- "I AM, So You Don't Have To Be" (Online Bible Study)

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Aug. 4, 2007

"I AM, So You Don't Have To Be" (Online Bible Study) - CHPT 2, Lesson 5 ~ "I Was"

Posted in I AM Bible Study
Chapter 2, Lesson 5 ~ "I Was"
Focus: Exodus 2; Acts 7; Hebrews 11

"I used to be so heartbroken over what I believed were wasted years of ineffectiveness when now I understand God used some very painful circumstances to demonstrate His power to heal. They were not wasted days at all. They were days of faith, days of preparation, days of strength. His strength, not mine. He wanted me to know Him so when it was time to spread His fame, I would have an intimate knowledge of the Person of whom I spoke. It is hard to convince someone of God's goodness when you have never actually tasted it. It would be like trying to describe the view from the top of Everest when you have never climbed it. He and I have climbed together and the summit is amazing, Dear Sister! He'll take you too, if you let Him"

~ Lisa (The Preacher's Wife)

Let me begin by saying how very much this quote spoke "life" to me. There are times when others will look at our lives and say, "Oh they are not being fruitful" or misjudge us, and we may even do that to others or ourselves, but truly understanding that each and every season God brings us through is vital to our walk with the Lord, not just the fruitful seasons, and in fact sometimes it is in the seasons of suffering which bring the most beautiful spiritual fruit into our lives. It is imperative we all understand how important it is to embrace each season. It is not about looking back at who you were, but about looking forward at who God is making you into, which is a deeper reflection of Him. Really stop and think about that for a minute . . . very deep.

Okay, so on with the discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself 'in faith' yet bewildered or demoralized?

A few times, but most of you know about the recent situation that happened with a group of people who misunderstood my intentions and violently shunned me without allowing me to explain. Disfellowshipping is never something someone wants to walk through - ever, especially when the intention was to bring healing to the Body of believers and not division, but unfortunately it is starting to become more prevalent as churches embrace the new Emergent Church philosophies and "marginalizing techniques," whereby more discerning, vocal, or independant thinking members are marginalized, ostracized, and even vilified, and kept out of/or asked to step down from positions of leadership and "yes" people, who blindly submit, are promoted and favored. This type of behavior can definately cause bewilderment in more mature believers who have given so much of their life to living for Christ, and then are mistreated and kept in a box (essentially stifled and oppressed in their giftings). It hinders the Body of Christ and renders it dysfunctional and disabled. Cults have the same techniques in silencing independant thinkers, and use shunning to demoralize and discipline discerning members. It is scary! I think in these end times we all have to be very very careful to remain in Christ and in the Word of God so we can keep from falling into situations where we are kept from "living, moving and breathing in Christ." I know I felt incredible bewilderment over what happened to me, but I also know my faith was made stronger and now I know what to look out for in a church, group or organization from now on. Forgiveness was a major factor in my quick healing, and enabled me to see very clearly how to address this issue should it ever happen again.

2. Do you consider yourself content? Would you describe it as Decidedly Content or Dreamily Content?

I would say "decidely content." Back when the Lord moved us from Dallas to Connecticut, away from family, friends and a huge support system, for my hubby's job transfer, I realized that in order to truly live for Christ we had to be willing to let go of that which was familiar to us in order to embrace the new. Much like what Moses had to do when he left Egypt and had to go live as a Shepherd in the dessert. The "pride of life" can be a tangled snare so it is important not to cling too tightly to what is seen. It is okay to feel lonely, and all alone. Because it is then that God reaches us and shows us HE is always there for us. Here we were in Connecticut, with no church, no family, no friends, but yet God had blessed us with this beautiful home and a great job, in one of the most beautiful scenic lands I have ever been in, and we were closer than ever as an immediate family, going deeper in our faith. In Mark 10:29-31 "Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel's sake, but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." That is what it is all about . . . JESUS. It isn't about family, friends and support system, but rather going where He tells us to go and doing what He tells us to do, and in the meantime He will provide the support, family and people we need for our lives, as well as every need. That is where true contentment comes for us, by being in the center of God's will, following His commands, and choosing to be sold out for Him even when we are placed in lands or circumstances that aren't always comfy.
3. If you are not content, are there circumstances that keep you from this feeling?

answered above :-)

4. Have you ever found yourself in a place where you looked back on a period of your Christian walk and believed a great opportunity passed you by?

Strangely enough I don't think so, although at times I have questioned certain people or seasons the Lord allowed us to walk through, I haven't felt like any opportunities were missed. Sometimes I have felt the impact of unfulfilled dreams, but I have never questioned that God was leading us. Goodness gracious if I would have done my life on my own it would have been completely different. I would have been in NYC dancing on Broadway, and shmoozing with the stars. Instead I am a simple housewife, homeschool Mom and need to lose weight. From the world's standards I have lost out big time, but according to God's standards I am doing incredible things for His Kingdom by raising a daughter (and future children) that are living/going to live for Him. When you live with a "Kingdom of God" mindset you don't miss out on opportunities because God allows them to fall into your lap whether you like it or not (LOL).

5. Do you ever believe your faith was stronger in an earlier time in your Christianity and find yourself floundering now?

I would say it is the opposite for me. I floundered early on and had one foot in the world and one in the church (carnal thinking), but now I am SOLD OUT for Christ. Trials helped that along. When you walk through trials they either break and embitter you or build up your faith. For us it has been great faith-building (to God be the Glory for that one). Although at one time I did walk through a hard bitterness, but I won't go into that right now. LOL

6. Can you recognize that this season may be one of great preparation instead of a period of "I Was"?

Amen and amen I truly believe that now, although a few months back I kept looking back, going "where did I go wrong?" I think that is the enemy's biggest tactic to get us off-track by making us think God isn't in control and that we will never be better than we were, or more fruitful. Fruitfulness comes in the right season, so we have to be patient for it, and sometimes we have to weather a few storms,and much pruning in order to get there. The roots of the tree go deeper in storms.

Lisa said: "In our study together next week we will continue with this line of thinking as we meet Jehovah God. I can not wait to show you how God can make the great exchange of our "I Was" for his 'I AM'"

To see other "I Am" Bible study participant's answers to these discussion questions, click HERE , and if you want to join us in this study just click on the "I Am" graphic at the head of this post. God Bless :-)

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Comments

Oct. 26, 2007 - Heather C...

Posted by Anonymous

It sounds like you've come through a tough time... but the Lord has used it to strengthen your faith. I get this feeling of "solidity" about you... you know who your God is and that He is sovereign. That's an awesome thing to be able to grasp!

Our pastor mentioned the "Emergent Church" just last week. Scary stuff. God bless you, my friend!

Heather

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