Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse. Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life. My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications. The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me. It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making. Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.
The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn. It's not a passive process. With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend. One is a women's group. The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere). One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people. The other, entirely African American--except for me. Both are incredibly warm and welcoming. Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches. One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates. The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship. Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.
Homework five days out of seven. I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it. Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day. Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look! I know, I should be overwhelmed. I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them.
But that isn't the case. In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other. I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker. Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material. Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood. It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.
Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life. I want my life to change. I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years. I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives.
But this, like everything else in life, is a choice. You have to choose to walk that path. You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know. I've tried those things. They don't work for me. So, I'm gonna try something radically new. If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in. Will keep you posted on what we're learning...
Posts
