Last week I was given an awesome Christmas gift! I was invited to do a two day taping with Kay Arthur, my bible mentor and THE matriarch of women’s bible studies. It was such an honor to spend two days studying with Word of God with her. Well, she taught, I gleaned. I have pictures that I wanted to share with you. However, I left my camera case at my sister’s house which contains the necessary wires to transfer the photos to my computer. Sigh. But I promised to post them as soon as I can. In the meantime, here’s a picture of Kay.
I’ve been a student of Precept Ministries for 18 years. I didn’t beginning studying the Word because I wanted to know God or anything spiritual like that. I wanted answers. My husband was badly burned in a house fire and died at Vanderbilt Hospital 8 days later. I had been a believer since I was 7 years old. I could hardly believe that God would allow my husband to die. I wanted to know why? Ever been there? I felt betrayed mostly. Betrayal is a normal emotion to have when God doesn’t behave like we think He should. The truth is God is faithful in all things. He never abandoned me. What I learned most was that He is enough in all things.
I also realized that all those years, I had a religion instead of a relationship. Bible study opened my eyes to see God has He truly was. Not who I made Him to be. True knowledge set me free. Before I knew it, I was head over heels in love with God and have been ever since. My greatest desire is to know God and then make Him known to others. I realize that there are lots of people sitting in church every Sunday who, like me, have a religion. They are in desperate need of a Savior. Through my years of study, God not only healed my broken heart but He prepared me for ministry.
Everyday I shake my head. I don’t get it. I don’t know why such an awesome God would use this southern talkin’ braces wearin’ hometown girl to communicate His truths to others, but I’m having a blast just hangin’ out with Jesus and going wherever He leads! Besides, He does the work. I just stand there and marvel at Him.
Kay’s faithfulness to teach the Word of God has played a key role in my life and ministry. While meeting her was a great gift, the best gift I’ve been given is—Jesus. He never goes out of style. He never fades, breaks or wears out. He never needs returning. He’s one size fit’s all. And He just keeps giving more and more. If you would like to know my Jesus and receive the greatest Gift on earth, check out my Meet My Best Friend section.
And…to add a bit of Christmas sweetness, you can win a gift today, too! To win the cool Christmas give-away which consist of a signed copy of God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional book and a gift certificate to Body Works then be sure and leave a post on my blog or Lysa’s! Good luck! I’m pulling for you!!
Hey Micca,
Was touched by your story. I won your testimony CD a bit ago, and have yet to watch it. Now I am going to make time for it today!! Your post got me intrigued!
Shannon
Wow,I am so glad you have found PEACE thru that situation. Did you ever have days (even after you new God had replaced your Joy )that you felt you had no Joy that it was all depression again? Did you get therapy or just pray your way thru? Thanks Mara
What a great blog full of His presence!!!
~Christina
P.S. I think that the ‘best friend’ section is WONDERFUL!!! I might have to follow that idea on my blog!!!
Micca,
Thank you for your sweet story and reminder to draw closer to Jesus!
Jodie
Micca,
I just visited Lysa’s Blog and decided to check yours out! I’m so glad I did! What A blessing I received here…The Holy Spirit has been dealing with me about LEARNING His Word and this post was just such an encouragement to me. I can’t wait to find out what God has in store for me and my husband as we seek Him and Dive into His Word!
Hey Micca,
Just hopping around the Proverbs31 blogs and stumbled across yours! I really enjoyed getting to hear your story and how you are finding peace in your situation. My mother and many in my family struggle with depression, too. I know that it is something that even after you’ve been delivered, you have to keep in constant prayer and faith that it is not coming back!
Blessings!
Wow! I have been forever changed by inductive Bible study too. What a great time you must have had with Kay. That is a huge blessing.
I love your best friend too. He is mine as well. What a great Christmas gift.
Love ya my sister,
Angela
Hi Micca,
What a great post…so good for me to read today! I’ve been on a roller coaster prayer ride the last few days. Praying for friends who have a very sick child, praying for my Mom and her siblings who are caring for my ailing Grandmother. One prayer to have mercy and heal the child, the other prayer to have mercy and take her home with Him. It’s made me think very long and hard about my relationship with God.
Thanks for sharing your struggles and how God’s Word is definitely the answer.
Bridget
PS..I hear you’re coming to NorthStar church next month. That’s my home so I’ll see you there!
Hi Micca-
Thanks for your story. I have been trying to move from religion to relationship. I have found that I need to stand on God’s Word, and not on my feelings – because I don’t always feel His presence but I know He’s with me. Thanks for the encouragement to dig deeper into His Word.
What a great testimony to falling head over heals in love with God through studying His Word! I’ve never heard of Precept, but I’m checking it out now! 🙂
What a beautiful post, Micca. I’m glad I hopped on over from Lysa’s today, too. Thanks for sharing.