the Result of Following Christ
As a new believer, God put some amazing mentors in my life. Gradually I grew in my faith... often taking two steps forward and three steps backward but always encouraged to keep walking toward my Savior by those dear mentors God placed in my life. After a several years, I began to see the unimaginable — a God who redeems the broken places in my life according to His divine plan and purposes.Part of his plan was to get me over the hurdles of things that held me captive, because I had plaguing fears...you may be familiar with them...they are the things that make a knot in your stomach, causing you to feel anxious or troubled. They have the power to depress and darken the brightest of days. They rob us of joy and refuse to leave our minds. Even Paul (a disciple of Jesus) experienced them.
As I studied God's Word I learned that He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. It became clear to me that I need to live with dependence on Christ first and second to serve God as an active "family member" in my church, the body of Christ.I have experienced deep sorrow, brokenness, trials and challenges and have seen God's provision for me through the prayers, love and support of many in the church. I am grateful to have been given opportunities to support and encourage others. You never know how you might raise a candle of hope in someone's life over a cup of coffee or sharing a simple meal together. The amazing thing is that when we reach out to others, they teach and bless us more than we could ever imagine! I have learned through the trials and challenges that the journey is easier when the body of Christ circles the wagons around you. His light shines through those dear people often giving enough light to go forward on the path that may have seemed dark and hopeless.
God has taught me that as I reach out to others, He shines His light through my "cracked pot". It is in the weakness of the pot that we find the transcending power of God. It takes weakness for his strength to enter in and His power is seen best when we depend wholly on Him. God has used the excellent teaching and the people here at Turning Point Church along with the ministry of Bible Study Fellowship (offering Bible classes for every age, all around the world), to grow my faith and to stretch me to a greater dependence on him. He sanctifies us through service and he grows us in faith as we serve Him.I have experienced deep sorrow, brokenness, trials and challenges and have seen God's provision for me through the prayers, love and support of many in the church.
God Bless You!
For HELP and information regarding Bible Study Fellowship:
Call: Turning Point Church
Phone: 360-489-0378 (Olympia, WA)
Bible Study Fellowship
Contact: Bill/Diana
Phone: 360-943-5630 (Olympia, WA)
website link here:
