Last week I attended my first Christian event since being back in London! It was a great opportunity for me to network with other like-minded women and feed myself with the truth of God’s word.
The Venue:
The brunch was held at a very cute victorian-styled restaurant and garden. The Imperial is situated in Fulham, London which is highly accessible with good transport links. They have a fine selection of classically British menu items, I selected the vegetarian breakfast and it was yummy!
The Imperial also boasts stylish function rooms located on the 2nd floor (they can be booked out for free btw!). Having this space to ourselves that afternoon made ALL the difference by helping to make the event more intimate, and providing us with a quiet space to worship and dig into the word.
The waiters and waitresses were very polite, and even during our worship session they showed no partiality and continued to serve us respectfully! BTW, our short time of worship was bliss. At one stage, I felt like I was in the upper room on the day of pentecost. It reminded me of God’s presence and power before studying the word.
The Study:
Our study was based around 1 Samuel 30 and was titled “getting through tough seasons”. I’d highly suggest reading this chapter as we can learn SO much about David’s struggles, and how God came through for him.
There was a lot of wisdom and insight shared by the host and the other ladies over the course of the event. If you find yourself in a tough season right now, I pray these tips will help to lighten the load.
1. Maintain an eternal perspective with Christ as your focal point.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Collosians 3:2)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
When trouble comes, it can be tempting to lose sight of eternity and to lose sight of the one who has your days written down. No matter how tough things may be, remember that Christ our Savior also went through many sufferings and trails whist he walked the earth. One thing we have for comfort is that Christ has indeed won the victory for us. Keep your eyes fixed completely on Him and he will give you the strength and peace you need to weather the storm.
Your tough season IS just that, a season. It will come, and it will surely pass. Do not be troubled nor allow the cares and worries of this world to steal your joy away, keep your eyes on Jesus.
2. Look out for the lessons you can learn.
Your trial doesn’t have to define you, it can be used by you as a stepping stone to develop you into a stronger person with greater faith in God. Many times God puts us into the fire in order to refine us. What may God be trying to refine about you and teach you?
Don’t leave your season of testing the same way, make it your duty to come out wiser and better!
Questions to think about:
What virtue(s) is God trying to strengthen in me?
Which habits and tendencies may God be trying to break away from me?
What character flaw(s) is God revealing to me?
How may this experience be preparing me for the future?
3. Encourage yourself in the Lord and His past faithfulness.
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)
Isn’t it funny how as soon as something (no matter how small) goes wrong in life we seem to crumble and doubt the faithfulness of God? During this time of uncertainty it’s even more important to praise and adore God for all he has done in times past.
God doesn’t change, he is the same yesterday today and forevermore! If he was able to see you through trails in the past, be rest assured he will see you through this one.
Encouragement is STRENGTH and strength helps you to persevere.
Never cease to encourage and reassure yourself, even if no-one else does. God is in control and will surely work things out for good.
4. Remain prayerful.
In 1 Samuel 30:8, David enquired of the Lord and God gave him direction and instruction specific to his circumstances. This highlights the importance of prayer.
We don’t always know the best decision to make, and especially when we are going through a tough season, emotion can easily cloud our judgement. However God always knows what we should do. Humble yourself and talk to him, seek after his perfect will and he will surely direct you.
Also consider journalling as writing things down will give you an outlet to express your frustration or confusion, whilst helping you to clarify your thoughts. You can then also look back on your entries in the future and testify to God’s faithfulness in your life!
And a final note on prayer:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Amen.
Don’t give up or lose hope. Hold onto the very character of God. He is a solid rock for all who will trust him.
If you are in the London area and are interesting in getting involved in the next BSB be sure to contact the hostess for more details. It holds every quarter, and it would be great to have you at the next one!
-JO Adeluola
Joanne Olayinka 