Introduction

Dear Ladies,

What a privilege and joy it is to serve you! I am so very excited for you as we begin this online study together. I’ve been praying for you; praying that through our time in the Word we would abandon ourselves to the Lord Jesus in ways like never before, being changed by the gracious love and Truth of our Heavenly Father.

I love the story of Joseph. Why? Because it’s real life! It speaks to us in our times of waiting, our times of pain, and confusion. Perhaps, you’re wondering if this study is for you. Let me ask you a few questions: Have ever been wronged by a person? Experienced rejection? Had to wait for something? Been wrongly accused? Been prideful or arrogant? Jealous? Desperate? If so, then this study is for you.

My dear friends, God has a God-given destiny for your life. Above all He desires for you to know Him more intimately. He wants you to fall in love with Him more and more, because He is madlyin love with you! He has more for your life. The life of Joseph is such a wonderful picture to us about the grace of God. You see, no one can stop His plans for us. No one. No power in Hell, no scheme of man.

The road to Joseph’s destiny was not an easy road, but it was a road he needed. God has to prepare our hearts for the unique destiny He has for us. The other day I was reading in the book of John and I came across John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” God is the Gardener, Jesus the True Vine, and we the branches. Here’s what struck me: the branches aren’t left alone. They’re either cut off or pruned. To prune very basically means to cut so more fruit can grow.

Ladies, just like Joseph, we have got some character traits that the Lord has got to cut off so we can bear more fruit. It’s okay. It’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s actually quite freeing and beautiful. Sure it’s painful, but it’s a redemptive pain. I know you want to be free. Jesus longs for you to be free too, in fact, He delights in making you free. He wantsall of you, not just bits and pieces, but all. When we learn to surrender all to Him, we will also learn to trust God with our destiny, just like Joseph did.

Let’s dive in, holding nothing back! Please feel free to ask questions and leave comments on the blog. That's how we build community! :)

Your sister in Christ,

Andrea <><