Join us for online Bible studies. We are reading Anonymous by Cindi Wood. Last week we studied the woman who was judged and this week, the woman who was hurting. We’re connecting the dots in womens Bible study.

Looking at the two anonymous women- judged and hurting- I can identify with the woman in the Bible who was judged. As a ministry leader, my words are actions are judged by both nonbelievers and believers. As any human being, I am flawed and imperfect. But for some reason, the “title” of my job implies higher expectations and greater judgment.

Often I hear people complain that we selected the wrong book, wrong author, or wrong Bible version, and it is exhausting trying to please everyone. So I stopped trying to be a people pleaser and focused on Jesus instead. How refreshing for my spirit.

As we studied the women who were hurting, did you think about how you experienced God’s compassion during your hurting seasons? In my suffering seasons, God sent spiritual advisors and friends. We prayed together, I lamented, and they carried me through with the Word and encouragement of God. My prayer is that you will not walk alone if you are hurting. Call a friend, contact a Christian counselor, or visit your local church for assistance. Don’t walk alone.

Open your Bible and read Psalm 139:16 NIV: Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

When I read this Truth and accepted this verse, I stopped condemning myself. I stopped being afraid for my children and family members. I connected my heart to His will and destiny for my life. No shame, no lingering hurts, and no regrets. How does your heart respond to the truth that God knew all about your life before you were even formed?

According to Matthew 1:23, Immanuel means “God with us.” The enemy of God wants to isolate us. He attacks Christians and makes them feel alone. He tries to drive them into caves, into shame, and further from the “sanctuary.” This is a spiritual attack from an invisible war. We do NOT suffer alone as we seek fellowship with Believers of the faith.

Reach out to disciple someone who struggles with spiritual strongholds. Open the door to your home to someone afflicted by religion, shame, or spiritual identity theft. Be the witness for Christ and share your testimony about why you believe.

BE HIS WITNESS!!!

Cindi Wood remembers difficult times when she was “blasting through areas of pride…and ushered into God’s healing.” What might happen if you let go of your stored pride? The most beautiful gift is to surrender your pride and put on humility. Stop struggling for the approval of people. They do not determine if you have eternal life. They do not GIVE the Fruit of the Spirit.

As I think about the bleeding woman in the Bible, she was fearful and trembling after touching the hem of Jesus. In the historical period, religious rules of the day said she was unclean. Because of her affliction, she could not go to the synagogue! A social outcast in the community who should be showing her love during her difficult season.

Cindi Wood’s list of “suffering etiquette” in your workbook is a beautiful reminder about how to help others. Perhaps you can practice some of these with your local neighbors? Be the hands and feet of Christ…in your community.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.