Enduring the Unexpected
By Susie Rowan – Former BSF Executive Director
Perhaps that’s one way to describe the events and realities of our world today.
Of course, there are other words. The events of 2020 and 2021 have been described as “unprecedented,” “unparalleled,” “unending.” But I think “unexpected” captures it well.
Let’s think about it:
- A global pandemic. … That was unexpected.
- The ensuing fear, isolation, quarantine, and separation. … That was unexpected.
- The mass turmoil, tension, loss, and dissension. … That was unexpected, and heartbreaking.
Recently, like you, I’ve mourned the unexpected loss of friends. Many of us on the BSF staff are in daily contact with BSF friends in India, Brazil, Madagascar, Kenya, and other communities where suffering continues through the rising pandemic. As I reflect on these realities, I have taken comfort from our study of Joseph’s life in Genesis 37–50.
Joseph certainly endured many unexpected realities. At a young age, Joseph’s dreams and expectations were high. Yet it was only a matter of time before those dreams were seemingly dashed and those expectations seemingly crushed. Rather than an immediate and expected ascension to leadership, Joseph unexpectedly endured:
- Betrayal
- Slavery
- False accusations
- Imprisonment
And yet what did God do with Joseph’s unexpected circumstances?
The entire book of Genesis culminates with the truth of Genesis 50:20 as Joseph declares to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
Even in the most unexpected, most unwanted circumstances of Joseph’s life, God did the unexpected – He brought about good. Joseph’s story reassures us that the Fall, sin, and suffering have not and cannot thwart God’s ability to affect good in our lives. The same Creator God who declared “and it was good” in Genesis 1 is the same Creator God who “intended it for good” in Genesis 50.
Praise God!
Genesis is Only the Beginning
No doubt this truth is most profoundly embodied through the Person and work of Jesus Christ,” who is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
In fact, as we anticipate next year’s BSF study of Matthew, we proclaim and celebrate the truth that He is our “Unexpected King.”
But how was Jesus unexpected?
After all, in many ways He was completely expected. Since God’s proclamation in Genesis 3:15 that the woman’s offspring would crush the serpent’s head, the Messiah had been long awaited, long expected. However, though the Messiah’s appearance was long expected – even prophesied – many of the details of His appearance were not.
Though the people expected the Messiah to appear in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), they did not expect He would appear in what looked like scandal (Matthew 1:18-19).
And though the people expected a King (Isaiah 9:6-7), they did not expect this King would be worshipped by pagan star followers yet missed by His own Jewish people (Matthew 2:1-12).
The people did not expect the King’s herald would be a man dressed in camel’s hair eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:1-4).
They did not expect the King’s message would be, “blessed are the poor in spirit … the meek … the persecuted” (Matthew 5:3-12).
It was unexpected that this King would come to serve (Matthew 20:28). And unexpected for this King to assert the last would be first (Matthew 20:16).
It was unexpected our King would die. And unexpected our King would rise.
Facing the Unexpected
God delights – perhaps even specializes – in working in and through the unexpected circumstances of your life and mine. Where we feel most desperate, most fearful, most needy and shameful, God is powerfully present to do the unexpected.
Will you bring your concerns to Jesus? He is our “Unexpected King.” Though His ways are not our ways, He will prove faithful. He will be perfectly faithful to you while being perfectly faithful to me. He will be perfectly faithful to His church while being perfectly faithful to BSF and to other ministries that serve Him. And in the end, we will find His ways exceed even our greatest expectations.
Susie Rowan
Former BSF Executive Director
Under Susie’s leadership as executive director, BSF membership has grown to serve more than 385,000 adults and 66,000 children worldwide, and the ministry has introduced BSF Online and WordGo Bible study platforms, and four new studies – Isaiah, Revelation, and People of the Promised Land I and II (Part II coming in 2022). Susie and her husband, Roger, have been married for 45 years and have two children, Jerry and Sally, and four grandchildren.
Thank you. I don’t know how to express my thought but thank you for being the leader and encourager and for giving your time and life to Jesus and watering us in the process
Thank you so much Susan for these wonderful words of closure for this season. You have always provided wonderful leadership and gracious encouragement for us! I know our Great God will continue to use you mightily wherever you reside. BSF has been a mainstay in my life for maturing me in Christ. I pray God’s blessings on you and your family.
I just wanted to say a quick “thank you” for answering His call to lead in BSF courageously and faithfully for so many years. God has used BSF in a mighty way in my life as well as my family’s. I am eternally grateful for your leadership and will keep you in my prayers.
#toGodbetheglory
#greatisHisfaithfulness
#tillwemeetagainatJesus’feet
Thank you Susan for this beautifully and poignantly written wrap up and the bridge into next year. It spoke deeply to my heart as your writings had ways to do many times before. Thank you so much for your wonderful many years of leadership and services at BSF. You will be missed – and at the same time, I’m jubilant expecting with you that our wonderful Unexpected God will show up faithful and true in and through your life’s next chapter!
Thank you so much for wrapping up the Study of Genesis this way. It made me truly come to the realisation that life is filled more with unexpected events and how only God’s sovereign will, kindness and faithfulness has been seeing me through. Life would have been miserable without Jesus.
May the Almighty God continually strengthen you and reward your labour in His vineyard in the mighty name of Jesus.
Thank you very much for your leadership and your mighty words of encouragement which are so inspiring. May the LORD bless you, and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. God bless!
Beautifully said “God works in unexpected ways in the unexpected places in life”. Yes, the things that I have experienced and have come to a greater knowledge and understanding of in the past 1.5 years were unexpected in my line of sight, but I’m grateful that I serve an Omniscient, Omnipresent God!! This study of Genesis was so perfectly times as is all of our BSF studies; another testament to the Sovereignty God. Studying Genesis through a global Pandemic was the fuel I needed to light my flame into total surrender for Christ. I can hardly wait to see how God will work through me during the study of Matthew.
This year studying Genesis had many “unexpected” joys and opportunities for growth for me personally. I am eagerly looking forward to studying about the prophesied (in Genesis) King Jesus in the Matthew study this fall!
Susie, thank you for these words of hope for all our unexpected times. You have been a blessing and inspiration while leading BSF; may your retirement be blessed! When I joined BSF in 1998, I was a new stay-at-home mom after working 19 years for the Federal Government. A friend invited me to BSF, and I have been hooked ever since. Rosemary Jensen was the Executive Director then. In 2000, Jean Nystrom became the Director, and then in 2009 you became our Director. Each change was unexpected, but God continued the work He had without interruption. Each of you are unique, made by God, and used by Him to lead this wonderful ministry Ms. Johnson began. Thank you for your ministry and following God’s leading! God’s blessings to you and your family!
This was so so helpful, im dealing with a very troubled marriage. This trouble came to a head Mother’s Day weekend this year. I am having to trust the Lord while I (with his help) make wise decisions and use wisdom
Thank you Susie for answering God’s call many years ago. Your leadership has continued to move BSF forward in so many ways, especially technologically. May you enjoy the new adventures that await you, that God has appointed you.
This truly blessed my heart and I can’t wait for Matthew in the fall.. What blessed me most was Susie saying “Where we feel most desperate, most fearful, most needy and shameful, God is powerfully present to do the unexpected… PTL!! Thank you to all the BSF people.. This has been and will continue to be a wonderful and blessed experience 🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌
How so comforting and true it is to trust in our ever faithful God as we step out in faith to face the storms of fear.
Thank you for reminding me to expect the unexpected, from the Creator of all the expected and the unexpected.
Thank you, Susie, for faithfully serving our Lord as our BSF leader over the years. I was “expecting” to spend more time your leadership, but… Retirement is bittersweet, isn’t it? I am sure God will bless you and your family during this transition and beyond. You can trust in the God of Abraham who knows what lies ahead.
A sister in Christ,
Nonda
What an encouraging message from Susie, I have picked so many points to apply in my personal life knowing my God is faithful.
Thank you very much Susie! Your sharing is inspiring.
To those yet not know Jesus, there are many unexpected things. However, God has gracefully revealed all unexpected things to us through the Bible. Praise the Lord who is amazing teacher and counselor leading us away from ignorance！
Thank you for these reminders. Practicing lessons learned in Genesis strengthens personal reliance and trust in Him, our powerful God and Creator.
Thank you for your wonderfully succinct and carefully chosen words. I could hear the inflection in your voice from previous blogs that expressed meaningful emphasis. I especially loved the connection between Gen. 1 and Gen. 50 about GOD’s goodness. In our share time for both the children’s program and the groups (I am a children’s leader – seniors) so many shared about the difficulties unexpected this year. We all agreed that we thrived spiritually despite our difficulties thru the study of GOD’s people, flawed though they were, and His amazing faithfulness, mercy and grace. My husband experienced kidney failure, unexpected retirement, and surgery. We both relied on the prayers of those in our church and BSF, and GOD has been an Amazing Physician. We will miss you and will pray for your new beginning in Kansas.
Thank you so much for the Blog. I really enjoyed the study of Genesis. I too enjoyed reading and discussing Joseph. It was amazing to see how God used him to save His people during the famine. God continously shows me how awesome He is. And no matter what I’ve done, God’s plans won’t change.
I have always remembered to bring my concerns to Jesus Christ and He has never told me it is not going to work today but He has always answered my prayers. In this unexpected loosing my blood brother it was not easy but He comforted me. Thank you Sussie for sharing. Be blessed.
Thank you for all you do. God bless you on your next journey.
Thank you Susie. Very encouraged by your blog. Indeed we serve a God who works thru the “unexpected”. Thank you for your service and love for God’s people.
Genesis Bible study has been a great experience and blessing. ABBA, FATHER not only spoke and confirmed to my husband and I, but to me individually as well. The Holy Spirit had move in my husband’s heart and in mine about taking the step of faith and moving out from a certain place that had been our comfort zone for a long time. He brought us together to come in one agreement. Then he confirmed in his right around the same time he spoke to us with the story of Abraham taking the step of faith and leaving in Genesis chapter 12. Later, I experienced something for the very first time that was critical. I ran to him for help and to speak to me of how to take care of that situation. He spoke to me again in his right timing with the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis chapter 43-44. The Holy Spirit is still clarifying things to me and how is also working in me to prepare me for my next step. I have learned that His plans are for His works so that He may show His power and be glorified.
I thank ABBA FATHER for His love for He orchestrates everything to show us how much He loves us, so that we and others fully surrender to him and to reconcile. Thank you Lord Jesus, the Anointed and Holy One of Israel for he is our Redeemer, we have are bought by his by his precious blood, cleaned, and justified. And thank you Holy Spirit for he intercede for us, he is our Peace and Counselor, and . Comforter . I exalt the Most High, and the Almighty. He is SOVEREIGN and is the ALPHA and OMEGA the BEGINNING and the END and is coming as our King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ!
Thank you Susie for all your encouraging words throughout your years serving Jesus at BSF.
I have been so very thankful to have God’s, never changing, always perfect word and truth this year. In a world that has been in such chaos this past year, it has been good to have BSF, God’s word and fellowship of believers to study Genesis together and be able to rest in trusting God’s plan and perfect timing.
I, and a group of 15 other ladies, from Asheville, NC and Ohio, have come out every summer to volunteer at headquarters. We missed that last year and pray we will be needed in the future to be able to serve again.
Enjoy your new season in life serving Jesus wherever He leads you.
Loved serving Jesus with you and all of BSF.
Friends in Christ, Carmen James
Well said. Bless you, there is no doubt, God is better than good. ” Do not fear or be dismayed.Deuteronomy 31:8″ As Abraham says: “Will not the judge of all the earth do what is right?” Genesis 18:25. YES HE WILL!
To God be the glory!
Thank you for your faithful service Susie! May you and your family feel Gods blessings!
he leads me when i say I’m sorry I offended you and feel joy when the reply is not today what is meaningful will last it’s personal and unexpected
I love your comments on this year’s theme. Unexpected.
I see the connections in Genesis and in the world around us.
Enjoy your new life near family in Kansas City; and thank you for your leadership in BSF❤️
Congratulations on a job well done in this season of your life, Susie. Thank you for blessing so many of us through your teaching and leadership. You have brought BSF to a new level of ability to reach the world through technology that keeps changing whether we like it or not. But SO many can be reached now through our online groups that wouldn’t have been reached before. Thank you for being willing to make changes that were needed, even if many found those difficult or scary. Because you did that, we (BSF) were already ready when COVID 19 hit unexpectedly and God’s Word continued to be taught and the ministry never “shut down”. I’m sure God will continue to use you, just from a different location. Enjoy your family. I’m sure they have missed you. Please let them know we appreciate their sacrifice in sharing you with us. To God be the Glory!
Thank you very much am so much encouraged by your timely message. May God bless you.
Thank you so much for your loving self sacrificing service. Thank you for blessing women, men and children all around the globe!
Thank you for your blog. From Genesis I have learned that God works His will in spite of me. I’ve learned that if I keep my focus on Jesus (God, as Joseph did) God will bring me through whatever my circumstances are. I am rejoicing & praising God for His grace, mercy, & love because He has brought my wife & I thru Covid. Nina is still on O2, but she is home & the plan is to wean her off the O2. Thank you for BSF. I pray that all BSF people will be able to meet in the same room when Mathew starts.
Awesome insights and glory to our God who is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever!!
Through BSF, I found myself growing, becoming bolder to invite friends to join BSF.
Discussions became deeper, I grew in not prejudging people.I became more patient. I gained more friends and was able to help them through their journey.
Two of my friends passed away but God guided me in being steadfast and loving.
My Mom was an evangelist and would be proud of my growth.My friend, Carolyn introduced us to BSF.Could it be ten years plus?
Thank you, BSF staff, teachers, moderators and friends I have gained. Blessings to all
My son passed away 3 weeks ago. He was 36. I need God’s continued strength to help carry me through well I agree loss of my son.
Dear Lisa, you are deeply loved and covered in prayer.
Heavenly Father, surround this dear sister with your Spirit’s comfort and presence. Help her to know that she is not alone. You too, Lord, experienced the loss of a son and You feel her grief deeply. Thank you, Father, for her heart to seek You and desire to draw near to You. Meet her today and in every moment. Give her an deep and intimate sense of Your nearness.
Thank you Susie for serving all of us in Bible Study Fellowship. God knew years ago that you were who He would call to Executive leadership that would last through a global pandemic. You have served Him and all of us faithfully. Enjoy time with your family. Thank you.
In Him together!
Thank you! God bless you on your next journey.
To God be the glory!
suzie, I wish you a successful, fruitful retirement life but not tired in God’s Vineyard,God most importantly, I wish to thank you for what you have done for the BSF, God will abudantly biess you.
Thank you very much Susie!
You have been a great blessing to us in BSF and may the Lord God be with you in the next phase as He directs on the great plans He has for you being the Master Creator and making things beautiful in His time.
God bless you and your family!
Wishing you a blissful retirement and God’s favor as you start a new chapter in your life. May you continue to serve him all the days of your life. Thank you for your timely message, I resonate with it during this unexpected time. God bless you!
The study of Genesis is life transforming for not only me, but my family as well. BSF has done a terrific job in helping me to love this awesome God and anchoring me on His Word. Thank God for you amazing people at BSF family. Thank God for my BSF leaders, past and present. Thank you Susie. May God continue to lead and guide you in your wonderful journey ahead!
Hi Susie I agree totally with you. Yes a new season for you as God’s children never retire! Yes we should ponder on the “unexpected” as often we pray and expects the answer to be what we perceived it should be. However we must really reflect on the “unexpected” or we may miss out on the answer that God has already given. He moves in a mysterious way and His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
In His time He makes all things beautiful so we must practice patience and wait.
Dear Susie, rest in HIM. We never retire serving a faithful GOD.
This blog was so inspiring, uplifting, refreshing my memory of key happenings in the bible. The writing was vivid, and I pictured various portrayals of stories from the bible, all the while knowing the correct scripture and happenings from my BSF studies. Thank you.
Praise the Lord! Well i work with Scripture Union Uganda. Indeed it was unexpected to see a whole year no children and youth conf, no schools work. seeing children just waking up to eat and play, it was unexpected indeed. God is amazing He knew that such a year will come when no one is visiting the other, all nations no crossing to another. In Africa when one losses a person people gather to mourn and encourage but this time almost mourn alone one feels people have deserted them by the sorrow becomes so bad.
Anyway thanks to God things are changing much as our brothers in India still going through tough times, we pray for them for God’s mercy to heal the land.
Thank you so much will try to join Book of Matthew.
God bless you.
Susie God bless you. Just take heart God is in control of every situation. Nothing takes him by surprise.
To God be the Glory Great Things HE has done!!
Indeed God works in unexpected ways. Sometimes HE parts the sea for us, sometimes He walks us on water and carries us through and sometimes He just hushes the storm. Thanks Susie and may the good Lord bless you and the BSF team.
Yes, I expect plenty of unexpected happenings. Thank you for motivaating me to faith In God despite the unexpected. He will see me thro’ the enexpected to give me more than I can imagine, for He is good and He is big. Glory to His name.
Praise God. I have been greatly encouraged by this article as I have been going through a lot of pain because of my children seemingly hopeless situations.
Yes Susie, “unexpected” is the perfect description of our LORD’s gracious directing of our lives deep in the details… thank you for your inspiring service to the BSF Collective and to me individually
Thank you – I joined BSF in 2013 after meeitng with two dear frineds in Houston Christmas Day and having dinner. I was active with BSF for about 8 yars, my church is very active. This past year I had plenty church activities however I would like to remain connected to BSF going forward. How can I stay connected?
Susie, I wish you God’s Blessings and favor for your retirement.
Thank you for your years of service to BSF making it possible for me to be a part of this great group of women.
Your blog says it all!!
Looking forward to meeting the “unexpected” in the book of Matthew.
Oh Susie, we will miss you and your wise counsel and Godly leadership. Yet we know that God had the plan for your life a long time ago. Gods speed, dear friend and may His faithfulness continue to be with you and your family. Trish Pittman RMEW Rocky Mt. NC
Hi Susie,
Thank you and the HQ team for praying for me and Lynn. Our journey was certainly unexpected. However God is sufficient and faithful. God is still in the miracle business and answers prayer.
I just finished Zooming with my son’s class in Dallas. How carefully God and BSF knit us together. This band of brothers prayed for our family and stayed on their knees from January until now.
Thanking and praising God with them was wonderful. It was like I had known them from grade school.
Prayer Warriors throughout the BSF community covered our family with prayer giving us strength, endurance, and hope.
How marvelous, how wonderful God’s family is connected.
Thank you for your service, leadership, and guidance growing
the Kingdom at the helm of BSF.
Lynn and I will be praying for you and your family as you transition to your new purpose in Kansas City.
Because there is no retirement in the Kingdom.
God bless you and your family,
Lynn & Mike McKendrick.
Very ppwerful, profound and comforting as we continue going through life, we will experience the unexpected. Thank you
It has been an honor and great privilege to be a BSF Leader through the Genesis Study. It was expected that I would lead a class for the first time and I was excited to take on this new endeavor. However It was not expected that I would have to learn to set up, and lead BSF through Zoom meetings. Not being a technology savvy person, it was a monumental feat for me! But through it all, I saw how a group of women whose greatest skill and power came, in their relentless prayers for technology problems to be smoothed out, and despite all the changes that the pandemic forced upon the world, that the BSF would continue and thrive. Amazingly so, it did. I am grateful to have witnessed the Glory of our Sovereign and Unstoppable God’s work in keeping this ministry alive. God has lead us, with His Glory and Might, to accomplish the the expected, in unexpected circumstances, with a positive expected outcome! What a Mighty God we serve! Thank you for all the great leadership for me to learn from in this ministry.
Thank you so much Susie for all you have invested in BSF. We must agree that you have cherished , enriched and transformed us spiritually and that is something we are always grateful.
Enjoy your well earned retirement.
Blessings to you and your family.
Yes, God is always faithful, even when we are faithless. The unexpected circumstances that I am facing are (1.) having to put my husband in a nursing home that I never would have anticipated, (2.) writing my first book that I pray will be a seller, (3.) potential family reunion planning in the midst of the pandemic, (4.) online prayer ministry growth, (5.) Medicaid approving my husband’s application, (6.) praying my son and daughter will accept Christ as their personal Savior, not only them, but all family members who are still doing worldly things, (7.) hail damage from the storm on March 24. I know we don’t have any control over some things in life, I do know that our hardships and trials are designed to make me a better servant of God; however, I also know that God has control and power in His hands that He works through us and in us as well. I pray that this make sense to you, thank you for allow me to comment and for everything God has and will allow you to do for BSF. In Jesus name, A-men.
Thank you for BSF and all who help put it together
Thank you Susie, the deep dive study of Genesis indeed helped us through such a time as this.
Thank you Susie for this message. I agree with you word “unexpected” and think it describes everything to a T. Thank you for your service at BSF and may you have many wonderful years in retirement. God bless you in your upcoming adventures.
Susie,
I will truly miss you and your blogs. Thank you for your great work for BSF. I pray you find your retirement rewarding and God continues to bless you and your family.
Thank you Susie for all your service at BSF.
Many blessings as you transfer to Kansas City.
Thanks also for reminding us that though much is unexpected God and His ways are always expected ie Good.
Wherever you are, God is there. And wherever you are going, God is already there. I think that was on page 6 of lesson 27 notes. Thank you Susie, wishing you all God’s blessings.
Thank you for your years of service in BSF and May God bless you in your retirement.
Susie:
I don’t know you but God does. I’ve never met you but God made you. Thank you for all you have done for BSF.
Barry Shearer, GL
Unexpected. God consistently showering on the undeserving His magnificent grace. Unexpected: The exponential growth of BSF, now an international ministry. Expected: Changed lives through the continuing, in depth, study of the Holy Bible, God’s true Word. Thank you, Susie for the part God gave you in this God-directed ministry.
Dear Susie , God bless you abundantly, you summed up Genesis with spiritually developing words & wonderful thoughts and many true promises !! Thank you for leading us through love and sacrifice for Christ and His True Word; with transparency and humbleness. through expectation and grace. You were a marvellous support to BSF ministry through out your administrative years , as the executive secretary , serving His Word and His will.
Praying for your best wishes & May you enjoy the time you will have reflation reflection and meditation in the wealth of the Words.
Thank you Susie, your words ring true for our days ahead. Thanks much.
Thank you Susie for your many years of service to the LORD through BSF…may your new journey in life continue to bring glory to God as you wait on the LORD…be strong and take heart…and wait on the LORD… Psalm 27:14
Suzie, although we’ve never met, I sense that you certainly listen to God and his Word as you make decisions for your life. I wish you the best in retirement, but know that the only place you’ll find that concept in the Bible is mentioned is in Numbers, where God tells Moses that the priests (Levites) are to serve in the temple until age 50, and then they step aside but still support the priest that take over for them. That tells me that our concept of ‘retirement’ isn’t biblical, and after we retire from work, God still has a purpose for us. So I’m sure you are not going to rest on any laurels, and I pray you will find that next good thing where you are able to enjoy less responsibility but also find something fulfilling that God calls you to. I actually teach a class in our church called ‘Retire with Purpose’ and the focus is finding areas in the community or church where you can make a difference with the time you have left in this body, using the gifts God has given you. Blessings to you as you settle in, and find your purpose in retirement.
May you find joy in your unexpected Susie
Suzie, What an instrument of God you have been to BSF .May God richly bless you throughout your retirement years!!
Thank you Susie for serving the Lord through BSF. May the Lord give you purpose and as you retire and face the unexpected.
God bless you.
Olindah
Susie, I cannot fully appreciate you enough for all that you have done in my life. Thank you for leading BSF. I have truly grown closer to God because of BSF and I praise God for using you in this ministry. I pray you will be blessed and enjoy all the “unexpected” things God has for you in your new chapter. To God be the glory.
Thank you for helping us to see the study of Mathew in a different angle….” The unexpected King”.
It was so wonderful to receive such encouraging mails from you dear Susie…Even in your retirement may God direct you to be a channel of blessing to many.
Indeed He is God Almighty and Sovereign and in total control of history, the present and the future. Because he is who he is- God, maker of heaven and earth, the unexpected by me and you are as clear as the light to him. So I learnt in the Genesis journey that I should not fear for my God is in control but rather trust and believe him and his promises.
I surrender fully to God. He who knows my unexpected
God continues to move in mysterious ways. We just buried my father-in-law, which timing was unexpected, but outcome was not. God blessed us greatly through Dad’s farewell, people and relationships he valued, but we did not know of. So many treasures of friends and family, even reconciliation of an old rift. People speaking to each other that hadn’t spoken in years. Even death brings us together. God can use everything!
Thank you for bringing us together through BSF for these years, Susie. May God bless your new trek into His plans for you. 💝
Tq I love to learn from you all
I just loved this blog Susie! Thank you for all you’ve done for BSF. Best wishes to you going forward!
Wonderful inspired message! Just right for this time. Thank you for your ministry. God Bless you in your next stage of life.
Susie, God’s richest blessings on you and your family as you make this transition.
Thank you for following God’s call to BSF leadership.
May you sense His presence and nearness not only in the unexpected….
but always.🤍
Susie,
Thank you! I feel that I know you although we have never met. Your written and spoken words always bring me closer to Jesus. I wish you much happiness in the next chapter of your life.
Thank you for blessings us with all these great messages, may God bless you for leading His flock. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you for blessings us with all these great messages, may God bless you for leading His flock.
Indeed, God’s work is always unexpected ! However, His presence and comfort are expected in the midst of suffering, His justice and judgment are expected for the ignorant, His faithfulness and grace are expected in all our lives ! Praise be to God !! Our Almighty Father in Heaven !! Thank you for all the things you have done , dear Susie ! And I believe you will never “ retired” in the Kingdom of God ! May God lead and guide you and family into the next season of your lives !
I shall nog loose heart when things happened in unexpected way as I contemplate, because He knows what is the best for me! Thank you, Susie. God bless and guide you the best fit your future!
Thank you Susie for the great work you do saving the Lord. BSF has touched and changed many many people. May the Lord continue to keep you and bless you.
Our Unexpected Jesus is now our anxiously awaited Lord. May I be ready to meet Him when He arrives.
Thank you for your faithful commitment to the truth of God’s Word
I sent part of your message to my group members.
Then I got word that my son, a Wounded Warrior from Afghanistan, was invited to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the song, Proud to Be an American, at Mar-A-Lago with President Trump! When he lost his leg, we certainly didn’t expect him to have these visible shows of support from our nation’s leaders! I’m glad God does unexpected things with our tragedies.
Thank you Susie for your so many years of labour of love for our Lord Jesus Christ in BSF. May God continues to enrich your life as you journey in faith for His glory. Blessings in Jesus name. Amen.
Susie: Here is wishing you a happy retirement. Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Your next journey is just around the corner.
God Bless you,
Sharon
To God be the glory. Our Lord Jesus Christ did what the world didn’t expect which breaks barriers, boundaries and unprecedented life’s ethics instead He provided hope, peace and love beyond human understanding. Now, all believers in Christ Jesus can boast of Him alone who deserves all honour, glory and praise forever and ever. Amen.
Praying with joy for what His has for your move, you & your family.
You have been a wonderful leader and God has richly blessed BSF through how effectively your used His gifts and wisdom.
We were all encouraged by your challenging and uplifting presentations and sharing on the BSF platforms.
On a personal note, being with you at a Leaders Meeting in Cincinnati shortly after your Mother’s passing, touched my heart. You and Ann Blaser always encouraged me when I would get concerned about staying in leadership with my Mom needing more & more care. She lved with us 27 years and passed into the arms of Jesus in July 2019 at the age of 97!
Our lives were so enriched by trusting Jesus and serving in Church, BSF and our community and He provided His gift of having her in our home for so much longer than many.
Thank you for service and so much more when we needed your faithfulness, growth, change and blessed assurance loving and serving Christ right where we are and how He directs, even and especially in the “unexpected”!
When you get to Kansas City (or even before) check out Church of the Resurrection. (Cor.org)
It was a great comfort to read your blog.Yes it is a time of distress with the unexpected taking over an unprepared world. At least we have an anchor and the faith that our God will bring something unexpected and good out of this too. We continue in that faith and hopes He did for Joseph
May God continue to bless you and family in your new endeavor.
You will truly be missed.
The BSF Bible Study is fantastic. I only got on board at Genesis 17, however, fully intend to get the back lessons to fill in the blanks during the summer break. BSF is the absolute best Bible study ever. Thank you so much. And may God richly bless you.
Thank you Susie. What a blessing to serve our Great God with you! Thank you and the headquarters staff for all you have done and still do to support our service in the field. May God bless you in unexpected ways as you move forward with Him.
Dear Susie, Your blogs are always so interesting I shall miss them. Thank you. I appreciate the integrity of BSF and the prayers and work that go into each study. God bless you in all your future endeavors.
Thank you, Susie, for your service to BSF and your beautifully written conclusion to Genesis & beginning to Matthew. It has been quite the unexpected year, but also so wonderful to see how God works in all parts of our individual lives, groups & throughout the world. God bless you as you begin the next part of your journey with our Lord!
I really appreciated the study on zoom this year, it would be nice again especially if you are homebound. How long are the weekly talks available on line?
God has spoken to me a lot this season regarding expectation and the anxiety, disappointment that I experience from unmet expectations! I have unspoken, expectations of how a Christian “should” believe, or how they “should behave. Often those expectations are not met. I become exasperated, and sometimes angry. This line frome your blog really spoke to my spirit, and I’m taking it! “Even in the most unexpected, most unwanted circumstances of Joseph’s (my) life, God did (does)the unexpected !”
Just an encouragement to you, I have made 2 trips to new beginnings in new locations. My last move from Michigan to NC stripped all my titles from me (except Mrs.!). I was no longer teacher, mother, or even sister. But God, Who has always known me, and calls me “Daughter” has allowed me to learn to be content in being His daughter and in being Mrs. He has given us a good life here, we have made new friends, we have brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers and sons and daughters that He has given us here in our community. May you find contentment in being His daughter as He brings to you those assigned to you in Kansas City.
Thank you LORD for Your faithfulness to us through Your Word, through BSF, through the mighty ways You have blessed the sacrifice and service of those who have led us in BSF. We especially ask Your abundant blessing on Susie Rowan and her family as they retire near family remembering that our true HOME is You and we want to walk with YOU each moment of this pilgrimage. Will you also bless our new Director and guide BSF to greater fruitfulness for Your glory!!! In JESUS’ name AMEN!
Thank you Susie for all that gave in helping BSF grow. I have enjoyed all of your lectures, blogs, visits, and all the inspirational words you have blessed us with. It has been a treasure seeing God’s work in and through you as you shared His wisdom with us. We will miss not having you there for us but we know retirement awaits us all. We know God has His protection, guidance, love and blessings with you anad you family. We truly wish you the very best. Love you my sister in Christ.
Thank you Susie, for always inspiring me. May Gods favour shine upon your life even during these unexpected times.
Thank you so much for your leadership. Also for all the great emails we get throw the year
Love your sister in Christ
Pam
Dear Susie, Thank you for serving as our BSF leader and ensuring God’s will for such an awesome ministry…helping God’s people to know Him more intimately through studying His Word. May He bless you and your family richly as you venture into this next journey.
Thank you for your beautiful “Unexpected” message and the way you related it to the Genesis and upcoming Matthew studies.
God and His message to the faithful are the same then and forever! How He loves us! How blessed are we to have His word!
Blessings to you and all family. Moving from California to Oklahoma for retirement was very hard on me, I left family and friends and I had such a hard time with that change but find happy things right away and stay busy and enjoy every minute of the things God gives us❤️
Susie, thank you for your excellent , God fearing leadership of BSF…which I have enjoyed for many years…including my time as a children’s leader. God has blessed you and BSF from the leaders to the new people joining the international BSF group. You have definitely magnified God and matured His people.
God will be with you… as we have read over and over this year.
Susie, Thank you for your service and commitment. Thank you for your encouraging words. I have been through some trials, not everything Joseph experienced, but certainly very tough, unexpected hurts/betrayals this past year. What I learned in last week’s lesson, my “takeaway”, was exactly what you said in your blog….none of these hurts can thwart the good that God has planned for my life. What a huge encouragement. Go in peace, and in the knowledge and wisdom of God, and rest and enjoy God’s blessings with your family in Kansas City.
Thank you for your faithful service, Susie! You did an amazing job allowing God to work through you to help steer BSF through the challenges of 2020. God Bless you and your family! Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21
One thing I am sure of is that he is faithful. His plans for me are for the good ( Jeremiah). A lot may be unexpected, but God is in control.
Thank you, Susie, for your excellent leadership. You have always presented a calm, joyous, confident presence in every interaction that I’ve seen. You have put a beautiful face on BSF, both physically and spiritually. Bless you as you walk forward with Jesus.
Dear Susie,
I attended the leaders weekend in St Louis and heard you teach us the Book of Colossians. It was powerful!
You have been my role model ever since. What an amazing testimony you shared with us. I count it a privilege to fill my Bible with notes from your insight that I now treasure.
I pray that in your retirement you will enjoy the best days of your life. May God give you peace and rest as you move into this new phase.
I look forward to seeing you in heaven and we will have all eternity to get acquainted!
Thank you again for blessing my life!
Barbara
I
Thank you Lord for all you do! Thank you Susie for your dedication to the Lord and to BSF. Your words were very profound and powerful as we are in uncertain times but we can always trust God! This years lesson in Genesis was life changing for me. I have to depend on the Lord for everything, as I wait for His direction. I’m so thankful for BSF and all the supportive women around me!
Blessings in Christ,
Shannon Thiele
BSF Shelby, Michigan
Thank you Susie for your words of unexpected events yet we can find peace in God presence . May the Lord blessed you a joyful retirement and good health .
What a blessing to have had you as our leader. You inspired me to grow stronger as a Christian and you delivered God’s word in an impactful spiritual way. God protect and watch over you as you transition to retirement. For me it came unplanned and unexpected 3 years ago after 33 years on my job, but it’s been the most wonderful thing God planned for me allowing me to get closer to my family and God. We live in Overland Park, Kansas so I guess we’re sorta like neighbors.
God Bless you and your family.
❣
Great blog , Susie. May the Lord bless you! If you’re mother, Happy Mother’s Day! I believe You are an amazing mother.
Praising God for BSF and the people who serve God through its ministry. Looking forward to Matthew this fall. Blessings to all who read this.
indeed we have faced challenges especially this an expected pandemic.It has affected us but we thank God for He has been on our side lie Jesus Christ prayed for us and is still praying of as it is in Luke.
Though we have missed meeting one another but we thank God till now surviving.
Thank you Susie for this blessing of reading your words this morning ,reminding me of what we learned in Genesis and what these studies in BSF have meant to all of us. may God continue to bless all that you do.
It has been a wonderful study that involves practical experiences. Enduring the unexpected. I thank the Almighty God for BSF. Thanks for the good work. God bless you!!!!
Dear Susie, what you have written beautifully captures the truth of God’s work in the people and the world that he created. Oh how good He is! It was certainly unexpected that I would be asked to be a Group Leader for the first time this year at 80 years old. This has been a huge challenge and time commitment for me, but God used this to grow my faith and to let me experience the joy of leading a group of women who have been a blessing to me. We learned so much together on this journey through Genesis.
You have been an inspiration to me whenever you share, and I have been praying for you and for your replacement. God has answered our prayers and provided another godly woman to take your place, and I am thankful. May He bless and keep you in your new location as you continue to serve Him.
Thank you Susan for your inspiring words of wisdom and comfort through out the unexpected times of life. Especially for your dedication and faithfulness to put a meaningful face to BSF leadership.. sending prayers for an awesome and inspiring new season ahead.
Love, Marie Marx BSF GL Lincroft/Middletown, NJ
i have learnt that we all depend on God and there is no power over His power.
I am praying God will continue to use you, Susie, to bless many more people. Thank you for faithfully serving Him through BSF and blessing me!
Thank you for your thoughtful words. Genesis has been a life changing book for me where I’ve seen God’s sovereignty from start to finish. Susie, you will be so missed, but enjoy your family and God bless you as He leads you there.
Thank you Susie for all you do for us in BSF. God bless you.
I agree! Thank you Abba Father
Thank you for sharing these encouraging words and for all you have done in serving in BSF. God bless you and your family as you transition into retirement.
Thanks very much Susie to you, your family and your BSF Team for enriching us with the Unexpected message of love from God. Wish you and your family all the best in your new endeavour. With God’s love and protection you and your family will be blessed abundantly.
Thank you Susie for your great insights and faithful service to the Lord. May our faithful God bring you joy and peace as you face the unexpected in His strength alone.
Remain in Him.
Susie; thank you for your service to God and all the BSF Leaders and Participants that have changed lives because of your life shared with all of us, including the Men who have shared your great ministry as well!!!!
Susie, there is life after retirement. It takes a bit of time to settle in and find your new “purpose” in life. You may have some false starts at first but you will find God’s meaning (gifts) for you in your new season of life.
I found a new passion- Pickleball (it’s big in KC) and is the fastest growing sport in America. The average age of a Pickleball player is +60 but the younger people are entering the game everyday. Since it is part sport and part social (waiting for the next game) you will find yourself in rich conversations on the sidelines. Pickleball is like the Bible. It look easy to play/read but the more you understand about them As you peel back the layers of strategy the more you see a bigger picture. Our study this year was the perfect example of looking behind the curtain to see what God was up to. God bless you and BSF for all you do.
Ernie Schluter- St Louis Mo.
Hallelujah Jesus
Thank you, Susie!
I would just like to wish you a happy retirement in advance, and a new and exciting experience with our Lord’s presence.
Hi Susie,
Unexpected is definitely the word for this pandemic period. Was called by the Lord to serve as GL and led my first group on the study of Acts, but never in my dream did I expect to do via zoom. I was anxious, worried, and fearful that my group may not bond etc, all these brought me to depend on God even more, trusting that every lesson would be full attendance with His blessings. Indeed God has given me the unexpected that I did not expect. God is good, He will equip and provide for His work!
Thank you for your Faithful, Kingdom Service. It brought Restoration of Truth, Joy and Delightfulness, of His Word. I am glad my thoughts were not His thoughts, at one time. I would have made dummer decisions, kept sabotaging my self and missed out on being more in His Word and His will. Praying for your next calling!!! Rest in Him! Enjoy this time of reflection:)
Thank you so much dear
What a way to explain it all. This was encouraging. Answer to what I am going through right now. Go down on my knees as this is a time of prayer. Bless you. Remember God does the unexpected in your life too Susie.
So grateful for this word. May the LORD prepare me for all the “unexpected ” GOD appointed times of my life. The second coming of our LORD and SAVIOUR will be totally unexpected but LORD I pray, that I will be one of those eagerly awaiting YOUR return, with purity of heart.
Hi Susie,
I have just experienced the Lord doing the unexpected this morning and bringing good out of my disappointment. I had been really looking forward to attending a Women of Truth conference in a couple of weeks only to find out when I went online to register that registration had closed due to Covid restrictions on numbers. So I rang one of the organising committee members in the hope that there might be a recording for sale post conference. She was sorry to say no, that they had considered doing this but didn’t know anyone who was able to. The Lord is so amazing! This is exactly what my husband does for a living! So I said, ” My husband can do it!” So I am now praying that the committee will be impressed with the email he has sent them.
This would mean so many more women would have the opportunity to hear the teaching on Nehemiah who aren’t able to attend the conference and could also possibly provide an open door for my hubby to more work opportunities with local churches. God is so good!
Blessings,
Julie
I find it amazing that God is so predictably good, yet I’m always still so amazed when He shows up and does the wonderful things that only He can do.
It was completely unexpected that you, Sue, would announce your retirement this year, yet, it is fully expected that God will move us forward in an amazing way!
Thank you for your service!🥰
Thankyou for leading us through your love for Christ and His True Word. Through His Spirit and boldness. Through transparency and humbleness. Through expectation and grace. It has been a great blessing for me to serve with you💕
Hello Suzie
Thanks for this unexpected message . I now feel hopeful and I trust God is hearing my cries
Thank you Susie for riding the waves of the unexpected season and events to ensure BSF gets wider reach. Who could have expected such great good to come out of the unexpected pandemic? Even in retirement you will see God’s goodness. The Great I AM will continue to be with you unto the end of the age. Remain blessed.
Hi Susan,
May God continue to bless you beyond what you can imagine as you retire from BSF leadership and move on to what God is calling you next.
Even as we face the unexpected events today, faith looks forward and places our hope to the Expected Return of the Unexpected King who is already our Lord and Savior!
Thank you so much for your words. You always put words together in such a graceful way. I am facing unexpected things in my life and
waves of fear often overtake me. Your words bring much comfort and hope. God always shows up He is faithful. Thank you for allowing
Him to use you and the gifts He has given you.
Dear Susie I’m so glad we had Bsf this year. Praise God. I would like to say to everyone don’t ever give up on God.
This Year has been different for me but I praise God that he brought me through and I learned to trust God the more.
The study the beginning has blessed me and taught me that God loves me in spite of my flaws and his will ,will be done
in spite of me or what I want or think.
I praise God each and everyday for his word and what I receive from BSF. I believe in God’s promises and I stand on them
and that help me make it through the day leaning and depending on him. He promise never to leave me or forsake me and
I stand on his promise daily.
Thank you Susie for your leadership and love for the Lord and BSF. I pray He will give you many unexpected joys as you enter this new season of life.
God bless you, Suzie, for being such a blessing to us for so many years! May God bless you abundantly in this next chapter of your life with your family.
Susie, your tenure at BSF, tho’ “unexpected” was a real Godsend. I. Loved your fresh, new approach to a beloved organization. Thank you!
I look forward for you and you family to a delightful new chapter in your lives. For us the time with a new director (and direction)will be God-filled and equally delightful!
Again, thank you Susie, for your Spirit-filled enthusiasm an direction. Have a GLORIOUS rryirement!😊
Through life we know there will be unexpected blessings and unexpected hardships. God will use whatever we face to accomplish His good purpose. Thank God we can trust Gods plan for our lives and don’t need to fear! Best wishes Susie relax He’s got this.
Though I do not know you personally, I THANK YOU for the years you have dedicated to our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, and to His Work to serve His Body, through His vessel, BSF. I pray that your unexpected retirement and move to be near your family, will be FILLED with unexpected BLESSINGS, and a DEEP walk with Christ, serving Him wherever He takes you, for His glory. Amen. Thank you, once again! Love, in Christ, your Sister,
I am so thankful to God for so many things. The list is so long and BSF is on that list !!
So many ups and downs this year yet the blessings were always there filling us with so much hope and love .
Thank you Jesus!!
Susie,
Thank you always for such wonderful insights. Your faithfulness to the Lord, His Word and His people has continued to show up doing the years. Your BSF leadership has definitely been encouraging. May you and your family continue to experience God’s Favor. We will miss you.
Hi!
I think to go along with unexpected is flexible to adjust to what we have to do in order to continue to do the basics. Groceries, fuel for the vehicle all seemingly unaffected if it weren’t for the mandate to wear a mask and keep socially distant and sanitize everything you touch. I have to say I have not been very good about the last thing. Though I have practiced the hand washing and so forth. My family has also struggled with this in the workplace and has had to adjust and be flexible as well. One had to change jobs completely the other has struggled going through a divorce which we were surprised to hear. And so that is the life we have had this year. Our son is in the military and it’s been hard on them as well. Can’t plan on anything and waiting for moving orders makes it hard for them. I can only hope that they will be able to get their plans in line with God and trust Him. Each patriarch learned to trust God for many different things. And each grew in faith as they realized not my time but His time. This is not my first time through Genesis, but it is meaningful each time we have done it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
Thank you Susie, for sharing this..wishing you God’s best for you and your family
Thanks Susan for sharing. This have been an unpredictable year but God have been faithful. I really enjoyed the book of Genesis . It reminded me that vengeance belong to God and he can use anyone to carry out his plan despite their sins and shortcomings. Looking forward to the study of Mathews. I pray God will continue to shower you with his blessings.
We will surely miss Suzie’s inspired comments and compassionate personality. Praying for her to have a very blessed and rich retirement!!!!
Thank you , Susie, for these enlightening comments and also for your service this past year. Yes, things have been difficult and uncertain for all of us; but ,as a BSF leader told us, if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I especially appreciated your comments about all the unexpected elements of Jesus first coming. This was not at all politically or spiritually correct to a lot of people back then; but, thank God, his ways are higher than our ways. The Messiah and the good news was simple and made for everyone; thus , it was a stumbling bloc but we, in our inflated opinions and selfish interests, totally missed the boat. I, too, just, retired, and look forward to how God will direct me at this next stage of my life that He has given me. Which is why, I look forward to studying Matthew this fall and fellowship with other fellow believers, the body of Christ. May God bless your retirement as He continues to use you and me to serve Him in spirit and truth to bring honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving to Him
Thank you Susie, for your faithful service and exemplary leadership to all of us in BSF. Your steadfast faith and confidence in the Lord has been an amazing example throughout all these “unexpected” times.
As a class member and former leader I have been so grateful and impressed with the way God prepared and provided for the remarkable continuity via “Zoom” of our groups and classes around the world!
I pray God will go before & behind you into your retirement and be your reward. Bless You! (Numbers 6:24-26) 🙏❤️
Becoming a member of BSF was unexpected.
Forming comfortable non-judgmental relationships with new women of faith was unexpected (so calming)
Delving so deep into the scriptures was unexpected.
Discovering God’s blessings anew
Finding Jesus on my shoulder-a truth- a rebirth of sorts.
Amen
Thank you BSF
Thank you Susie for an amazing reminder of Gods word and His works. Truly a steady reminder of God’s will for us.I am grateful to be introduced this past season to God’s word and BSF and am looking forward to the next season in the book of Matthew.
Thank you for your blog and enjoy your retirement and see what the Lord has for you next — really learned a lot from Genesis and got some healing through some of the lessons and this has been a really unexpected year and still now things are overwhelming concerning my married son.
Dear Susie, I praise God for your service to Him at BSF, you have truly led the ministry in a forward motion through so many changes with grace and humility.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your example and for your teaching of His Word. May God keep you and bless you in the years to come and may you look forward to seeing His faithfulness to you as He continues to take you through many years of the unexpected!
To God Be the Glory,
Esther Shetler
Thank you Susie for your faithful service and heart for God. May He richly bless you as you enter retirement and many years with family. I have been blessed through your leadership.
Dear Sweet Susie,
How good it is to hear once more your words of encouragement to us and praises to our King! How many things seemed desperate in the Genesis study, yet, were we not confronted and blessed with these two words, BUT GOD! It was there is Genesis 7 times. Gen.8:1, 31:42, 31:7, 31:23-23, 48:21, 50:20. His plans were never thwarted, He was/is faithful, He declares what will happen as well as making it happen!
My daughter (a member of my BSF group) had her own BUT GOD experience during our Genesis study this year. She was given a cancer diagnosis and had to live with that for 11 days waiting to be seen by the oncologist surgeon. Imagine her relief when the surgeon said with confidence that she did not believe she was dealing with cancer. It turned out to be over 6 hours in surgery, the Dr.’s most difficult in her practice thus far. It was a horrible case of endometriosis in 8 different areas with an exceptionally problematic growth on colon. Had she been in surgery with any other Dr. they may not have been equipped with such precision and perseverance to do the very difficult surgery. Yes indeed, BUT GOD, He showed up, He provided through a wrong diagnosis the perfect answer. It is a long recovery road, but so many prayer warriors in BSF going to the throne on her behalf; she said yesterday that she knows they are being answered for her healing is beginning to speed up and she is feeling pretty good. Amazing after needing 6 units of blood before & during surgery, and iron infusions as well. God is good, and her faith (as well as ours) has been matured as our Heavenly Father has been magnified. All glory to God.
May your future hold wonderful times of seeing God at work in and for your family and new friends that you will surely make as you move on to serve Jesus where He plants you. May you delight in seeing His unexpected ways He will continue to use you and your husband in this next season of life. God speed! and Thank you for your years of faithful service to BSF. We are all grateful.
I loved this portion of your blog. It truly has been a year of “unexpected events.” Not just Covid but I am sure all of us have had many unexpected events this year for other reasons.
I pray for your entering a new journey in your life Susie. BSF will miss your guidance and your wonderful way of expressing yourself.
BSF has been a live-saver for me these last 4 years. Moving to a new area brought about having to look for a new Bible study group. I knew about BSF but never had the opportunity to join as my prior church as a wonderful Bible study group each year. The ladies and facilitators have just been wonderful in my Santa Rosa, CA Bible study group.
God bless you on your new journey and thank you for all you have done for BSF through your years of leadership.
Most Sincerely,
Karen Schicora
Thank you so much Susan for your leadership. I always looked forward to reading the blogs and your words of encouragement. The presence of the LORD in your life has really stood our through your leadership. I’ve never met you personally but it feels like I have. However, we are truly connected by blood; the blood of Jesus, Abba Father. The study of the book of Genesis has truly been encouraging and an eye opener. I have been blessed spiritually and physical during these unexpected times and unexpected circumstances. Halleluiah! to the most High God who has provided and protected me and others. I am praying for those who suffered many losses as well, “But God”! He can bring good out of these losses just like He did for Joseph and his family. Praise God!
Thank you Susie for the beautiful note, reminding us of God’s work in our lives through all kinds of circumstances. His ways are amazing!!
Thank you for these precious comments about unexpected situations! Apparently, it’s difficult to accept them, but there is a Great God controlling everything in our lives, for our own good . God is always good. Praise His name!!!
Thank you, Susie, for your leadership and faithfulness to BSF. You and many others in leadership in BSF have guided us through these days of pandemic, very seamlessly and steady. It seemed to be the one constant thing on my calendar, even though it was through Zoom! Enjoy your retirement and may all your days be blessed.
Praise God that his word is just as applicable today as it was when written! The stories of people who lived then still give us direction, hope and comfort for others as well as ourselves. All people need BSF to learn, live and love as Jesus. Thank you for your commitment to further the Good News!
Like you we have been hoping to transition from Midlothian in Scotland to Falkirk where our two daughters and 2 young grandchildren live since my husband and I both retired in September last year. Unfortunately we have been unable to sell our house or buy a suitable house in Falkirk although we did bid unsuccessfully on one house. All this time our BSF group have been studying Genesis and more recently Joseph’s life, seeing his disappointments and his need to be patient whilst God worked out His great and good purposes. How devastating that must have been when the cupbearer forgot about him for 2 years!
I am convinced the Lord has a buyer for our house and a house for us in Falkirk but His timing is not our timing. I am learning to trust Him and be patient and not to strive and so be a witness to my husband who is not a Christian.
Thank you so very much Susan for dedication and selfless service at BSF. You have been a fruitful branch on the vine with much to offer the rest of us. Your deep insights have been enlightening and inspiring. When the unexpected becomes the expected , then perhaps we know who is in control!We have no mitigation of our own but only to wait expectantly for our daily manna from the One who never fails to give. You have given in the likeness of the Master and you deserve some rest, rest in Him.
Thank you for letting God use you all of the years to teach, guide, encourage and bless us on our Christian journeys. May he continue to bless you in the next phase of yours.
Awesome. Thanks for the encouragement
Love this ! Yes…God works on unexpected ways and I love it. Keeps life very interesting. Enjoy your retirement! I retired five years ago and love it! Stay busy but doing what I want to do not what I have to do!
i have had a wonderful experience with BSF this year!!! GOD knows what we need and when we need it, and ‘HE’ provides!! AS it was with others, this has been a “hurtful” but not “DISCOURAGEMENT” OR LEFT OUT OF “HIS” PLAN!!!
I WAS ALMOST READY TO STOP WITH BSF BECAUSE OF “ZOOM”, BUT “OUR GOD REIGNS”!!! “HE” BLESSED ME WITH A FRIEND WHO WAS A LEADER IN BSF WHO WAS IN A PHYSICAL STUDY!!! SHE RECEIVED PERMISSION TO ALLOW ME TO COME TO “CLASS” AND IT WAS A BLESSING!!!
I KNOW IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO GIVE HER NAME, BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT A GREAT “LEADER” SHE WAS/IS!!! THANK YOU!! IN “HIS” LOVE AND MINE, BETTY:) p.s. DIANA TYNER
Thank you! God’s grace has certainly been abundant especially throughout this “unexpected” season.
Absolutely inspiring. Love your description of the word “Unexpected “, and hearing how our Unexpected King uses the unexpected for our GOOD. Also loved the recap of our BSF Study of Genesis for 2020/2021specially the life of Joseph, it gave me personally strength, Hope to get thru the challenges of the Pandemic. What a blessing from God to be able to join BSF via Zoom, the EVIL one thought BSF would be shot down, but almighty God used the talent & gifts of many in BSF to put the zoom groups together. Again, I can not express what a blessing it has been to meet with my BSF Group this past year. My Faith & my Trust in God is stronger and I persevere with a positive attitude all the Unexpected challenges me & my Family faced.
I am so excited about starting the new BSF study of Matthew..
Thank you
Praise be to God our Lord Jesus Christ
Joseph’s story reassures us that the Fall, sin, and suffering have not and cannot thwart God’s ability to affect good in our lives. The same Creator God who declared “and it was good” in Genesis 1 is the same Creator God who “intended it for good” in Genesis 50.
What a beautiful way to connect Genesis 1 & 50 … we need thought leaders who would connect such dots as the Spirit reveals!!
Dear Susie Rowan, though U r retiring from active engagement in BSF, continue to share these blogs in inspiring us and experiencing God in a new ways of understanding Him !
God be with U and Long life to you, and peace to you, to your family, and to all that is yours.
Oh how “unexpected” this post found me!
You touched my heart. This bible study of Genenis has been the food for my soul. Thank you BSF !!
May The Lord be with us as we go through unexpected situations that are in His will and plan for our lives so we don’t miss The mark.
Thank you Suzie for sharing.
Thank you, Susie, for your comments. Jesus was perhaps unexpected to some, but we can always count on Him to be with us.
Thanks you, Susie for your words of wisdom.
THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US IN BSF.BLESSINGS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION.wILL MEET YOU IN HEAVEN
The study of Genesis gave me unexpected insights…especially from the doctrines explained in the notes. I never knew that there were so many doctrines..i look forward to the study of matthew
Excellent Blog!! All that jump to my spirit is: The great event of His return is expected, and yet it will be so unexpected for so many of us.
May God help us all to watch for His appearing
God continue to bless you Susie
Thank you suzie, am greatly encouraged by the sermon. And as I face the unexpected each day am blessed to know that God is in control of every situation.
May God bless you in your retirement.
Praise the Lord!
Through the study of Genesis, I growing from Gods words, and realize God chosen his unperfect people fulfilled His perfect purpose . As the Isaiah 43:3 said that “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” God promise revealed in His chosen people, in order to fulfilled His salvation, and pointed to the genealogy of Jesus. How God use Joseph’s life , He also working in our life, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) In the unexpected circumstance of the pandemic, we know that God still in control, nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. Trust and Obey God is the only way during the unexpected time. Looking forward to the study of Matthew!
Thank you so much, Susie, for those encouraging words. May the Lord Almighty continue to uphold you through your retirement
Thank you Sue for leading us through the book of Genesis and the importance of trusting in the Lord nomatter in what circumstances you might be. The lessons were so profound and an eye opener for me to walk according to God’s plan in trials and tribulations. I cant wait to study Matthew and so grateful for the furtherance of God’s word in my life and will promise to strive on.. Thank you
Sue .
May the GOOD LORD continue to fill you with His spirit so that you will always remember BSF anywhere you go. Please keep writing to us . I LOVE to read your messages . You are a BLESSINGS to us. I pray that God will protect in your new journey.
Thank You
Unexpected indeed. God tweaking of the grey situation to bring rainbow after the rain is unexpectedly sweet too. Our sovereign God has it all under control
Thank you for your encouraging word. May God continue to bless you in your retirement.
I want to thank you Susie for these words that have blessed me so this morning. I sat down to have tea and eat a little bread not expecting to receive such a blessing. My church is staring a new conference year and I accepted again an appointment in Christian Education. Your message has given me much to think about and pray about as I look to do a more complete job in my appointment. But more than this I am now less stressed knowing that God is with me and will help with the unexpected and the expected challenges when I seek to carry out His purpose for my life..
We held our final BSF meeting last night including a fellowship with our hosting church Pastor Woods. He cordially invited us back for the fall with the study of Matthew. He shared that despite the pandemic and effects that have hit most churches with financial stresses etc., their church came through with a $30,000 surplus. I know it has not been easy for you Susie but to come through it all like you have and giving God the glory during this unexpected period, may He give you peace and His blessing in the next chapter of your journey! Thank you!
This word on Unexpected is wonderful for me to read. This study of Genesis this year has been the hardest study for me as it opened a grieving in my life that totally surprised me—-unexpected.
I am trusting our great Savior to help me continue through this.
Thx Susie. May the Lord bless abundantly this new chapter in your life and life of your family
Excellent !! Made my day.
What a beautiful message on the word “expected”. We definitely faced many unexpected circumstances yet the truth of Genesis 50:20 has anchored my faith & hope and look with expectation to learn from our unexpected King!
Thank you for your years of faithfulness & praying for your transition. May you see God’s faithfulness in His leading & comfort your heart. 🕊🙏🏽
Thank you Susie for these words of truth! I see God has always brought about truth n Light in unexpected happenings! Thank you for all your kindness, your role in BSF that you so faithfully did, beautifully stated thoughts and praises to Our Awesome, Ever-Present, Unstoppable God! May He bless you greatly as you retire from BSF, and eagerly await to see what He has next for you!
Gods ways are not my ways and He is the king of kings and Lord of Lords.Even though my desires has not materialized Iwill continue to trust him as i know he will bring what is best in my circumstances as he did in Josephs life.
At such a time as this, your blog has been an unexpected measure of comfort and hope as I struggle with diagnosis of longevity of life for my son and husband! I’m confident that I will find ways that exceed my greatest expectations! I keep looking to Jesus, I find no fault in Him! PTL! May God bless you as you venture toward retirement! 🙏🦋
i would like to sign up for the study of Matthew
Thank you Susie for leading us through the tough times of the past 13 months of the pandemic. I know that God has new things in store for you as you retire. He will be true to you as He is with us all who believe in Him. I have really enjoyed Genesis this past year and the life of Joseph and how he handled all the grief and despair of his situation yet did not lose sight of Jesus Christ who really was his constant companion throughout his life and is a lesson of encouragement to us all.
Thank you for this message, Susie. Indeed this has been a major unexpected season, touching each and every one of us, but I am comforted in knowing that God is in control and will use this season to accomplish His purposes
Thank you suzie for your leadership .
May the God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob ,remember you and your family ,the way He remembered Racheal.
God bless
Thank you Susie for serving in the cause for Christ to reach the ends of the earth. I pray God’s blessings on you and your husband as you transition into retirement. Kansas City is a great community.
May God bless you and keep you,
Ramona Bailey
Amarillo, Texas DW
Thankyou for such encouraging and powerful reflection. Indeed our God is faithful .He will be with us through these unexpected challenging times. We can expect HiS abundant unmerited grace always Amen
This was my second study of Genesis with BSF. Indeed, learning more than I expected. The WORD in never dull but living and always fresh with inspiration. The way God blesses us in spite of our imperfections and sinfulness is totally awesome. Thanks BSF for being a beacon of light that is shining all over the world.
Thank you for your leadership. Your article on the unexpected events in our lives was very heartwarming Those of us that know Christ know to stand and let Christ lead the way.
My word has been “CRAZINESS” but I like “UNEXPECTED” too. These can both be positive if we work at it!
As you enter this new time
“Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of father, has given you treasure in your sacks” Genesis 43:23
This verse meant so much to me as I moved to a new home in Houston. My husband and I moved to Houston wondering why at age 72 God would move us after 40 years of a happy settled life. But what I found was treasure as we found a new purpose for our lives. My daughter became the TL of the Kingwood class and her husband the STL of the men’s class Now I see the treasure as our family studies the Bible together.
Wow, wow and wowed! Expect the
un expected to be exactly beyond my expectations!!!! Praise God!!
Thank you for those words.
Thank you Susie, for your impact on me personally but on the world through BSF. Your words are so encouraging and challenging for us all. I too will leave BSF officially after 38 years of involvement. I am trying to finish well transitioning my team to the new TL. With the changes that have come under your leadership I know God will reach many, many more on the west side of Indianapolis. Thank you for your impact to lead us to magnify God and mature his people! Gods best now for us both as we focus on influencing our grandchildren and children.
How beautiful! God is still in control & we have the promise of His faithfulness through everything we endure in our lives. KC is a beautiful city, enjoy your family & your retirement. Just because we get older doesn’t mean we can retire completely from God’s work.I know God will use you in a mighty way.
Well said Suzie, God bless you and BSF. He is our king and savior always faithful always near. Looking forward to studying Matthew in the fall.
purple_marie@hotmail.com
I would like to study at BSF in September 2021
After reading this blog, I am profoundly blessed, encouraged, edified, and strengthened. I am tremendously grateful Susie that God is using you mightily to help all of us in BSF get closer to GOD. You have articulated and outlined Genesis study with a wider perspective weaving God’s intimate dealings with your life and this global pandemic. I resonate every detail of what you shared with us in this blog. I pray that God’s continuing hand in your life after retirement from BSF and your willing heart and sensitivity to His Spirit continues to build legacy of love and faith to everyone in your sphere of influence in the United States and beyond ALL for God’s glory, honor, and praise! With deep gratitude… Vee
Thank you Susie for your leadership. I always green some goodness from your posts.
As a civic leader in my community, I know the commitment of time that involves true sacrifice.
God’s hands be with you in your retirement. It is a big transition.
Blessings for your family.
Thanks so much for these very encouraging remarks. I wish you all the best in your retirement and may our God do the Unexpected in your life.
“Praise our faithful Lord and Savior.” I praise Him Susie for His faithfulness in keeping you during your service to BSF. I praise Him for what He will do in this bed season of your life. I praise Him for what He will do through our new leader. Most. Of all I am humbled to praise Him for who He is, “the only Lord, God Almighty.” The study of Genesis has been such a blessing to me I can only “Praise Him.”
What I also regret is the loss of honest reporting of facts without bias and slant in the main stream media. Also, the picking and choosing of which stories to avoid and which ones that fit a narrative they are promoting. It appears they wanted people to fear greatly by harping on fear of death everyday. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who can comfort and guide. I had to stop watching TV altogether and looked to the Holy Spirit to encourage me through His Word. He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. He will guide us into all truth and He is able to keep us from any plagues until it is our time to come home to Him. Jesus came to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14).
Susie – I would like to thank you and so many others @ BSF for your selfless and joyous service to our Lord & Savior. This year’s study in Genesis has been truly remarkable, a stirring testament to God’s character that gives each one of us eternal hope. May God continue to bless you in your retirement.
Beautifully summed up! I was so blessed to really get into the meat of Genesis and use it to grow my walk with our Lord and Savior. Blessings to you as you transition. God is so Good.
Thank you for allowing God to use you these years to faithfully serve Him through BSF, and particularly remaining as executive director this past year with all its unforeseen challenges. We are so thankful, too, to your husband Roger who has been used by the Lord in ways unknown to us but known to you and God. May the Lord continue to use you both in new ways as you transition into retirement. God bless you and your family. Love to you!
I loved in Gen. 47: 13-48;22. That God uses every situation and person to accomplish His Purpose for His Glory!! And I need to put always first to Trust Him & He will do wonderous things in my life ! And too remember Jacob’s prayer!!
Enjoyed reading this blog and praying God’s blessings on your life as you retire and transition.
Dear Susan,
Thanks be to God, our Heavenly Father and thank you, for your many years of loyal service to the body of Christ. I have been so blessed by your leadership. To God be the glory, for the things that He had done in BSF.
I have learned and grown so much through the years of studying the world of God in this setting.
As you make your journey to retirement, my prayers goes with you.
May God’s grace, peace, love and all blessings go with you.
In His service,
Clara “Pearl” Pruitt
I am in the retirement part of my life but with much unrest as my 17 year old Grandson is on a destructive path and I’m trusting God to come into his life thanking my supporters from Bsf that are helping me get through this frightening time in my life. May all prayers be answered.
Susie, May the Lord keep you inscribed in the palm of His hand in your much-deserved retirement.
P.S. He’ll still use you, I think.
Dear Susie, Your passion for Jesus and your words that exalt our King, our Father, our Savior, in all circumstances has inspired and encouraged me this year as I continue to learn to shepherd His women. Thank you for your leadership in these unexpected times. Thank you for your emails that inspire at just the right time. God’s timing is perfect. God’s choices are perfect. God alone is perfect. To God be the Glory! It was a pleasure to serve under your leadership. May God bless you and your family as He leads you yet closer to Him. With love in serving Christ, Judy
What sharing? I have been pondering over God’s ways and concluding that only the Sovereign God could do this: preparing a prime minister to take his position in Egypt to avert decimation of his people will take a winding road of intense dislike of family, sold into slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, abandonment to mention a few. Indeed God’s ways are not our ways and nothing can thwart his plans for his own. Father may you grant us the capacity to be thankful in all circumstances. Glory be to your name?
R
Hi sister, I love Genesis,it showed me how God knows the plans that he have for people, plans to prosper you. These plans were shown with Jacobs family. How God bless their situation. May God bless you with your retirement. I’ve been retired for over 8 years and God has truly blessed me.
Susie,
Thank you for leading BSF. You will be missed. I know Our Lord will use you in new ways. Genesis study was wonderful this year. I was amazed of what new things God has shown me this year. It has been a confusing year but God has been there, He is so trust worthy. That is what I have taken aways. Like Joseph, learning to trust God is on going adventure.
Thank you so much for your leadership. May Our Lord bless you and your husband.as you start your new adventure.
Blessings
Judy
Wow! And, AMEN AMEN!
Dear Lord, we needed to hear this “unexpected” encouragement & sweet reflection today!
My husband & I – plus, many family members are blessed to be in BSF.
We thank GOD continually for HIS messages through this ministry!
May our Mighty GOD bless each & every one of you there at Headquarters with strength, insight & wisdom as you lead in these times. HE’s still moving in amazing ways!!!!
P.S. We are super-ready for volunteer opportunities to open back up there in San Antonio!
True the world is full of unexpectations. There is need to be ready for God said “It is good”
Thank you, Susie. Your words were both timely and touching as even this morning, we are facing some ‘unexpecteds’ that have shaken us. We are trusting the God of Genesis to be a very real help in another time of trouble. Though today seems dark, God demonstrated in the lives of so many in Genesis that He can and will prevail and accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time. We are trusting Him for that in our lives today. This was a life-changing study for me and I am very thankful to have been part of it.
So beautifully said life is somethings that is unexpected but the one thing that we can expect is for Jesus to never change His Love for His people.
Beautifully presented!
Although the events of the past year were unexpected to us, God knew and was in control. The constant influx of unwelcome surprises has certainly made me depend on the Lord’s faithfulness and mercy. The study of Genesis has helped to remind me that God truly has a plan for us that will not be thwarted by the evil one.
Thank you for your service. Happy trails.
Susie– that was a beautiful, most wonderful blog/message!! To end our year, how perfect words you wrote!! Thk you for all you have done & do for our LORD……you will continue in “a different way & in this new season of ur life! I will miss you even tho I’ve not met u only in emails but we will see each other in heaven someday!! You will be close to me in ur retirement as I’m near DM IA …..so we’ll be neighbors. 😇
Thk u Susie…….God Bless You!!
It was unexpected that my husband, who is 4 years younger than me would retire on a disability years before I did.
It was unexpected the day God spoke clearly to me about when I should retire.
It was unexpected that one year after retirement God would lead us relocate from Fl to NC, and I grieved over leaving my BSF class and position as CS in the School Program, even while celebrating our new home in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains and the unexpected quick sale of our hone in FL.
But God…
…led us to the perfect mountain cabin where I can sit on my deck and enjoy a view of His magnificent creation every day.
…led us directly to the church where I now serve and He has given me wonderful new friends.
…led me to a 2 year old satellite class of BSF who had been praying for a Children’s Program.
…unexpected called me to lead a precious group of older ladies on zoom this year in studying and testifying to God’s faithfulness through eucatastrophies
…and now called me to be the CS for 3 satellite classes starting Children’s Program in the fall.
God has abundantly and unexpectedly blessed me beyond measure, and while I miss and stay in touch with friends and sisters in Florida,
God has filled my life of new beginnings to overflowing in our new home during a global pandemic.
God’s unexpected grace and blessings overwhelm me!
Praise God we can face our UNEXPECTED future, with complete assurance of HIS control over very detail, to bring about His perfect UNCHANGING plans for our good!
Oh, what a Loving Father! Oh, What a GOD!
Powerful and true! We can depend on God! Life is change. Yes, we are to expect the unexpected with God as our loving Heavenly Father. Judy Laswell
God Bless you and your faithfulness to God and BSF.
thank you for this blog! You have been a blessing to so many here at BSF. I wish for you< a smooth transition into retirement, and a happy life spent with your family. You will be remembered by me, for you served the Lord in all that you did for us. You helped me see what a joy it is to serve others May God blees you, dear one I loved Genesis and am looking forward to Matthew in the fall. In Christ's love, Maribeth (GL)
Thanks Susie ….much appreciated and praying You and your family and friends are well and staying safe. GOD BLESS US ALL.
Indeed God is the Creator, He Holds everyone and everything together, He is Holy and does not change, and that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose, May He grant thee quick adjustments to your new era of life knowing that though you are retired now, you won’t be tired to God’s work and service at your new calling of life’s change.
God bless you Susie for your sincerity and service to Him and His people around the globe.
Thank you for this blog! You have been a blessing to so many here at BSF I wish for you, a smooth transition into retirement, and a happy life spent with your family You will be remembered always by me, for you served the Lord in all that you did for us. You helped me see what a joy it is to serve others. May God bless you, dear one. I am so looking forward to Matthew in the fall! In Christ’s love Maribeth
Amen and Amen..
despite the challenges and hiccups during Genesis, God is always faithful. he has enabled closer ties in family and bonded together more.
i am looking forward to the book of MATHEW.
SHALOM
Thanks for your words of truths in our lives.
This has been a tough year but because of Him. ” I can face and look forward to Tomorrow.
My troubles are very small compared to what some people have gone through in this pandemic. I can only imagine.
Have a great summer and al ready looking forward to another great study of Matthew in the fall
Very good closing to a great book and ending for you in retirement- the beginning of another Chapter of your mission.
Thsnks and His blessings
Thank you for the article on “The unexpected King, who came for His own, but His own did not receive Him.”
He is God and we are not. He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Nothing escape His watchful eyes.
Isaiah 55:8-9
v8. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
V9. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
So we need to trust God and wait patiently on Him, for He will never, never, never forsake us nor leave us. Praise God.
I am encouraged to read through your message this morning and profoundly in awe of our great God who comes through for HIS children in unexpected circumstances and boy are they many. Studying Genesis again and at this time of great difficulty in our country with insecurity, financial difficulty and personal struggles, I am encouraged by Joseph’s example of keeping his eyes fixed on God. I bless the Lord for the privilege of this study this year.
Thank for you this encouraging message. Praise and thank God for leading and enabling you through your time at the helm of BSF. You have inspired many and thank you for all your serving. May God bless the next phase of your life and may He continue to use you to be a blessing to others. Praise God for His Faithfulness and love.
I would like to be in class again since Covid I have not been genesis is interesting to me James is too and now I have learned much from BSFfamily I live in Bartow Florida do not know many people or churches here w BSFthank you for your interest ing knowledge of the Bible I can still get lessons right even if by myself at home
Living an unexpected life right now and am full of hope after reading this🙌❤️
It is most encouraging to remember that God is FAITHFUL and will for ever remain FAITHFUL. We thank Him for caring and taking us through the year 2020. He is still with us in 2021. We learned a lot in Genesis. We are expectant of great learning in “the Gospel according to Matthew”.
Yes , HE is the only way to help me going through this constant unexpected life .I have been listening BSF through my sister who lives at LA . WE need help on BSF Chinese ministry…. I really wish the Albany , New York Area has this service for the elderly like in the bigger cities. Thanks
Aimee
Madam Rowan, you’ve been a faithful God’s servant to BSF family. Your word in this Blog: “enduring the unexpected” packages God’s enduring word, indeed a gift of encouragement which you’re sharing with the growing BSF family. May you, like Joseph, live to endure unexpected circumstances, and continue to glorify God in whatever else you do as His servant.
Indeed a year of the unexpected as I lost my husband to a stroke and not even to covid 19. I have God seen doing the unexpected thereafter. Even in death I am learning to expect the unexpected but without fear for our God In Christ is in charge. After all if God did what we expect with our finite minds what kind of sovereign and eternal God will He be.
Glory to God. I have found when God comes through for me in an expected ways, they go over and beyond my wildest imagination on how to solve to solve that situation. his ways are amazing and they always leave me in awe of his might. I serve a great God who never fails.
Sometimes it’s good not to expect much but simply gaze upon Him. When everything is so uncertain, I choose to spend even more time with God, as He listens to our prayers and sees our situations. God is with us all the time and He is the living God…
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.””
Genesis 28:15-16 NIV
God is watching over each and every one of us at all times, and that’s a beautiful blessing. Thank you God!
Indeed God is faithful in our most unexpected circumstances. In my most challenging times over the last couple of years, I have experienced His goodness more than in any other time of my life. I love the lessons He has been teaching me which I would never have otherwise learnt in the good times. The GENESIS study has really come alive for me during this season
All glory to God!
Genesis has reminded me of the destructive effects of sin. The importance of repenting quickly and turning to God for everything in a dependent relationship with the Lord of the universe. I see how God loves sinners as his Patriarchs certainly were not shining examples. I see how God is able to work with awkward people to achieve his plans and nothing can thwart Him. I am encouraged that the Lord brought much good out of Joseph’s integrity and willingness to acknowledge God in everything that had happened in his life. Knowing God is sovereign, unchanging and faithful, I feel equipped for the future because He is for me. I am very blessed and filled with gratitude to a loving Saviour and Holy Spirit who guides and counsels. We are indeed a blessed generation with such fine teaching available to any and all just as God promised. Maranatha
Thank you for sharing what the Lord has put on your heart. I have appreciated your leadership throughout your fruitful time at BSF. “More Jesus” has brought joy and compassion to to the forefront of my faith. I have served as a CL for 17 years, GL for four and will transition to OGL for Matthew. God is so GOOD!
What a great Revelation. The unexpected King.steps into my shameful and desperate situations.
Thank you for all your Wonderful years of Service, I can still remember my first retreat in San Diego, thousands of BSF leaders, It was such an Amazing experience. Thank you for you time and being such a Wonderful Mentor for us all, walking us through each year in BSF, you brought such Joy and encouragement to us all. I will truly miss you.
These past three years, have brought many unexpected trials, and Difficult circumstances in my life, but because of BSF bringing Gods truth into my life as I serve the Lord, as Joseph declares in Genesis 50:20 to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” What a wonderful Study this past year Thank You.
Susie, I will miss hearing from you and praying for a smooth transition to your new home and future.
Your message and the upcoming study of Matthew couldn’t be more timely, just as Genesis was. I got the call from God in June 2020 to move from Florida back to the U.K. that pointed to a new beginning. We’re almost at the end of Genesis and it continues to be a “new Beginning” as I search for a property to call home.
That in itself is unexpected as my prayer is for God to help me to find the right property where I can live and serve Him best.
God’s richest blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much Susie Rowan for this apt homily, for that is what it is to me!
It captures the spiritual jewels I may distill from the study of Genesis and take comfort from in these tumultuous times!
This shows me what God has said and is saying to me through the Genesis! I feel greatly assured that God is with me!
I wish you and your family the very best !
Expect the Unexpected ‘Rapture’ to happen any time because it’s our true hope, with the change to the eternal body and meeting our Lord in the cloud. Amen. Hallelujah
I loved being on Zoom this year. Thank you for your leadership in the unexpected allowing us to thrive! “Truth about God stabilizes daily life”- a reason I am grateful for BSF (from our Lesson 13 Notes). May God richly bless you as you follow Him in a new direction.
Thank you for your message.
Life is indeed unexpected! I like your reflection on this topic as it also mirrors on the season of transition I am in. Thank you Susie for the encouragement – I will wait on the God of “unexpecteds’ to do His will. As you transition, may your new season bring joy and gladness to you and family.
“Comfort, comfort gently my people” comes to my mind.
Thank you for your message Ma’am, may the Lord God Almighty lead to a even more fruitful life after you laydown your office. I was blessed by your messages .
Herur Emmanuel
God is powerfully presented to dot he unexpected.. He is our unexpected King, He is present in our expected situations.. What a blessed Word of encouragement.. Thanks a lot Susie and may God Lead you , guide you and protect you at all times, in Jesus Name!
God Bless..
thank you for the encouragement and for the Great work you do for BSF. May the Lord grant His Goodness in all your works.
That was a most ‘unexpected’ beautiful briefing of Genesis and I am now expectantly waiting for the unexpected delight I expect in the study of Mathew.
May God continue to use you and your team to the glory of His name.
That is soo powerful, and true.
Although we plan for the future, we should learn to accept the unexpected days ahead as revealed from God’s library of days.
Each day is like a new chapter from this exciting book called life. What comes to mind is Jer.33:3- “….that I will show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
The pandemic we knew nothing about has taught me to “expect the unexpected”. Ps.119:105-“Your Word is a lamp to feet and a light for my path.” This verse gives me the guided hope of each day of life that I live.
Susie, may the good Lord go ahead of you as you migrate through the uncharted waters of retirement, and give you back many times over, what you have given the BSF ministry, in Jesus name.
It was a joy having you as the ED and you leading great men and women of God at the Hq. and all around the world.
Thank you for your observations – from God’s world, to your gift of writing, then to my heart. Many writers don’t actually write about what is actually here to observe. Here and now reveals God’s creation, His timing, and His unfolding plan. Thank you for observing His truths and His character.
Thank you Susie for this wonderful encouragement and serving us all these years .
In all my situations , God is powerfully present to do the unexpected
Thank you for your leadership and all that involved.Thank you for your dedication and love. I believe The Lord will continue to lead you and use you in a mighty way and what lies ahead will be good because it will be of His choosing. God bless you and keep you and yours strong, safe and well as you go in faith to new things.
God bless you richly Susie, in your retirement. You have led BSF through difficult times. And look how God intended all the changes and experiments in Zoom classes to make BSF exceptionally relevant in this past year. And how awesome to have a place to study His Living Word in these times of great challenge to Christians. Thank you.
Thanks Suzie. Our God is faithful. Beyond the pit and prison we saw Joseph in the palace. May God remember us all in Jesus name and do the unexpected
Good day Ms. Susie
Thank you for your email appreciated it so much, and thank you for the words of the Lord that gives more strength in my daily life. Unexpectedly true about the whole world pandemic give us sufferings. But God will always with us He will always be with us . Have a good day
Blessed Susi after reading your letter..thank you ,God bless & a blessed retirement life..redgs
Hi Susie,
It really touched
my heart that you took the time to personalize this email/blog, and thank you for the reminder that no matter what uncertainties we face, that Jesus is always with us.
Blessings,
Kathleen
Some years back We were displaced from our home in very unexpected circumstances.I felt like my world had collapsed and come to a sudden end. Little did I know that it was God’s unexpected way of leading us to His blessing.As a family we reluctantly moved and settled in another town , new environment, no friends and everything was strange. I often prayed and asked God what He was up-to with all that was happening to us.God in his unexpected way turned things around and started blessing us. I had a peace of mind and as time went by i realized it was Him who relocated us to the new unexpected place to glorify His name.Forgiveness made a difference in our lives.
Joseph’s story was edifying.
I read the blog of the unexpected King and I am excited to study Matthew this fall. He is our unexpected King!!
Thanks Susie for such encouraging and challenging sharing. This has been a year full of surprises (unexpected!), mostly “unhappy” ones. Yes, we need to focus on God and the Unexpected Messiah for strength and faith every day. Thanks!
When I decided transfer from English class to Chinese class 2 years ago,I knew I will met people who like my mother,she hurt me for 38 years, I am greatful I met such person this years,and can face them in my most comfortable place.
I did well,the old me gone forever.
Thanks to Jesus!
Yes, this year was one full of unexpected things and many of them were so difficult and continue to be for so many people. The surprise was that there was joy to be found even in all those unexpected times and events. Sometimes we only found that joy after the nights of sorrow. It was that remembering that even here, in this, “joy cometh in the morning.” The concreteness of God’s presence and uplifting love rang out in the pages of Genesis and spilled into our lives. There was provision in those pages, and it was the perfect book to study during this Covid time.
Thank you for the meaningful and relevant blog for the current time!!In the midst of unexpected events like pandemic, loss of lives, loss of jobs and loss of health our God only teaches me to be faithful to His words and His promises! Our God’s plan and purpose are beyond our comprehension because He is Sovereign and Loving!!
Thank you for your words. I will share (which I am not good at). I was studying the fruits of the Spirit in a book I had. One verse touched me .
This is God speaking to Moses as he was on the mountain with God. Moses said,
“And the Lord passed by before me and proclaimed the Lord, the Lord God, MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS, & abundant in GOODNESS AND TRUTH. ” Exodus 34:6
With the world the way it is now, I want to dwell on God’s goodness and his truth.
We certainly have endured this year and even better than expected. My group remained faithful. We discovered unexpected parallels within the members of our group, and we studied and learned with greater depth than I knew existed.
I almost didn’t sign up for Genesis, but oh how thankful I am that I did. I finally got the lineage and genealogy unlike ever before. I am surprised every time by the fun and joy of being in the Word through BSF.
THANK YOU ❤!
I have enjoyed BSF this year beyond measure. I started not to sign up because I am not good with technology and I thought the zoom would be beyond my abilities. But our leader made it so easy by publishing the link every week. What a blessing!
This lesson is right on time. So thankful to all you that make it possible for us to study Gods word. Thank you for your service.
I love hearing of God’s faithfulness to each of us individually as well as collectively. As I look back over my life, I see His faithfulness even when I was not.When I faltered and sometimes failed in my Christian walk, in His loving way, he corrected me and brought me back to Himself and the right path. The study of Genesis was such a great encouragement.
Thank you, Susie, for your faithful service. I am a Bozeman, Montana BSFer and I have been for about 15 years. I am so thankful for BSF–for the studies, fellowship, and for a closer relationship with our Lord. Nine years of that was spent as a Children’s leader, and that, too was a wonderful, growing experience for me. I wish you God’s richest blessings as you transition to a new phase of your life. I am a retiree as well (former teacher), and I can assure you that
Thank you, Susie, for your faithful service to BSF and for the above Blog. Yes, indeed, the Lord worked in the lives of His people in many unexpected ways. I loved this study, and it spoke to me very personally in this past year. I wish you God’s richest blessings as you transition into a new phase of your life. As a retiree (from teaching), I can assure you that God has many experiences in store for you!!
I have been greatly encouraged by your message of Enduring the Unexpected. My take had been an increased faith in God as we were well protected from the infection purely by His Grace.
I was discouraged by friends in ny old ministry in HBI NGO deserting me while still in BSF.
Thanks for that inspiring letter which clearly dopicted God’s Grace and mercy on me and other members of our house church.
Regards. Col MJ. Anand.
I am saves by Jesus. In 2014 I was in the hospital with the Supper Bug and people were dying all over the country from it. God sent an Angel to take me to Heaven. The Angel had now face and I saw rainbow lights. I said oh no not now and poof she was gone.
AMEN. Praying for you, Susie, as you continue to seek God’s Direction in your Retirement. He will walk you through this, and bring His New BSF Director into every aspect of this ministry in an unexpected way! Can’t wait to see what will happen…
Thank you Susie for your faithful service and fearless leadership! You have been a true blessing to me over these years in BSF. It’s been a privilege to have you visit us in Naples with your sweet friend and my dear sister in Christ, Sharon Stiner. I will greatly miss both of you in BSF. I hope our paths will cross again on this side of heaven! May our unexpected King bring you unexpected blessings in the years to come! Much love, Coleen CourterSheets
enjoyed my class this year even though we were not physical contact. sure hopecwe be back church next year
Thank God Jehovah, that nothing is unexpected from where He sits in the highest heaven. Comforting to know that His faithfulness and love can be expected by His children. Thank you for serving BSF and us in His name. Our Abba Father’s love and counsel be with you and yours as you journey on in Yeshua’s strength and grace. Amen
Thank you for this uplifting word that speaks directly into my life at this time. My husband and co-leader in ministry now 45 years and I are currently facing several major life challenges. What we know and believe is that the Lord will provide His best solutions for us. It’s ours to trust and obey and follow.
Family is more important then ever to me & forgiveness zooms large after the Study of Genesis. I know more then ever I can lay aside any offense I had been harboring because of infidelity & lies that have been told to me during my 60 years of marriage. Now that we are embarking upon 80 & all we have are each other I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If Joseph could forgive all that was done to him, then who am I. The greater one lives on the inside of me & HE enables me. Thanking GOD for His Word working mightily in me & looking forward to the Study of Matthew !!!
Thank you Director for this timely message. I am encouraged to keep trusting in the ONE who unexpectedly appear in my difficult circumstances and make something good out of them.
This is a profound encouragement to me. I am retiring within 30 days and the uncertainty of future is imminent. As I face the unexpected life after retirement now I know, and I am convinced, and fully persuaded that, the LORD my God will delight in working in and through my unexpected circumstances for His glory
I was unexpectedly elected to be Church warden at All Souls Church at the end of April 2021. I was prepared though yo take up the challenge because BSF has taught me that we must serve the LORD where we are. I pray that the Lord will lead me as I do the work in his vineyard.
Skin cancer of some sort. This always keeps on changing since doctors and assistance and all involved are tired.
As I prepare my last lecture and training, Susie’s message has given me ideas about how to end with encouraging words. The words of Gen 1 and Gen 50 about God’s goodness. And also how to cast vision for the Matthew Study, the Unexpected King, Jedus Christ.
Will miss you but retirement brings great satisfaction in finishing well. I have learned much from you through the years as a TL and it was so obvious God intended you to be at Bthe helm of BSF through this past year. May God bless you immensely in this new season of life.
A sister in Christ, Nancy Comolli, Ft.Worth, TX
Wow! Genesis paralleled my life this year. Now I’m so excited about the unexpected things God has for next year and how He plans to use them. I can’t wait!!
So encouraging to learn that even in the darkest moments in our lives God’s. Presence is still with us ,as Moses declared if your presence does not go with us, let us not move from here, so wonderful exciting.. blessings.
Thank you dear Susie for your encouragement to us. How gifted you are and what a great blessing you have been to us all! May God be praised for his wisdom and goodness in enabling his faithful servants.
I pray you will know the abundant blessings of God upon you and your family in the road ahead. And yes, let us take a leaf from Joseph’s book and know that though we will be buffeted by the storm we will never drown but arrive victorious to better shores.
God Bless you richly dear sister in the abundance of his grace to you.
Marie
Though the challenging events the pandemic unleashed, those totally unexpected ramifications, I find comfort and peace in knowing what I can expect from my Lord and Savior. His presence, provision, and protection are as sure today as they were in the times of the patriarchs!
Susie, thank you for this about Mathew and following Jesus Christ our Savior! Life brings the unexpected and it certainly has in this pandemic!!! it toughens each of us and humbles us as well. This has been a scary time and the loss of family members and friends has saddened us all! But, God is good and He is with us and will sustain us through the end. That gives us strength to persevere!
Toby, good to see your remarks here as well. You were the one who encouraged me to join BSF back in 2014! Thank you for pushing me to become a member of BSF and to enjoy all the friendships of other Christian ladies. Jerra Lynne
Praise God for your beautiful words of wisdom! Thank you for reminding me that God is doing these things for our good. We are so accustomed to the here and now, that we (I) often forget that God is in control and he has a PERFECT plan for my life, yes even in these UNEXPECTED times.
Again, thank you for such comforting words of wisdom.
MAy you continue to be blessed and highly favored as you fulfill your purpose in God’s PERFECT plan
Blessings
Deborah Goggins
Thank you for leading us this year in the time of Covid and the uncertainty that came with it! You have been a real inspiration to all of us. God bless you in retirement and as you move to a new location close to your family.
I had troubles studying, but I participated in the Zoom meetings caring for my parents. I had troubles getting the lectures, but heard 2 or 3 of them.
What a beautiful blog, and thank you for your service to us through BSF! We’ve prayed for you and the leadership through this transition, and what a perfect study it has been to prepare us all for the changes ahead! May all of you be blessed as you move closer to your family!
Blessings,
LeaAnn
Thank you so much. So encouraged. We as a family are facing the unexpected but thanking God for speaking to us. May the Lord be glorified.
Pondering the question, will you bring your concerns to Jesus, Peter’s reply came to my mind. Although I do hold onto concerns and attempt in vain to solve them on my own, I end up coming back to the truth that only my Abba Father can guide me through the worry, doubts and fears of this life. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life?” John 6:68.
Thank you for this encouragement. Praise God for His sharing the truths in Genesis. He expects everything in our lives and will use it all in His loving plan for us.
Susie, my first BSF experience was The Life of Moses and then God called me to leadership … HALLELUJAH! Your spoken and written words have blessed me so much over these past few years and you will be remembered with fondness and much respect. When I retired from a job of almost 40 years, a friend said “everyday is Saturday once you retire” but for me it’s more like “everyday is Sunday and another opportunity to feast, and grow, and bless others. May your retirement be blessed
Exceedingly. Go’s IS a good good Father.
Thank you very much for letting the Lord work through you during the last number of years, especially. Thank you for persevering through
the many unexpected trials of the past year. (Hebrews 12: 1-3). And thank you for the extra thoughts and blogs sent my way–I have appreciated
the encouragement. The Lord make His face to shine upon you…and keep you.
Dear Susie Rowen,
Indeed our God is a God who knows the future and plans and purposes to bring forth a people for His glory when he created the world. Nothing can stop the the Almighty who declares “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. “Who is and Who was and is to come, the Almighty.
Thank you, Susie, for your faithful service to lead our BSF. I pray you will find God going before you as you retire and He will find ministries and important places of service for you for the days ahead. May you be blessed as you follow His leading.
Big hug of thanks!
Judy Fososgreen
Thank you Susie for having lead and encouraged us thru this unexpected year. There were times when I did not think I could
keep on going BUT God ! I Will be 84 when we start back in September ! This will be my 7th year in BSF and my 6h as a
GL but what a blessing the women in my group have been to me this year.
I pray that our Heavenly Father will be with you and your husband as you go back to Kansas City and start anew on the
journey of retirement which can be difficult at times.
Thank you for being a Godly example to us all! Pam Geissinger Tamarac Florida
BSF has been a tremendous experience in my life for this last six years. It had me focus in learning and sharing God’s Word in a unique and dynamic way.
I am sharing with a group in Colombia the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. They are excited, and I am using basically the same format as BSF uses.
We all appreciate your work and your ministry. And wish you a blessed retirement.
At times I feel like I am living in Egypt as I pray for God to deliver my son from his addiction.
I have been where you are, Shelly, even recently. The struggle is very real and most do not understand, which can lead to our feeling alone. Your feelings of despair will lie to you, but you are never really alone. Don’t ever give up! God is trustworthy and will use even this for good according to His purpose. As hard as it is at times, remember God is indeed in the business of the unexpected. We never know what He may do to turn things around and the testimony it can give us to His faithfulness. I will be praying for you and your son, Shelly…count on it!
Beautiful!!
So blessed to be a part of BSF.Thank you for your blog.Indeed, God is Sovereign in all the unexpected things happening in the world.We just need to hold on tight in His arms of love and abide in His Words until He comes.To keep the faith until we reach our destination which is Heaven and be with Him forever.
Thank you Susie, for all you have done to serve Jesus through BSF. It’s very much appreciated! My prayers go before you and with you as transition into retirement and wonderful time with your family.
In His Love
Isa. 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am
He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will recue you.
Thank you for your years of service to our Lord. I know you will still serve just in another
capacity.
May God bless your retirement and give you great Joy. Enjoy your family.
Tq, Susie Rowan for the timely reflection on “unexpected “ situations. As I reflected on my own, I acknowledged His prevailing presence and plans always unfolds and displays in His timing. Only God the Sovereign One is in control and deserves the glory as His plans no one can thwart.
God is always with us in our lives
as a faithful God. He is sovereign God. He knows all our unexpected situations. He is our creator so, He can control every situation in our lives. Trust and obey.
Tqvm Susie for the very refreshing n insightful thoughts
Am ever grateful to God for people such as you who continue to persevere in making the truth march on in this way unexpected season of life
Yes I will also ponder on how to go from here in unexpected n unpredictable times such as this
Yet we are blessed because we have a great God who is above all
Throughout my life I have always known that God was with me. I may not have been where I should have been at that time which was with a community
of believers but he has led me on my path for his plan. I learn more every day about my savior and I am so thankful He is guiding my life. I don’t know his
purpose or his plan but I continue to follow his nudges and to read his word so that I will live with the Triune God in Heaven. Amen
Wonderfully said and makes you stop and think! It’s real, not a fantasy!
I am anxious to begin the study of Matthew.
Thank you, thank you, Ms. Susie Rowan for your years of service to God and BSF. I have always been encouraged and strengthened to persevere by your timely blog posts. May retirement be more than you expect, full of joy, excitement, new adventures, and much love with family. Well done faithful Servant! All glory to God forever!.
God’ word encouraging to begin a new life, and new vision.
Thank you for your blessed ministry to BSF! I have been blessed because of your leadership and perspectives!
I praise and thank our God for you!
Enjoy retirement and family! God will surely bless this, too!
Thanks Susie for reminding us about the unexpected King so let us be like Joseph focusing on God for his wisdom and not complaining. Wish you all the best as you retire . You have been an Amazing Leader.
I would appreciate a prayer to survive and flourish in unexpected circumstances that are new and frighting. I am older and need to move across the country in a time of pandemic. My financial security is threatened as is my actual living place. I do not feel physically strong enough. My physicians will not know me. Even as I worry I consider my fear weak as so many have lost so much this past year. Peace.
I have been blessed for 10 years at BSF. This is the only time I have studied the Bible. This study has brought me closer to the Holly Spirit. Thank you BSF
Susie, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It has indeed been a difficult year and if not for the word of God that anchors us, it would have been challenging navigating all the unexpected events. I have been greatly blessed by BSF the past decade and am encouraged by your obedience to God and willingness to serve. God bless you and your family in the coming new season of your life. May you continue to shine for Him!
I never expected that I would be challenged for deciding not to be vaccinated. I respect the decision others have made and saddened they’re not mine. I feel the pressure coming on, but am trusting God for clear direction. Like Joseph, I’m committed to keep my focus on doing well the work God has prepared for me.
The evil that man intends , does not change God’s plan for me.
Joseph’s dream as a youngster came to be fulfilled years later when his brothers indeed bowed before him …
The study of Genesis has encouraged
me to continue my Faith walk knowing my life script has already been written by GOD. I am so grateful it included my group study with the BSF. I appreciate my “HALLELUJAH” sister; Alberta Paley for inviting me. She is a great servant of the Lord. I have been truly bless with the study of Genesis and am looking forward to the next study of the Book of Matthew.
I thank GOD for each of you and pray that we will continue to speak the truth with boldness.
Like Joseph our disappointment and challenges were for our good and for His Glory. We will never understand all we have endured but can say He keeps His promises,”I will never leave thy nor forsake thy”. We must continue to encourage each other through His Word.
Thank you for your faith filled leadership, vision to push BSF into the technological age and contagious joy!
Thank you for your reassuring words. Studying Genesis was a great accompaniment to the many “unexpectations” of the past year. It’s so peace-giving to know God is sovereign over all that we have and will endure.
Thank you, Susie, for your many years of sacrificial service as our Executive Director to further the kingdom of God all around the world. We pray you and your husband will enjoy and be blessed greatly in this next stage of life.
In Christ’s love,
Yes, our God is unexpected in our life and in many ways. As I faced the unexpected moment in life, sometimes I feel upset and maybe a little bit angry. However, when I come to God and pray, I feel be comforted. God always gives me wisdom to face my upset moments. I change my mind and give it to God. No matter what It will be. I know God controls. I think Joseph has peace mind when he faced difficulties. It’s from God’s wisdom.
In reading about Joseph, I can face daily life/challenges with confidence knowing that God’s purpose & plans for “my good” will come to His expected end! I have no ideal how much longer I will live (I am 76) but I do know for certain that I am bound for the promise land!! Hallelujah!!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
I thank God for my BSF Bible leader, (Chris Sloan) and the ability to see other Christians) from Bayview & other churches) as we interacted via Zoom! A special thanks to Cheryl Williams for letting know about BSF!!
I can identify with you through it all our Sovereign God of the universe is with us working His will and directing our lives! We give Him all glory, honor, and praise! Thank you for your encouragement.
I was truly blessed by your blog. It was thought provoking and relative. While God does not change, He continues to show up in our lives in unexpected ways. He is Faithful and True!! O for grace to trust Him more.
BSF has been a delight! BSF has enabled me to walk in ways I never thought possible! I have been involved with two different ministries and has been a remarkable journey!! BSF and TWO has lead me into paths I could never imagined! The missionary journey we had in Nigeria being a part of BSF And RAFIKI cannot be put into words! All I can say is thanks and hope others can experience service as I have! Praise GOD!!
I have so enjoyed this year being back in BSF even though it was virtual. I was with BSF for five years while living in Florida. When we moved to Georgia the BSF group met at night. I am a senior and do not feel comfortable driving at night.
My group in Buford Georgia was lead by Marcy Godfrey. She was great. The women in the group were so warm and faith lead individuals. Even though I never met them in person I still felt close to them.
I am hoping there might be an opportunity to associate with another group virtual this next fall. I had heard this might be a possibility.
Awesome and so true. The story of Joseph has lifted me up MANY times this year. I love that God will never leave or forsake me regardless of what I am going thru. Plus, we know the end of the story, His story and ours:) Praise be to God!!
Also, many thanks for your dedication to the Lord and all of your little sheep over the years. We will miss you but pray God’s blessings over you and yours!!
I loved this blog about the unexpecteds in Genesis (and our lives this year) carried ahead to the unexpecteds waiting for us in Matthew. All these years Suzie has been our leader/teacher/director, every word that has come out of her mouth is worth listening to, and every word she has written has been worth reading. I can’t say thank you enough for all wisdom and insights she has shared with us, her grateful flock.
Yes thank God He will let all things turn out for good.I thank Him for the wonderful teaching that has come from the life of Joseph.
I grab this opportunity to request that the lecture notes be shorter so the participants would not have to struggle to read them.I was disappointed when I found some avoid reading them altogether. We can trust God to speak through his word and so please don’t worry about giving a deep exposition of the Bible,His Holy Spirit is our teacher so let Him teach everyone His truth.
I am so thankful God had a plan from the beginning in Genesis and that I was part of it from eternity past. I pray that my life will have eternal impact!
Praise God for the encouraging message
We do thank God for the many wonderful things He has done for Bsf through your long service.
We pray that our Holy Father through the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ will shade light on your path as you transit to new circumstances and areas of service. It is never over until we see the Lord in person.
Blessings.
Thank you Susie. This was just what we need as the close on this year and anticipate next year.
Thank you and all people in BSF, serving faithfully over the years, touching and blessing millions of life in “unexpected way” including me, my whole family doing the book of GENESIS.
I know the life of Joseph has give many hope and encourage many people, especially this unexpected covid 19 period.
I pray our Good Lord will protect and bless you and your family. Blessings. Gilbert
Thank you, Susie, for your service and ministry through the years as our executive director of BSF International. Blessings be to you.
Thank you so much for “The Unexpected.” I missed the entire Genesis Study, but from the summary presented by you, I should be able to catch up
However, I do not wish to miss out when the Study of Mathew commences. I would therefore solicit your kind assistance to be able to log in when study resumes.
Thanks.
Elizabeth.
I loved your remarks, and ‘unexpected’ is truly the word to describe the way our Lord works! He has brought about some amazing happenings in my 95 year old brother’s life recently to bring about his salvation. Please pray with me for Ken. Thank you.
I dearly loved the Genesis study, especially since Joseph’s life has always been my very favorite Bible story. I love BSF and, If the Lord wills, I’ll be studying Matthew with you in the Fall.
The Lord be with you as you retire, Susie, and May He bless all the BSF leaders!
In the love of Christ !
Amen.
We wait as expected, for the unexpected King, in these unexpected time.
The Lord be praised and adored.
Thank you. Beautifully stated. I had an unexpected diagnosis but God knew, prepared me, has sustained me and encourged me through our lessons and my BSF group, and church family. My God new my unexpected life change and has been with me every step.
Dear Susie, I cannot agree more. Susie from2017-2019 I was working in Cardiff. I wanted to continue with BSF and the only BSF group in the vicinity was in Bristol which was another city miles away. I did not find as many believers in the UK though I knew of many who were yearning for Him. When I discussed Jesus sometimes a little unknowingly through work I had either a blank face or a knowing look. Many times I had my colleagues responding by meeting me quiet to speak of their challenge. A prayer together always helped, even though they said they were unbelievers. So I would like to suggest that we have a BSF “office’ in that part of the UK. I am happy to man it as I felt the need for it when there. Happy to discuss more
Loved this! Thank you for making it easy to share with my family.
I just had to move to the Western part of Virginia. A new place to live, near the end of my life. I have no friends, here and the pandemic has made developing relationships very difficult. I am so thankful for Wendy Kelley, who has been personally helpful to me. I live in a small HUD building for poor, old people and have quite. a mission field. The woman across the hall(Jo) is not very well, herself, but has a husband who has terminal leukemia. I am so glad she has found a little community. Everyone has complicated lives these days.
I know that you are stepping down from your leadership role, and I want to thank you for what I know has been years of faithful service.
My life has been full of many changes and finally what seems like an exile of sorts. There is no more money to live in “civilization”…I am beginning to see that has some perks.
Blessings, always!!
Thank you so much, Susie for your service to all of us. I have learned so much in my past 19 years in BSF both as member and GL and briefly as CL and in Admin. His truth goes marching on! Thank you for your leadership and encouragement. We indeed, look forward with you to the unexpected in our lives knowing that with Jesus, we will be blessed.We look forward to Matthew and studies in Wordgo too! Wow. Thanks be to God!
God has been the one constant and expected Person in my life this year. My BSF group and our Group leader have faithfully showed up week after week to study the Word, laugh, cry, and PRAY. BSF has been a lifeline for me as I have walked through the valley of the shadow of COVID. He has carried us all through this unexpected year. Thanks be to God!!
Praise The Lord!
May God use BSF to build up His Kingdom and strengthen His people.
Thank you, Susie! As usual , God’s wisdom shines through your words. May you enjoy a blessed retirement 🙏
I love BSF group in Thailand that have10 people ,study inThai words we have a GLs Khun Candy/Kunya/ Nisa lead our group /we have activity together .thank you so much for BSF team.we’ll study Mathew too.Thank you.GBU
Thank you for all your work on our behalf, Susie. This study has spoken to me so eloquently as we have left our home of 30 years to move across the country to be near family. The great unknown lay before us but God Almighty has been ever present. His promises are sure and true and He never fails us. May God bless you in your new venture.
The study of Genesis has definitely closer to God than I ever have been. This is the second year that I have came to BSF and I am looking forward to the next session.
Thanks for a great word of encouragement & of challenge to trust our Almighty God in times of unexpected suffering & changes.
Great expectations I Await the study of Matthew
Beautiful. Uplifting. And what a God we have
I am so appreciative that I have God to put my trust and expectations. This years study and situations have certainly taught me to have that unseen faith.
This year has been yes a year of the unknown. March 13th 2020 the nursing home where my sister lived would not allow visitors. I had always went down couple times a month loaded her wheelchair up and we went exploring Abilene, eating out enjoying time together. In August they would finally let you on the property and luckily she was in a window to the outside and I would take my chair and we would talk thru the window. The week before Thanksgiving I took her present to enjoy during Christmas time (only allowed to take in box they could spray down) weather was great and spent a couple hours outside her window then traveled back home. We were talking about the shots coming out and getting to go out again together. We talked nearly every day. Then got word on the week after Thanksgiving that her therapist had covid and they were closing the property again. Over 60% of the residents tested positive. This was the first time anyone had tested positive. The next day Karen went into the hospital. I traveled to Abilene every week trying to see her. On January 3rd she died. I had sat with my mother in hospice been able to talk to her for several days before she passed, held her hand. I can not tell you the extreme pain I felt. Could not talk to her over the phone, not even get on the floor she was on. I can still not talk about it without crying after this time. If it had not been for BSF members and my close Sunday School members to lift up their prayers I just can not imagine. I know she is in a better place, I know she has seen Jesus and is now with him, this is just so different. God’s blessings for BSF and all their leaders and members.
Great understanding of the feelings we had through the pandemic. God prevailed. Thank you for all you do at BSF. It’s a great Bible Study. I am very appreciative of the amount of Biblical understanding I have attained since I started attending BSF in 2012. I know that God uses all things for good for those he has called according to his purpose.
I am exceedingly encouraged by the message.
I am able to relate this to Covid-19 pandemic where God has truly works in unexpected ways and unexpected season in my life.
“Facing the Unexpected” – Covid-19 hit the shores of Malaysia in March 2020. Full and strict Movement Control Order SOPs were immediately implemented. While over the past year the MCO has continued to be adjusted, the MCO has continued until today.
I arrived at my statutory retirement age in April 2020 and did not expect my employment to be extended. God’s Grace on my birthday, I received a message from my CEO with an attachment informing me of my continuing employment with same terms and conditions until end 2021.
End 2020, despite the company losing in excess of RM100+ millions.
Despite these VUCA times, beginning 2021, i received notifications that my employment was extended. In the following month, the company gave 1 month bonus.
Lord Jesus is truly our Unexpected King, and His ways time and time again exceeds even our greatest expectations.
As many times as I’ve studied Genesis my take away this year has been life changing! I have been so encouraged with seeing how our perfect God uses imperfect people like us to fulfill His plans. God always knows just what we need and He gives it to us in His perfect time. To Him go all the glory!!! \o/.
I wish you good health, many smiles, and God’s special blessings as you retire. Each year my understanding and love for the Lord grows through BSF, and I appreciate your leadership and what you have done to make that happen for all of us.
It’s me again apologizing for spelling your name with a z instead of an s!! I certainly knew better:(
God is faithful. He can be counted on bringing comfort to us slobs that do not deserve His countenance.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and praise be to BSF for the spiritual impact it provides.
Suzie, thank you for these heartfelt words of wisdom and for all you have done as you have served at the BSF Headquarters. I was blessed the times that I was privileged to interact with you.
Susan, Thank you for this blog I loved all the Matthew scriptures, I will look them up during my quite time tomorrow morning, thank you so much. I am so grateful to My KING and Savior JESUS MY MESSIAH. I am focusing on all Goodness that He has sent into my life. Praising Him fro my four healthy children and the fact that they are all health and have careers that they like. Also for my two grandsons and there joy and good health as well as my daughter-in-law. My children’s life choices are not my concern I have no say in there choice I pray that GOD will touch there hearts and minds with His word. I love them and pray for them but I can not change them. I am so grateful to My KING and SAVIOR that my husband and myself both totally recovered from the Virus this winter. WE are both healthy praise GOD!! I have many things to praise HIM for. Good luck in your retirement and your move, GOD BLESS you and your family thank you for your service to BSF.
The blog was so compelling and mind evoking thoughts, memories and challenging.
Yes, we have been truly blessed to have continued with our BSF classes, especially with virtual and zoom technology. What a blessing!
I am looking forward to resume with a study of Matthew..
Susie,
I have so enjoyed being a part of your leadership these past several years!! You brought such a spark of excitement to BSF and gave us, me, a group leader, the desire to serve the Lord with excellence! I will personally miss you and wish you all of life’s best as you begin your retirement journey, though it’s hard to see you leave us, I know you will never retire from service to the King. I’m sure that God will have something very special for you to do even as you enjoy your family! May God bless you for sharing your heart with us and propelling BSF to keep on keeping on despite the hurdles life has thrown us. Thank you for the words above reminding me that God is Sovereign and in control regardless of the circumstances! Thoughts, hugs and prayers, Cynthia Reyes
It is comforting to know that God is truly sovereign
It is comforting to know that God is truly Sovereign
Susie. .You have done a wonderful job as Executive Director!! I came back to BSF when we moved to Tyler, Tx in retirement. .Ralph still works w/Fellowship of Christian Athletes here. .God’s richest blessings to you & Roger as u transition back to KC. Love in Jesus. .Ralph & Judy Stewart. .
Thank you for sifting out vital, eternal lessons this study of Genesis contained. Perhaps one that registers to the prayerful, pondering heart is the clear evidence that though evil exists as an ever present on-going threat in this world we are left with the assurance that God takes even things that appear without a possibility of good, God can and does use even them for good through those found faithful.
It’s with that take-away from this truly deep and meaningful journey the study of Matthew is entered with a renewed anticipation, looking forward to each insight and revelation given to us and the rich times of sharing with one another what God will have done – all of which He has waiting for us to discover and experience.
Hi Susie,
Truly inspired by your blog on Joseph in the Book of Genesis.
Yes like Joseph one becomes a victim to wickedness and deception. BUT GOD, orchestrates All Things for His Glory and Perfect Plan to be accomplished for the Good of Joseph and the saving of Lives just like Jesus who came to save all mankind. Thank you for your blog. Wrote an article on Palm Sunday 2021 on The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and into this fallen world to Renew and to Restore with His Precious Blood of The New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem. – Revelation 12, Revelation 22 and 1 Corinthians 2:9
What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard and what no mind has conceived THE GOOD that God has prepared for those he loves HIM and is called according to His Purpose
The Triumphal Entry
28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Praise be to God that when the disciples praised the Son Of God, the Phrisees rebuked and tried to silence them from praising Jesus.
But JESUS said, I tell you, if they were silent The Very Stones Would Cry Out.
Indeed The Very Stones Will Cry Out, for what is hidden in the dark and silenced and kept in secret is known to The Omniscient, THE ALL KNOWING GOD and The Omnipresent God, THE ALWAYS PRESENT GOD and The Omnipotent God, THE ALL POWERFUL GOD.
THE TRUTH THAT WAS SUPPRESSED IS MADE KNOWN AND BROUGHT INTO THE VERY LIGHT OF GOD WHO IS THE TRUTH HIMSELF WHO IS JESUS.
Like 8:17
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
When all else fails you, GOD NEVER FAILS YOU.
As the Scripture says,
41 And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, He Wept Over It, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for Peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because YOU DID NOT KNOW THE TIME OF YOUR VISITATION”.
YES indeed Jesus Wept because the Pharises and the Teachers of the Law did not recognise THE TIME OF THE VISITATION OF THE LORD.
That THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD, THE MESSIAH HIMSELF WAS RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDST OF HIS PEOPLE . YET THEY CONSPIRED AGAINST HIM IN SECRECY IN THEIR HIDDEN CHAMBERS,, MOCKED HIM, ACCUSED HIM, TORMENTED HIM, ABUSED HIM, DISFIGURED HIM AND CRUCIFIED HIM. WHO IS THE VERY SAVIOUR AND THE REDEEMEER OF THE WORLD.
LIke wise when THE TRUTH IS CRUCIFIED AND HIDDEN, that which could have been made for PEACE, it is indeed devastating and agonising for they MISSED THE VISITATION OF THE LORD and WILLFULLY CRUCIFIED THE TRUTH!
28TH MARCH 2021- Palm Sunday..
Dear Susie,
You will be relocating in Kansas City soon and I wish you a safe trip and move there. Wonderful that you can be near your family. What a blessing that will be for you as well as them. Praying that you will have a good retirement there and that you will be a blessing to those around you as you have been to us here. Thank you and God bless you.
Thank you, for the wonderful words of wisdom, they, really touched my heart. May God bless and keep you as you move on God’s unexpected journey of your unexpected life.
I thank God for your leadership these past many years, and pray that He will fill you and your family with blessings overflowing as you are nearer to one another again 🙂
Thank you for reminding me of all that, and all that you do. The Lord does bless me in the most unexpected and undeserving ways, and i am always thankful, and bewildered of His love for me. Also, i am most thankful for BSF!
Thank you Susie for your commitment to serve in BSF these many years, may you be blessed as you begin the next chapter in your life. The study of Genesis has been so rewarding for many as well as myself. BSF has brought me closer to the Lord, and I am grateful He has called me to be a Group Leader and the past two years a Shepherd Leader.
Thank you again for your service.
I enjoyed Genesis to the fullness and learned a lot about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Obedience is the main role God expects us to following. Its only through faith in Jesus our savior we can be obedient. Know that He is in control of everything no matter whats happen He is still in control of it.
I am looking forward to the study of Matthew.
Amen to our unexpected Messiah. I am totally in awe of what your blog has conveyed to me, the awesome God who is so faithful, compassionate and totally amazing. He knows our every move and he guides us. Although I have done Matthew twice I know God will reveal some new truths to me that I may have missed in the previous studies. What an Awesome God.
Thank you, Susie, for these inspiring words and, most especially, for your godly leadership over the last years. As I know God has used you for our good and His glory, I also know He will continue to bless and use you. Our STL said last week, “God works through and receives glory through a surrendered heart.” Yours is that; praying you enjoy His many future blessings!
I am so happy to receive this email! I have been trying to touch base with someone to connect with a local BSF. I am relatively new to the area. I see where there is one on Wilkesboro NC. I now live in Yadkinville NC. The BSF is at the Lutheran Church, I believe? God does work in “Unexpected Ways”. This past year + has been like no other. I am very familiar with BSF. I attended in the Myrtle Beach SC area for a number of years. Please send me information how I may attend once again. I also have a friend that is interested in coming with me, Evening Class works the best for us. Thank you so much for sending me your blog. In Christ, Ruth Spatafore. 216 Kyle Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055.
Why do you not mention racial justice. This issue consumed much of 2019 and 2020.
Thank you Susie for your leadership during these unexpected times. God bless you as your approach the next segment in your life…I doubt if that will be retirement!
This message was such an encouragement to me that I read it to my husband (which brought tears of thankfulness to his eyes). We are an elderly couple who live in western Sydney, Australia. Pray His continued blessing on you and yours Susie — YES and Amen He is an unstoppable God and His glory fills the earth.
My husband had a stroke on Feb.14, 2020. And the dementia took over. I continued to attend my BSF Zoom meetings and that is how I have survived this life changing tragedy! I know God has a plan for us. We have still seen many blessings in spite of all that has happened! My niece had cancer in her jaw and went through grueling chemo and radiation at 14 years of age. We just found out she is now cancer free!!!
God’s will is always accomplished. And he will take all our horrific circumstances and turn it into good.
Clinging to God’s promises! I don’t know what I would have done without BSF!
Good,encouraging, hopeful word.God bless your next chapter of life.
Yes, you said it well. We don’t know what is ahead of us and what to expect.
God is in control and just trust him and he will see us through any circumstance.
I have enjoyed the Bible studies.
Thank you for the reminder for our own lives.
Thank you for leading BSF these many years.
May God give you peace and courage as you transition to Kansas City.
By His Grace,
Loved the blog. I pray that GOD will do the unexpected with something that I am praying for in my life and bring my husband to the knowledge who Christ is, change his heart, mind and prospective on life (I have been praying for 27 years).
Thank for everything you do.
Thank you Susie for being such a faithful leader to BSF. I have enjoyed your emails and your comments. I will miss you!
Thank you Susie, that was so encouraging and helpful.
The unexpected circumstances of life can bring fear and anxiety but I must keep my eyes on my Beautiful Saviour and God who can do amazing things.
He can give us peace in the midst of worries and anxieties and I thank him that he is totally
in control of things and sovereign. I can rest in His love
And his total commitment to me.
May God bless you and make his face to shine upon you and bless what he has for you in the future
Oh Susie, thank you for these beautiful comments and reminders. Yes, there have been and continue to be unexpected things that come to challenge our faith in the God who is always good, always faithful, always loving, who goes before us and behind us and lays his hand upon us! Thank you for your faithful service to BSF. May the Lord grant you joy and peace as you make big transitions this year!
Susie — I’ve thought of you and your service with BSF in Brazil and India as the tragic reports of COVID-19 infections and deaths in those countries have filled the news in recent weeks. Praying that seeds planted by BSF and other Christian ministries over many years are bearing fruit and will continue to give hope in these dark times, and I know you are able to reach out to and pray specifically for communities and individuals that you know personally.
God bless you and Roger as you continue to serve Him in your retirement. Hope to make a trip to take in a Royals game sometime this summer =)
Susie that was very helpful and insightful. I am new this year and have not met you but appreciate all you do and will pray for your up and coming season. The unexpected is right. I too retired this year unexpectedly because of the situation. It has been wonderful to study with BSF as many changes besides that have happened. May God Bless you and your family. I am so thankful to finish with even more hope.
Thank you Susie. A very timely and encouraging message. BSF has changed my life and I am sure the lives of countless people. May God give you the wisdom and direction He wants you to take. Bless you and BSF for the amazing service you do and provide, equipping us to become better disciples, disciple makers ,encouraging people,particularly our family members and friends to accept God’s amazing grace through His Son Jesus Christ for our eternal redemption. You will be eternally blessed
Mel
A good read! So true.
Thank you Susie for being a good and faithful servant leader. I pray that your retirement will be filled with many blessings, much love and joy.
Praise Jesus thanks for such an encouraging message.
These is all I want now.
No job, I have a bank loan to repay, bills to pay, where can I turn to unless to Jesus the way maker.
Sometimes I fill as if God is far away from me but Luke 8:22-25 give me strength. Jesus is the one who said we cross to the other side and He is in the boat so I ,should didn’t worry He knows and have power over the wind and the waters He will calm them.
When I feel He is not around He is dealing with the wind( the spiritual battle) and also He will deal with the waters( the physical battle).
Regardless of the unexpected God will remain my Strength and I focus to seek Him more.
Regards and God bless you.
We are in transition ourselves and waiting for a sign as to our next move.
I’m praying for patience in my wait.
It is a comfort that God affects good in our lives, always🕊🙏😇
Beautifully said!
May God bless you and your family in Kansas City, MO!!!
Thank you. Beautifully said.
The study of Genesis, particularly the focus on Joseph has helped me through this difficult time in our family. We have a son who has worked faithfully for the University of Kentucky for over 20 years. Last year in the midst of the pandemic, he developed an illness that the doctors have not been able to pinpoint or treat. As a result, he lost his job and has not been able to find employment that would allow him to work from home. He does not have the energy to work outside of his home. This is his “famine,” and my husband and I have had to be Joseph for him. Through it all, God continues to enable us to help him, but more importantly, God is testing our son’s faith. Seeing how Joseph remained strong under difficult circumstances has helped me to faithfully wait on God’s timing. This time of famine is also bringing our son closer to God. Even though he can’t see a way out of his situation, God knows the plans he has for our son, not to harm him, but to give him hope and a prosperous future. Thank you for your words of encouragement through your blogs. May God be with you and your family as you transition to Kansas City. Don’t forget to purchase a warm coat and gloves for the months ahead. When I moved from San Antonio to Kansas City I did not have a winter coat and encountered snow on my first week there. I hurriedly bought a coat with a hood. God bless!
Susie I love you!!
God’s timing of this study was perfect.!!! My discussion leader and group are perfect for me. God is perfect and this lesson reflects his sovereignty over all creation!
Thank you so much for your obedience and faithfulness to our Heavenly Father! I have been overwhelming blessed!
Traveling graces and remember the word “retirement” doesn’t exist in the Lord’s earthly Kingdom!
I’m praying to attend a Bible College or do missionary work somewhere. Please pray with me and if you have any suggestions I would love to hear.
I love you!!❤️
“I will show you the path of life. In my presence is fullness of joy, at my right hand are pleasures forever more.”
Carol
Dear Susie,
Thank you for your many years of leadership to BSF and your faithful guidance and direction. I remember when I was living in San Antonio and you moved in next to Arthur. He was the newest CPA to retire his practice and join on with Oroian, Guest and Little, CPA’s were I worked. We talked briefly about BSF and discovered you, the newest Head of BSF, was his new neighbor. I moved back to Katy, TX in Sept 2007, but still continued in BSF, as I had before we moved from Houston to San Antonio. I love how BSF has helped me find a group of like minded, God fearing women to study with throughout my faith journey. Another funny story I have to share. While on a trip to Paris with a EFS group, we were in line at the Eiffel Tower and guess who was in the line with us? Ann, my previous TL from BSF-Katy! We both marveled at how God orchestrated our chance meeting so far from home. May God continue to guide you to new ventures and opportunities to share Christ and His love and His-story in this next phase of life. Blessings Always, Lisa
Unexpected is an excellent description of this year. I too suffered the loss of a family member and our daughter having a stroke. But God has been there for us, He is the great healer and comforter.
I loved studying about Jacob and Joseph. I had always heard about their struggles but now I have a deep appreciation for their faithfulness to God. Plus, the faithfulness of God through out this study in Genesis was repeated over and over. I fell more in love with my Heavenly Father!
Just want to say thanks for your leadership, commitment, enthusiasm, clarity, and encouragement, Mrs. Rowan. God bless your retirement and days ahead. I know He’ll continue to bless BSF and all of us who hunger for God’s Word and His Kingdom. Love in Christ, Marti
Thank you for your years of service to the King and to the thousands of BSFers and to me personally. I will pray that you and Roger continue to face the unexpected with confidence and in truth.
Thank you so much, Susie, for these comforting words. I love your observation “The same Creator God who declared “and it was good” in Genesis 1 is the same Creator God who “intended it for good” in Genesis 50.” He is the Alpha and Omega, he has THE plan for this world and for my life, and HE will fulfill it! He is good, only good, and good to those who are His! Praise Him!
I just want to praise God and Bsf classes for bringing me close to studying the word and seeing the reality of life,without God,I’m empty . I thank you all for taking ur time to prepare wonderful lessons for us to learn and even for our children and their children. Thank God I’m part of his plan .
After 33 years in Minnesota, my husband and I transitioned to Ohio to be near our family. We expected to miss our many friends and even the crystal blue skies on a beautiful winter day but we did not expect to be unable to make new friends and get involved in new activities. But God……..had a much more difficult and better plan. Our family which included children, grandchildren, a sister and her extended family and my parents in their 90’s all agreed we would continue to see one another as many around us became sick with the virus. Many reading this might not agree with our decision but when my father fell seriously ill with a systemic infection unrelated to the virus and was within 24 hours of death, we were thankful we had the time to be with him for the many months before. We were totally available for our parents and nursed my dad 24/7 for a month. I was close by and able to get to them quickly and my sister did not have to bear it alone. We saw God’s hand everywhere–blessing, guiding, comforting and instructing while bringing many wonderful Christians around us and He gave us laughter when we needed it most. He was powerfully present and faithful and He filled our time in an unexpected way. New friends met at BSF in my Ohio class prayed for us and sent us verses. God grew our knowledge of His character while growing our family closer and we continue to speak of His goodness to each other and to others. His ways are not our ways but His ways are perfect!
My Dear Sister in Christ,
thank you for this post! Mrs. Rowan, your words were words of encouragement to my soul. I too didn’t expect to work through 2020 in my preschool, being very careful, only to be exposed to Covid-19 the week of Christmas (infecting 5 other members in my family, including my 8 month pregnant daughter). I didn’t expect to have to become a caregiver of my 83 year old mother during “stay at home/physical distancing” and her mind not able to comprehend why we couldn’t socialize like we had before. I didn’t expect my granddaughter to be sick with stomach issues and my daughter to suffer post eclampsia. I didn’t expect to have all this effect me in such a way that I have anxiety attacks and now need to seek professional assistance. BUT WHAT I DID EXPECT, WAS FOR GOD TO SHOW UP IN OUR LESSONS LIKE HE HAS SO MANY TIMES BEFORE. This was my 3rd time in Genesis with BSF. The prayers, notes, Doctrines (OH MY God, The Doctrines) were so on point and sovereignly designed to feed my faith and hope. GOD NEVER FAILS!!!
To know that even my Executive Director experienced some “Joseph moments” confirms God’s Word is true and if SHE has hope in “the working together” i can and must too. God bless you my beloved. Thank you for your service and transparency. God’s blessings be upon you and may you prosper in health, wealth and spirit. Much love.
Thank you precious Susie for your years of serving the LORD in BSF. GOD bless you & your husband as you serve the LORD in retirement. what an adventure! Psalm 16:11 is a BSF children’s song for our preschoolers. It reminds us What is the purpose of my life, to know HIM , to Love Him, to serve HIM, to enjoy Him, & to glorify HIM,
Caroline Holsinger
North Dayton Day Women in Ohio
God’s blessings to you and your husband as you begin this new chapter in your lives. Thank you for your leadership with BSF!
Your message has inspired me with hope and joy in this time of grieving for a beloved sister-in-law and consequently for my dearest brother. He is soon in his eighties, living alone and with as of yet, not many prospects for meaningful activity. But your thoughts assert that such times are precisely ordained by God for His extraordinary purpose. I trust in His goodness that this will be yet the greatest work He will accomplish as He brings my brother to a satisfying knowledge of Him. Thank you, Ms. Rowan
Thank you for serving so faithfully many years. Enjoy every day of your retirement. May God continue to bless you/yours.
I transitioned from a night class (10 years in leadership) to the day class. It’s a large circle of leaders, so with Zoom it was a little more challenging to get to know the women. Yet, I feel connected to them & am so thankful. It’s the 3rd time I’ve done a BSF Genesis study, & it is always so rich to me. I love character studies & Genesis is so full of “characters”!!! Quite a few I relate to…
Susie, you’ve been a treasure of leading us & blessing me. Thank you!
Susie,
Thank you for your commitment and years of leading us, at BSF.
God truly works through the in unexpected. As a nurse, working through the pandemic has been upfront and personal. We’ve been like soldiers going to war with an enemy striking and not knowing what tools to fight back with at first, then as medicines came, and we could see improvements, We could Hope once again.
Through it all, I have been the most grateful that I could study God’s Word and attend BSF through Zoom! God’s Word has been my Strong and Mighty Fortress this year and BSF class has been a strength and a comfort in these tumultuous times.
Perfect Lessons to remind us that the pandemic, ice, snow, weather storms, as well as personal storms are all a part of God’s plan, molding us and strengthening us to walk more closely with Him.
Thank you and the staff for acting quickly and getting us to class through Zoom. The year has been so much richer and meaningful with the assurance that God’s got this!
May God pour blessings on you my sister in Christ. You have been such a joy and inspiration to all of us.
Susie, you have been a graceful and faithful leader to us. May you be blessed in retirement. I’ve been blessed to be retired for three and a half years. The blessings I’ve received in retirement have been unexpected.
Peace be with you.
I was not a “zoom” person but unexpectedly there it happened-leading a zoom lesson was a joy & great blessing for which I will forever be thankful. BSF lessons are the very best!
Thank you for bringing all of this to light Susie. looking forward to our study of Matthew when we start up again❣️
God Bless,
Lorie
Truth indeed! To God Alone Be The Glory!
I was invited to join BSF in 2008 and 2009. I returned to Toledo from Oakland, CA. to care for my mother who was ill. The evening class moved from Toledo and I was unable to the day class. My Barbara Ifeduba who is a friend at the same church asked me to join this session and I was truly blessed. Judy Schumaker was our group leader she was a such a blessing to the group. I was blessed to be a part of the study group. I plan to enroll in the fall I pray we will be able to attend in person. I was truly blessed.
Susie, Thank you for your past service to our to our Lord and BSF, God will guide you in your future plans ! AS a past 15 year student and teaching leader of BSF . I would like to make a recommend we go back to answering what we have written down for for answers to our questions in our classes, Thanks for your consideration.
Dear Lord God
Help me to trust you knowing fully well that you will carry me through the unexpected.
Thank you Jesus 🙏🏾
Thank you so much Susie for your dedication and teaching leadership of B S F these last years. Especially over the last challenging year. God has indeed been faithful in guiding B S F technically and will continue. I am 84 years of age, my daughter Karen Fritz is teaching leader for Lethbridge, and is just stepping down. She introduced me to B S F as a young Mum in Vancouver, while serving as a discussion leader. I am eternally grateful to my God for His providential care through these many years of B S F study. I plan to continue. Having done most of the books several times, I find God shows me new and wondrous things constantly.
May you know His pleasure in this next stage of your journey Susie.
Sincerely,
Ann Norford
The online study of Genesis has provided a much needed comfort in this time of so many losses. I am greatful to have found a place to study God’s word with other believers.
I look forward to Matthew in the fall.
I appreciate your faithful leadership and pray your retirement will be fulfilling.
Thank you for your time and your blessings. Looking forward to Matthew.
I have studied Genesis multiple times over the years, but this year it has impacted my heart in a deeply profound way. I am a senior adult, married, retired and an OGL. It has been such a great honor and privilege to lead a group of women through this year’s BSF study in Genesis. I have witnessed how it has also impacted their lives. I am so thankful for God’s Word and for knowing such a faithful, gracious and sovereign God, and that He called Audrey Wetherell Johnson, so many years ago, to give birth to Bible Study Fellowship. I stepped into my first BSF class in 1976. God used it to transform my life over these 45 years. I praise His Holy Name. Thank you BSF for faithfully teaching the Word. And thank you, Susan Rowan. You have led us with amazing excellence through this tumultuous year of COVID! God is so Good! Joni
Our ways are not God’s ways.
When we line up our life’s activities and land, let us give God his space.
Susie
Thank you for your years of service to us and for the Lord. What a blessing you have been in my life. The leadership you provided has been remarkable and such compassion has been taught with so much grace. May God bless you in your new journey. “There’s no place like home” a Kanas quote. We have loved having you in Texas!
Thank you Susie Rowan for your faithful years as our Executive Director. Your leadership has brought us through changing, chaotic and uncertain times. Though we may have been tossed around by the storms, your steady hand and encouraging words have seen us through. May our faithful, unstoppable God continue to bless you in retirement and gift you with many more years to enjoy your family. To God be the glory!
Your title, “Unexpected” is perfect for this past year in BSF. I praise God’s Sovereignty in all that has happened because although it’s been a difficult year, a lot of good has come out of it.
Susie, I would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication towards BSF. I’ve been in BSF for over 22 years and I’ve seen so much wonderful transformations. Mine and my family’s lives have been transformed to reflect God’s glory and I have you and other leaders before you to thank for your ultimate leadership.
I’ll miss seeing you but pray that you have a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.
With much love!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I have just completed my first year as a BSF group leader. This has definitely been an “unexpected” journey after several years attending BSF. God has blessed me way beyond my expectations. So thankful for his presence on this new journey. God bless you on this new season in your life.
Thank you Susie Rowan!!!
✝️✝️🙏🙏📖📖. You expressed so much of what
I have felt! Joseph’s life and the Scriptures you gave have always kept me closer to the Lord!! In the last 3 years my husband has had strokes (small, but concerning) and
blood cancer! I had a heart attack; my heart is now healthy, but am now half way
in 3 mon. plus recovery from severe scoliosis surgery – pain has been unreal! Could not have made it without the
Lord, and all the prayers!!
Had to drop out of BSF early
this year; however, my sweet
Leader Pat Marshall kept our group praying for me!!!
Thank you for serving as our
Exec Director!!! We moved here to Austin for our Grands
and never looked back!!
God is Good and Faithful as we give Him our All!!
I always look forward to an email from you ma, because I found great encouragement.
Here in Nigeria, our unexpected circumstances is the future of the Church. But thank GOD for the KING of kings to be studied in Mathew. I trust GOD to take over.
As you retire, I pray GOD to bless you and continue to use you for HIS glory until the day of our LORD comes. I will sure miss your smile.
Thank you so much, such an insightful read… Tearly after knowing that God works in unexpected ways, in the unexpected places of life.
Blessings
I will miss you, dear Susie. I can hear your voice, telling us truths with in our studies. Enriching my life and others. BSF saved my life while I was going through hard times and so many unexpected events with my sons. I had surgeries I just prayed and hope will improve my quality of life. But Christ was with me and my family. And I am amazed how BSF brought structure, love and hope in my chaotic life. Covid just add the icing on top of my isolation and grief. But my sisters in Christ from church and definitely from BSF, inspired me to keep on going. Onward Christian Soldiers:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
forward in to battle,
see his banners go.
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus
going on before!
2. Crowns and thrones may perish,
kingdoms rise and wane,
but the Church of Jesus
constant will remain;
gates of hell can never
‘gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ’s own promise,
and that cannot fail.
(Refrain)
3. Onward, then, ye people!
join our happy throng;
blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song:
‘Glory, laud and honour
unto Christ the King!’
This through countless ages
we with angels sing.
Peace unto you until we meet again!
Thank you. Genesis has meant so much to me. I saw God faithful with Joseph and he had been faithful in my life. He has walked with in my journey of breast cancer. I have seen over again God’s mercy and provision. To God be the glory.
I have enjoyed your messages! You are an inspiration to continue learning through BSF & to continue serving the Lord the best way I can. Sending good wishes to you on your retirement & new chapter of your life. I am blessed to be part of Waco’s group under Teresa Contreras , Chris Ann Fritscher, & Anne Beggs’ leadership & guidance.
Blessings to you & the BSF team!
Excellent read!
Yes. God’s heart is always good. At the beginning of creation, he said it was good.At the end of Genesis, again, God’s heart is always good.He is the Creator, the Finisher, the Good.In hope, what we experience, what we perceive, is very unpredictable. This is the wisdom of God over our wisdom.
Very thought provoking!
Thank you for this wonderful letter Susie, so inspiring! Though we have never met we our sisters in Christ. I wish you all the best in health and blessings on your new journey. I find great comfort in knowing our King goes before us always. Thank you for all your hard work in BSF. I am most thankful for BSF. Blessings from Marysville, Wa.
BEAUTIFUL! SO ENCOURAGING BEYOND WORDS
Thank you, Susie. As always I am encouraged by your words of wisdom, always pointing to our great Redeemer. So very grateful for your years of service to our Lord through BSF. As we move into another year of study, I look with anticipation to see what God is ready to reveal to me and to the ladies around me. Much love in our Lord Jesus Christ, Katherine Wheat
Just beautiful! And calming. Thank you so much, Susie. God is in control and has good plans for His children! We are all so grateful for your costly service to BSF these past years.
Dear Susie, it was also unexpected by most of us to get a new BSF Executive Director but it came as no surprise to God for He already had His hand on Holly’s life…His Holy Spirit preparing her for this “Next Thing” just as He prepared Joseph and you! We thank you for your years of service in BSF and certainly wish you well in the next chapter of your life which God has prepared you for in advance. Looking forward to Holly’s leadership and have no doubt she will be as amazing as the women who have preceded her. To God be the glory!!! 🙌🏼💕
In His love and service, Cheryl Schaner, GL – Fort Walton Beach, Florida WD0307
Yes. I have experienced many unexpected things in my life. Some of these unexpected memories, events or circumstances ranged from good to very bad. God definitely took me and others through them. We are here to talk about them. But as we get older there seems to be unexpected things occurring each day. Sometimes the reason the unpredictable or the unexpected is so hard because we don’t like change, especially when we believe that we are happy. Having a great job and then your manager leaves. You had a good time worshipping God, and someone or something wants to “rain on your day”. Or your family seems happy and loving and someone gets ill or has a mental breakdown or a secret is uncovered and changes your life unfavorably.
But the study in Genesis convicted my heart and showed me that I must consistently trust God with the changes that are occurring in my life. I must believe and cherish those promises more dearly. His unchanging love. He will not forsake me. He loves me. There is hope that if I believe in Him, I will have eternal life. I know he lives. I know he went back to the Father and is preparing a place fir me. If it were not so he would have told me. And if he prepares a place for me. He will come again and receive me. That where He is I may be there also. So many promises. Whe’ 2-3 are gathered, he is there also. There are so many promises to comfort us during these unexpected times.
These promises have been giving hope and joy through my unexpected multiple sclerosis for 33 years, my husband’s kidney failure and transplant of 25 years, my son’s alcohol and drug addiction problems for 10 years. He is closer to God and loving towards his family
My other son has walked away from God; I can not even believe he is gay (that is his sexual preference) when his gay friends questioned him. With his ease with females and going on “dates” with females. They teased him when he went skiing with a woman. He doesn’t have adverse reactions to females but he is gay. He knows the Bible. He didn’t like the predominantly white church at MEFC responded to him as a Black male or how his family is treated.
But God is getting us through this unfavorable unexpected change in our youngest son whose favorite hymn was . We can get him to attend church with us and pray with us. And relationship between him and his brother is on the mends. They go on trips together, do things together, he (David) was a support to his older brother (Marcus ) and forgave Marcus was under substance addiction, taking money from him, favoring his friends over his brother. And Marcus has apologized in different ways to his younger brother. So I must focus on these unexpected times when the brothers seeked forgiveness among family members. And they love us and they know , really know we love them equally. Just show it differently.
I pray my faith stays strong. I live. a life of isolation and rejection from my race and MS. Now I am doubly isolated with Covid. I loss my mother 9-9-2020 and father-in-law (10-24-2020 both not Covid related. My mother’s death was unexpected to all of us, my siblings., me and my family ….. and some of the reactions have been unfavorable, especially towards me.
My younger brother is going through an unexpected divorce (even though the separation wasn’t a surprise to my mom or me, but the reason she wanted a divorce surprised us). My brother has a TBI and the divorce has made it worse, very stressful. Oh my siblings and I were close for about six years apart in age. My eldest sister passed away and a younger sister died from complications of rubella (deformed heart) 2 days after birth. My 2 younger brothers didn’t know anything about her. So many immediate loses. Lost my dad 8-11-2011. And mother in law died 12 – 1998. I remember the death of friends to cancer, one had breast cancer and one to liver cancer. Even friends parents of spouses. I can’t keep on focusing of these unexpected deaths before Covid. I thank God I do have the friends and loved ones and one dat they will pass away.
So must keep on with the miracles and seeing the s good even in my losses, some didn’t suffer long, some were well taken card of. I must smile and hold onto spring as long as I can and enjoy as much love as I can . Praise God and thank him for his mercy, love and forgiveness. May he keep have mercy and patience with. Abd I will love the old rugged cross the emblem of suffering and pain…. and I believe in a hill call mount Calvary ….. be still my soul the Lord Is on my side, bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide. In all mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend. Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end. Amen.
Wonderful reminder and encouragement not to ever fear the unexpected. Something is coming through it.
Thank you Susie for all that you have done in service to God thru BSF…
Susie, What a wonderful blog? Everyday has unexpected but often delightful things happening in our lives. What I am thankful for is that we get to start our day in prayer each day and take time during the day and at the end of the day to marvel and thank our King for His unexpected but Hoped for intervention in our daily life.
Best wishes for you and your family in Kansas City in retirement and Thank You for your faithful leadership and team of stewards and all those who make BSF go each year.
Thank you Susie for reminding us that His ways are not our ways but they are the best for us. We have seen in Genesis how faithful He is and what a promise keeper. Thank you for your commitment to serving all these years and for serving so well. The Lord bless you, the Lord keep you. The lord make His face shine upon you and give you peace. We love you!! Enjoy your family!!
Thank you Susie for your faithful service to BSF and your sisters in Christ
May God’s blessings continue to be with you as you retire spend more time with family and enjoy all the blessings God has for you with much love and appreciation thank you for being a faithful servant.
With much love and appreciation Mary#968
Like Joseph, if we let Hod be God and work through us and guide us, we come to those places we did not expect, doing the things that Jesus did. I continue to be amazed by our God as We continue in a beautiful relationship, a wonderful Union. Your blog is right on. Thank you.
Dear Mrs. Rowan,
Thank you for your faithful service to Our Risen Savior, King Jesus, and to ALL of us in Bible Study Fellowship. I will miss your unique and eloquent speaking voice and the delivery of your beautiful messages. As you retire, I pray you will experience JOY – “Jesus Overwhelming You”!
Praising God for having had your beautiful example in my life.
(Evening Women’s Ebenezer Class, Rock Hill, SC)
Your words are so insightful. THank you for weaving our Joseph lesson into “Unexpected”. God’s mysterious ways are not for us to know. WE can trust His character and that is Enough.
WE WILL MISS YOUR LEADERSHIP TREMENDOUSLY but are confident of your future.
Thank you, Susie, for everything!
Looking forward to studying Matthew and being around other Christian women and catching up many of my friends
Thanks for this. It excites me for the study of Matthew. I know without a doubt it will be great.
This is so very helpful! I have endured many changes and not wonderful circumstances in the last few months. God is working. My faith and trust are in the Lord. Letting go and letting Him work is not easy. His love will prevail. I have no doubt about it
Thanks Susie for sharing. I enjoyed what you had to say. God bless you as you continue to serve Him wherever that may be.
I truly missed being in BSF classes. It is so rewarding. Hope to be there this fall. Thank you for your… Messages. Sue Hines
Great read. Unexpected. I am going to use this for tomorrow’s journaling session. Praying that when Jesus returns people will be ready and waiting “with great expectations.”
Happy retirement Susie.
Dear Susie
Thank you for your email and sharings. I have learnt much from the BSF Online classes.
I am looking forward to studying Matthew.
I am most grateful for this opportunity to learn more about God.
Thank you for your good work.
May God bless you and continue to empower you to serve him and His people.
Most gratefully
Ada Lyn
I made myself a few goals for the future because of some long and heartbreaking years. Some were medical and some of the goals were social and spiritual. Finding and actually becoming a part of a bible study was near the top of that list. God lead me to the best person to inquire if she knew where I could turn and it was to her. She knew of one that because of Covid was meeting at her house. God made it easy for me to attend because she lived only 10 minutes from my house. I learned so much thanks to BSF.
Thank you for your insight, and for your service to BSF. This blog has whetted my desire for next year’s BSF study. God bless you in your time of transition, your move and all of the change ahead of you.
Thank you for sharing your heart and your wisdom! You seem to be saturated with the wisdom and knowledge of God, and you have used your gifts well.
Dear Susie,
I praise God for your years of service in BSF. I have just completed my 2nd year. Genesis was a great study and I love the ending. So much grace and compassion afforded to us from our steadfast God and in the end all were at peace and .. oh, it was just so good!! THANK YOU for guiding BSF as God led you. I hope you enjoy your retirement. I just retired and my unexpected has been the increased needs of my very frail parents who are 96 and almost 97. I am grateful for the timing of my retirement and grateful that I can serve my parents in this way. Yes, you will have “unexpecteds” but God is with you and He will see you through because He is good all the time.
Because He Lives.
Barb
Susie, your blog is so insightful and I hope to hear how your new “God adventure” turns out as you move to Kansas City!
Yes, God works in unexpected ways and He is definitely working in my life in unexpected ways. I have been employed in Women’s Ministry at my church since 2010, where I oversaw an Inductive Bible Study of 200+ women from September – April. In July, 2020, I received a Covid layoff and was also excluded from Women’s Ministry leadership. Heartbroken, I sought after God’s reasons for allowing me to lose a ministry I was so passionate about. A good friend and former BSF Leader suggested I participate in BSF for the 2020/2021 year. She told me BSF was studying Genesis. I could not believe it! My very first Bible Study was in 1998 and the study was Genesis! It seemed as if God was saying, “this is a new beginning for you and I want you to start at the beginning of My Word”! I signed up for BSF in Chapin, SC. Only God could have placed me in a group where my leader was someone who had been in a BIble Study group that I led many years prior and her son and my son (children with special needs) were in public school together and now attend the same adult day care center! Only God could have placed a friend from my Sunday School class in my group. Only God could have placed a woman in my group who participated in fitness classes I teach! And, the group of women connected intimately, despite us meeting via Zoom. Of course, the study of Joseph felt so applicable to my life as I have felt that I was thrown into a pit and betrayed by people I love. But, I do believe and trust that God has and is using this trial to lead us to a church in our community, a place where I may be able to serve Him, women and others.
Genesis 50:20 has been encouraging to me as I know that nothing happens to me without first being sifted through God’s hand. I trust that God will use what I consider bad for His good and His glory. In the meantime, I preach Psalm 27:14 to myself, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” And I take great comfort in Ephesians 2:10, that “I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that I should walk in them.” And, I pray each day that He will show my husband and me His choice of a new home church for us and a job for me! I just pray it doesn’t take 13 years, haha!
I am looking forward to studying Matthew in the fall and I know it will be just as much a blessing as studying Genesis has been. Heartfelt gratitude to every person who makes BSF happen. God is definitely glorified!
Thank you for this “unexpected” message, Susie.
I wish you love and blessings in your retirement and your move to Kansas City.
This is my 22nd year in BSF and it never ceases to amaze how the Scriptures we are studying have all to do with life as we see it unfolding before our very eyes. Alot of us felt “jailed” as life during the pandemic revealed alot about the Governors (Pharaoh’s) we are living under. As tyrants during every generation will exist, our Good and Faithful Father is still so close as our very breath. Now, more than ever, we need to share the Freedom of living for Christ Alone. Looking forward to the study of Matthew.
Unexpected sums up perfectly 2020-21. Unexpectedly unemployed, learning to zoom, facing family crisis but GOD. …. has been faithful, merciful and gracious.
It indeed has been a very difficult year, but through it all I echo your words that God’s ways are not our ways. We will miss you and may the Almighty God go ahead of you as you transition.
Praising BSF for continuing to nurture this global flock through the pandemic, acquiring new and innovation methods. Surely , God has NOT abandoned nor forgotten us, but has placed us under His sheltering Wing. God is ever faithful!
I have felt the love and caring of our group of ladies as we studied Genesis. I believe this unexpected time has brought us into a stronger fellowship. I am looking forward to our study of Matthew. Our God is in control!
If you are a believer, facing the unexpected is not a problem. You know that God will never leave or forsake, you have all the promises of God as your life line, when you spend time with Him in fellowship the Holy Spirit gives strength and courage and guidance to through it . Be humble, obedient and content every thing will be OK.
Thank you for the encouraging words. Indeed ‘unexpected’ lifestyle since the pandemic hit the world has brought us closer to the realization that nothing is unexpected in God’s plan for us. God bless you
Tks Susan for the thoughts expressed in the blog. The Pandemic is like the famine. We are grateful for His faithfulness through it all. Each day we give tks for His provision and grace.
Remain blessed and stay safe
Dear Susie,
Your leadership has been a beacon of light for me, first as a leader in EW Columbus, IN class and more recently as a class member. All you have ever done is lift up Christ above all else and so have set a wonderful example for me. May God bless you in your well deserved retirement. You will be missed. Love, Kim Schultz
Dear Susie,
I will miss you, bu I know you will continue blessing many lives in your new jorney as you blessed us.
Have a good time. Certainly God will continue blessing you. Até nos vermos novamente na Glória. Kisses.
Unexpected…was how my life changed after taking BSF. Previously I had done very little bible study. I had a problem with anxiety most of my life…diagnosed with OCD/Anxiety Disorder and on medications for many years. Cancer forced me into retirement (at 69) and shortly after developed AFIB/AFlutter. It was time to get off my anxiety medications which was really tough for about six months. I was “coping” ok until the pandemic hit and my anxiety level skyrocketed and I felt completely off balance. My relationship with my 2 kids suffered and I became jealous of their seemingly better relationships with their in-laws. I was obsessed with cleanliness, worried every minor symptom could mean covid (with them or with me). Then I read the notes on the “Sovereignty of God” Read and reread them even on my knees. And I successfully handed it over to God. For the first time I really looked at how my need to control every situation played into my anxiety. I began to really “trust” God with my life. Why didn’t I do this before? He had it planned out, right? I wanted to quit beating myself up with rehashing old sin and how it ruined my life and how it hurt the people I loved. Abraham was an old man when he went to Gerar and still (in fear) he told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister! There was hope for me! Even if I was such a slow learner. God hadn’t given up on me.
I love BSF. I look forward to my growing relationship with my Creator.
Today my relationships with my children are restored, and I think I am more content and happy than ever. I have become a facilitator for Freedom Session
something I wouldn’t have considered before.
thankyou for your coverage in the book of GEnesis
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line for all of us today to take in with all our hardships
As always expected…a great ‘blog’…..thank you, Suzie!
Anxiously awaiting Matthew….
Gerry
You will need to check out Andre’s in both Kansas City and Overland Park for lunch when you move. You will love it!
Beautiful!
I am greatly blessed by these amazing thoughts brought out of the teaching in Genesis! How amazed I am in our mighty and powerful God who can work all things out for our good and His glory! I thank Him for drawing me to Himself! I want to love and serve Him until my last breath, by His help! What joy to be with Him in eternity!
Praise His Holy name!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK FOR BSF AND OUR LORD
🙌🏾🙌🏾 We serve an amazing God, that KNOWS the beginning from the end! HE took a pandemic year and said draw close to me.
This has been a difficult year on many fronts. Tremendous loss but GOD…. Along comes BSF and my world will NEVER be the same.
I love God, His word and praise and worship, opportunities to serve. and share the love of God. However after a year of Genesis during a year of a pandemic, l am so in love with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I simply want to live a life that pleases HIM. Everything else is secondary.
We serve a sovereign God and He will do what He said will do…
It was a rough year for, but by the grace of God we all made it through this year.
May God bless you Susie in your retirement.
Bruce
24 yr group leader
Thank you for the thoughts about the unexpected. As I read this I am focusing on the unexpected blessings God has showered upon me recently. Contacts with grandchildren, the blessing of being able to share Scripture with some of the people I pray for, the sense of feeling connected once again after periods of feeling isolated are just a few.
Praise the Lord for in the unexpected moments of grief and loneliness God is doing an awesome work. My sister’s husband, my brother in law of 58 years, went to be with the Lord on Feb 6, 2020. Even though he had been given the news that his cancer had spread on Feb 1, we still “thought” there was more time with him. He died a terrible death when he began a coughing spell caused him to bleed profusely and drown in his own blood. He was 82 and he and my sister have no children. Caring for her during this time of loneliness and adjusting to an empty house is heartbreaking. I am so thankful for the lesson notes through out the study of Genesis and I have sent them to her to comfort her and remind her of God’s love for her. I am hoping that she will join us in the fall in the study of Matthew. Thank you Suzie for being such a kind and gracious leader. I love your constant and steady voice of reassurance. May God bless you in the next phase of your journey!
I considered not joining this past year because i had a hard time dealing with Zoom as we finished 2020. I did sign up and am so glad God lead me to that decision. I love the study of Genesis, our beginning. I would have missed a year with a wonderful discussion leader and would not have spent the year with some ladies that love the Lord as I do and desire to grow closer in our walk with Him. Looking forward to another year in Matthew. Thanks for all who work to make this possible.
Dear Suzie
Thank you so much for God’s Word of encouragement through this blog. It has indeed been an unexpected yet blessed year in many ways not because of anything we have done but because our Great Big God is so very Faithful. God goes with you as you retire. Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails-Proverbs 19v21
Sending you lots of love Suzie-you will be missed.
What a wonderful reassurance we have that God is always with us as he was with Jacob – to the end! The promises of God are promises to each of us, His sheep! Amen
Susie,
We’ve been blessed to have such a wonderful, Godly, strong, Christian woman in our leadership as well as so many others we don’t even know about. THANK YOU one and all for your faithful and loving stewardship in our Lord’s name.
Believe it or not, this study in Genesis was only the second year for me in BSF. For many years I had wanted to join BSF but I was working. So in 2019 a friend asked if I wanted to go with her to BSF. We got through that study in Acts and then Covid hit. But, our small group continued into 2020/2021 through the miracle of “Zoom.” We’ve been so grateful that God brought that about and that we could continue in to complete our Genesis study. I’ve SO enjoyed BSF – I thought I knew a lot about the Bible, but BSF just blew me out of the water! Each week I couldn’t wait to work on my lesson and learn more. I feel that I’ve grown so much closer to my God and Savior, Jesus Christ, and I thank you for your willingness to be faithful servants bringing His precious Word to us.
I REALLY loved how, in this Genesis study, you included emphasis on many “Doctrines” of the Bible as an added “treat.” I SO enjoyed reading them. I asked the other ladies in my small group if that’s normally what BSF does with each study, and they told me no. I would love to see more of that, Susie. I believe, from what Scripture teaches, that we are definitely in the days that are leading to the wonderful return of our Savior to meet us in the air! I’ve been an avid end-time prophecy student for most of my adult life and I love it! In these days where apostasy abounds, it’s evermore critical that we Believers know what we believe and why, so I sure appreciated the effort of including those Bible Doctrine emphases in our lesson. I sure hope we can see more.
I pray God’s blessings on you and your family as you transition into retirement from BSF and into whatever/wherever God leads you next. Many thanks again.
Indeed events have been unexpected and the unexpected happened where we were able to meet as a class through zoom and WhatsApp in Zimbabwe. Praise be to God.
Susie, thank you for the timely blog. I suffered the unexpected loss of my life partner of 27 years back in March, around the time we started the Joseph study. Still grappling with the suddenness of his leaving. But God’s timing is perfect and I know I’ll see him again one day as he waits to greet me.
Thank you for your insights, teachings and leadership over your tenure as BSF executive director. You must be excited to see what God has in store for you specifically as you enter a new phase of life. I know you’ll continue to be a blessing, as you have been to all you’ve met or heard from. Joan
What an encouraging message. You are doing such a good job. Thank you for your leadership.
Yes, this year has been one we shall never forget & it was so unexpected. As our group closed on Genesis chapter 50 and Joseph tells his brothers that he might have lived in Egypt but his heart was in Canaan & that was where his promised land was & that was where he wanted to be buried – it was brought to our attention that we are living in Egypt & God has promised we shall go to the promised land by following & believing in Him. How comforting His word is & how comforting it is to know God is with us no matter how difficult our lives are. Thank God for BSF & learning so much through our studies. I look forward to Matthew & studying His word with wonderful inspiring leaders & ladies in our group. May God bless you & continue to keep all of us safe.
We have been through the same unexpected year of 2020-2021 too. But God’s plan was perfect unexpectedly
Indeed God is so so faithful this far he has brought us through the pandemic
safe and with the gift of well being both Physically and emotionally. we also cannot
forget that precious gift of sound mind through the holy spirit of God
I thank God for you Susie and pray that God gives many years enjoying your retirement’
lot of Love and gods blessings
Susie❤️ As your written message captured my attention and gave me hope, the thought that kept coming to mind is that you should write a book (or two, or more). Could that be from God?❤️
É verdade, Deus sempre nos surpreende e age de maneira que superam nossas expectativas. Sei que enquanto espero devo permanecer certa de que Ele fará o inesperado, mas maravilhoso que trará glória para Ele.
Aleluia!
I love this; so encouraging.
Thank you Susie Rowan. I like the unexpected explanation. I am waiting for the unexpected to happen so we can return to a normal life, and your message gives me hope.
Thank youSusie for your years of service with BSF. Since I started studying with BSF, I have grown to love the Lord more deeply and totally enjoyed studying his word, and being inspired by his people in new ways. The letter of John is still my favorite since it was my first and I spent so much time with Jesus. Bless you!
Thank you Susie for your dedication and leadership to us all. I for one am going to miss reading your words of encouragement. It seems you always know just exactly what to say and share with us. I pray God will continue to bless and keep you and your family always,
May God bless you as your travel to your next place of service. As a retiree I know that volunteering in the Lord’s service provides many opportunities to continue share and spread the gospel.
Thank you for you many years of service in BSF.
What a wonderful message! I thoroughly enjoyed the study of Genesis. Blessings to you Susie as you retire. You will be missed.
Thank you for this article, Susie, it was so well said! I, too, cherish the life and story of Joseph to see how God had a good plan all along and His good plan came to fruition, albeit in “unexpected” ways, but to frution, nonetheless! It’s so reassuring to know and trust His sovereignty and goodness in all things and that, thankfully, His good plans will not be thwarted! Romans 8:28 sustains me!
I thank you for your hard work and dedication to BSF! This is my first year and I love it; I am so excited for Matthew, come September! Blessings to you and your family and I pray that God continues using you and this ministry for such wonderful good in our lives and for His glory!
I was thrilled when Ms. Rowan made the decision to allow the recordings of each class lecture to every members instead only for those who helped in the nursery. Many of those lectures are worthy to be listened again and again. This action allowed we, those English is not our mother tongue, have the chance to really understand the full contents of the lesson.
Thank you, Ms. Rowan, thank you for your leadership, years of services and your sacrifices. God bless your and your family, and have a wonderful retirement life.
Thank you for this beautiful and uplifting message! We all need this kind of encouragement!
Blessings,
Judy Spaulding
May the Lord be with you as you move and retire in a different location. Thank you so much for all you have done to promote the true Word of God to go forth to all people. I have truly enjoyed your leadership.
The year before this study in Genesis, I wrote “Unstoppable” at the top of every page of questions and notes. I am glad and thankful that despite all these “unexpected” events, God’s message and mission are still unstoppable in a world that needs God more than ever.
God bless you for your dedication to Him, and to BSF.
From unexpected, unworthy, unredeemed to redeemed, refreshed and renewed. Those are the words of Genesis to us this year. Thank you for your leadership over the past years Susie. It was unexpected by me that ZOOM groups could be as good as they are. We had a wonderful year. As a former TL I think I learned more this year than when a TL. Looking forward to the study of Matthew. May your move back to Kansas be filled with unexpected delight. Blessings
We give glory to God for His unexpected intervention that we have discovered is for our good(Gen.50:20)! Thanks Susie! We give glory to God for the work He has done through your leadership! I strongly believe He will do more through Hollie! May the Lord bless you as you transition to your next ministry!
I’m going to miss you, Susie Rowan. Your words are a soothing ointment to my soul…..your work has been sooo uplifting…..
I have been in BSF now for 5 years. The study of Genesis has been marvelous. The lectures, notes, and questions have been the very best. Thank you for reaching out to all people to study the WORD OF GOD.
Thank you Mrs. Rowan for your faithful leadership.
Amen! Thank you Susie for your encouraging words. You have so faithfully served Our Lord in BSF and I am sure you will continue to serve Him in KC. I pray in the changes you will see His guidance and revel in His love❤️🙏😇👧
Tank You Susie I do remember YOU in BUDAPEST in our BSF Leaders RETREAT where You encouraged us at the WORSHIP Service prophesizing that ALL SHALL BE SHAKEN ,UPSIDE DOWN !! We were meditating With YOU the Book of REVELATION.
So it’s TRUE we Walk over the mountains!
THANK YOU SUSIE for WhoYou are,I appreciated You a lot during these last YEARS So changing! The WORD doesn’t Change ! ALLELUYA ! BSF stayed FAITHFUL to The TRUTH,The HOLY SCRIPTURES ! Powerful indeed
Take Heart during Your Retreat,affectionately In CHRIST,Maryse
God delights – perhaps even specializes – in working in and through the unexpected circumstances of your life and mine. Where we feel most desperate, most fearful, most needy and shameful, God is powerfully present to do the unexpected-profound!Amen!
If we keep our minds on Him and our hands in His hands, All of our outcomes through the trials, tribulations and the unexpected will end in peace. ( His promise. ) Isaiah 26:3
I enjoyed the study of Genesis and being on Zoom. I was in a great study with my leader. LaRachel Rodriguez. Be Blessed and enjoy the Summer.
Wonderful recap of upcoming Year. Thank you for your dedication to the Lord’s work. Enjoy your upcoming retirement. 🙂
I was curious if BSF had available, in printed form, all of the studies we did this year and possibly all the studies BSF has done in the bible?
Thanks for the encouraging blog. And I want to praise the Lord for His word and especially for the opportunity I had of being a part of the study of the book of Genesis. I have missed being in a Bible study for years and am truly thankful to God to have been a part of this study in Genesis. Our leader was Tara Clark and the ladies of all ages in our group were a blessing and encouragement to me. Isaiah 55;11-12 “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; …”
Thanking God for His Word,
Laura
Your last few paragraphs were so meaningful to me. In working through painful family rifts and breeches, Genesis has brought forth truths of God’s presence which I needed to refresh in my mind and to take to heart so that I might be strengthened . I needed to know God’s presence, and be assured of His faithfulness. Seeing the faith along with the faults of these early. men of faith illustrated God’s steadfastness and His fidelity to forgive and to love in spite of the failings of His people.These lessons were very important to me during this rough time. Thank you to BSF, and to you, Susan, for all that you do to faithfully live out your mission for the Lord Jesus.
Hello,
Thank you Suzie for once again, bringing clarity to the very real God we serve in a very real world we live. As I reflect on this year of tremendous unexpected trials, including an unexpected knee surgery coming up, I can praise Him. BSF study has once again led my heart to see the fullness of our Great God in ALL things according to the purpose of His living will, through this year.
I’m so thankful for the steady drum of a weekly study in His word and fellowship with sisters in Christ.
Thank you, BSF, for serving the Lord and His People!
See you next year for Matthew.
Blessings Susie and thank you for all of your hard work, most that we never see…..Love you.
How blessed that our Lord gave us the precious blessing of serving Him through BSF. 30 years I served as BSF CA and it was life changing. Go with God Susie.
Thanks so much for sharing the unexpected. Last week in our leaders meeting we together did the character study of Joseph and I was so amazed at how much others and I learnt from his life. It is amazing that during this period we at BSF were studying Genesis. Indeed God’s grace is sufficient. May His name be praised.
When things of life are unexpected, our King Jesus is trustworthy to fulfill His promises. His faithfulness has guided me through the beginnings of retirement into my 70s and a full adventure into using my BSF training and gifts to participate fully in my Woman’s ministry at my home church.
I will expect the unexpected from God to use me for my growth and good and His the glory til the end of my days on this pilgrimage of life. BSF studies will continue to be my cornerstone of wisdom and knowledge to grow my faith.
Praise our risen Savior.
I felt extremely grateful to have been able to attend this virtual study of Genesis. I’m always amazed, through our group sharing, how much I learn from the ladies in BSF. This program led me to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and for this I’m truly blessed. Thank you to all the staff at BSF. Looking forward to seeing you in the fall. In His Name. Susan
Thank You so much for that exhortation…It’s been a delight being apart of this dedicated group of Ladies.. looking forward to studying Matthew. The Lords great blessings extended to you
I will miss you Susie Rowen!
Really needed this today as hubby and I travel from TX to work all summer (4 months) at a secular rv resort in SD. Never did anything like this before, but really feel God led us to this opportunity. Out of our comfort zone, usually serve at Christian based facilities. Prayers, please.
Thanks Susie for your faithful service and encouraging words from the Lord. God is good and worthy of our trust. As I am going through tough times, you remind me that God is with me and I fond comfort with His staff and rod. Surely His goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
God bless.
Our unexpected experiences in life May be looked upon as our true expectations of a believer in the WORD
We like Joseph, Jacob and Isaac, had no physical controls over the obstacles which GOD presented to them as challenges, however their obedience and faith to his covalent, was their key to survival of these unexpected obstacles obstructing their pathways in life
They, as well as Us, the 21 Century Christian will excel and grow when they put God First
I feel that is the inspiring message kJ this book of Genesis
Love it! Needed to hear this! Thank you so much and I will be praying for your new begging at a new city!
This was a beautiful blog and great recap of Genesis. I have learned so much this year and much of it parallels my own life’s circumstances. Thank you for the tremendous work you have done.
The spiritual disciplines that I have learned over the past 35 years of my association with BSF have guided, supported, and comforted me through many unexpected times. This past year, especially, has kept me grounded where I needed to be – in God’s Word, and I have rejoiced at new-found enthusiasm as we studied the familiar book of Genesis. Being able to gather weekly with sisters in Christ and hear the lecture through the internet was an unexpected blessing during the days of isolation for which I am truly grateful. Thanksgiving and blessing to my leaders and to everyone at HQ for following God’s gracious leading and provision.
Thank you, Susie, for sharing these encouraging words the Lord gave to you. “Unexpected” includes the past year’s events in my life as well. “But God” is so faithful to take care of my family and myself. I’m grateful for our study of Genesis and Joseph’s life. Thank you for your service and ministry as Exucutive Director of BSF these past years. Blessings on your retirement.
What a wonderful way to say so much with/when God is in control. First time to take the class this fall, looking forward to it. Thanks.
Thank you, Susie, for your leadership over the past years and for the way BSF seek to help us understand the scriptures and delight in God’s word. I have been greatly blessed and appreciate your leadership throughout. May God greatly bless you as you move home and give you His deep joy and peace, and inspiration in all you do.
Thank you, Susie, for your interpretation about the “Unexpected Circumstances” reminding me that God turns it good. After reading your article my heart is encouraged and became calm. Thank you for your encouragement.
Dear, Susie, Thank-you so much for the encouraging message you sent about our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who rules as our unexpected Savior. This year has been very difficult for me, and I am so thankful that I signed up for BSF and have met so many nice people, who really seem to like me, and pray for me.
What a wonderful summary and forward look. Thank you, Susie, for your leadership, and for always pointing us to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. I will miss you. From Honolulu, Hawaii…
I have loved being in Melissa Marston’s class. She is a wonderful teacher. We have about 4 more sessions, starting Saturday before it ends.
Is there some other class I can take over the summer? I believe the Matthew class begins in September. I need to stay busy and in the Word.
Thank you for being the leader in such a wonderful program.
Best wishes.
Sending love in Him,
Janice K.
What a wonderful thought and words of encouragement that you wrote. Thank you.
Wonderfully said. You captured so precisely the truth that God works in the unexpected.
I have enjoyed BSF for many years. I have now moved from Tucson to Phoenix to be near my daughter. I am told I won’t be able to participate in a zoom next year from Tucson so I would like to sign up for on line classes. Will I still be able to watch the lecture from Tucson? Eve Thorburn
Thank you Susie for your beautiful words of faith and encouragement. They have meant so much to me this year especially. I’m sorry I was not able to meet you in person and as you move into the next chapter of your life’s journey, I will be thinking and praying for you and your family.
You will be missed and I thank you for your devotion to BSF, us, and most of all our Lord Jesus. May you be blessed always.
Much love and prayers,
Vivian Smith
Indeed God goes before us,to do the unexpected for His Glory
The unexpected is priceless when we catch a glimmer of God at work in our lives and the world. What an awesome and amazing God we have. Thank you for your service to the Lord through Bible Study Fellowship.
Susie
May God continue to bless you in retirement. Thank you for your faithfulness to BSF.
Dear Susie Rowan,
Thank you for many years service in our Lord’s Ministry.
May your new season in KC have many unexpected blessing for you and family
God Bless You.
Thank you Susie for this wonderful, thoughtful post. You perfectly summed up this crazy year and point us to our God…blessings as you head into the next leg of your journey
I am waiting for a procedure in a hospital room. I found out the surgeon is four hours behind. I was discouraged and fearful. I took out my phone and read this message. It comforted me. I did not expect to be here or wait this long but I know God is with me and I’m control. I am not afraid anymore and have given it to Jesus.
This was my first class in BSF and it has been a spiritually enriching experience on so many levels.
I found Laurel B a very spirit-filled leader who led us through the discussion questions very skillfully and I
learned so much from other member’s perspectives and hearing their testimonies.
That was a wonderful summery of the Bible, and of God’s ways with people. Thank you so much.
It is so good to know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Every thing else is secondary.
Susie,
Thank you for all that you have done to keep BSF true to the program, available despite “unexpected” circumstances, moving forward with new vigor, and new on line studies for use during the summer. I have so enjoyed being able to sign up for the on line studies during the summer when in the past I have fallen away from Bible study despite my promises to be faithful. I pray that you will enjoy the new opportunities that God will place before you and that you and your family will enjoy the new found time together. May God Bless you richly.
Beautifully stated! What an encouragement and anticipatory enticement for the study of Matthew! Praying you will be anticipating the exciting changes and unexpected blessings the Lord has for you in your next steps on your faith journey. Thank you for your faithful service to BSF!!
Great reminders of how our prayers are answered in so many unexpected ways and probably how so many of us have come to know Jesus through people and God’s preordained plan that we may never fully understand till we call heaven home. Thanks for your outstanding commitment to BSF and each of us. May God Bless you and your family in your many new unexpected Joys and challenges. In Christ Love. Bob Allen GL Univ Carillon
Thank you Suzie for the reassurance this brings. Thank you for your leadership during these unprecedented and unexpected times. God placed you right where you were at the right time, your leadership gave us all a seamless transition into Bible Study Fellowship online. May God bless you as you transition to new life closer to family. And thank you for sharing this change with us openly and honestly prior to the end of the year. It has given me time to adjust and pray through my initial displeasure and even some anger to be honest.
Hallelujah to a faithful God🕊
BSF Thank You for answering the call.
Hallelujah!!!
Thanks Suzie for sharing your heart. Yes unexpected things are happening and yes God is working his perfect plan and showing us his goodness. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. That has been so real to me with family challenges of my sister going into care from dementia issues and immobility.
Thanks for BSF. An answer to prayer to be in a Bible Study group. I love it and the people.
Susie, Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us throughout the year and you are always so encouraging. You will be greatly missed.
God bless your new adventure.
What an eloquent and uplifting blog! The Holy Spirit is upon you and I am blessed by these words of encouragement…Thank you…I am grateful in the Lord for being a part of BSF.
Thank you Susie, for your words of wisdom and for serving BSF. May the Lord Bless you in your retirement and may you find unexpected joy in your new home.
To see this “unstoppable Year”! God has made a way for us to yet come together and praise and study HIS word in Genesis! I am so thankful! Looking forward to Matthew ‘s study! Thank you and all those who has made the study possible! God bless you you!!!
Thank you Susie for your wise words of comfort and for the magnificent job you did at BSF. We will eternally be grateful.
Even though I did all the studies this year of Genesis by myself in my sunroom with my Bible and my phone, I completely enjoyed it; learned from it and was encouraged by it. In discussions with my sister who was doing the study by Zoom, we learned and grew together! It was eye opening just how very much is in this first book of the Bible!!
Susie,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been in BSF a long time and this was my third time in going through Genesis. But because where I am in in my life, it touched me in a different, most meaningful way.
I am reminded that God is taking me through a journey, that He is faithful, and that my story like Joseph’s, is just a small part of His greater story.
And while Jesus is not the King we expected, He is definitely the king we need. Really looking forward to the study of Matthew.
Thanks so much for your years of faithful service in BSF. You have touched many lives with your devotion and your passion. I know the Lord will bless you and your family going forward.
What a great lesson this year with all going on in out country.
Yes, unexpected events can bring both fear and excitement! I lost my very special wife last month and I’m experiencing both the loss and fear and excitement of what the Holy Spirit has for me next.
My Zoom group has really been special encouraging me during this time,
Beautiful blog and great study of Genesis. Thanks for your Godly leadership and may GOD continue to bless you and your family.
Your thesis of the Messiah performing the father’s works on planet earth in so many ways ‘unexpected’ is truly insightful which has to have its genesis based on your knowledge of scripture plus
an intellect matched to the task, all gifts from God!
Well written and very much on point.
Amen! Thank You, Father God for faithfully working in all things for our good. Thank you for this encouraging article! 💗
Thank you so much Sue. I am inspired by Jacob and Joseph!
Your letter is inspiring. See you in Matthew!
I appreciate your sharing; 2020 the year of “The Pandemic” was soooo awfully hard & difficult for so many; and yes as you mentioned; God remained faithful! I thank God for His mercy & Grace as he comforted me & so many. I loss my husband of 37 years March 27, 2020, could not visit while he was in the hospital & could only have a funeral of 10 people, yet God never left my side and he sent soooo many beautiful and wonderful people to surround me to care for me to comfort me & pray for me. I thank God for family, church family and friends.
Dear Susie,
What an encouraging and inspirational “blog” you sent out to all of us BSFers during this challenging season in each of our lives. I just printed it out and will share it on Wednesday, May 19th, when I am hosting our discussion group’s first in- person gathering, a brunch, since we have been on ZOOM for the Genesis study. I can hardly wait to meet the ladies in person. Susie, thank you so much for your wonderful service to BSF globally. We will be praying for your imminent retirement, a new chapter in your “book of life”!
Susie,
Yes, it was an unexpected year in more ways than one. Surprising in a way I find difficult to explain. Beginnings has been a deeper understanding of God than I have ever experienced since my years in BSF. So many things happened, unexpectedly, and sometimes it felt as if I was on the roller coaster of my life. I think God enjoys it when we read His Word and can see our paths parallel with another person from so many years ago. As I was reading Genesis, I used to think how unreal their lives were, and I found it difficult to relate. Now I realize that it was surface reading and thinking, and I did not see their beliefs or similarities to my life.
I can no longer say Genesis lacks in variety or excitement. It is rich in God’s Grace for them and me today, His faithfulness, His sovereignty, omniscience, patience, guidance, and the fulfillment of His love as He blesses and continues to plan my future for His purpose. He leaves me with the security of Jesus as my Savior, the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I grow spiritually, and trusting in God for everything!
How can I thank Our Father enough for His unconditional love and His beautiful Word that far too many people believe is of no importance? He wants me to help others find the secrets of His Word. I cannot praise God enough for His creation and the beauty surrounding me daily. I no longer want to do everything perfectly because only God is perfect. He wants me to reflect His truths in my life for all to see through Faith! How simple all this seems, knowing I will try, yet I realize my brokenness will be my failure.
What I realize is expected – Jesus will be there to pick me up and hold me in His loving arms when I do fail. And, I will walk with Jesus again, knowing His gift of Salvation is my only hope.
We come full circle—Beginnings this year; New Beginnings next year with our first book of the New Testament, Matthew. How appropriate!
Even in the uncertain times God is Good.Zoom made it possible for us to meet safely.and to spread the word.The Genesis story the beginning showed how God can use man, in his sin to accomplish much.I look forward to Matthew and the introduction of Jesus to the world.Thank you’ll for all you do. God Bless
Susie, thank you for your encouraging and inspiring blogs. I can identify with you in the unexpected loss of Friends and love ones, Postponed wedding plans of our grandson, Addiction and conflicts of a family member. And at the same time God has stepped in with abundant blessings and provisions and joy from God’s word and the fellowship with my BSF group of ladies through Zoom. God still works in mysterious ways… even through technology. Thank you. 🙏
Love you, Susie! Thank you!!
Thank you for BSF and so much this course has done to help us get through this unexpected pandemic. Praise God for he is good!
I gave truely enjoyed the studies for this year. My study group of ladies are awesome. Look forward to studies in Matthew.
I too moved from New York to southern Ohio during a pandemic, as part of my retirement plan. I didn’t know what to expect in such a foreign place. This study has been my rock during these troubled times. As a family, we’ve suffered many loses and unexpected events. And, we’re grown closer, more patient and loving with each others. God does work situations out for our good. We can put our trust in him.
Beautifully written! Great “UN-Expectations” abound all around us, but, as you said so eloquently, “God delights, even specializes in working in and through the unexpected circumstances of your life and mine.” Thank you for this timely reminder! God is so faithful!
Thank you, Susie, for these beautiful words at the end of our study of Genesis and to inspire us to worship and give Glory to God as we move forward through life.
May God richly bless and keep you through ‘the unexpected’ in retirement. Thank you for your faithful service. Karel Jahns
Dear Susie,
What an encouraging and inspiring message to all of us BSFers during this challenging time in our lives I will be sure to share your “blog” with my discussion group as we meet for our first in-person gathering for Brunch at our home on Wednesday, May 19th. It seems as if we are emerging from a time of hibernation, though the pandemic is far from over. Thank you for your blessed service to BSF, Susie, and do enjoy your well deserved retirement!
I am so glad I was able to join an online class this year. What I have learned via the reading and also the sharing continues to bring me peace. Our group is blessed with such a wonderful leader. Like Joseph and so many others I too experienced loss this past 12 months. Friends passing on to their heavenly homes , job frustrations and people coming and going in and out of my life for various reasons. All stressful moments. When I think back now to these moments, I think of what all Joseph experienced. God quietly reminds me that he was there for Joseph and He is there for me. Such peace fills my heart and gives me strength. Looking forward to a new study this fall. Thank you all for making it possible.
We are so blessed to have God’s Word that promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us, and He works all things for good.
So, expect God to show up in our unexpected circumstances. I’ve been in men’s BSF for four years and have been greatly blessed.
Thank you to the BSF leadership for all your efforts in keeping this program alive and moving forward with today’s technology.
Thank you Suzie, not only for this wonderful summation of our year but for your steady voice as the BSF Executive Director. You have had great influence on my life starting with the first time I heard you speak at a training conference. As you began to speak the very first word out of your mouth was Jesus. It made such an impression on me that I now make it a requirement of myself every time I speak publicly. Also, as our BSF leader your reflections, teachings and blogs always are filled with scripture. And now you set the example of retiring and trusting God for a new season in your life and a new leader to carry us forward into His Plans. Thank you Suzie you have been a major influence for Christ in my life.
I read the most wonderful devotional this morning. “If you are ever lacking in perspective, read the first two and the last two chapters of the Bible. Genesis1-2 and Revelation 21-22 are pictures of perfection. From paradise to paradise, from the Garden of Eden to the city of God, from the dust of the earth to the bride of Christ, wisdom rules.Taking away the huge parentheses on the sin problem-Genesis 3-Revelation 20, we see the holiness of God and the beauty of His handiwork. It’s our origin and our destiny, all rolled into one.” As Christians we are blessed to see the beginning and the end and know that God is faithful through it all. As plants grow toward the sunlight, let our lives grow toward God’s wisdom. I thank God each day for his faithfulness and his trustworthiness in my life. God IS good. ALL the time.
Thank you for your service to BSF and our Sovereign God. All praise and glory to Him for raising you up and sustaining you through your tenure as Executive director. We pray God’s continued blessings for you and your family in this new phase of your journey.
We all will miss you! The Lord bless you and your family as you go forward.
thank you. I have appreciated your words, encouraging words…praying for God to be with you in those next steps.
also, I have respected your words and felt that they have showed the love and compassion of God.
I have participated in BSF for a long time on and off. Just when I think it cannot get any better or that His Word cannot be presented or discussed in a more fulfilling way, it happens. It is with BSF that I expect the unexpected. God places people and discussions in my life that I needed and at the time I did not even know I needed them. Thank you to all at BSF that has been used by God to be a blessing and a friend to so many around the world including me. I love you all as Sisters in Christ.
Susie, you have no idea how much you have blessed my life in unexpected ways. Thank you and God Bless you.
Such a beautiful summary of the teachings of Genesis and accepting the unexpected. A wonderful reminder to know God’s power in all things in the universe and our lives.
I have felt the nearness more to our God! How he lead the whole family of Jacob to reconciliation. Praying the same will happen in my family through God’s leadership and His timing not mine!
Such an awesome word. Thank you for your obedience to God and your Leadership in shepherding all of His sheep throughout the years. Praying Gods protection and peace over you and your family. Enjoy this next chapter in your Book of Life. Hugs!
Dear Susie what a blessing you are as I was reading your words I could see your face and hear your voice. Thank you for giving so much to all of us the were blessed enough to be under your wisdom
May God bless you with all the blessings you freely gave to us. You will be missed. Joy for the journey ♥️🙌🏻🕊
Indeed God often uses our life circumstances and our desperate need to make us turn to His. And by His grace He can restore what sin has destroyed. Joseph and family were finally united in very difficult circumstances all to the glory of God. The lessons from The Book of Genesis have been very profound. May His name be praised.
Thank you Susan and all BSF family. May He remain faithful to you all.
Thank for your obedience to service
Thank you Susie,
God put you in the right place at the right time and used you to lead BSF to new and unexpected places. May God bless you in all the new ” adventures” He has for you and your family.
As we say to our faithful soldiers returning from battles overseas and home, “thank you for your service”sister in Christ!
Susie, as a long time BSF’er, these words of appreciation are long overdue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your years of service through BSF to the many thousands of us who love to study God’s word! This week’s blog was a great reminder that God is always with us, working everything for our good, even in the bad times and “unexpected” times. May the Lord continue to bless you and use you as you make this transition into retirement and a new beginning in your new home. Thank you!! Your sister in Christ, Jan Ward
Will BSF be in person in Fall of 2021 in Minnetonka, MN at Redeemer Bible Church?
Hi Kathryn,
Check in with your Class Administrator or Group Leader! Each class is taking different steps toward meeting in person, but we are so thankful for the faithful leaders around the world who are navigating this process. You can search for that contact information here: https://www.bsfinternational.org/find-a-group/
The study of Genesis has proven how God is always there no matter what
God is good! No matter what situation we face and how bad the world turn us away god remains the same faithful to us. Thank you for this message of unexpected. Every day we have unexpected things happening but god is there to support us and sooth us.
This is so well written and speaks to my heart because so many things that have happen from 2020 To this place in2021 I’m sure many of us could write a book about How Faithful our Heavenly Father has been to awaken The Holy Spirit in us ! Let us move forward in The Grace, Mercy and Love of Christ Jesus in His Church.
No matter how familiar I think I am with the Patriarch’s, God always teaches me something more! At age 70 I am reading through Ecclesiastes with a much deeper understanding.
Praise the Lord.
The story of Joseph and indeed the whole book of Genesis is a clear testomy of the all knowing nature of God.He knows the end from the beggining and His ways are different from man’s ways.This understanding has greatly inspired me to seek Him and dwell in His word always.May we all be blessed.
Praise God. Yes we all are passing through the unexpected. The year was the same for me too,but the challenges were in different forms. I thank God for His word Genesis study. It was a great encouragement for me. And the strugle I faced to study the word and attending the Saturdy leaders meeting and Monday men’s group bsf was tough. But thanks to God I have learned a great lesson from it. Indeed our God is a good God. His faithfulnes endures forever. Thank you and God bless you for you have been discharging your God given responsibility and became a blessing for hundred thousands all across the globe.
Well written gospel message!
I was “unexpected” to be saved by grace searching for the true God while in the USMC during the Vietnam era. God led me through chaplains, to my wife(a young born again believer from a W.Va., Baptist church and preaching grandfather), to the Easter of 1975 where God revealed himself to my heart. That week, I “unexpectedly” kneeled in the living room of my wife’s parents home while 2 men from the church led me through the prayer of salvation. How simple that prayer “unexpectedly” led me to the throne of my Lord Jesus Christ! I knew there was a God that didn’t require complicated ritualistic prayers and mysterious foreign language spoken by a priest out of a book so impersonal and without comfort. Praise God! He searched me out and allowed me to simple ask Him to forgive me and save my soul!
You will be missed Susie, bless you!
May you retirement be filled with God’s blessings to enjoy a new journey!
May you fine Kansas a place of sunshine/joy around family/friends.
Yours truly,
Jeanie Chuyou
Nicely said.
This “season” we’re in, has been bearable because our BSF Bible Study was already set up for Zoom discussion group each Friday, here in Oakdale CA (satellite of Modesto Day BSF Study). You have all been such an anchor for me and I am in awe with BSF Headquarters scheduling Acts (last year), Genesis (this year), and Matthew (in the Fall 2021). It couldn’t be more perfect
Dear Susie,
Congratulations and good luck in retirement – i pray that as I, you will that retirement allows for more time of reflection and prayer. There will be unexpected, both good and bad, but with Jesus Christ in us, there will be peace and joy in all.
God bless you and thank you for your important work.
Beautiful Insights… I love this! Wow! I remember studying Matthew after my 1st husband passed away unexpectedly. Matthew reminded me that though the Jews were waiting for an earthly King Jesus gave them and us Gentiles something better – salvation for eternity. I had expected to be married to this guy for my whole life and have children with him. After he passed away 6 months into our marriage, I was on the watch for Jesus ways which are higher than my ways. I was a leader in bsf for 9 years until my second marriage. God took all that training from bsf and has had me mentor young gals in our church now for 7 years or more. God showed me that though I wouldn’t have physical children I would be a “mother” to these gals in our church. God also used that training in bsf to support me as I opened my small business in health with natural nutrition for the last 17 years. God has blessed me greatly. Serving Him has been the most fulfilling work I have done!
Yes 👍🏼
Thank you, Susie, for how you have blessed us. I feel honored that I was able to hear you speak live at our last retreats. In your blog, I appreciate your references to Joseph and others in the Old Testament who suffered but remained faithful. The book of Genesis was a great book to study during this Pandemic year. Wishing you every blessing as you transition to retirement!
We will miss you and your creative leadership.
I am blessed and encouraged by your timely sharing. Thank you for your faithful shepherding of your fellow flock .May Jesus continue to bless you He is our Immanuel ! He is Sovereign, He is Constant He is Good!
Enjoyed your blog. Very insightful and inspiring. Thank you.
Praise be to our Lord and King ” Jesus Christ”. The past 3 years have been unexpected years through much hardships and sorrows, but through it all Jesus Christ has been my rock and through the lessons of BSF and fellowship with all the teachers and ladies at BSF I have been able to endure. It is not easy, and yet as my family is still going through hard times, I know that God is near and at work in my life. He never forsakes or abandons me. Just like we learned in the life of Joseph, God works always through our troubles and Romans 8:28 is so true.
BSF has been a great support for me throughout the years I have been attending. It has taught me so much of God’s word and shown me how to share His words with others. God bless you, and may God bless you as you move to another state and continues to show you His perfect will.
Shalom in His Holy Name.
Love the perspective you give on Matthew showing that man can’t even perceive what God is going to do but we can trust that it is all for our good & His glory. My Aunt & Uncle lived in Kansas City & it is absolutely beautiful there & a lot of American history is there. The same man who designed Washington DC designed Kansas City. Blessings to you
We indeed thank God for this far, unexpected ways of learning word of God but He has brought us through.
God bless you.
THANK YOU SUSIE, FOR THIS POST IT IS THE GUIDE TO LIFE. EVERYTHING IS UNEXPECTED AND IT IS SO EXCITING TO SEEING HOW OUR AWESOME GOD WILL WORK THINGS OUT TO HIS GLORY AND HIS PURPOSE. I MUST TELL YOU I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS ZOOM THING. I MISS THE FACES AND HUGS OF MY FRIENDS AND I MISSED THEM SO MUCH. I AM SO HAPPY WE ARE GOING BACK TO IN-PERSON CLASSES. LOOK WITH ANTICIPATION ON YOUR NEXT JOURNEY TO SEE HOW YOU WILL GROW THERE AND GET TO SEE YOUR FAMILY MORE. I LEARNED BEING RETIRED FROM THE ARMY GOING ON TWENTY YEARS OR MORE. I AM STILL WORKING FOR HIM. WE ARE NEVER FINISHED WORKING FOR HIS KINGDOM NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE AND WHAT STAGE OF LIFE WE ARE IN. I WISH YOU WELL MY SISTER IN CHRIST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Beautifully said. Thank you for your leadership and humility. One thing Jesus told believers to expect was that we would have trouble in this world. That encourages me to thank Him and be grateful for every moment I’m not experiencing any trouble. Thank you Jesus for taking away our sins so we may be alive in You!
Amen!! Thank you for the beautiful authentic “realness” of being a Jesus Follower to the BSF ministry. I began BSF in 1988 and attended and served through 2003. I’ve returned whenever a new study was launched and have loved all the positive changes. May the Lord bless you and keep you close to Himself throughout your coming years. Sally Cook
Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts as many in our BSF class have experienced and continue to experience ‘unexpected’ events, ‘but God’ has shown us He delights to step into those places in our lives and make Who He is known.
Thank you for your leadership in BSF over the years.
Thank you Susie. For your encouraging words and for the many years of encouragement you’ve given. Although I enjoy your blogs and visits, I know you deserve this retirement and time with family. May I encourage you with this verse – Numbers 6:24-26.
Thank you so much.
Dear Susie, I have so enjoyed reading your messages to us. I pray your new season in Kansas City will be a rich and fun experience for you and your family.
God Bless and Keep You,
Kay
Thank you Susie. As usual your comments are encouraging and heart warming. You reinforce Faith in God. May He bless you.
How true and comforting your words always are! This is beautiful. In thinking about our LM Sharing day tomorrow, I think back all through Genesis at the many people who endured, then thrived, because of or in spite of the unexpected! Many endured long and hard, but their trust in God was so inspiring to me.
This is my second time in Genesis and oh how much more God spoke to me. What a blessing this study has been.
Thank you Susie for your tireless hours serving our Lord and the many who have gained so much as you share your heart.
With love,
A grateful child of God
Susie,
Thanks for your letter. We also found many “unexpected” topics in the book of Genesis…well some of us probably expected them!
1) The world was created by God in 6 literal days…unlike what we learned in science class (if we went to public school). 2) God rested and sanctified the 7th day (Saturday not Sunday).And marriage is for one man and one woman…both before there were Jews. 3) Satan told us we would never die…we thought God said it. 4) God sent a worldwide Flood and most of those fossils we learned about in science class were a result of that Flood. 5) We also learned about tithe…that it was around before Moses 6) that obedience was important before the 10 Commandments were given at Sinai. as were the rest of the commandments 7) Abraham was saved by grace…as were Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and all the rest of the New Testament faithful (recheck Hebrews 11). The question now is, “What do we do with what we have learned? Do we, through the work of the Holy Spirit conform our lives to what we have learned, or continue in the ways that we have been going in the past? I hope and pray that we will follow God’s leading and not write off Genesis as a bunch of myths. Enjoyed the study VERY much.
Thankyou Susie. This blog was just what I needed today.
I pray that your move will be filled with unexpected joys…and if hardships creep in, you are so well equipped to know they are for the greater good.
Joseph’s words to his brothers have really struck a cord with me. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” I could get really stressed about the current political climate in our country, but then I stop, take a breath, and realize that God has His plan, and it is intended not to harm me, but to bring about good. So that is my great hope and comfort in these unexpected times.
So true. That what knowing God is in control means to us. Only he can bring for ultimate good from a seemingly bad situation.
AMEN TO THAT MY FRIEND, I CAN RELATE TO THE CRAZINESS OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR WORLD, BUT THEN I KEEP GOING BACK TO HE IS IN CONTROL AND THAT BRINGS MY HEART RATE DOWN MOST TIMES. BY THE WAY, I AM NOT YELLING, I AM OLD AND I LIKE TO TYPE IN CAPS. BESIDES, I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT SPELLING, AND OTHER LAWS OF WRITING. IF I GET ENOUGH LETTERS OF THE WORD I THINK YOU CAN GET WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY OK. LOVE YOU ALL. BE BLESSED AND HAPPY.
Thank you Susie for your sharing your ups and downs with us.Wishing you much happiness in your new home. I too have found this past year very difficult. My son in laws mother contracted Covid and was hospitalized.. She made it through a very bad time. Then her husband contracted the virus and was hospitalized sadly a week later he died. Then my daughter who I was staying with for a visit came down with it. She fortunately had a mild case and self quarantined at one end of the house. Thankfully I at age 82 did not get the virus nor my son in law. BSF has been a real source of strength and joy to me during this time. Meeting with my group each week was the high light of my week. I found strength,encouragement and laughter during those dark days. Our last class meeting this week we were able to all meet together for our last class. What a joy it was to meet in person. God bless you as you move 🌻😊
Praying for your family as you transition to Kansas City.
Thank you for sharing your awesome observations with us❣️
God bless you and keep you.
Dear BSF Family,
Thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow this year through the book of Genesis. I have truly enjoyed the leaders and the other ladies in our groups. May God continue to bless and guide BSF.
Just a quick but very heartfelt thank you for all your work in BSF!!! I pray that God will bless your transition in “unexpected” ways and clearly guide you through this next phase of your life!
Thank you for this reminder. How else can God be glorified? He works through the unexpected to finally catch our attention- to see the little miracles happening around us. God bless you for your faithful service through a very difficult year.
Thank you Suzie. Beautiful summation and blessing to all BSFers.
Jesus has been faithful to me and my family in all situation so he will see you through in your new move thanks for always sharing you encourage me thanks God bless you and keep you safe
Am trully encouraged.In these uncertain times and events i will trust the God who created and creates what is good.
This is great, I love it, and every word is so true. Thanks for everything that you have done, congratulations on your move. May God bless you and your family.
Great assessment of this past year. God is always sovereign and walks with us through our life challenges.
Dear Susie
Thank you very much indeed for your leadership and Service to God. Your messages have been compellingly inspiring. Just curious 🤔Will you be writing in retirement?
The Lords goodness and favor follow you and your family in the new season of life.
It is so true that God being a way-maker and a promise keeper
he will always do something that is always unexpected!
Like my case that I needed money to help a sister and a brother
and I really do not where to get the money that I have to send to
both of them!
And I went to check my bank account and there I go that I found
a direct deposit from the IRS which I did not expect at all
because for what I knew that I am not eligible to get those
EISPA (Economic Impact Stimulus Protective Act)
And I called IRS to verify and the Representative told me to read
the eligibility criteria how to be eligible and upon reading it, I am
qualified to receive the stimulus which I did not expect to receive!
God is so good and it amazes me how God works if we need help
from Him!!
As it says in Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and you shall receive” “Seek and you shall find” Knock and it shall be opened unto you”
Also in Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness and everything shall be added unto you!!
Those 2 chapters and verses in Matthew are 2 of my favorites
Bible Scriptures!
PRAISE GOD THAT HE IS SO FAITHFUL AND IF YOU ONLY PRAY
AND ASK IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON, EVERYTHING’WILL BE FINE AND LIVE WITH HIS GRACE AND PROTECTION!! AMEN AND AMEN!!
I am learning about God in a deeper way. My call within His plan matters.
I can hardly wait to witness the expected in His Own Way. He thrills me with Hix Goodness!
Great study this year
Thank you for your warm-hearted encouragement. I hope to resume my BSF participation this Fall and look forward to the fellowship!
Thank you, Susie! This was a powerful message, as always. I wish you a happy and joyous retirement.
Many blessings ahead for you and your family!
Thank you Susie for your years of service and faithful leading. I know God will continue to use you to accomplish His will. Studying God’s word has been a joy for me.
Is this translated in Spanish.. I lead a Spanish group. I’m not the most technologically savvy person and if there is a Spanish translation I would love to share it with my Spanish speaking ladies..
Thank you Susie for this and all your work over the years with BSF. I wish you and your husband a happy and healthy retirement with your family. BSF is a wonderful bible study and one which, God willing, I will continue in. I have learnt so much over the years but more importantly gave grown closer and closer to our wonderful God and learnt to rely on His grace to me.
What a Blessing the book of Genesis has. From Creation to the Cave ( Jacob’s Burial ) Through many times of highs and lows God was always faithful and forgiving and will never leave or forsake us.
I loved going through Genesis study beginning with creation & the amazing things God did & Continues to do in letting us know why all this happened. For our sake for the sin He knew was on it’s way for entire world! God knows us better than we know ourselves!! We NEED a Savior & this is a Love Story with JESUS!
Beautifully said! Thank you!
God prepared huge unexpected health issues that almost cost my life, but his wisdom and omnipotence bore me through. I give him praise and glory for his faithfulness even as He did for A braham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph..
“God delights – perhaps even specializes – in working in and through the unexpected circumstances of your life and mine. Where we feel most desperate, most fearful, most needy and shameful, God is powerfully present to do the unexpected.”
Thank you.
Above has touched me in a special way. Thank you for been a blessing through your sharing.
Thank you for all you have done for BSF
Thanks, God is powerfully present to do the unexpected. Mine is unexpected loss of a career after having passed so well in school and getting employed immediately after college. I was, in my eyes, financially set for life. I am now waiting for the God who was with Joseph to reveal my next financial chapter. And I know He will do it in Jesus name.
Susie, thank you for a splendid year studying the book of Genesis. Each day I look forward to learning more about God and His followers. Have a great summer.
Diane Scott
Thank you dear Susie.
What an immense blessing you have been in my life as a godly example, great encouragement and gentle edifier. I will miss you and your joyful soul. I’ll never forget you dressed as Minnie Mouse at what would be our last live leaders retreat in Anaheim.
May God continue to keep you, bless you and be with you until we meet again
With much love
Yelena
Thank you Susie for your heartfelt and inspiring blog! Thank you for your leadership and work! I pray Gods richest blessings for you in what God has prepared for you in this new season of your life. It will be good because He is in it!
I thank God for the study of Genesis 37-50 “that gives me courage to face the unexpected.
As I’ve been waiting for God to restore my business at TRU International Limited Agency that has been so low since Jan 2020. Through my husband, we recently acquired a holiday home in kilifi, to hire out on Air b n b plus use it as family to save us the expenses of hiring hotels during holidays. This came unexpectedly for me and my husband as we began the process in October 2020 and property handed over to use on March 5th 2021 .. We’ve experienced too much God’s grace in identifying the house and even seeking its mortgage and furnishing it.
We have been working from the location from March 5th,thank God, to date as a family, since our country had been locked down since march 29th and we couldn’t hire it out. We are now trusting God for clients as I trust God to change my mindset if this is the new thing he has brought my way as he restores our business.
I thank God for the unlimited time I’ve had to spend with my family through the covid season and feel God strengthening my family mountain as I used to be very busy before. Hard as it was, God had granted his grace everyday and I continue to trust him to perfect his purpose in us.
Am strong and encouraged, drawing strength and courage from the story of Joseph that every dream God ordains will come to pass, at his time, in his way.
Blessings
Wonderfully explained!
This study of Genesis has really strengthened my faith in God.And also help me in my present circumstances that I am going through.I now believe that he is always working for my good even when am not aware of it,as he did for Joseph.
Unexpected Blessings in unexpected times …HE is Able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABOVE ALL that we can ask or imagine.
Hallelujah. What an Almighty God we serve.
Susie, thank you for your wonderful leadership and of course you will surely be missed but you have a new chapter in your book of life that will be fulfilling. I am in the Colleyville, Texas group and the study this year has been wonderful. Our group leader is Jim Weaver and what a dedicated and inspiration leader he has been. Thank you and thank BSF for hanging in there through this past year and I sure look forward to meeting in person for our next series. Bless you and your family.
This is truly a wonderful insight and illustration with what we have been through in all the “unexpected.” And yet God has indeed been faithful. What a wonderful connection you made in our recent study of Genesis, especially with Joseph’s life, and projecting ahead next year in Jesus’ life. This Genesis study couldn’t have possibly been more timely!
God bless you Susie and thank you for your faithful service to BSF and as its director. Thank you for your example of standing firm for your faith. I pray the Lord has some lovely unexpected surprises for you as you transition into retirement and back home to Kansas City.
To God Be The Glory!
In His Name,
Kate Day
Such a beautiful read with much hope in spite of our pandemic and trials. Thanks for all you do and the time you put into our studies. Louise
Such a beautiful description of hope in spite of our trials. Thanks for all you do. We’re lucky to have faithful people like you who are willing to devote time.
Thank you, Susie! Your words help reconcile feelings endured this season. God is with us. BSF has been a great encouragement, and I pray your retirement will bring new fulfillment to you and yours. Blessings proceed, on and on.
I hope that the Matthew study notes will be given to us at the beginning of the year with the notes/questions for the entire year. This was so great to be able to have everything for the year in one spiral bound book. Please give consideration to this for BSF for all years. All ladies in my group agreed this was great. Looking forward to the study in Matthew.
Thank you so much, Susan, for articulating so well what is truth about our gracious and faithful God.
We will miss you but thankful that in faithfulness He goes before you and each of us in the coming days! Praise His Holy Name!
Thank you for sharing… Yes, it is the most unexpected difficult times in our lives that our a lord does the deepest work , in us and through us. Thank You Lord for Your abu Dany grace and mercy!!
BSF Genesis study has served to deepen & expand the truth of God, stabilize life through pandemic & much political turmoil in USA. The blessings of God through this study in the passed semester year is unexpected, beyond measure, for me. I praise God for the blessings, and thank you, Susie and others serving at BSF HQ, thank you for your faithfulness to God, & passion to serve & to love! God bless you, Susie, as you transition!
Thank you for your encouraging words in this unexpected season of life. I know that the Lord means it all for good, even the hard trials of our life.
Praising God even in the mist of pain and patiently waiting for His return for His own.
That’s so powerful Susie. “Unexpected” is what most of us have experienced since covid broke out last year but as you have rightly put it “Jesus Christ has been and will always be our”unexpected King” who overcomes everything for us in His usual “unexpected ways”! I give all the glory to Him for all His “unexpected doings” in my life in this season! He remains faithful.
Dear Susie, thank you for your dedicated leadership and sharing your words of wisdom in this blog. Because of the unexpected, I was drawn to the theme of BSF “Beginnings” for the study of Genesis this year. I was so ready and wanting to start fresh. However, this has not gone how I hoped. God continues to prove He is Faithful, and I will continue to be His work in progress. Beginnings actually marks “the end” for you. God’s blessings to you in your retirement. Well done good and faithful servant! I will miss you.
Like you, Susie, our retirement of five-ish years ago relocated us in a similar, unexpected way.
We moved from the NYC area after raising our boys there to Fort Worth, Texas (my husband’s high school home town).
The unexpected was beautifully cushioned by God in one (of several) major transitional crossover of Bible Study Fellowship.
When BSF began in NYC, I was at it’s start–27 or so years ago. Over time, both our boys did the Preschool Program with me, and I was a small group leader. Forwarding to Fort Worth, I attended my first class here the day our movers arrived (who graciously set our delivery to that afternoon) and have been a group leader yet again, four of the five years. Bottom-line, BSF has been a deep blessing to our family.
Also, my husband’s NYC area work schedule and travel didn’t coincide with men’s BSF. Since here, he started BSF and has been a children’s leader four years.
BSF family graciously and lovingly surrounded us a few months after arrival, at my 100 year old mom’s funeral–she came to Texas with us.
God moved us, like Abraham and subsequent family-in faith- with challenges to meet and growth to experience yet richly blessing in obedience.
Dear Susie,
As an ardent and grateful student in BSF since 1972, and therefore the very fortunate recipient of teaching from Miss Johnson, Rosemary Jensen, Jean Nystrand and you, I cannot thank you enough for your answer to God’s calling to this ministry. Your blog speaks of all the unexpected things we experience and I am sure you never expected to be the one He would use to transition this ministry into the digital, hi-tech, remote world we find ourselves in. I have marveled at the ease with which you have done this. From the classes perspective, you have not missed a beat! It is obvious you have been carried along as God has used your wisdom, education, leadership skills, marriage and unshakeable faith to move us all forward, determined to study God’s Word, no matter what!!!
I have the utmost respect for you and your wonderful husband and family and pray you will have an amazing next chapter.
In His love and mine,
Candy Doud
Great year on Zoom with my class. Thank you all for giving us that
What a great, faithful, merciful and loving God we serve. Praise His Holy Name
Powerful reflection Susie. May God continue to pursue you and me with His goodness in the same way he pursued Jacob with His goodness even though Jacob didn’t deserve it. We don’t deserve God’s goodness too but in His grace and Mercy He shows us His mercies in many ways. I have learned much more about the goodness of God as He purely preserves Joseph for His glory. Glory be to His name.
Susie
Thank you for relating our current Genesis study to the turmoil that has come thru during the Covid pandemic. Post Covid is also a new beginning of a new way of life as we know it. For starters we will now refer with nostalgia how life in Bsf was before, during and after Covid. Bsfers will glorify God for His saving grace. Like during Joseph’s time nothing surprises Him; not Covid, not the Covid waves nor the quickly developed Covid vaccines. The greatest joy is knowing that God is ever in control.
Thank you for your commitment to magnifying God’s word and maturing all Bsfers world wide in an unstoppable way during the Covid pandemic. Kansas could be your Goshen, so as you move from Texas and retire in your home state we pray that God will open new unknown opportunities for you.
I believe we are all looking forward to meeting in person for our Bible Study Fellowship. While online meeting worked, I look forward to the in-person and in depth feeling we have when we are able to see our fellow members in the eye/face. For me it has a entirely different feeling to it and is a way to continue
fellowship and create new friendships as well. For example, maybe going for lunch or coffee with someone from your group or several people continuing the discussion on after group. I hope this makes sense. Thank You.
I have so enjoyed my 8 years in BSF, !
I wish Susie Rowan a wonderful retirement with her family in Kansas! We will miss her!
Well done Susie! You are His good and faithful servant! I’m thankful for ALL the ways GOD used you, as an instrument in His Mighty hand to orchestrate all the preparations inside BSF before He allowed the pandemic.
Your leadership is much appreciated! Even though I didn’t see every technological advance as necessary during my years of serving as class administrator, I am beyond grateful for your obedience to bring this ministry into this century poised for a transition to Zoom meetings during this crisis!
As I followed His call to move to Texas, my peace came in knowing I had many classes to choose from in the Fort Worth area. How precious the gift of women friends are who faithfully meet each week on our computers to discuss His Word! They are a treasure to me, to have some semblance of “normal” in my move provided much needed stability.
GOD is so very good! I’m trusting that HE has great plans for you in your retirement! Kansas City may not yet know how GREAT IS OUR GOD, but soon through you and your Love for Him and all His children, this city is about to be BLESSED!
Praying that GOD will surround you with an army of angels to pave the way ahead on the path He wants you to follow!
Much love in Christ! You will be missed!
Happily,
Ann Bartels Tackett
Amen and Amen!
Thank You God for the way this message has touched my eyes, ears, mind & heart… this message of praising You for the unexpected times with the full assurance of the good that lies ahead and because of Who You are, we can always expect the good that awaits…Praise God!
God is with me in all times.
How great is our GOD!!! Thank you, Susie, for sharing your thoughts of the “unexpected” assurance that the KING is with us—all the way to the triumphant end. I look forward to studying Matthew with new sisters who will share such enlightening answers, many of which we can apply. I will be praying for you and your family as you start a new chapter in Kansas City.
Amen and Hallelujah for Gods hand in all new “Unexpected “ events and changes in our lives as we move always forward as part of Our Father’s amazing plan!