Bible Study Buddies

I have been leading a ladies Bible study for a couple of years now. Last night we all met at our local Chinese restaurant to celebrate our time together and to say farewell to our friend who is moving to Georgia in two days. In the photo I'm the one on the left, next is Becky, Penny and Barb.

I couldn't help but do some reflecting as we met all together for our last time. We come from different churches and denominations, but we have one common theme - a love for our Lord Jesus.

God called me out of my comfort zone to start writing and teaching various studies for ladies. It has been a real growth experience for me. I also realize how much God has changed me, as well as these three women. When we began I was very nervous each time before I spoke. The other three ladies were nervous about praying out loud. I smile as I realize how much God has changed each of us. I am no longer nervous when I lead our little group, and they have started praying out loud together. They even surprised me that they each prayed at the study I missed when we traveled to Florida. I'm so proud of you girls!

As I look at this photo, I realize the importance of fellowship with other believers. I know that we have this as we attend church services, but I also feel that we need times of digging deeper in God's word. A time to search out those "pearls" that He has for you. If you aren't involved in a ladies Bible study, I highly encourage you to take a step of faith and do so. You may feel that you can't spare the time. I can tell you from experience that it will be time well spent. There have been many times when I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed and didn't feel that I could spare the time to work on my study, let alone attend it(even though I often was the leader!). But I can tell you that every time I have been blessed by the time I spent digging in God's word and sharing with these women. My life is forever changed because of the time we have shared.