[personal] A Study of Daniel

Three years ago, I signed up for Beth Moore’s bible study on Daniel at our church (at the time we attended Hillcrest Baptist). I could make a million and a half excuses for why I didn’t make it very far in the study, but the point is, I didn’t finish it. Something about not finishing the study left me really hesitant to dedicate myself to another one. It’s one thing to not do homework for school, but to not finish a bible study made me feel like I’d failed a class with God.  I’m not saying that’s true, but I’m explaining that this is how I felt.

Fast forward to this past fall.

Two of my friends and I signed up for Beth Moore’s study of Esther at Celebration Church in Georgetown. All of Beth’s studies are for women, but this one focused on one of the most intriguing women of the bible. The description talked about how it would deal with the issues women face, and use “It’s tough being a woman…” as a statement throughout the whole study.  I was so nervous to sign up. I didn’t want to “fail” again, but I knew I was in a really weird place. I was so happy to be back in Austin, but everything that I had assumed would be the same… wasn’t. Despite having a wonderful husband and great friends, I was lonely. Working from home was an adjustment for me because I felt like a crazy woman that only had dogs to talk to.

Despite my hesitation, I signed up for the study anyway. I was determined to make it through and really allow God to work on my heart. Boy did he. There were so many days during the lessons that I would sit and cry or that something hit me like a ton of BRICKS. There were wonderful moments when things just clicked and I realized (thanks to the wonderful group of women we sat with each week) that I’m not the only woman in the world that feels a certain way. My last week of the study, I cried at the final taping. (Go figure. You’re learning what a softie I am.) I put off my homework because I didn’t want it to be over.

Now it’s the beginning of February and I’ve been attempting to do a study of David on my own. It’s not as easy for me without a support system. Thankfully, I have friends who feel the same way. Our husbands are doing a “manly bible study” together, so we’re starting up one of our own. We’ve decided to take on Beth Moore’s (if you haven’t noticed, we’re fans of hers) Daniel study. Yep, Daniel and I are about to go head to head for round two. I’m so grateful that I have friends to share my life with, that can guide me through tough times, and pray for me.  I love sitting down to pray for them too – it’s amazing to see God at work.

Tonight, our study begins. I’m all ready to go. (I have two copies of Daniel because I purchased one for a friend from amazon.com.)

For those of you that might be reading this who are a) interested in how to run a godly business and b) attend the Austin Stone (actually, I don’t even think you have to be a member to sign up for a class!) you should look into the class called “Missional Business“. It begins February 21st and lasts for six weeks. I decided to sign-up for this one because I want to learn how to run a God-honoring business. Maybe you do too. It’d be great to meet you.