My
Procastion
His Patience
I am thankful to the Lord for his unlimited patience with me . He knows my heart and my desire to please Him , but He also knows my fears , my insecurities and my tendency to procrastinate .
After years of Women ’ s Bible Study at Calvary , Grace Beyond presented a formidable step of faith for us all . When the women first started talking about stepping out of the church and into our neighborhoods to start Bible Studies , I thought it sounded like a really good idea . But , I didn ’ t see how it would work in my neighborhood .
We live outside the city on a little dead end street . There are about 25 houses but they all sit far apart . We have lived there for over 20 years and although we know who almost everyone is , we don ’ t really know but a couple of them very well . It ’ s one of those neighborhoods where everyone waves but kind of keeps to themselves .
However , I kept praying about the idea . After Debbie McGoldrick came and shared more about NBS2Go ( Neighborhood Bible Studies to Go ) and we heard testimonies of women who had started groups , I began to be more excited about it and how it could benefit my neighborhood . I was also convicted that it was time for me to go out of my comfort zone and reach out to my neighbors . I especially enjoyed the materials provided through NBS2Go . I realized I wouldn ’ t have to teach , which was really out of my comfort zone . I would just have to facilitate the discussion . That was something I had been doing for the last several years through Women ’ s Bible Study here at church .
I started out by prayer walking my neighborhood . Then my husband , Brian , and I decided to host a neighborhood ice cream social . I mentioned it to our next door neighbor . He said he would like to help and even offered his yard . This was a special blessing as he is a very outgoing guy and the person who knows everyone in the neighborhood .
Procrastinator that I am , I let most of the summer go by before we finally set a date . All that time I was being gently nudged by the Lord , remaining prayerful but also managing to let the busyness of the summer take priority . It finally came to August , and I realized I had put this off long enough . We set a date . I made out the fliers and our neighbor volunteered to distribute them . He came back telling us how everyone he talked with was very enthused and looking forward to it .
We had a great turnout . Over 50 people came and it was a great encouragement to see how people really enjoyed getting together . We loved getting to know neighbors we had never met or had not seen in a long time .
The next step was to set a date for the informational meeting for the Bible Study . Again I procrastinated and let September go by before I set a date and made up invitations for an informational meeting . This is why I say God is abounding with patience and love . He knew I was very nervous about this . I asked the Lord to be with me as I delivered the invitations and to prepare the hearts of the women I would invite . I didn ’ t find any of the woman home although I did meet four husbands . So I had to leave the invitations in doors or mailboxes .
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