Hide & Seek

One thing I love about our group is our ability to be real with one another.  The ability to bear our hearts.  Share our joys, our hearts, our triumphs, our sorrows, our struggles.  To lift one another, to encourage, to rejoice, to cry.

I am so thankful for this group of ladies.  To know that the prayers we shared aren't left behind.  But that we share each other's burdens.  That we carry them through the week continuing to lift our sisters to our Father. 

Our study today....

Chapter 5-- Hiding, Pretending, and Other Failed Escapes

"We all wear masks in one way or another.  It's our way of trying to fit in, to belong.  The more broken we feel inside, the more we feel compelled to hide our brokenness from others so that they don't laugh at us or reject us.  Over the last sixteen years I've spoken to more than four million women from the platform at Women of Faith.  I hear the same things over and over:"

-I don't like the way I look.
-I don't like that way I feel.
-I hate what I see in the mirror
-If people knew the real me, no one would want to know me.

 

• Think about the various circles where you spend most of your time. What is a setting where you feel like you can be yourself and not wear any kind of mask?
• What settings are you more prone to where a mask? Why?

Part of the challenge of our brokenness is to tain our hearts to hear God's love above the din of our shame.  (God Loves Broken People, p. 62) 

"As Christians living on this side of the cross, we still have an instinct to hide from God.  What sin have you tired to carry yourself, thinking it is too big for God?
Because of the saving work of Christ, we don't have to hide from God, but can  hide in God instead.  when we seek the Lord's presence we are safe.  Believing that your sin is too great for God to reconcile rejects the power of the cross."

Read Hebrews 4:14-16

• Who is Jesus likened to in verse 14? Our High Priest
• Verse 16 tells us we should come before the throne-  Boldly, with confidence
• We learn in this passage that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are.  We must not infer that life was easy for Him.  Though He was without sin, how does this human experience make it easier to approach him?  He has been here, He knows what we are going through.  He has been tired, angry, hungry...
• Read Hebrews 5:5  How does this verse show Jesus humility as God's appointed High Priest?  He did not ask to become High Priest, God is in charge, He appointed Jesus to that position.  A little further in verse 7 it states that he had reverent submission
• What does Hebrews 7:24-25 tell us about Jesus' priesthood? It is permanent, eternal, He lives to intercede for us, able to save completely.

One thing that keeps us close to God is confession.  We don't have to hide our sins from Him-- He knows them all anyway.  WHen we seek His forgiveness and thank Him for it, it is easier to recieve His grace.

• Write down one sin that you have tried to keep hidden, maybe even from yourself.  After  you have written it down, read again Hebrews 4:14-16.  Take time to thank Him for the mercy and grace that he freely gives today.

"You don't have to hide anymore.  You are loved as you are.  you needn't wear a mask; God sees you as you are.  you don't have to pretend to be okay: Christ is our righteousness, and we get to be human after all, to be real, to be loved, to be free. you don't have to deny the tturth: the Lord knows it all and offers you Christ."  (God Loves Broken People, p. 65)

This Week~ 

• Remember to do your daily Devo time! :D
• Look for your Gifts everyday
• Bring something for the Shoebox next time!  Need some ideas?? Check here :D

Source: faithfulprovisions.com via Amy on Pinterest