So I’m just going to be gut level honest today. Maybe you’ll relate. Hopefully you’ll be encouraged that you’re not alone in your feelings. I resisted women’s Bible study for years. Finally a friend dragged me to one, kicking and screaming. Here’s why.
1. I get nervous about meeting new people. Some of you may not believe me, but it’s true. Throw me in a room with twenty women I don’t know and I get fidgety. Where do I sit? Who should I talk to? What if no one talks to me? What if I don’t feel like I can connect with anyone there? What if there’s no one I can relate to…
Every time I have joined a new Bible study, God has always graciously sent me someone that He has used in a mighty way in my life. It may have taken a few weeks to find them, but eventually if I was willing to stick it out long enough, they surfaced. He delights in connecting His daughters together.
2. There’s always a needy woman in the group and I just don’t have time for that. I know, it doesn’t sound nice, but we all know it’s true. Rick Warren calls them “Extra Grace Required” people. Their crisis becomes everyone’s crisis. Frankly, my life is a big enough mess all by itself without dragging somebody else’s mess into it. And I’m busy. But then came the day when I was the needy one. My father was dying. He lived far away and I felt guilty not being there with him. When I did go to see him, I felt guilty about leaving my husband and two little kids behind. And my mess became everyone else’s mess as they prepared meals for my family, helped take care of my kids, and sometimes just let me come to Bible study and cry. And like it or not, someday your mess is going to need some other people to come help you clean it up.
3. I prefer to do Bible study on my own. I get that. I really do. There is something about sitting all by myself in my rocking chair with my Bible and Jesus and leaving everyone else out of it. I’m in the Word- that’s enough. The problem is that it’s not biblical. Jesus loves to sit with you in your rocking chair, but He also loves it when you go and encourage, pray for and minister to your sisters in Christ. Sometimes going to Bible study isn’t even about you, it’s about coming alongside the woman next to you who really needs your testimony, your wisdom or your friendship.
In two days our church is kicking off a new series of Bible studies for the year. You may have never considered joining a women’s Bible study. You may have gone before and something happened making you not want to go back. You may  have relegated yourself to studying the Bible all by yourself, all for yourself, because it feels safe. I don’t know where you’re at, but I’d like to encourage you to take a risk with God. Here’s how:
Be honest with God about your hesitancy and ask Him to show you what He’s calling you to do. Maybe ask a friend to go with you so you’re not all by yourself.
Ask God to go before you and provide the person with whom He wants you to connect.
Be brave enough to take a risk and see what God may do in and through you.
Twelve years ago I begrudgingly came to my first women’s Bible study. I have gone to women’s Bible study every semester since. I can adamantly say I would not be the woman I am today without going. I have laughed, cried, loved, served, and been changed. So, if it’s been awhile or maybe never since you’ve gone, my prayer is that you’ll give it another chance- needy people and all.
How has God used women’s Bible study in your life?
What is your biggest reason for being reluctant to participate?
Why would it be unbiblical to never engage in studying the scriptures with other believers and praying for one another?
I’d love to hear your thoughts…….
