7 weeks and counting...

I have to say these last 7 weeks of my bible study have seriously been some of the best weeks of this year. I've learned and grown so much in these past 7 weeks than I have in a very very long time. Before Forgotten God started, I admit, I was very content with my life. School was hard, but I managed. I had friends and family to support and love me. And though my spiritual life suffered greatly, I was okay with that. Like I said, I was content.

To be honest, when Joanna even invited me to Valley for the first time during the Fall semester, I pushed the thought aside. For the most part I had everything control and I wasn't really looking for anything to do on the weekends. Reluctantly I went. A couple weeks later, I discovered that I fit right in at the church. It was so comfortable and welcoming. It wasn't like any other church I had ever gone to. And giving up an hour or two on Sunday morning didn't seem like that much of a sacrifice.

When a college bible study was talked about, I thought "been there, done that". I wasn't looking for anything more. And then out of the blue, I signed up. I mean, I guess it really wasn't out of the blue, but it was more an act of obedience than anything. I dreaded the first Sunday night. There were tons of people I didn't know who all seemed to know each other, a pastor who speaks his mind and tells you like it is (in the most loving way), and of course it was so late on Sunday - it was literally the last thing I wanted to be doing.

But week after week I kept going. And week after week, the Spirit blesses me through school, church, shopping, anything. I've seen Him work more in my life more than I ever could have imagined. I've learned a lot - some simple, basic concepts reinforced, and then totally new concepts that challenge me to be a better Christian. Listening and obeying God's word has been one of the best decisions I've made.

For me, there's no settling for anything less. I'm no longer comfortable in this "stand still". I've rediscovered a relationship that I've been missing. I want something so much greater than what this world has to offer. I've seen what comes from the fellowship and community that Christians have to offer, and I hope that where ever we all go, that bond continues. It's not an easy choice to live for Christ, because it means dying every day in the eyes of the world. But in the end, it'll be so worth it.