set the believers an example

The second half of small group, after dinner together and Matt teaching or someone sharing a testimony, the women break away and talk about how we can lift one another up in life right now. The men are doing the same thing right behind us--loud--but that hour of sweet sharing, transparency and prayer is one of the best of each week. 

Last night, instead of life updates, we each worked to thoughtfully pinpoint an area holding us back from living the abandoned life in the Spirit He longs for for us. One friend confessed that the lies of her earthly father often trump the truths of our heavenly One. Another confessed a cycle that empowers chaos over abiding in Him...another a desire to control all the uncontrollables in her life instead of trusting Him. It was confessed that we often focus too much on what others think over what He thinks of us, that prayer is only a major part of our lives in areas we see Him working and not in persevering. Taking our thoughts captive was a major theme, one friend noting with a many amens that contentment alludes her, that her mind takes her down paths of thought processes that should be stopped, surrendered and cut off. 

We talked about hamster wheels and long-worn ruts of habits from long-ago traumas and fears, confessed fears overshadowing available freedoms, and shared some areas where we are trusting without seeing, confessing without conclusion, hoping without having all the answers. 

Where are the places holding you back? What is it keeping us from living a steady, faithful, rooted life in Christ?  Just asking the question and working to present an answer was vital last night...

And then this morning I'm in 1st Timothy, and he urges the same practice:

Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourselves to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, but practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. 

There are two dear women up north right now, both with the same name, who are suffering unimaginable pain. It will never be ok, not this side of heaven, and there is nothing to be done to change the horrifying circumstances. I have been weeping with them and praying for all the pieces of their hearts, and as I do, I realize that they are suffering without wavering.

I have full confidence, NO doubt, that these two aunts
will cling to the Lord, breathe in and out His presence, and persevere. There is no pain you could throw at them that would set them on a path other than His. I know they are faithful and will be, I know they are steadfast and rooted in His unfailing love, I know without sitting with them that others are seeing a life abiding in Christ. 

May we be these 1 Timothy family, devoted and immersed in His truth...with progress, 'till He comes!