As most of you know, a group of bloggers recently decided to move through Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself study. Thirty of us embarked on this journey on March 27th. You'll find links to the other participants below. I know most of them summed up the study last week but I just couldn't bring myself to end it then (I'd already planned for today to be my last post).
"Love never fails; Joy cometh; Peace rules; Patience waits;
Kindness tenders; Goodness does; Faith fights;
Gentleness bows and Self-control stops"
The final video was one of the best ones. Maybe it was because she focused on an area that is a true daily issue for me. I don't know the reason but I know God had me go through it when I did. I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Holy Spirit had given me a plan of attack in regard to my weight and this week concludes the third week of this six week plan. I will post more on all of this in a few weeks (hopefully) but I needed to hear:
"Victory happens one day at a time."
"A physical body was prepared for you to house the Holy Spirit."
So much of what Beth had to say about nutrition and exercise really spoke to me and confirmed what I felt I was being led to do. It's nice when things happen that back up your convictions. At the same time, sometimes I feel quite alone in my convictions. I know that doesn't make them any less valid but it is nice when tangible confirmation is given. I loved how we moved into having our own Hanukkah right there where we knelt (yes, I was on my knees). At one point during the video it was as though the Spirit was speaking directly to me through Beth's voice when she said:
"You see sweet one, you are not alone in this issue being overwhelming to you."
It caught me so by surprise I wondered, "what on earth just happened!" God is definitely teaching me how to "live beyond myself". No, I don't get it right every time, maybe half the time (lol), but I know He's not finished with me yet (praise the Lord). As Beth says, "we are equipped." I don't want to walk away from this study and go back to the way I was. I want this to "stick".
I can't believe we've gone through all nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit already. I have learned so much. I thought writing this final post would be simple but I find myself at a loss for words. When I think back over the last 11 weeks I feel a twinge in my heart. I think about each of the 30 women who started this study. I think about all the things we've prayed over as a group and I tell you, many in this group have been hit with some major stuff lately. I've met some truly extraordinary women through this and gotten to know some I already knew even better. I'm going to miss doing this kind of daily in-depth study. I have been challenged and I like a good challenge, especially one that helps me grow. May our God bless you, my sweet sisters, who have traveled this road with me. It hasn't been easy but we pressed on through it didn't we (smile).
The question was asked at the beginning of this study, "Is it relevant?" Yes! I want to urge you if you have not done this study, or maybe you've started it and not finished, please do it (click image below). And when you start it, stick with it, no matter what is thrown in your path. In my opinion, this should be a required course for every believer! Yes, it's that important! I wish I could personally thank Beth for allowing herself to be used by God to affect the lives of other women. And yes Beth, the timing was perfect. God is Good....all the time.
"Then came the Feast of Dedication [Hanukkah] at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."
John 10:22-23