Confessions of a Bible Study Flunky

New Year's Day finds us bringing to mind old acquaintances and humming Auld Lang Syne. I had a special treat this New Year's when I googled and facebooked my way to locate Trudy. 

I was Trudy's worst nightmare twenty years ago when she taught a ladies' Bible study in her home. It was my first experience digging into God's Word—or for me—dawdling with God's Word. 

I remember Trudy's passion as she talked about the names and character of God. Although I was a believer in Christ, I couldn't imagine being so in love with God or excited about spending time with Him in His Word. 

I had my own problems. I was a young mom of two girls under four. I recently moved away from my family to a strange town with a husband whose work schedule had him gone 80% of the time. I was overwhelmed. 

Our theme verse for the study was pretty clear:

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

I didn't connect the dots. Instead of running to God who wanted to be my answer, I preferred to gripe about my life during prayer requests. I told the entire class that I had trouble completing the study questions and Bible reading because the Bible was just plain boring. 

I remember the sad look on Trudy's face when I said this. It was probably a snapshot of God's heart who longs to draw us to Him but we find every reason to tell Him He is not enough. 

Trudy moved and I moved and we lost touch. She never knew that I finally got it. God got me. 

When I talked to Trudy on New Year's Day I told her about my family—four children who love Jesus and a husband that I chose to stay with through hard times. The seeds she planted into the messy soil of my childish heart bore fruit. 

I wouldn't be here without the part she played, faithfully imparting the Word to a  woman who didn't seem to be interested. I finally learned to run to my strong tower and let Him be my answers. 

Now I am that Bible study teacher who wonders sometimes if it is worth it when women don't find time to study or pray. No matter what I say they don't see God as the answer to their needs. 

I remember Trudy and I am glad she didn't give up on me or throw me out of the Bible study or her heart. I decide to keep on obeying and trusting God to bring the fruit in His time. I don't know the marriages and families He might be touching through our times in Bible study—even with the dawdlers who don't connect the dots just yet. 

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