refined by the fire

Being called into something way bigger than yourself can sometimes open the door for anxiety, uncertainty, and feelings of inadequacy. In this episode, we look at the character of Moses; a great leader hand-chosen by God to lead God's people out of captivity, DESPITE his flaws and less than perfect past. Pulling from the books of Exodus and Romans. 

Have you ever felt like you were right on the edge of a breakthrough—something truly life-changing—only to experience silence from God just before it happens? In this episode, we explore what it means when God seems quiet during pivotal moments.  This is simply a test of our heart posture and faith. How do we respond when things don't unfold the way we hoped?Join us as we dive into the books of Exodus and Proverbs to uncover wisdom for these waiting seasons.

As children of God, we are called to live a life set apart. Does that mean we are to walk around acting like we're greater than anyone else? No. However, we are held to a higher standard. That standard is to love like Christ, share the good news with others, and live life in a way that is pleasing to God rather than society. Pulling scripture from the books of Proverbs, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Corinthians.

"So let's not get tired of doing good, for at just the right time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up." - Galatians 6:9Following Christ does come with a price: giving up our old lives, in exchange for an eternal one. Unfortunately, that means that we will also lose some of the things that may have once brought us comfort. If God is asking you to give up something, know that He has an even better replacement. So let me ask you, what is it that God is asking you to give up? Diving into the books of Job and Isaiah. 

Okay, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins; but are we truly walking in that freedom? Do we realize that all who belong to Christ have the ability to step on the head of the enemy? Just because we have the ultimate victory over sin does not mean we won't be tempted, we just have to remember this one truth: we are no. longer. bound. Diving into the books of Romans, 2 Corinthians, Colossians, James, and 1 John.

"Did God really say...?" a question you might hear when things aren't playing out exactly how you imagined. It's important that we understand that the enemy is the father of lies, and that he has one sinister goal: to kill, steal, and destroy. As God takes you through the refinement process, you will grow in Godly wisdom, discernment, and discipline, all of which enable you to stand against the weapons formed against you sent from the enemy. Learning to take negative thoughts captive, and replace those thoughts with the truth of Jesus Christ are crucial steps to walking boldly into the things that The Lord has spoken over your life.  

"For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28Simply put, sometimes seeing is believing, and although we cannot physically see God, He will take us through painful refining seasons that allow us to see His work. He'll allow us to struggle and flounder in our own strength until we realize that He's the one that we need. He'll even allow to be tested and tempted. just so we can experience the restorative and transformative power that comes only from His hand. The refining process doesn't always make sense to us in the moment, but after the dust settles, we'll be better sons and daughters of God. 

"So let's not get tired of doing good for at just the right time you will reap a harvest, if you don't give up." -Galations 6:9As we close up the season, let's reflect back on what it means to be refined by The Lord. Through everything you go through, sometimes it's easy to forget why you started in the first place. At just the right time, God will show up and you WILL see the goodness of God. 

God has great plans for all of us. Before he can reveal those plans to us, He will take us through a season of refinement to increase our confidence in Him. He'll also simultaneously help us deal with some of our deepest fears. The fear of being judged, failing, or even feeling inadequate can all be a crippling factor that limits our belief that we can achieve a lifetime of success. How can we trust in God's power if we never go through anything that forces us to rely on Him?

"But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge in times of distress." -Psalms 59:16How can we sing about His power if we've never seen it? Let's dive into the story of the Israelites (book of Exodus) so we can recall just how God uses seemingly "impossible" situations to demonstrate how powerful and mighty He truly is. Not to mention, how He cares deeply, for each one of us. 

Living your life on purpose (God's purpose) will come with trials and tribulations. However, Romans 8:28 promises that "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Your struggles, that thorn in your flesh, that heartbreak is all being used to ascend you straight into the GREAT plans God has for your life. Not only are you becoming the version that God created you to be, but on the way up, God will trust you to bring others out of the very pits that you once found yourself in. 

Patience and humility are two traits crucial for stepping into your God-given purpose. You don't just become patient and humble overnight; it requires deep introspection that usually comes in the form of a serious trial or trials. If we're always winning, it's easy for us to become boastful in our own abilities. Its when we go through real trials or serious refining that we realize that truly, we are nothing without the grace of God.  

The refinement process exposes our flaws, insecurities, and areas in our lives where we are falling short. As we prepare to enter another year, reflect on some areas that's God has been touching in your life. Spend time thinking about how you can focus on cultivating a more intimate relationship with The One who first loved you. Do this, and everything will begin to fall into place. 

Contrary to what popular "hustle culture" tells us, it's important to take breaks. Sometimes your spirit needs to be refueled; this is a call to temporarily put the demands of the world on pause and get into the quiet place with The One who formed you in your mother's womb. Don't allow yourself to become so distracted by your obligations and personal desires that you neglect The One who gave you those things.

Refinement is a process and healing isn't linear. Allow God to shower you with His grace that draws us into deeper connection with Him. Failure is just as much a part of the process as winning is; watch how God uses your failures, challenges, and weaknesses to refine you and push you into your destiny. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Sometimes in order for us to step into all that God has for us, He has to lead us into a season of isolation. During this time, we experience singleness, disconnection from friends and family, and even a sense of loneliness. What if I were to tell you that it's all happening for your good? That it's all happening so that you can further cultivate your relationship with the one who created you. 

God is faithful to complete the good thing He started in us. However, the completion happens in HIS timing, not our own. Be careful not to rush the process, fall back into old habits, or fall victim to comparison. You're co-creating a life that's literally going to bless generations to come, of course it's taking you a bit longer. 

God has a plan for all of us but before he reveals that plan, sometimes he will allow life to heat up and at times, life can feel like it's too hot to handle. It's in these moments that we are being refined; all impurities and imperfections are being brought to the surface so that we can truly become the purest Gold used to advance the kingdom of Heaven.