Surrendered - Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook
Learn How to Surrender Like JesusAre you facing a problem in life that you just can't fix, no matter what you do? Perhaps you've heard the phrase "Let...
Barb shares answers to five questions from the Surrendered Bible Study
How has God been taking care of and providing for you in your current season of life?
It's a wild ride in our world right now, isn't it? But I believe that God takes care of his children at all times, especially hard times!
As we're all grappling with the dramatic events surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, I'm ruthlessly clinging to the lessons that I've learned about God's faithfulness during tough times. Throughout my decade long wilderness season, I watched God pour manna out in my life over and over again. I'm trusting that He will do the same as I'm living in yet another season of letting go of my expectations and control.
[There’s] a right time to hold on and another to let go. (Ecclesiastes 3:6 MSG)
What does Ecclesiastes 3:6 mean to you?
In the Surrendered study, I introduce six Surrender Principles to equip women to let go of control-loving behaviors in order to live like Jesus. Surrender Principle #4 says, Trusting God's promises will bless me, push my plans will stress me.
Often, we struggle with how long we're supposed to pray for something or someone. We can continue to pray even when God is calling us to let go of trying to fix or control the situations.
Are there any special passions, gifts, or abilities that have come to the forefront as a result of what you’ve been through or are going through?
My long wilderness season made me stronger in my faith and a better encourager for those who are going through hard and heartbreaking times. As I've experienced heartache and loss, my heart has expanded toward other women who are going through the same. It's been such an honor for me to pray with women who email me prayer requests through the 21-Days of Prayer Challenge at BarbRoose.com.
I identify with the Apostle Paul's observation that it is in our weakness that God's strength shines through us for His glory. While I wish that our family would have been spared from the devastation of addiction, divorce and the loss of so many dreams, I give thanks for the faith that I now have. Tears roll down my face in gratitude every time that I sing the Bethel worship chorus: "There wasn't a day, that you weren't by my side. There wasn't a day when you let me fall."
How has God’s wisdom in the Bible been a blessing in your life?
It took me a long time to admit that I often played God in my life and the lives of others. While I began memorizing Bible verses when I was a young girl, my desire for control often overpowered my desire to be obedient to verses that warned against nagging, pride and excessive stockpiling.
God allowed me to do things my own way until I literally collapsed on the floor one day and surrendered. Once I finally realized that God's ways were better than my ways, then I experienced the full benefit of God's wisdom in my life. It was a long hard journey for me to get there, but the journey has been worth it!
How does your time with God—whether in Bible study, prayer, worship, or silent meditation—satisfy you?
The circumstances of my wilderness season were a matter of life and death for me. In order to survive the daily battle of living with a loved one’s addiction, I needed to live out Mark 12:30 every day, which Jesus taught us to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. So, I maintain a daily routine that begins with Bible study, prayer, working out, and finishing up with a cup of chai tea. This routine positions me to experience community with God and that connection gives me life and hope every single day.
