As you know, last week I turned 40. And because God is gracious and loving and knew exactly WHAT I needed to hear WHEN I needed to hear it, the day wasn’t nearly as traumatic as I anticipated. I still think about what the next decade holds, but I no longer fear it. I don’t fear failure because as long as I am walking in God’s calling, I am a success.
Yet, I wonder how many of you fear the future? Fear a new season of life whether it’s motherhood, career, marriage, or something else? How many of you fear the turn your marriage has taken? The state of your finances? Or that diagnoses from the doctor?
How many of us can truly say, “Not my will, but thine be done?”
I recently worked through a Bible study that might be just the tool you’re looking for if you:
- fear the future
- fear what God might ask you to do
- like to stay in control
- think your plans are better than God’s
- don’t want to submit to God’s plans
If any of this resonates with you, this new study by Thelma Wells might be just the way for you to walk boldly into the New Year:
This 12-week topical Bible study is just one of many Bible studies written by women for women as part of the Women of Faith series. You can go through Giving God Your Future on your own in a group because it offers group discussion questions in the back.
Digging Deeper
There are several features in this study that stood out to me. The first was the “Digging Deeper” section toward the end of each chapter. This section allows for further Bible study for readers. However, if you’re a tired, stressed-out mom who just wants to take a shower this week, or a busy business exec whose PowerPoint presentation just froze five minutes before the big pitch, feel free to skip the extra work.
Friends
Another feature you will enjoy is that Wells has numerous friends who show up throughout the study offering their own insight, perspective and wisdom. Women such as Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, and Sheila Walsh–all who have been teachers and spiritual mothers to women of my generation.
One friend, Nicole Johnson, addresses the issue of surrender. Several years ago my word of the year was “surrender.” I thought God was calling me to surrender a few minor bad habits; little did I know He was asking me to surrender my entire life.
Johnson writes,”Surrendering to God is the key that unlocks the door to the life you want. A bigger spiritual ‘to do’ list or a calendar full of church activities will not change our lives. When we give ourselves to God–mind, body, soul, and spirit–He changes us.”
Q&A
Throughout this study Wells asks challenging questions guaranteed to make readers wrestle with the reality that giving our future to God is an issue of trust and obedience. Questions such as:
- “What are you afraid God might ask you to give up?”
- “What are you afraid God might ask you to do?”
- “What would you say is harder to do–to die for someone, or to live for them?”
- “Have you ever made a willful choice against God?”
You will pause, reflect, pray, and dig deep into the recesses of your soul to find out what holds you back from allowing God full access to your life.
Pray
Finally, my favorite feature in the book is the “Ponder & Pray” section, available at the end of each chapter. This gives readers a tidbit to think about–something pertaining to the chapter–and then encourages them to pray about it.
Companion Studies
Giving God Your Future is just one many studies you can dive into this New Year. Other studies include:
Giveaway!!!
Because I love to read and I love YOU–my faithful readers–I am giving away 3 Bible studies . . . 1 to 3 different winners!!! The Bible studies I am giving away include:
- Giving God Your Future by Thelma Wells
- Building Your Strengths by Patsy Clairmont
- Praying with Power by Patsy Claremont
If you want to enter (and believe me, you want to enter!), check out Facebook OR Instagram TODAY for details!
