This is just part of my journey with being a part of small groups and why I think being “plugged” in is an important part of walking with God.
-Jimmie Lee
I used to be afraid of other women. I was afraid to let them in. I was afraid to try to be friends. In pretty much every season of my life, I tended to keep this extremely small circle of friends. Part of this was my personality... quiet, shy. But mostly it was because I was filled with insecurity. This insecurity had me building up walls, making excuses and keeping me from relationships that would help me grow.
About 7 or 8 years after I renewed my commitment to Jesus, I got fed up with feeling stuck all the time. Over those 8 years I had a group of friends who were strong Christians but not a whole lot of them were women, because they were mostly my husband’s friends. These friends were a crucial part of my walk with God but I needed women speaking into my life. This would mean I needed to step out of my comfort zone and step out in faith.
I prayed that God would put women in my life that would love me and not judge me. It still took me a little while to get up the courage but I did end up getting involved in a women’s small group at a church near me. That group of women that God sent me to will always be a part of the tapestry that is my life. They prayed over me, spoke life into me, and all with God’s power; never judging or condemning. They were Jesus to me when I needed Him to break that fear and insecurity. God used that time in my life to prepare me for seasons ahead. He showed me that His daughters are a powerful force to be reckoned with when they join hands and seek Him. And He showed me that other women... are just like me!
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” (adapted from C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)
Today I almost crave that time with women and when it’s not there I miss it. My favorite part about coming together to talk about Jesus is experiencing the beauty. It is a beautiful thing that each of us, individually can be so different, but come together for one purpose. Your story, your journey, it matters and it could help another woman find freedom. God made us to do this life together. He created relationships! He made us to be a body and we all have something unique and powerful to bring the table. We are better together.
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)
My life has not been the same since I stepped out in faith several years ago and joined in a women’s small group. In fact, much of my spiritual growth has been spurred on while being plugged into a small group. I have learned how to pray, speak life, encourage, love and support those around me through small groups. If you are thinking about joining a small group, but there is something holding you back, I encourage you to step out in faith! Don’t let the enemy’s lies keep you stuck. Whatever it is, insecurity, confusion, busyness, cast it aside and step out in faith. I promise you will find encouragement, love and spiritual growth!
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25 (MSG)
Ladies, if you are interested in joining a small group, Jimmie Lee will be leading our next eight week session... Ever wonder what justification, redemption, and righteousness really mean for us as Christ followers? Join the Women’s Small Group Study on Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00. For the next 8 weeks, we will explore one life changing word per week and how it relates to the salvation we have in Jesus. You won’t want to miss this time of growth, learning, and fellowship!
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