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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 3
While I was writing this chapter, I was reminded of a time when my children were young and we lived in a charming old home with a postage-stamp yard. During the ten years we lived in that house, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with neighbors and friends.
As our family grew, we decided to move to a larger home with a larger yard, so we painted the walls and put the home up for sale. I knew I liked the house and enjoyed the people I met, but it wasn’t until the last day of our stay that I finally understood that there was more to all of this than just a place to home.
God had put us in that neighborhood for a purpose. I held weekly Bible studies for kids. We had home church in our living room. We were a part of a local home schooling group. And through our interactions with the community, we were able to share the light of God’s love.
As I hugged my neighbor goodbye it all came together. “See you in church on Sunday,” I said. And with that, I knew it was a part of God’s plan.
We tend to forget that every moment, every experience, and every person we encounter is part of a larger plan that God has for us. Sometimes we may not understand the purpose at hand, but if we trust in God’s plan, we have the assurance that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I pray that wherever I go, I’ll continue to be called according to His purpose.
Discussion
Let’s talk about how our study is going in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you’re comfortable sharing your heart with us, maybe we can discuss this question together:
Can you think of a time in your life when you felt as though God had put you in a certain place or situation for a specific reason? Click here to go to the comments.
Questions and Answers from Chapter 3
In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” What do you think the words “take up your cross” mean?
It means to be willing to make sacrifices, to lay down one’s own desires, and to be willing to suffer persecution and rejection for the sake of Jesus and His message. It is a call to be fully committed to following Jesus and living according to His teachings, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
James 1:2-4 talks about the testing of our faith. What attitude are we to have regarding the trials we face?
We should be joyful.
According to that same verse in James, what does the testing of our faith produce?
Perseverance.
According to 1 Peter 1:7, what do our trials prove?
The genuineness of our faith
What does Isaiah 53:3 say about Jesus? Write the verse out here:
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
What does Jesus say about fear in Matthew 10:28? Write the verse out here:
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
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FREE Printables – Scripture Cards
During the 10 weeks of the Bible study, I’ll be creating a set of 4 x 4 inch scripture cards. Each week I’ll give you 2 for a total of 24 cards in total. These high resolution images will correspond with the theme of each week. Perhaps you can print them out on Fridays and meditate on the scriptures over the weekend.
Click here to view and print this week’s note cards.
Hello dear Darlene, thank you so much for your God-filled content.
My husband and I moved to the mountain village of Hogsback about 15 years ago. We had so many dreams, but neither of us had brought God into our plans. We went through a terrible time, both as a couple and individually. It felt as if the dream had become a nightmare and there was little hope of saving our marriage and restoring our hopes. But God… Just love those two words don’t you? But God drew us up out of the miry clay and set our feet upon the rock of His salvation. Through Jesus the wounds were healed and forgiveness softened our hearts to let Him change and renew us. We started noticing more and more the brokenness all around us, and the extent to which the people in our village had sold their hearts to pagan beliefs. Even though it is not easy to share the gospel here, we are certain that our gracious God has placed us on this mountain as a literal light upon the hill. Here we can stand, pray and live our lives as people who have a sure hope and a peace that passes all understanding.
With love,
Maria Gladwin
Yes! I love those words too. But God…
Hi guys!
I thought Darlene asked a very interesting question here in “Can you think of a time in your life when you felt as though God had put you in a certain place or situation for a specific reason?”, and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on this chapter, through this link that I have below. This is from a Facebook live that I just did today, and I really pray that it blesses, challenges, and motivates you.
https://www.facebook.com/wendy.saddler/videos/569767148384656
Thanks Wendy!
Four years ago, God made it possible for me to move to the United Arab emirates to be with my husband who had a job their, we are still living here. It has brought me closer to him because I am not working anymore and able to spend time with him. And I have been able to reach out to other ladies from different countries living here showing them God loves them. And it is the first time in our married life that it has been just the two of us. We have 9 kids and 4 grandkids and 4 of the kids are married now, so we have less drama in our life. My husband and I have grown closer together these past 4 years, which has helped our marriage a lot. None of could of happened unless we were here. So I am very great full for this opportunity that God has give us.
Praise God for His guidance and blessings!
Yes! Definitely. Six years ago, after being divorced (after 29 years of marriage) I went to visit my middle son in Florida. While there, I made a rash decision to move there.
I sold my house; and both of my jobs as a hairdresser in a nursing home and in an assisted living home were open.
Two weeks before I was to close on my house and move there for good…I had gone for the weekend to find a place to live and talk to someone about a job.
All I can tell is that once there and looking Into apartments…..I knew that I had made a huge mistake.
Going back home and knowing that I was going to be homeless in two weeks time….(Thankful that I JUST got to keep my jobs since they hadn’t hired anyone yet)…..I went to bed that Saturday night and cried and told God that I was sorry for making huge plans without talking to him about it first……and that if I was supposed to be homeless….we’ll….I was trusting Him. (There was absolutely NO houses for sale at that time in my price range)
The next morning I got up and opened the kitchen curtains and saw two houses away….a for sale sign! Lol
I called and told them I was I interested….FF….I bought the house…..stayed in this neighborhood. (I also remember my last days knowing that I was moving from this neighborhood where I had so many memories with my kids when they were little, and feeling sad).
Every morning that I pull out of my driveway to go to work…..I thank God.
Every time I start worrying about things….I remember how he saved me from myself and my wrong decision.
I would not have been happy there. I love Florida, but I don’t feel that I was meant to live there. I can’t imagine, at this point of my life to live in an apartment with no yard to work in!
This house that I bought was in pretty good condition and I have totally changed the bare yard into my very own butterfly, bee, critter oasis. (Something I really need).
That’s such a good reminder to seek God and trust in His wisdom to guide us.
Enjoying the books mow..trying to overcome my fearsome. Right now I’m at peace for some reasons. I realized that I have to go thru the processing. Currently my husband is in NC for time and focus on himself. He wants divorce. I knew mind isn’t in good place.I’ve been praying for change of heart 💜🙏 it’s a difficult process for me to endured. ❤️