BIBLE STUDY
teach me through every good thing and every challenge in my life. These would be holy lessons and values, all precious and not taught in schools or colleges. God taught me from His Word and through His abounding love to learn and unlearn certain things. Even as I went through this season of hopelessness, I learned to have hope. When I faced shame, I learned to stand up high. During times of distress, I learned to destress myself. When pushed away, I learned to swim back. At times of failure, I learned to win. He taught me to reconstruct myself with His power alone. I learned that if I held on to Him, God would take care and make all things beautiful in His time. Faith reposes completely in the love of God. Hope vividly anticipates that God will fulfill His promises in a particular way. And this hope is noticeable and contagious. So today, nothing from the past affects or disturbs me. Every day starts fresh and free, because the past day has ended with the eternal peace, love and joy that comes from the Lord who keeps my heart, soul, spirit and body safe from all evil. by Deepthi Paul Nalla Sister Deepthi Paul Nalla was one of several Telangana Baptist women leaders who took part in Baptist Women’s Life Circles leadership training this spring. She is in her final year of studies for her Bachelor of Divinity degree.
ENCOURAGE LOVE | INSPIRE GOOD | HOLD FAST It’s a Two-Way Street Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV)
It was absolutely traumatic! I had just purchased an expensive zero gravity chair for my daughter on her third post-op day following complete knee replacement surgery. A chair of this type had been my best friend following the same surgery a number of years ago, and I longed to see her gain some relief from the painful recovery she was experiencing. She was able to get out to the patio, sit in it, and enjoy the sun for about 30 minutes. Then, quoting “a funny feeling of distrust,” she returned to the house to lie down. Since I had a business call to make, I settled comfortably into the chair. Not five minutes into that call I heard an ominous C-R-A-A-AC-K. Suddenly I found myself lying on my back, knees at my chest, arms squished, completely folded into that chair! My husband came running. The chair would not open. He literally had to pry me out of the chair, as I clung to him for dear life. If I let go of Doug to try to help myself, I would simply end up still folded in the chair on the ground. It was only when I grasped his strong arm that he was able to wrestle me out of that horrendous position. Little did I realize last week that this encounter with a chair would be the life-picture of Hebrews 10:23!
live • November - December 2021
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