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 6:9

Following 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 8:28

Simply 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 6:9

As 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 59:16

How 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.