Such a GREAT word today in the Streams of the Desert devotional.
Y’all read this and meditate on it. The world makes us believe that going through hardships, difficulties and the fire is a bad thing. That we are weak and have “problems.” However the BIBLE not only tells us, but shows us differently. Those who endured the rough waters, the fires and storms of life were actually refined and purified. Those who endured much, saw and experienced the hand of God in ways that elevated their faith. Those that were willing to sacrifice their lives, those willing to suffer were actually available to be used by God in ways that the human heart, the human eyes could not even fathom.
I know for me, trekking through the tough can bring me into a pit of quick sand negative emotions very quickly. I can often get sucked into the pity party, whoa is me mentality. However, God reminds me often that He is not saving me from the storms but getting me THROUGH the storms of life to not only elevate my trust in Him, but to strip me of the strongholds, the security blankets that can often leave me in a place of imprisonment.
I have stuff in my life that runs deep and I am sure some of you do as well. I know for me I have seasons of deep valleys BUT I also have mountaintop experiences. I know that suffering, the testing of my faith produces perseverance and that perseverance in the Lord deepens my relationship and faith walk with Him. I know for me, I get tired of being held captive to the circumstances of my life and I desire more and more freedom that only can only be found in and through Christ.
Today, I want to encourage you all as well as challenge you. God has you precious one. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM. My question to you is this, “Are you willing to suffer for the sake of Christ? Are you willing to endure the sharp swords that are being targeted your way so that you can walk in the freedom and glory of God?” I cannot answer that for you, only you can. But I can tell you this. Going through the refiners fire is not for the weak. It’s hard. It tests your faith, your endurance and your walk with the Lord. It brings up things you have tucked away deep within your soul and it purifies you of what you felt was safe. However, when you allow the Lord to strip you of these things, when you allow Him to cleanse you from the inside out, the freedom that you will experience is revolutionary. PERIOD!
My prayer for you today is that you would throw your net into the waters as God launches you into the deep. That you would be willing to be refined by the fire, allowing God to remold the potters clay within your life. My prayer for you is that you would know He has you, is walking this journey out with you and that He is going before you making a way that you never thought was possible. Remember we serve a God that makes ALL things new. We serve a God of the exceedingly and abundantly more. We serve a God that uses ALL things for His kingdom and His glory. We serve a God that gives rest to the weary and heavy burdened. A God that meets us, says come as you are and a God that will take your broken pieces and create a beautiful masterpiece. Precious ones, your story is far from over. In fact, this is just a small chapter of the novel He is writing throughout your life.
Today, stand in a posture to receive. Stand in a posture of availability, of willingness to go wherever He is leading. Then relinquish your control and allow Him to lead because I know the places He is about to take you are going to be breathtaking.
Know that the depth of love I have for y’all is overwhelming. Know I am standing on the frontlines of this battlefield of life, standing in the gap and praying you through. Know I am interceding on your behalf and know I am covering you in prayer.
Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”