Lea Young
January brought a change to my LIFE Group. Until then, Grace Sullivan and I led the group together. We found ourselves praying for more LIFE Groups to open up for young women. As we became more aware of the need, God put it on our hearts to take a step forward, really a step of faith. Grace left with the intention of opening a new group, while I stepped into full leadership. In a difficult year, it has been nourishing to see budding new life and consistent growth. Budding new life can be seen in numbers. My first move as leader was to seek out additional group members. Within days, our group doubled in size! It is exciting to see God at work in the hearts of young women, growing a love for the church and a desire to live genuine, godly lives. We also praise God for consistent growth as our group weathers the effects of COVID-19 together. Each week we re-focus our eyes on what God’s Word promises, rather than on things that are seen and that may trouble us (2 Corinthians 4:18). Our trials have rooted us in hope and led to steadfastness. We have a long way to go, but running the race together makes the load a little lighter, so that together we may “run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).