Something powerful happens at every gathering of Stonecroft women. Whether we meet at a Regional Event, a local coffee shop, or a monthly Prayer Connection, we rally! We embrace our shared mission side by side, knowing that our mighty God sends us, empowers us, and uses us to expand His Kingdom.
Nehemiah called his people to rally and rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. As the workers labored, each bore a weapon to fend off attack (Nehemiah 4:18), but if their enemies should unite to fight them, they would face the opposition together.
“… I (Nehemiah) explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, ‘The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!’”
– Nehemiah 4:19-20
The people needed reassurance that God Himself would battle for them. The opposing forces were powerful and mocked the workers and their efforts. Sanballat the Horonite scoffed, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Nehemiah 4: 2b)
Tobiah the Ammonite said, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” (Nehemiah 4:3b)
But the people did rebuild the wall – in 52 days. Their enemies and surrounding nations “realized this work had been done with the help of … God” and were “frightened and humiliated” (Nehemiah 6:16).
Stonecroft volunteers don’t have a physical enemy, but we have strong spiritual opposition. Unlike Sanballat and Tobiah, the enemy of souls knows our mighty God stands ready to fight for us. He wants you and me to doubt our Father’s strength and care.
As we seek to love 1 million women toward Jesus Christ by 2025, have you heard the enemy’s taunts echo in your heart? Do you feel “feeble”? Does the task seem too great? Does your work feel too small? Remember, human hands and hearts can accomplish a God-sized vision when God Himself works through them.
Like Nehemiah’s builders, Stonecroft women are “widely separated,” not across a wall but around this nation. Wherever you are, take a moment and pray that God will help us share the Gospel with 1 million women by 2025. Then ask Him: whom can I love toward Jesus?
Whether we unite in prayer across the miles or side by side, let’s take every opportunity to rally and remember that God’s strength shines brightest in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Through His mighty power that works within us, we can love 1 million women toward Jesus Christ, one woman at a time.
Topics for discussion:
- Tell the group about a time God worked through you, through other Stonecroft women, or through someone in Scripture to accomplish a task, goal, or victory against all human odds.
- Take a moment to brainstorm ways you can broaden your circle of friends to include those who need Jesus. Examples: volunteer for a local organization, join a book club, or help with an activity in your neighborhood.
Laura Muckerman
Ministry Support Representative
Who is she? Where is she?
She is that woman who needs to know Christ. She is in your community.
Prayers:
- Start by praising God that He fights for us, and He fights for you!
- Pray that God will give you hope and boldness when you feel the task of proclaiming the Gospel is too great.
- Take time to ask God for the name of one woman whom He wants you to love toward Jesus this year. Pray for her and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to connect with her.
Outreach Tips
- Invite a woman who does not know Jesus to join you in a New Year’s resolution. Take this opportunity to get to know her and share the Gospel with her when the Spirit leads.
- Take time to ask someone in your life how her holiday season was. A co-worker, neighbor, or friend. Ask her how you can pray for her in the new year.
- If you don’t have any non-Christian friends, think through the places you frequent or a passion you have. Who does God want you to befriend? Here are some ideas:
- Think of a hobby you have and join a class (pottery, painting, exercise, dance).
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Strike up a conversation with a co-worker or woman at your local gym.
Next steps
Add your own personal thoughts and prayers.
What steps will you take this month to say “yes” to Jesus? How will you share the Gospel?
We Pray. God Answers. We Go!