This past week I was asked to lead our Bible study group, while our leader was on vacation. We are studying the Psalms of ascent, by Beth Moore. (For those of you who have completed the study it is a beautiful study for those of you who haven't encourage you to look at it.) Of course I said yes.
I spent hours reading and reviewing the homework to make for sure that I could effectively lead. I was not prepared however to respond to a major concern of one of our participants. She explained how she didn't know a loving God like we all do. She felt left out because a harsh upbringing left her to question a loving God. She was overtaken with being unable to make peace with the mother that fostered this belief. I was fortunate that many women in our group spoke up to comfort her. Unfortunately this monopolized the Bible study. I was torn between offering comfort and staying on track with our projected work for the week. Needless to say, I left the study feeling like I was not the leader this group needed. I was ready to throw in the towel in case I was ever asked again to lead. I am just not cut out for it.
This week's readings focused on answering your calling. From Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me". This really helped me to refocus on why we should answer a call. The purpose is for the glory of God not the glory of me. As I prepared to lead the study this past week, I'm not sure that that's what my focus was on.
So I ask myself, will I lead our group again if asked? The answer is yes. The answer will be yes to other opportunities to serve. My prayer will change. I will ask God to help me serve Him for His glory not my own.
What is your calling? How do you serve God? Are you willing to say "Hear I am Lord send me"?
I would love to hear your answers.
Many Blessings to you today!
Norma
P.S. I still consider my greatest calling is to be a good mother, especially now that my children are adults.
Norma Jean, your post gives much food for thought and prayer.Thank you for sharing this event in your life.I had worked for most of my adult life in the insurance industry and I would try to be a witness, whenever possible, to fellow workers as well as to clients when God opened a door for me to do so. When my second grandchild was a toddler, I quit working and began to be the care provider. The youngest of my 5 grands is now 4 yrs. old and will start K5 next fall. This is and has been my calling for many years now. I don't know what God has in store for me after this phase of my life, but I trust God will open other doors for me. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate you are to be able to take care of your grandchildren. I cannot think of a better calling. Thank you for your kind comments!
DeleteHello, Norma Jean,Dear! I believe my calling has been to be the best mother, and now grandmother, that I can be...the highest calling, I agree with you! I've come to you from the "Grow Your Blog" list that Vicki at Two Bags full has so kindly left up...(It was over before I heard about it!)I am so happy to have found your delightful blog, and am now following!
ReplyDeletePlease visit me if you get the chance!
Hugs,
Anne ♥
Thank you for visiting! Your artwork on your blog is beautiful. I will definitely be visiting to catch up on your newest works!
DeleteHello! I'm visiting from the a-z challenge. I'm Catholic too, and love finding people of faith on the blogsphere! I feel called to be a good mom too...and to write uplifting material that can point people to God. I'm working on a book about a Christmas project for families. I don't see how to follow you. Am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteCome visit me, if you'd like:
from The Dugout