Changed Lives

 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17

 

It was not an audible voice. In fact, it was a very quiet impression that was given to  me in no uncertain terms. God was offering me a privilege to serve Him by teaching His Word.

The invitation had been extended to me by the current leader. Did I think that God was calling me to teach this class?  It wasn’t even on my radar so I started to pray. And God spoke, answering my prayer.

The answer to the prayer was so clearly from God that it left such a lasting impression that I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard it (on North 5^th St. in Reading heading over to pick up my son from his Boy Scout meeting.) I was now sure that He was calling me.

I taught that class for several years until the calling to step away was also clear. He confirmed it for me several times in His Word. I was sorry to leave that position. God had offered  me many opportunities to watch Him work as women studied His Word. I was afraid that those days were coming to an end.

Since then I have continued to teach in various settings. Sometimes one-to-one in mentoring situations, sometimes in small studies around someone’s dining room table, and sometimes through “one shot deals” speaking at retreats and banquets. In each situation God has offered me more opportunities to watch Him work. I have come to see that when I show up where He wants me to be, when I obey His leading and teach His Word, He shows up and does some fun stuff!

I have watched women get convicted of sin through the study of His Word. I have watched marriages get stronger as women changed attitudes and behaviors. I have seen the Lord draw a woman into a saving relationship with Him in a study of 1 Samuel. Some women have become bolder and more active in their stance against abortion. Women have told me how they  have forgiven a relative for an old offense and asked for forgiveness from someone they had not been willing to humble themselves in front of before God’s word penetrated their heart.

Sometimes we will get to talk about an ongoing struggle because of some prompting from God’s Word. What a privilege it is for me to watch women encourage one another around that table and God’s Word. The privilege of watching God work is THE thing that keeps me energized and enthusiastic about continuing in ministry to other women!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

The most wonderful thing about teaching God’s Word is that between it and God the work gets done. I do study and prepare, but regardless of (or in spite of) me, the woman who studies and does the work in getting to know God’s Word will come away with great truths to direct and guard her life on earth. She will also learn to rest in the hope of life to come.

Watching God work is a privilege He offers all of us. Are you studying His Word? Could you be teaching it? Will you use whatever gifts He has given you so you can have this privilege of watching Him do the work, and receive all the glory, while you live in the joy of seeing lives changed?

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.   Hebrews 4:12