Heart Filled to Overflowing

This afternoon, a wonderful thing happened. I got to participate in a women’s Bible study… in English, with sisters in Christ thousands of miles away. Everything lined up just perfectly. The power came back on less than an hour beforehand, so I was able to turn on the fan AND the air conditioner. The pdf copy of the Bible study was approved and sent to me about 45 mins before the start of the meeting, so that I was able to print it off, punch the holes, and put it together just in time. The internet worked flawlessly and the video and audio worked on both sides, so I could see each lovely face and hear each voice.

We read through the whole book of 2 Timothy, then talked through chapter 1 together, each one giving insight according to what the Holy Spirit had enlightened to us. I was moved several times to tears, at the incredible sweetness of it. How I so love the Word of God and love to connect with sisters in Christ as we pour over it together! There are few things sweeter!

One thing that struck me, as we talked through Paul’s charges to Timothy in verses 13 and 14 to “retain the standard of sound words” and “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” That Timothy DID! On my plastic folding table, I had actual copies of this personal encouraging letter from an older, well-seasoned believer to his son in the faith.

As I imagined my brother, Paul – whom I look forward to meeting one day- writing (probably dictating, since his eyesight was poor) to Timothy, I could almost physically feel what he must have felt. Tears rimmed Paul’s eyes, as he grieved the distance from his beloved “son” (something to which I can certainly relate), unable to go see him, because he was imprisoned. He ached to personally connect with Timothy, knowing the dangers and difficulties he was facing, but couldn’t physically be with him through them. But, also, he just loved Timothy, and remembered his tears when they parted (v. 4).

Living where I do, I have struggled with the lack of connection with other believers, especially sisters in Christ. I can feel somewhat what Paul must have felt, separated from his brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, though I couldn’t physically be with my sisters, the beautiful grace of His Spirit filled me to overflowing. When I was asked to close us in prayer, the tears just flowed and I could almost not speak. My God is just so good to me. He blesses me so much more than I deserve.