We’ve just finished week one of Get a Life by Vicki Courtney, and learned that following Christ does not mean our lives will be trouble free. I thought it was timely that Pastor Hershel spoke about Joseph in his sermon last week. I kept picturing him wearing a tie-dyed coat. Isn’t God great? We learned that Christians are not exempt from adversity and that trials may come and usually do come when we least expect them to. I am sure that each of you remembered different times in your life that you could relate to Joseph about trials. Some of you may have understood why, and some of you may not have understood why but through it all He was with us.
The purpose of this study is not to dredge up old memories and wallow in them but to begin to see the truth behind some of the Whys in life and to deal with our thought processes surrounding them. As Vicki said on page 13, “With the awesome knowledge that the Lord is with us comes the ability to push forward.” On the same page, Oswald Chambers stated, “Notion your mind with the idea that God is there. If once the mind is notioned along that line, then when you are in difficulties it is easy as breathing to remember- Why, my Father knows all about it! It is not an effort; it comes naturally when perplexities press. Before, you used to go to this person and that , but now the notion of the Divine control is forming so powerfully in you that you go to God about it. “ It is ok to lean on our friends and family, but lean on God first and He will push you forward. (prosper you) .
As you studied this week you may have noticed that Joseph had a choice in how he would respond to adversity and pull himself out of the pit. He chose God. He chose God and did receive an abundant life, even though his trials lasted over 20 years. Wow! I honestly do not know how I would stand up to that timeframe in a trial; thankfully I will never have to do it alone. God is with me, and He is with you too!!
As with the beginning of any Bible study you should expect warfare this week as you continue to be in His Word. Beth Moore writes “many believers have a wrong conception of Satan’s power. They think he is something parallel to or as powerful as God.” In God’s Kingdom, Satan is a pest and an annoyance and will never claim victory. “Satan is merely a created being,” writes Beth. Expect to be annoyed as he throws distractions, lies and deception into your path. Rebuke him the same way Jesus did. Be vigilant for those areas of your life where the enemy pierces your weakness- especially in the areas of relationships, finances, health and temptations. Pray when you sense the enemy is at work, recite scripture to the devil, and ask for intercessory prayer if his flaming arrows become too hot. No matter what, do not quit or give up on the bible study and allow the enemy to disarm you! Remember our theme for the year, “Armed and Dangerous”, sisters in Christ, be bold and put on the armor and be in His Word.
For Next Week • Read Week Two in the workbook
Group Discussion- Answer one question or as many as you like
1. Were you able to apply the transforming truth the Lord is with you?
2. Have you ever had a trial that knocked the wind out of you?
3. Review Joseph’s trials on page 15. How would you react to something similar today?
4. (P.21). Ephraim means, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering”. Gen 41:52. Does God desire to make us fruitful in the land of our suffering? How so?
5. Have you chosen to bitter instead of better?
6. Share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
