Going
Week 1
March 2, 2014
Work schedules can make it challenging for people who want to come to church. It’s for that reason that a woman decided to plug into a small group. Quiet, by nature, she calls her leader after a few weeks had passed and explains how she’s been disconnected from God for years. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I can tell that by being in a small group, God is at work. Though I have a lot of questions, walls are coming down. There are many things I still don’t understand and I have plenty of baggage that I’m continuing to sort through. So this can make trusting others an issue.” But she goes on to say, “I’m here, though. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to see my relationship with God be the primary focus of my life.” In light of current challenges, she’s now allowing the wisdom of her small group to speak into her life rather than solely relying on her own wits. Her journey with Jesus continues - in the company of a few good friends.
Week 2
March 9, 2014
A big, tough, blue-collar guy opens up with his small group about a family member’s struggles. This family member is heavily involved in drugs. He’s heartbroken by the ugliness of the situation. He goes on to share that when Jesus finally got ahold of his own life, he, too, felt equally unloveable. Now, as he’s gripped by the transformational work that God’s doing within, he finds himself compelled to reach out to this family member who has brought so much grief into so many lives. Explaining further evidence of the devastating mess, tears roll down. You see, there’s no quick fix. Instead of shouldering the burden alone, though, it’s shared by others who know that Jesus is the answer and who are willing to come alongside through prayer and encouragement. As he hangs out with his group he’s able to experience a camaraderie and comfort he could’ve completely missed out on. Storm winds of life are gonna blow. But this is one man who’s committed to becoming spiritually fit in the company of his small group family.