Hey y'all! I hope you are enjoying reading along with me in the book Anything by Jennie Allen. This weeks corresponding video can be found here http://www.whatisyouranything.com/anything-study/ along with conversation starters and a recipe for soft baked ginger doodles. If you tried out the recipe, let us know how it was. I would love for everyone to get to know each other in the comments with the conversation starter questions so we can build a sense of community here. I also invite everyone to participate in the discussion questions to help us grow in our walk of faith together. Now lets get this weeks edition of book club started!
This week we read chapters six and seven. We were confronted with the overwhelming topic of fear this week. This simple word can make or break our ability to let go in complete surrender to God. I know all to well how it feels to let fear take the wheel and drive. I feel utterly afraid when I have to deal with a situation that has an unknown outcome. I crave certainty because that is what feels safe to me. Life can't be scary if I know what is coming at me before it looks my way. Unfortunately, that kind of life isn't an option when we give our will over to God. We have no way of knowing what He will deem necessary for us to go through to show His glory. The Lord may call us to a life that includes times of heavy sorrow or pain. We have to realize that the decision is worth the fear and uncertainty. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Paul says "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." In these verses, Paul puts any fear and suffering we may endure into perspective. He shows us that our troubles are temporary but our endurance through the fear will be glorifying to God. The Lord can use our trials as a part of His bigger plan. My biggest fear is not knowing what may come. However, my faith in Christ assures me that He will be by my side always. God will never leave us or forsake us if we only trust in Him.
I would like to encourage you to do some self reflection this week. Take a long and hard look at the things you are afraid of that interfere with you living in Gods will. Go to the Savior in prayer and begin working with Him on fostering your faith and diminishing your fear. Thank you for joining me for Week three of book club. I hope to see you back this time next week!
Scripture of the week: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You so much for the offer of eternal life. I ask that You would daily help ease my fears of the unknown. -Amen
Discussion Questions: What fears are holding you back from letting go? What are you afraid of losing or giving up most for God?
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