When I decided to move to a new city, one of the first things I did was look for a new Bible Study Fellowship group that I could attend, as the one I had been attending would be too far away once I moved. Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is “an in-depth, interdenominational Bible study that helps people know God and equips them to effectively serve the Church throughout the world.” (And yes, that was taken directly from their website, http://www.bsfinternational.org). They have throughout-the-week Bible study notes and questions, with a small group discussion and larger group lecture once a week. I highly encourage you to check it out!
There are BSF groups for men, women, and youth meeting all over the world, but I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find one in my area. But after a brief search I was able to locate a group not far from my apartment. Yay!
New group!
But wait, there’s more…
Even though I had found a group to join, I didn’t think I would be able to go, since I didn’t yet know my work schedule and I was sure to be exhausted from work. But God worked it out; when I got my schedule I saw that I was never scheduled to work on the day that this particular BSF group met.
Okay, Lord. I can take a hint… I thought as I worked to transfer my information from one group to the other.
New group and clear schedule!
But wait, there’s more…
The night that I finally was able to attend, the first person I saw in the parking lot was a friend named Bri, whom I had met in BSF and a different young adult fellowship back home. Neither of us knew that the other was now working in this new city, and it was the first night in the new BSF group for both of us. And we were assigned to the same small group!
New group, clear schedule, and old friend!
But wait, there’s more…
Bri mentioned that Amy, another mutual friend of ours, was also attending this BSF group! Amy and I had met at my old church, and I hadn’t seen her since I left. When Amy and I met in the sanctuary before the class that night, she gave me a hug and said, “I was wondering where you’d been!”
New group, clear schedule, and two old friends!
But wait, there’s more…
From the moment I walked in the door I felt welcome. I was instantly connected to my study group leader, and I very quickly began to feel at home in this new group. That’s the great thing about the Body of Christ – it’s more like meeting extended family rather than total strangers. Hearing the group discussion about the lesson and the larger group lecture that followed was like a breath of fresh air. This was what I was missing in my new city. This is where I can study and learn and grow closer to God during this crazy time in my life, and for many years beyond.
It always amazes me – though by this point I should know better – that God can and often does go above and beyond what I need. By giving God my desires and letting Him work out the details, I have been blessed beyond what I could have imagined.
New group, clear schedule, two old friends, and the Word of God!
Like I said, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
A Special Strength 