I can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by, but I am so thankful to be studying the life of Leah right now in this very season of my life. Her story speaks volumes to me–especially since this week was one of those, “But I want what she has…” weeks for me. (Please tell me you understand what I’m going through.)
Was this week’s lesson crazy or what? I’m telling you, this part of the Bible is more dicey than primetime television. So let’s get right to it and see what we can learn from Leah this week.
P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us all know what you are learning. Feel free to interact with each other and comment on each other’s posts. We’re all friends here. So let’s spur one another on.
For those of you reading this via RSS feed, click here to watch this week’s video.
Summer Bible Study #5 from Shannon Primicerio on Vimeo.
Tags: feeling like you don't measure up, manipulating for your own gain, summer Bible study, teen girls Bible study, teens Bible study
Shannon, thanks so much for being faithful to put so much study and prayer into these videos and into this Bible study! All of your hard work shows! I want to tell you that (current book contract or no current book contract), your books and blog (and this Bible study) has impacted me eternally and deepened my faith so much! I was looking back over the Leah study book just yesterday, marveling at how much I have learned and how far I have comed. I have been so encouraged by your words, by digging into the Word, and by enjoying the sweet fellowship offered by the other girls through these comments (I only wish I could get to know each of ya’ll better – this community is something I have been longing for for a long time!).
I was so encouraged this morning by all of the Scripture verses you employed to tell us that “God is the only thing that truly satisfies” and that we need to turn our focus onto Him. In the crazy summer I find myself in of work, college plans, writing dreams, reading lists, and letting go of a specific worry, it can be easy to think to myself, “If I just figure this out/let go/clean up this situation/work hard, etc, I will be satisfied!”
But I won’t.
I have this God-sized hole in my heart that only He can fill. I am going to let Him fill it.
I love picking a new word each week because it helps me so much see how far I’ve come and remember what the Lord is teaching me! The word I want to cling to this week is trust because I want to see my level of trust deepen this week. I pray that all the rest of you will learn to trust God in greater and grander ways, as well!
http://rosesdaringadventure.blogspot.com/2010/07/little-of-what-im-learning.html
I am so touched once again, this is so cool. I still have a little catching up to do though. I really want to do other Bible studies with you.
I second that motion, Bethany!
Shannon, you really should consider doing another one of these soon!
This study has been much appreciated, Shannon! As well as reading the other girls comments and dwsication.
I ABSOLUTELY know what it’s like to want what someone else has. I’ve been dealing with that a lot the past few months. It feels like everyones life around me is going somewhere and having good things happen and mine is stalled. I easily ask why can’t I have what they have. There is no easy answer. I’m trying to be aware of the thoughts so I can remind myself God has plans for me too, as He does everyone & He is never late.
I totally agree with you Tonya. But the sad part is like you said, there is no easy answer. We wish there was so then we can get out of the mess. But this is all apart of God’s great plan for all of us.
Bethany, I think getting us to want what others have is one of Satans biggest ploys and deceptions to lure us away. It’s an easy trap to fall into.
Another thing I’m learning is that although it looks like things are better for others on the outside there are a lot of things we don’t know about whoever we envy & there can be other struggles we’d gladly surpass
Tonya,
I completely understand what you are going through. It is so easy to wish we had someone’s family, body, posessions, opportunities. That is why it is so important to me to take an “attitude of gratitude” as Shannon says. Focusing on what I do have eases the pain a small bit. Also, worshipping God and just honestly praising Him helps too. Focusing on the fact that He is so big makes my problems seem so small!
Thanks, Rose! I think we all struggle with it
I love how we can all relate to each other and see the good in everything!
Shannon-
Again, thank you for being such a faithful servant and again, giving us a wonderful bible study.
This week really touched me because I naturally have a VERY competitive nature and am one that will step on other people to get what I want. I have to actively pray about my actions towards others when it comes to competitive things, such as work, sports, and even in my personal relationships with other people.
I am so thankful that I am learning so much from the story of Leah and your book.
Oh, and I have now turned my prayer journal into a prayer AND gratitude journal so that I can give the thanks that the Lord deserves!
Wow, this has been a crazy week, which is why I am late on watching the video.
You know, all through this study I have felt that I actually relate more to Rachel than Leah. There are points that I can sympathize with Leah, but for the most part I feel like a Rachel…someone who seems to have everything…but on the inside I really don’t. I do have an amazing family, I do have a promising future, I do have confidence, I do have talent, I do have mind-blowing opportunities to do things some people only dream of (I truly hope that didn’t sound arrogant)…but I still struggle with the things Leah-girls struggle with. I struggle with my relationships, I have disappointments, I feel inferior at times, I get depressed.
Sometimes I resent having so much. I don’t want to be envied, I don’t want to be set apart from my friends, I don’t wish to make any girl feel inferior, no one is! Yet I know that I should be thankful and not worry so much about other peoples’ opinions (one of my major weaknesses)!!!
Last week my pastor said something that really struck a nerve, and I thought how well it goes along with this Bible study. He said “Our security is in a Person, not a condition.” Wow. That brought tears of relief to my eyes. The condition i was placing my security on was happiness, or really, the lack of depression, the feeling that all is well. But nope, God is my security and He has promised never to leave me!
P.S. I loved your idea about a gratitude journal! It’s like FB statuses, soon we’ll be saying, “Hey this will make a good journal entry!”
Jenna – I love the quote you shared! Eye-opening! I actually stared at it for a little while because it made me realize that I had been putting my focus on a condition and not the Lord. I am not going to do that anymore! My security is in a person! Wonderful! The Lord is definitely answering my prayer that I (and we!) learn to trust Him more. See above.
Also, I wanted to share with you guys that are working through the book that it was really helpful to take my ten answers to question 24 and MATCH THEM UP to question 23. It really made me aware of some ways I can reach out and “do one thing.” http://radrevolution.blogspot.com/2010/07/do-one-thing.html
Rose, I want to thank you for your faithful prayers for all of us. Lately God has been teaching me a lot about prayer how powerful it is and showing me what a weak prayer warrior I am. You are a wonderful example to me! Thank you!!!
I am going to try to write down 3 things I am thankful for everyday and see what happens. I am expecting great changes in me!
I’m planning to visit Amsterdam, Netherlands next week. I would like to know whether the Marriot Hotel (located between Leidseplein and Vondelpark) or the Renaissance Hotel (located between Central Station and Dam Square) would be more convenient given the winter weather.
Which hotel location is better for tourist to see the major attractions in the wintertime? Any other travel tips for exploring Amsterdam in December? Thank you.