Vicki Keiser, member since 1985, Church Council, Stephen’s Ministry

Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Reflection:
In the summer of 2012, I had the opportunity and finally made the commitment to read the entire Bible in 90 days. It was a big lift while working full time and having family commitments, but this paved the way for me to seek more. I had gone to church all of my life but had only experienced the Bible in pieces. At the end of the 90 days, I was totally blown away with the fact that the Bible was not just a collection of books but was an enduring story told through the books of the Bible. This led me to sign up for a nine-month Bible study called Disciple I, meeting once a week in the evening for two to three hours. Disciple I studied all the books in the Bible at a beginning level. Over the next few years, I would complete Disciple II, III, and IV studies, each one diving deeper into different parts of the Bible.

While I had always believed in one God and that Jesus was real, I realized that I had not really ever fully accepted the power and love of God through Jesus and, quite frankly, I was clueless about the Holy Spirit. These Bible studies, the leaders of the studies, and the people I studied with let me take the journey to learn about and feel the immense love of God. I am very thankful for all of them.

One of the many benefits this journey has provided is greater personal peace. It has allowed me to give things up to God when in the past I would have believed it was my job alone or that I was in control to somehow solve and/or fix a problem or challenging situation. What is the saying, “While we are planning, God is laughing”? I believe I have given God a lot to chuckle about.  

I know that even in this crazy pandemic time that I can give my burdens to the Lord and find peace.

Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, you are such an amazing God. Grow in us a desire to study your word deeper and in doing so may we better know your ways and amazing love. We are so thankful for those you have put in our lives to be with and help guide us in this community as we study your word. Help us give up our burdens of this very stressful time to you and experience your peace. In your holy name we pray. Amen.