We’re near the end of Believing God by Beth Moore. In this online Bible study for Believing God, we have enjoyed fellowship through small group discussions. Many of you have emailed and messaged me about how much you have enjoyed the Believing God by Beth Moore online Bible study! Be sure to thank your small group leaders for devoting their time and their hearts to lead our groups. We have amazing leaders at the Bible Cafe.

According to Beth Moore, your personal Gilgal is where “God brings you full circle and breaks any looming cycle of failure.” This is a cycle of defeat, the cycle of fear, or a transforming experience. And for some, it feels like a personal revival. If you look back at your timeline with God, you may see where you experienced a breakthrough. Maybe you were delivered of insecurity, pride, or people’s approval. Perhaps you were raised in a Pharisee church and developed a fear of authority in religion. Maybe you encountered someone in ministry who made you feel the spirit of diminishment.

When we stand at a crossroad we visited before, we are coming full circle with God. Some women in small groups said they do not like the word “test” or being tested. It brings up negative memories for them. Yet other women like the experience of being tested and seeing their spiritual maturity. As we discussed in our small groups, you need to SEE that you have been delivered. God already knows the answer and result. And so the test is for you to measure your own spiritual growth and development.

Open your Bible and look at Exodus 20:20 NIV: “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” We say that fear includes both success and failure. If we never see success, we stop trying things. If we never experience failure, we are not taking risks and not learning from our mistakes.

For example, Beth Moore testifies that God has delivered her from insecurity, fear, defeated thinking, and practices of sin. She was tested, experiencing both success and failure until her faith matured. Maybe you had a similar experience, and how you respond now is different. You’re probably more aware of your temptations and faults as you mature in your relationship with God.

How do you feel about sharing your testimony with nonbelievers? When I am ASKED, then I share and I am ready with answers. But I do not walk into a room and start preaching or sharing an uninvited testimony. I wait for the Holy Spirit to nudge me or open the door to conversation. When I testify, I like to avoid the details (unless necessary) and generalize the testimony. My testimony must lead to God. With experience and time, we will learn what to say and what not to say.

According to Beth Moore, “We don’t walk in perfect faith for the rest of our lives. We walk in prevailing faith.” Perfect faith means we don’t need to lean on Jesus. As the Bride of Christ, we seek a faith that preserves, even when we are unsuccessful. Remember, David, Moses, and Abraham all made mistakes and yet were in a constant relationship with God. When they made a mistake or sinned, they turned to God for confession and forgiveness.

We talked about spiritual disciplines in our small groups this week. Some of these disciplines include Bible study, devotions, worship, prayer, fellowship, communion, confession, sabbath rest, giving, fasting, and disciple-making. We do these things out of love for Our Father God. It is a blessing to experience these spiritual disciplines.

Turn your Bible to Galatians 6:9 NIV: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Jesus got away from the crowds and sometimes we need that too. Find time this week for sacred rest. Read the Bible verses about the weary.

…

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.