The Prophets Remained Faithful
And We Can Too
By Hollie Roberts — BSF Executive Director
God’s call to be a Teaching Leader was so clear. Yet just three weeks into the new role, I was questioning my abilities with a trusted friend. I hoped she would say, “Hollie, you are doing just fine.” Instead she said, “That is not yours to judge. You are simply asked to be faithful to God’s call and trust that He will work in you and through you.” I was stunned, yet I needed the clarity and honesty of her words.
I will never forget the freedom of confessing, “Lord, I know that I am not enough, but You are.” That simple prayer gave me the courage to trust Almighty God in my weakness. To this day, I echo those words often.
When we surrender our lives to Christ, we commit to go where He leads and act as He directs. But sometimes God’s call can feel overwhelming. Is He really asking me to surrender my comfort? Does He honestly expect me to sacrifice my time, money, or relationships? God’s call on our lives often strains the limits of our faith and our abilities.
We are challenged to ask, “How far will I go? Am I willing to let God disrupt my ordinary life to pursue His extraordinary purpose?”
As we consider these difficult questions, we find hope and courage in the lives of the Old Testament prophets.
How far will I go? Am I willing to let God disrupt my ordinary life to pursue His extraordinary purpose?
They found hope in God’s character
Through men like Elijah, Hosea, Isaiah, and their contemporaries, we discover that God gave these faithful servants a humanly impossible task —to preach repentance to a people who refused to repent.
How did these men find hope in a season that seemed hopeless?
They relied on God’s character instead of their own.
In choosing Isaiah, God asked him to leave a life of prosperity and influence to embrace the call to preach and, in turn, to suffer. In Isaiah 6, when God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” When Isaiah asked, “For how long, Lord?” God responded, “… until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.”
From a worldly perspective, Isaiah’s ministry was impossible. But Isaiah’s hope stretched beyond his circumstances. He trusted God’s Word because He knew God’s character. God said, “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 rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4). And Isaiah believed.
Though the Israelites did not repent, God used Isaiah’s work to strengthen and encourage His people for generations. Thousands of years later, God is still using the book of Isaiah to change the hearts and minds of those who read it.
God does not call His people to empty work, even when we struggle to understand His purpose.
God does not call His people to empty work, even when we struggle to understand His purpose. When we face a seemingly impossible task, God simply asks us to respond in faith, “Here am I. Send me!”
When we cling to God’s character, He offers hope. He promises to sustain and carry His people.
They found courage in God’s Word
Several years into my role as a Teaching Leader, I experienced an incredibly difficult year. It was one of those seasons when life seemed to unravel one thread at a time. I thought, “If God’s call is going to be this difficult, I want out.” Like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4, I prayed, “I have had enough, Lord.”
In Elijah’s desperation, God spoke with a whisper, and Elijah found courage in the Word of the Lord. When God spoke to Elijah, He revealed a plan that stretched beyond Elijah’s circumstances—a plan to inspire a new generation of prophets. Elijah’s mission did not change. He was still hunted and despised. He was still called to preach to a rebellious nation. But Elijah’s perspective changed—as He trusted God’s Word to sustain him.
Through the prophets, we see this again and again. When Jeremiah said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young,” God responded, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:6, 8). God faithfully established Jeremiah’s confidence.
We find that God’s call still stretches the limits of our faith.
Maybe you can relate. During that difficult season years ago, I turned to God’s Word for comfort. Through Scripture, God gave me even more—I found courage. Through those painful circumstances, God prepared me to serve in a role I never expected—as BSF’s Executive Director. Once again, God affirmed that He never wastes our struggles.
As we look forward to our study of John, we find that God’s call still stretches the limits of our faith. But the words of Jesus give us hope and courage: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
With your BSF group this year, you have studied God’s character through the words and lives of His prophets. Where have you found hope? Where do you need courage? I pray that together we will be people who faithfully respond to God’s call. A people who say, “Here am I. Send me!”
Hollie Roberts
BSF Executive Director
Hollie Roberts stepped into the Executive Director role in September 2021 after serving as BSF’s Chief Field Development Officer. Hollie and her husband Kevin have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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Hello! I’d like to listen to the BLOGS on my walks but I do not see how to do this. Is there a way!
Hi Charlotte! Blogs are not currently available on audio, but you can listen to audio notes and lectures on the BSF app.
Charlotte, unfortunately we do not currently offer an audio version of blogs. But we would love to do so in future!
Thank you for the encouragement, May God bless you…
Indeed Lord Here I am,send me…
God uses our experiences for His glory.
I am in a difficult family situation and I am encouraged that God never wastes our struggles!!!
Thank you for the work you are doing in Bsf. This study has helped me look beyond my circumstances and put my focus on God. He is faithful and His love is beyond comprehension
Thank you for all you do for BSF!
I have benefited greatly from this study. I see God’s heart for a rebellious people like never before. Again thank you and may God bless you.
Hello Mrs. HOLLIE ROBERTS & BFS staff,
Enjoyed this study so much.( The Old Testament) Divided Kingdom.Knowing God has plans for me, I do not see carrying out these plans would be disrupted, and hopefully I am doing His will,with certainty He is with me.Thanks Hollie for the work you are doing and your comments well stated.This study has confirmed how great He is and the love He has for us. It also reminds me how much I need Him in my life. I love, love, BFS.
I planned to retire at the end of the school year. I had been praying for the Lord’s guidance what I could do with my extra time. My thoughts leaned towards volunteer work. I did not expect an answer so soon. I was asked before the end of the school year to be a co-leader with the BSF group I currently studied with. I too struggled with my abilities. Your friend’s response still sticks with me and reminds me to lean on Him and trust that He will supply what I need. This blog came at just the right time. Of course!
Is it possible to get a Spanish version of this blog? I have been very blessed by this bible study.
Hi Marisela, we do not currently have a Spanish version of these blogs. But thank you for your feedback!
Marisela – we would love to offer a Spanish version – would you pray with us?
Thank you SO for your commitment to us so we might grow in God’s Word. Sincerely in Him.
We are SO thankful for your leadership and that of our local leadership, here in Atlanta.We have a wonderful group and have been so blessed through the years, having attended for many years now. Thank you for all that you do for us. Sincerely in Him, Nancy Waring
Thanks for your leadership in keeping BSF strong in serving God through Bible study and leadership. The BSF lessons continue to provide excellent study material and study questions for applying God’s word to our lives. The world continues to focus on self and distractions, but God remains faithful to his word and promises. BSF helps us to study the Bible and apply God’s word to our lives. God is an awesome God who sent Jesus to be our savior.
I am so thankful for BSF! Thank you for your service! Thank you for your words of encouragement. Life struggles are real! Hard, as a matter of fact! Studying the “Divided Kingdom” has given me a greater love and honor for God and His amazing Faithfulness! So thankful for Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice!
I enjoyed what you had to say. I too have gone through trying times but the Lords has always
been with me. As I get older I will put my faith in the Lord and where he leads me I know He will
be with me.
I have really enjoyed BSF on the Prophets this year our God is an Awesome God
Thank you for wise words! I’m
involved a new ministry at my home church for single, pregnant young women. We’ve really struggled as those referred to us resist the invitation to come for support and encouragement. God’s call for this ministry is sure, and in the face of unresponsiveness, your blog helps keep us centered on His call.
Powerful testimony of trusting God , when trust is different than how you feel.
Love His story
This year’s study of the prophets was relatable to today’s wor;ld. We saw that their obedience and perseverance took on a whole new meaning for us and that learning what it means to serve God even when it gets hard.
Thank you, Hollie, for your perseverance!
This study made me realized how much God loves His people. How patient He was reminding them through several prophets to go back to Him but still being ignored. His love endures forever.
This study through zoom helped me grow deeper in my knowledge of God’s will to us all.
Thank you Holly!
Your shared story touched my heart.
Good thoughts and help to tie these amazing prophets lives together. God is in control!
I really enjoyed what you had to say about the old testament prophets. Continue to be faithful to the Lord. I too have enjoyed enjoyed the ladies discussion group via zoom. We have an amazing God!
Thank you for your timely message. As a first time leader I felt unsure at times of God’s calling & my inadequacy. God’s word & my reliance on Him, not myself, enabled me to be encouraged & continue. The challenges the prophets faced, & their commitment to obey God served as a role model for me this year.God is faithful & knows our every need.
Thank you Hollie. This is exactly what I needed to hear!
Thank you for sharing this Hollie- I really think it is God”s timing as since joining BSF for the first time this year , fresh from bereavement, I am really being called by the Lord to do more for His purpose & to lead others to Him. I do not know exactly yet where the Lord intends to lead me to, but I will continue to pray to His plan for me to be revealed.
Thank you for all the resources that are available in BSF. This is my first year as a discussion leader, and the Lord has seen me through a very difficult year in my personal life, but He has always been there through my fears and questions and being a leader has made me show up, even when it is difficult. I LOVE BSF and thank you for your wisdom Hollie.
I was so glad to be a part of BSF this year! Our class leader, Deborah was amazing! Calm, knowledgeable, and faithful !! I have a very special respect for all those in leadership! Especially over the Lord’s work!
I’m sitting here very early in the morning at a family members home we are visiting. The house is dark and I only have my phone to read from without disturbing my husband still asleep. I decided to go to the BSF page and scroll for something to read. I’m a first time leader and I completed my lesson yesterday but I know there is always more to draw from on this site. I haven’t been to the Blog section in a while so as you can tell, I landed here. I know it wasn’t by chance I did! I needed so very much of what you shared Hollie. It’s been a tough first year as a leader. My ladies are wonderful and full of grace, its me that’s been tough on myself. From now on I will pray “Lord I’m not enough but You are”. If Ive learned anything from this years study it’s what you said about clinging to God’s character. He does bring hope and for me not just the area of leadership but in my own personal life. I’ll end with another quote you left and will claim this as well! “God does not call His people to empty work, even when we struggle to understand His purpose”. Praise be to God
This was so encouraging. Thank you. I need to remind my ladies to read this
I have gained courage in re-reviewing the Word of God through the prophets. The many issues of today leaves me asking God “how much more”, but through this study and words of Hollie, I have strength to continue to serve God even when I have anxious moments. I will trust You, God!
Yes, I have found courage in God’s words through the prophets this season. May God bless all those who produced these thought-provoking lessons. In them I have seen how God has worked patiently and faithfully through the centuries using courageous people to proclaim Him, the God of all Creation!. I thank my group leader, Dawn, and all the beautiful women in my group for thoughtfully giving God their time to share and love each other. May God be praised!
Thank you, Hollie, for how you continue to glorify God in all of your messages, and encourage us in walk with God. After several years of serving as a GL, God called me to be an STL this past year. When I admitted my fear of public speaking, my TL encouraged me, “But, Courtney, you’re a writer! You’ll do great.” But in God’s upside-down economy, I’ve discovered that the writing is hardest when I’m trying to do it on my own, but delivering the lectures has been one of my greatest joys. God has faithfully filled my heart with such a love and compassion for the women in our BSF group that I can’t wait to share what He has taught me. So I want to encourage anyone who’s being called into a different role for this coming year that God can use your greatest fears and weaknesses to demonstrate his strength. Just step out of the boat! You will be blessed beyond measure.
I have been so blessed to lead my first ladies discussion group ever via zoom. This study introduced me to Jesus of the Old Testiment. God had a plan from day one to redeem the world from sin. What a mighty God we serve.
This is a Hi from a Mandarin GL in Australia. This article not only encourage my service in BSF, but also my work career. It seems like challenging, but GOD must have his purpose, by putting me here.
I enjoyed your testimony. I try to look at struggles as opportunities but I find myself many times like Habakkuk asking many questions. I lean on Proverbs3:5-6…lean not unto your own understanding…Thank you for encouraging us with your words. God bless you and the work you do.
Needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing your doubts, something that can be brushed over in our lives at times, and refocusing on God’s ability as we say yes & have faith in Him.
Hollie, I love your blog. I never checked out a blog before this.
You have done incredibly well as BSF Executive Director. Gretchen has been a lifeline for us as we struggled with the lessons. I have learned so much from the study of the prophets.
God is so good and faithful to those who serve Him.
Isaiah showed me how Awesome our God is, when he described when he saw God. His majesty and grandness. I was awed by his description. I could see God in his description of Him and I was amazed.
Jeremiah was so loving and the pain he felt description of God’s judgment for His people. Everything came to life in my mind through Jeremiah. His lamenting was inspiring and helped me to do the same with my Lord.
Habakuk showed me that I can lament and ask God the hard questions without fear. I have grown so much through this year’s study and as a first-time leader, I have been blessed in so many ways. Because I committed to lead the class this past year, I now have a respect like to other for all who step up to help in BSF in any way.
The ladies that I lead online were so involved with this year’s study and we opened up to each other and learned from each other as we shared our weekly study. Also, we are no longer babes in Christ. We can do the hard things because “we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us”.
Thank you for everything you do.
Thank you for this confirmation of what we have learned from the prophets and Gods word. Your words were very encouraging!