The One Year Plan

Last week I wrote about the importance of progressing beyond the past, of moving forward. One of the things that had me stuck was the what, how and when of choosing a plan that would enable me to read the entire Bible. In typical me fashion, when there is something that I am afraid of, I either try to push it out of my mind or head straight into it, with a force greater than may actually be necessary.

Once I knew that keeping this out of my mind wasn't working, it became bigger than I could have imagined. Let me explain...

Since early October, I have felt called to begin a women's Bible study. In fact, this is one of those things that God continued to bring up to me in our conversations, no mattered how much I tried to ignore Him.

Over time, He gave me the names of several women to include in this study. Still, I did nothing. I just couldn't find make the time. I also had so many questions and concerns. What did I know about the Bible that I could teach to others? When and where would we meet? What would we study?

Then last Monday, after I wrote the It's in the Past post, it came to me. I needed to combine God's desire for me to lead a study of the Bible with my desire to read through the Bible this year.

So, I wrote, and rewrote, a message to the 10 women that God had put on my heart, inviting them to join me in reading the Bible this year. Part of this study will include weekly messages of encouragement and accountability from me, to the group. (I told you it was big.) We will also meet together, as a group. While we won't be meeting weekly or even monthly, I am planning to gather the group several times during the year, to discuss the Bible, to socialize, eat, and pray together. I am excited (and, yes, a little scared) that God has called me to lead this group.

Even though all the women I approached with this idea were not able to participate, all were appreciative of my efforts and realized the importance of my call. I did not feel rejected. I did not feel self-conscious. This could only be God, since the potential for me to experience failure, without Him, is always great.

I don't know all the details. This is uncharted territory for me. Yet, I am trusting God. He has led me this far and I know He will continue to lead, as long as I am willing to follow. I have hope. There will be blessings.

If you would like to follow us through the Bible this year, we will be using the One Year Bible plan through You Version. We are beginning Monday, January 14th. 

While I know that most of you readers do not live close enough to physically be a part of this group, if you would like to be encouraged and led through this study, please email me at peaceitalltogether@gmail.com and I will include you in the group's correspondence.

Now, in the words of Paul, from 2 Corinthians 13:14, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."