Faithful, Abundant, True is here!
Sophie - May 5, 2010
When I was about 17 years old I went to a church retreat over Christmas break and heard someone read Ephesians 3:20 during one of the sessions I attended. I don't know why, but that verse really resonated with me, and I underlined it in my Bible. When I went to college I looked back at that verse from time to time, and I clung to it in more situations than I can tell you. It was such a comfort to me, such a reminder that I didn't have to control every single thing because God was working to do something far greater than I could ask or imagine.
Then my early 20s hit. They hit hard. I didn't do much to resist them, honestly. And that verse pretty much fell by the wayside in my thoughts. Things were ug-ly for me from 21-25, mainly because I wasn't terribly concerned with anything other than what I wanted. l was prideful and miserable and dishonest and manipulative. Believe me: if I could somehow go back in time and meet up with my former, early 20s self, I don't think I'd like her very much. That much selfishness isn't very becoming in a person.
When I was 25 I decided that I needed to get my act together, grow up and be responsible. I didn't do those things perfectly by any stretch of the imagination, but I really wanted to do better. At 27 I got a job in a Christian school (who'd have thunk it?), and a few months later I sat in the almost-back row in a little Methodist church in Baton Rouge and just wept at the fresh realization of God's faithfulness in my life.
I had tried my best to run away from Him.
He didn't let me.
And that verse - Ephesians 3:20 - meant more to me than ever before.
This past December I went to Oklahoma City for Deeper Still. Melanie had been to Deeper Still Orlando a few months before, so I knew that Priscilla Shirer's message was on Ephesians 3:20-21. I was excited that she was teaching on that passage, especially since it's been such a life verse for me, but honestly, I never, ever expected how deeply her message would move me. It marked me, in fact. It was humbling and encouraging and convicting and challenging.
I tell you all of that because Priscilla's teaching on Ephesians 3:20 is the "Abundant" part of the Faithful, Abundant, True Bible study. And if you're a person like me who sometimes battles with regret, who oftentimes just flat-out marvels at God's grace, who maybe wonders a little bit what in the world God is up to in your life, who struggles from time to time with trusting where He's taking you even though you know in your heart of hearts that it's going to be good and worth it in the end - well, Priscilla has a word for you.
He really can do beyond our beyond.
And I'm so grateful to Priscilla for the reminder.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (2)
My copy arrived last week. I have already previewed it in preparation for our summer Bible study. I can’t wait to share this awesome set of messages with my faithful Bible study girls!
Posted on May 6, 2010 9:59 AM
I can’t wait to get this. I will be going to my local Lifeway Saturday to get my copy. I was there and all 3 ladies had awesome messages. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a Deeper Still event, please go. I have been to them for the last 3 years and will be in Birmingham this year.
Posted on May 6, 2010 12:15 PM