Pictured:
(top) Krista, me, Rebecca, and Cherity (well…half of her…you crazy girl)
(bottom) Abby, Carson Leigh, Kendall, Olivia, and Holly Anne.
Well, we did it! A few months back God had pressed it upon my heart to lead a bible study with young ladies who will be graduating from high school and ready for the next adventure in their lives. So the journey began…
I had inquired from others which bible study to present, and it was almost unanimously mentioned to study, Priscilla Shirer’s The Armor of God. (Thank you ALL. We LOVED it!) A precious friend and godly woman whom I admire sent me a message stating that she had ordered books for this study months back but hadn’t gathered ladies together yet to participate in the bible study group, along with the books she even offered her beautiful home (with an awesome theater room for watching the videos) for “such a time as this”.
God had a plan already in place. He knew exactly who would share in this study time together and knew the struggles they would face along the way. And boy oh boy how God didn’t disappoint. With each challenge faced, through the words and scriptures that He had placed on Priscilla’s heart to pen in the study book, God began rescuing, refining, and restoring hope, love, and comfort to each individual. Glory!
I believe that God even gave me the perfect scripture this morning in my quiet time to end this journey:
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!…For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen. Romans 11:33 and 36
Oh, girls (and any guys out there reading this now), allow me to give you a little hint…this is NOT the end.
Your journey, in so many ways, is just beginning.
To my precious senior girls: Your journey through high school is coming to an end (and I’m sure I can get a “Hallelujah!” out of you there), yet you are beginning a new phase of education and life as you all adventure off to college. You are armed with God’s armor. Not some knock-off, hand-me-down armor. Nope, He gave you HIS. Now it’s up to you to put it on and USE it. I LOVE YOU! Holly, Carson Leigh, Abby, Olivia, and Kendall, God has great plans for you. Seek Him in ALL that you do. Remember to not only pray for God to reveal the right and wrong choices for you, but the “almost right”.
To anyone who has ever completed a bible or book study: You’ve reached the final pages of your study, yet your thirst and hunger for more of God’s knowledge is there and you are ready for more. That is EXACTLY what God desires for you…to want to know more of His riches and wisdom and knowledge. We will NEVER know all about God and His ways. So we must continue to yearn for Him and strive to understand His ways.
To those who are going through a season of struggle in your life now: Just like I often tell myself in the midst of experiences, “This too shall pass”. Through and with God’s direction and guidance when you call out to Him and grab ahold of His hand, you WILL make it! That season WILL end and you will be able to give God all the GLORY when it’s all done. Hang on.
To anyone whose eyes are scanning this journal entry right now: Today is a new day! Let today be the beginning of a journey for you to desire and discover Jesus in an unimaginable way. Oh the plans He has for you! They are exciting! It’s always an adventure with God. There will be twists and turns along this journey, but stick with God and He will make your path straight.
I want to end this entry with the scripture that started it all:
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:10-19
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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