I have so enjoyed working my way through this She Reads Truth Women in the Word study.  It’s been extra-awesome because I’ve been participating with those beautiful ladies in the above photo.  We’ve shared some hilarious group texts, some heart-to-heart real life conversations, and most recently, a fun night filled with everything we’ve learned during this study so far.

I love Jesus, but it’s so fun (and life-giving!) having friends who love Him too!  I think I’ve mentioned this before, but it was interesting to see which ‘woman in the word’ we learned the most from.  Some of the women I had just passed over, not getting a whole lot from, were others’ favorites.

Some things we discussed:

• Eve’s naming–Eve wasn’t given a name until after she and Adam ate of the forbidden fruit.  The name Eve means “mother of all the living”, which we think she was given because she was given a new life–outside the garden.  It was an act of grace from God–rather than giving her a name that meant death, He gave her one that meant life.
• Sarah hearing people/friends outside the boat–I had never really thought about this before, but as Noah and Sarah waited on the ark, right after the flood began, could they hear their friends outside?  Screaming, begging to board the ark.  It’s such a sobering thought.
• Delilah.  Seriously, how can you think about Delilah without thinking about Samson.  Was he just that stupid?  Or cocky?  Or was she just that convincing?
• Hannah-my personal favorite.  I love the way that Hannah worshipped God.  She got up early, she made it a priority, she worshipped Him whole-heartedly.  And He answered her prayers.  I want to have a worshipping heart like hers.
• Gomer.  OH, Gomer.  I love the image of God pursuing.  Alluring.  Persuading.  He loves us.  He will satisfy and complete us if only we turn to Him.
• Esther.  I’ve always loved the story of Esther.  One thing I picked up from her story:  My job as a follower of Christ isn’t to know the end-game or even the steps along the way.  My job is to say yes to whatever He asks of me.

Are you following along?  What has been your favorite part of the Old Testament study?  Which study did you most identify with and why?

And if not, we started the New Testament this week and it’s every bit as wonderful as the old.  Join in!