Posted in I AM Bible Study

Chapter 1, Lesson 4 (Part 2) ~
When Life Doesn't Work Out Like You Planned
Focus: Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:21-29; Hebrews 11:23-27

Lisa (Preacher's Wife) recommended a cute little personality test on her blog HERE .  My first response was a "circle", and then a "squiggle."  I tend to stay away from things that have hard edges (probably because I have a few myself - lol).  Anyway, check it out and see what it says about you:-)

Discussion Questions:

1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?)

This is a very tender area for me right now, so I 'll refrain from the logistics.  Let's just say that a group of people I loved and was faithful to for many years turned on me and shunned me from their group.  I lost dear friends that I loved very much, who even now to this day will not talk to me or even discuss the matter.  It was like I never was in their life, and I was left all alone to carry the pain without any way for closure or resolve.

2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain.

I am still very baffled by these women's responses, and to this day pray for reconciliation.  I have, however, come to a place of healing within myself because the Lord showed me early on in a time of deep trevail that even though these women may have deserted me, He has not left me nor forsaken me.  This was the part of the study that really touched my heart Lisa!  To know that Moses went through the same thing, and turned out to be one of God's personal friends is a blessing.  I yearn for that as well, that the Father will call me FRIEND, even if other's refuse my friendship :-)

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?

After this situation happened I questioned everything!  My relationship with God, my ability to choose friends wisely, why I was so faithful to a group that really didn't care.  I went through a month of crazy disillusionment and heartbreak, until the Lord broke through and began the inner-healing of a lifetime.  I saw at that moment I had two choices:  was I going to seek vengeance and become embittered by these women, or was I going to walk in forgiveness.  So each day I would call out each name of the women who betrayed and shunned me and say, "I Forgive you (listing each one)."  Sometimes I would have to do that every day, and sometimes several times a day, until all I had was love and sorrow for these dear ones.  I began to pray for each one and bless them.  I know now that even though it still stings at times, that whenever the enemy throws their faces in front of me that I respond by saying, "I FORGIVE!"


4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans?

Answered in previous question.  I must add that it still hurts, but I choose to walk in forgiveness.  That is the hardest thing to do when you see injustice. I really have to resist bitterness.

5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.

Yes the one I just described above.

5. Based on Moses' response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself?

I know now to only see myself through God's eyes and not man's.  People are going to reject us, but all that matters is that we are right before the Lord, and in good standing before Him. Sometimes the very thing that people have against us is the very call that God has on our lives.  Boy do I know that now after what I just walked through a few months ago (whew). I also know that by allowing God to be our defender during times like what I just walked through is very important.  I am already seeing Him restore friendships in my life and bringing new, amazing women into my life for such a time as this.  He truly is God of restoration and healing!

I must admit this has been both an inspiring, comforting, confirming, and "ouchy" kind of study for me.  Ouchy because it hurts when we are rejected, and comforting to know God is in control and beckoning us ever closer to Him. His love is reaching, piercing and changing our hearts. Thank you for this study Lisa, whewy . . . that was a good ouch!