Abigail Week 6 Death Brings Life
Stepping in today to share thoughts from the last week of the Abigail study my connect group completed. The lessons certainly can apply to marraiges.
"The Big Idea: God often uses difficult circumstances in your life to make you more like Jesus."
Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Wolgemuth teaches "When treated badly, we often go to extremes as well. Sometimes we lash out in anger, which can have disastrous results. Or instead of dealing openly with the issues, we remain silent and allow bitterness to develop in our hearts."
Hmm. I've been guilty of both scenarios! Here's a good "Paul prayer" for us.
I pray that your love will keep on growing and you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. Philippians 1:9-10
He spews out more wisdom in Colossians 3:12-14
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.
God has given each of us gifts that can be used as diffusers in controversial situations.
Abigail, full of wisdom and grace, cried out to God to direct her as to how to use her gifts. In crisis situations it is not wise to rely on our own understanding, but seek God's Word, His wisdom and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Wolgemuth ends this study with this prayer.
"Thank You Lord for all that You’ve taught me through Abigail. Help me to take the lessons I’ve learned and live them out as I deal with difficult people in my life. Make me to be a wise and discerning woman who will draw others to You through my words and example. Teach me to trust You throughout hard circumstances. May I learn to embrace the cross, as you shape me to be like Your Son, Jesus Christ."
Funny, that lead me to sing this song to the tune of "Head and shoulders, knees and toes."
Mind and mouth, heart and actions, heart and actions! Help me Holy Spirit!
The Song
“Run to the Father: Cody Carnes
