This series has the most emotional content of any we have recorded to date. Each of the precious women around the table for this series was beautifully vulnerable and available for God’s Word to work in them both now and in the past. They shared stories about how God’s word has instructed, informed, healed and helped them through their faith journey. In the end, that’s the Power of God’s Word.
Beyond that, the lessons from this series are also powerful. We are exploring the possibilities that can be opened to us when we take hold of God’s Word in the ways He intended. We are solidly founded in scripture, using that to form our principles for discussion, specifically 2 Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12. I would encourage memorizing both of those passages.
Holly mentioned that “God’s Word will not be chained.” A similar message, in which I find great peace, is in Isaiah 55:11, where God declares that “my word, that goes out from my mouth…will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” I love the promise in that declaration!
Lots of great insights this week! The comments about knowing God’s word are so true. We can better identify a counterfeit version of something when we recognize and know the authentic. We know God’s word by studying it. His word helps us better grasp his ways and works like an internal compass, guiding and directing us. And God fills us with his Holy Spirit, who guides, prompts and affects us in other ways as well, like bringing peace as Cindy mentioned, comfort, joy, hope, etc.
For me personally, hearing God’s voice has been very quiet and internal, is nothing momentous or frightening and typically involves practical issues or decisions. It’s usually just a series of repeated messages that I receive through different sources, like a church sermon, a conversation with a trusted family member or friend, a radio program, bible passage, and sometimes just my own thoughts, which all reinforce each other and have the net effect of making me realize what God is saying. I think the combination of both studying His word and trusting in the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit when he gently prompts us in that manner is primarily how God speaks, although I believe he can and does talk to people in a variety of other ways.
I love how God spoke to Samuel more than once (really tried getting his attention!), and how Samuel responded and sought out the voice (rather than ignoring it), even though he couldn’t identify it at first. God allowed Eli to help Samuel recognize who was speaking to him, and to understand. Knowing that God uses others to help reach us when we are confused or “hard of hearing” is so reassuring, isn’t it?!
I love to hear about how other women hear God speak to them because discerning His voice continues to challenge me even though I’ve been a Christian for a long time. Like many others, I struggle with anxiety; I have been assured that God has spoken to me when I have experienced His peace which passes all understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 is familiar to many of us and talks about praying instead of worrying and the peace that follows. I just love that the preceding verse which sets the stage for these remarks tells us “The Lord is near.” Praise God!
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A5-7&version=NIV)