Guest post by author Carla McDougal

I am currently going through this Bible study by Carla, at her publicist’s invitation. I started the study the day I received the book, and haven’t missed a day yet. Its captivating, intriguing and makes me stop, look, and think about myself and my relationship with Christ. Just what I needed!

Detours in Life

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. – Acts 16:7

“What? Are you kidding me? This really messes things up!” Have you ever said those words? How do you handle detours that make no sense at all? Those in ministry are not immune to these changes. Recently, I experienced one of these moments.

I schedule my speaking events months in advance, and due to some unusual circumstances, a church cancelled an event with me. At first I experienced disappointment, but a couple of days later I received a call from a woman wanting to know how to build a women’s ministry team. She said when she Googled “women’s retreats in Texas,” Reflective Life Ministries appeared. She went on to say that her church is located in a small Texas town with a population of 525. God stirred the hearts of six women to begin a women’s ministry, but they didn’t know where or how to start. As we continued to visit, I realized that God’s hand was in this conversation. We both knew God had connected us for His purposes to be accomplished. As a result, she asked me to come speak at a kickoff event for the ladies. And, wouldn’t you know, the only time that worked in their schedule happened to be the date that had opened up for me two days before. Wow, only God!

The day arrived for the kickoff. Driving into this small town, I could feel the Lord’s presence in a very powerful way. God confirmed in my heart that the Holy Spirit allowed the disappointing detour to rearrange my schedule. Obviously, God desired for me to share my passion for Jesus at a quaint church in a little Texas town with fifty-four ladies. These women were hungry to hear God’s Word and excited for a fresh experience with Jesus.

Yes, God allows detours for a reason!

This is an excerpt from Carla’s 10-week Bible Study, Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It.

About Reflecting Him
Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It is a ten-week women’s Bible study. Like Jesus’ parables (which teach important lessons by creating visual pictures for the reader), Reflecting Him uses familiar objects and situations (such as pottery, the human sensory system, and the sun-earth connection) and draws comparisons that help women become aware of Jesus working in various areas of their daily lives. The study is a unique and convenient lay-flat format, so you can write without that annoying bump (you know the one we’re talking about.)

Each week is divided into five days (lessons), supporting the central theme for the week. Read the first two chapters (or weeks) online.

The study also has an online component through a Reflecting Him Bible Study Group on Facebook. Individuals working through the study on their own can still get the benefits of a group discussion while working at their own pace. Almost 200 people are in the group already and the discussions are really taking off.

This fall a leaders guide, videos, and music will be released to accompany the study.

About Carla
Carla McDougal is the founder of Reflective Life Ministries and Share Fair, an annual conference for connecting, equipping, and encouraging women in ministry. She speaks at women’s events, retreats, and conferences in the U.S. and internationally. Carla married her high school sweetheart, Fred, and they have four children ages 16 to 23 and live in Magnolia, Texas. Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It (WinePress Publishing, 2010) is Carla’s first book, although she’s been involved in leading and teaching Bible studies for more than 20 years. Carla writes a Monday morning e-votional at her blog, Carla’s Corner.

Want Carla To Lead a Lesson for Your Bible Study Group?
With every group purchase of 25 or more studies before August 1, Carla will lead a tele-lesson (over speaker phone) for one of your group meetings. Please email windy(at)reflectivelifeministries.org to purchase books. Mention the blog tour and tele-lesson at the time of ordering.

You can purchase Reflecting Him through Amazon, Christianbook.com, or Reflective Life Ministries.

The Reflecting Him Blog Tour, hosted by RedCouch PR, is June 20 – July 16. Yesterday’s post was at Mommy Life and tomorrow’s will be at Nikole Hahn’s Journal. Follow along to read a different guest post, interview, or review each day.