Are you looking for a way to live out Scripture and grow closer to the Lord? Beginning in February, a new study will be launched. You can establish your own study group where you live, join a virtual group, or walk through it independently. You will be supported weekly through postings on Facebook and the Refining blog.
In our instantaneous world, embracing anything for a lifetime may seem farfetched and impossible. But to achieve an enriched existence withstanding the test of time, our interaction with God and His Word requires day to day intentionality. Crown the Sword is the doorway to examining personal reliance on biblical truth and learning how to infuse Scripture in your life with an eternal mindset. In this self-reflective study, you will go beyond a surface level walk with the Lord and learn ways to build an intimate relationship with God and His Word.
Make no mistake, the path Stotts lays out is simple, but not easy, because your success depends upon the posture you are willing to adopt under God’s authority. If you feel living more authentically through God’s very words is a laudable investment, this 12 week study is for you. Come discover how to incorporate a treasured gift meant for the duration of life and beyond.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? I have had the pleasure of being there! I have lost count of the number of episodes. However, I can attest to the fact those zany feelings are genuine and definitely stop me in my tracks. It has taken me years to finally address it, call it out, and deal with it.
Two years ago, God was restoring me from an intense pit which lasted half a decade. As He began reconditioning my heart and repairing my life, the Lord had me face one of the largest elephants in the room. (Yes, there were more than one!) This creature had overpowered me several times and left me devastated in handling my very own existence. I even identified myself as one who was best at doing nothing when not knowing what to do. It was time to deal with the paralyzing effects of being overwhelmed.
My dark valley was a discipline gorge delivering many unforgettable lessons. However, the most impactful discovery was the importance of staying in His Word and paying close attention to His directives. My desperation allowed me to cling to The Spirit of truth, God’s Holy Word, and find hope in His promises.
As I began digging deeper into Scripture, the Holy Spirit began prompting me to apply it to my circumstances. God was basically saying, “It is time to put skin on Scripture my daughter”. The Lord started with my feelings of being overwhelmed and spotlighted the root of the issue. ME! My out-of-control desperation episodes where nothing more than lacking the ability to let go and allow God to drive.
The fight is still real and can be powerful at times. However, I have learned to face the devasting lie from the enemy by humbly surrendering to the directives and promises of God’s sweet words- Scripture. I am getting better at calling out those overwhelming thoughts and placing them under God’s authority than I use to be. And somehow along the way, I found freedom by living life as a passenger and giving up control of the keys.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Allow me to share three ways I learned to combat the struggle:
1. Surrendered to God: I had to accept the fact life is not about me. As I discovered my purpose through God, it became clear-I had been living according to my plans. I had created blueprints I could not humanly achieve because the truth is: I am a powerless being. God is in control and I am not.
So, as I began humbly surrendering my life to the Lord, those overwhelming moments arose less and less. It became easier to handle the pressures of daily living. Why? Because I was no longer the manager of my life, God was. It still amazes me how giving up the steering wheel allowed my life to be in better working order.
2. Connected with God: Hindsight is definitely 20/20. My overwhelming episodes could have been lessened had I been in full relationship with the Almighty Lord. God showed me His desire-for me to participate in an environment focused upon Him 24/7.
After admitting to my lack of engagement with God and Scripture, I began making Him top priority. I ran to Him about everything in life-good or bad. He became a power source of strength above anything I had experienced. His connection seemed to block out the enemy’s ability to overwhelm my mind. God gave me peace, security, and satisfaction. I began following His discernment and letting Him lead.
3. Submitted to the Lord’s text: Putting skin on Scripture started with drenching my life with God’s Holy Word. For years, I had viewed the Bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. My viewpoint had to change.
God extended His invitation to infuse my life and He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living through His Word. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority. I began inserting my name in His Word and fighting off those fickle feelings through declaring Scripture.
Now when overwhelming emotions creep up, I go straight to those commanding verses and claim them. I submit to the power of the Father and ask for His help in fighting off the persuading lies. Slowly, I have learned to let Scripture conquer the battle of my mind. I have found the Lord’s text to be a true defensive sword worthy to be called highly effective.
So, now when I begin to experience the feelings of being overwhelmed, I am no longer paralyzed and do nothing. God has given me an action plan and a helpmate: His Holy Word. I am now able to keep moving forward thanks to God’s provision.
My “Go To” Scriptures when feeling overwhelmed:
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12a (NIV)
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 (NIV)
How do you overcome paralyzing emotions? Share your suggestions and thoughts below. We would love to hear from you!
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Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Cold, winter greetings. Today has brought quite the chill compared to recent days. I enjoy the variety of seasons and I am even a fan of snow. God’s creation amazes me and it can be quite unpredictable. Even the weather forecast can get it wrong occasionally. However, God never gets anything wrong. His ways are perfect along with His timing.
This brings to mind a couple of thoughts today.
1. How do you prepare for the unpredictable? You are unaware it is coming and then it happens. Take Covid-19 for instance. A year ago, most of us could not imagine life as we know it today. Why? Because it was something we had never experienced. Did it catch us off-guard? Probably, but it didn’t surprise God.
If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited. Proverbs 24:10
Life is definitely changeable. Many events are so unforeseeable and far from anticipated. Yet these unexpected events teach us not be overly stunned when things do occur. No matter how startled we are, we must prepare for them. But how?
I believe it requires three basic steps:
First it starts with us accepting the fact astonishing events will come.
Next, we must continue to grow in our faith and trust in the Lord. As we draw closer to God, Scripture tells us He will do the same.
And finally, we have to set up daily provisions in our lives to be able to stand firm during a storm.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
These are routines which allow us to tap into a strength beyond our human means. Prayer, listening to God, daily Scripture reading, being in touch with the Holy Spirit, presenting ourselves powerless before the Lord, etc. When we take on an eternal mindset, we realize preparing goes beyond “if the shocking day will come” to “when the alarming day comes”. Our Father wants us ready and prepared.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:47
2. How do you avoid slipping away from God when normal support systems fail? Small groups, face-to-face bible studies, accountability partners, worship, church sermons, etc. are just a few of the measures we use to stay connected and growing spiritually. But what happens when all is stripped away? It is like ice-skating across the parking lot without the proper equipment after an unexpected winter storm produces 2 inch gift of solid ice. No doubt, it is hard to avoid sliding out of control.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
So how do we avoid the slip? I think this is a question many Christians are asking themselves in 2020. Even churches across the world have found it difficult to fill in the gaps when “normal” could not occur. It is not surprising to see brothers and sisters in Christ sliding away and stumbling upon false means to keep the fall from hurting. Yet I really believe there are ways to keep gliding along and prevent from stumbling.
Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4
Regardless of what is offered around us, we must hold on to our commitment to God. We have to continue our growth journey even if all the support systems end. Our spiritual maturity is our personal responsibility so we have to plan for it. The Lord provided all we need-His Word and the Holy Spirit. When we substitute these things with close associations it will leave us holding the short end of the stick. This is far from what God intended.
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:3
To avoid the slip,
we have to take ownership of our faith. The realization for our spiritual growth pathway has to begin with the image in the mirror.
Daily we have to train ourselves to tap into God’s two resources-Scripture and the Holy Spirit within us. When we are able to do this routinely, then we are better prepared to continue maturing in our faith especially when our Christian world provisions whither or are promptly disrupted.
Basically, we must assume the proprietorship of continuing to develop in Christ.
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16
As I ponder the response to each of these questions, I find myself challenged. For me, God is prompting me to be more relational routinely. The Holy Spirit is working within me and showing me the map to real hope in God. Slowly, I am realizing it is my responsibility to tap into God’s resources. So, my maturity in Christ hinges upon my efforts and the growth plan I carry out. I cannot survive life’s surprises by relying on anything or anyone but the true source of hope, GOD!
What is your takeaway?
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.Romans 8:14
Hey friends! Happy Friday to you. I am glad you stopped by today. Like many of you, I have returned to working from home. While doing an online trauma course, the Holy Spirit prompted me to reflect on how to positively respond to stress.
Our world has been crazy, unfamiliar, irritating, heartbreaking, and downright frustrating on so many levels. 2020 has presented challenges far from our imagination. So, let’s talk about it.
There is no doubt about the anxiety produced by the pandemic and worldly behaviors throughout this unforgettable year. However, our response generates a pathway to either a healthy or unhealthy recovery. It is important for us to analyze how to overcome everything we have experienced, are experiencing, and will continue to experience in the next few months.
First, I care about you. You are important and highly valued. So, just stop and take a deep breath. Go grab yourself some water and find a quiet spot to soak in what I have to share with you today. Get comfortable. If need be, come back and read this once you can mentally focus. Oh yeah, by the way exhale!
How to have a positive response to stress
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2
We all know pain, distress, disturbances, upsets, suffering, and strain in life can cause major alterations to the body. Remember the physical ordeal you encountered the last time you received shocking news? The outside pressure and tension often affect how the body functions. But what about the brain?
Let me share one point made in the training I attended today. It is a scientific research fact that the brain renovates itself throughout a lifespan based on what we encounter and how we respond. The associated term for the brain’s ability to transform and adapt is known as neuroplasticity. Upon hearing this, I immediately reflected upon my life and thought about the effects toxic stress had on my own brain.
I must say it has been my experience that trauma and stress can have a long-term impact on the body as well as the brain. However, I feel we have some control over its effect to damage or to build resilience. It is all in how we choose to heal.
Regardless, we are ALL going to encounter stress, disappointments, and shock during our lifetime. These incidents and responses are what shapes our lives. Over a lifespan it can give us an appearance of wisdom (and maybe a few gray hairs!). Later in life, we become wise to what worked and what failed when we dealt with bumps in the road of life.
It all comes down to this. How do you want your brain to change? Our brain is going to rewire itself whether we want it to or not just like our body is going to transform as we grow older. The circumstances in our lives impact our thinking. We have a choice to embrace our mental maturity under the influence of God or apart from Him.
Where do you run when all of your “normals” are stripped away and you feel powerless? How do you respond when anger, irritation, and/or anxiety visit your mind? What steps do you have in place to have a healthy positive response to stress?
The key to having a constructive response to trauma and stress was shared in the online training-having one healthy & protective relationship in your life. Yes, I know they were speaking more in terms of an earthly human who is a dynamic encourager, but I am going to take it to the HNL (hole nother level).
GOD! Our healing begins with Him. He is the ultimate source to deliver true security, shelter, and value. If there is one protective relationship we can rely upon, it is God Himself. He is our comfort and helpmate. In His arms is where we can run and find the safety we desire. When we are facing distress, it is our relationship with Him that allows us to return to calmness more efficiently. His great love assists us in facing trauma and stress. As our bond grows, so does the confidence we have in God to be a barrier for future disappointments and encounters.
The quantity and quality of time spent with God is controlled by each individual. We have the power to allow God to make a huge, long term impact on our lives. It all comes back to the major decision of how we want our brains to change. Do we want a worldly mindset or a promising eternal mindset?
In a deep relationship with the Lord we are assured warmth, compassion, and love. These things have the power to miraculously change our thinking and how we respond to life. Through Him and in Him we can find our need for acceptance and belonging regardless of what we face in our daily lives.
So, my friend, how can you better handle stress? Embrace sanctification. By definition this means “the state of proper functioning”. God tells us that He wants us set apart in order to be used as He envisioned. We must realize God planned for us to be on earth during this particular time (Yes, even during 2020). The Father wants to work in us and through us for the purpose He intended.
It is our choice is to live according to God’s plans and purpose. We must decide if submitting to His authority and building a relationship with Him daily is going to be our pathway to resilience. The brain and body will change and adapt, but what influences and changes our trajectory of life is up to us.
Living out life requires intentionality. Who do you want to walk alongside during your lifetime? What will you allow to change your thinking and alter your mind? Is it the way of the world or God?
Sweet friend, let Him transform your thinking. Change your response to stress by seeing your circumstances through God’s eyes. Come adopt the support of the One and Only Protective Relationship you need. God will ensure you a positive pathway and healing. I am praying for you and your daily encounters in 2020.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.2 Corinthians 3:18
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)
Good morning friends! Have you ever scrolled through social media and been blessed by the words of a brother or sister in Christ? Yesterday, I had the privilege to read a post crafted by Pam Brown, worship pastor for Amarillo Fellowship. Her openness and direct message are sound advice for each of us as we continue to find ways to respond to 2020.
I love how her writing reflects the foundational concepts Refining promotes: really getting to know God and spending time in His Word. Pulling away from the world and just listening to His voice is such a key element that we often place on the back burner. Yet, each day we are given the freedom to decide how we will follow His overall purpose for each of us: LOVE
Thank you, Pam for being our guest writer today. Your words are too precious not to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I choose Jesus!! I will choose Jesus every time!! My heart is to stand for what God stands for— not my own agenda! My heart is to get close to God’s heart and know Him in such a way that His desires become mine!! His heart for the world becomes mine!
There is so much “noise” happening sometimes it can be hard to distinguish His voice, but getting alone — spending time in his word— cancelling the world’s voice (which is screaming pretty loud right now) — is the only way!!
HERE IS WHAT I KNOW
-God is Good!
-God is faithful- even when we are not!
-God is Love – it’s not just a part of who He is but it is Who He is!
-God is just!
-God loves and cares deeply for the poor and helpless in our world and wants no one to suffer from the evil in the world!
-God loves everyone, but He has a special love for Israel and those who pray for Israel and support her God blesses!
-God does not see people the way we do— He sees us in our humanity, but He doesn’t judge us by that. He speaks life over us and calls out the destiny that He created and designed us to be!
-God hates division but loves unity!
I’ve meditated and prayed about speaking out and my voice being heard and all I keep hearing God say is — respond like I would — what does that even mean?
There were times Jesus became angry-so yes-I’ve had righteous anger when I see innocent lives of babies being aborted or lives of any color being discriminated against! Or young children being sold into a life of sex trafficking!! It sickens me to the core!! That’s not Ok!!
It can all feel so overwhelming-I’m just one person, but we can all do something!
I believe it all begins with Love!! Not to sound sappy because what I know about love is it’s HARD!! It’s not for the wimpy— to love means to give when you’ve got nothing left to give — to love means there is long suffering involved!! To love means you don’t give up when the going gets tough! But you stand! You pray!! You fast!! You persevere!! You never give up!! And that’s when you see the fruit of your labor come to life!!
So, in this crazy season— what can we do?? LOVE!! Love like your life depends on it because it does!! I really hope and pray this brings hope to someone today!
Love- Pam
Pam’s Bio: I’m married and 49 years old- mother of two incredible sons, I have 2 beautiful daughters in law, 1 precious granddaughter, (who lights up our life) another granddaughter on the way! In January I’ll be celebrating 30 years of marriage to the love of my life! I’ve been in full time ministry for 30 years- and for the past 19 years I have served alongside my husband as the worship pastor as he is the lead pastor at Amarillo Fellowship. My heart is to love people and encourage them to know how much the Father loves them and has a great destiny for their lives!
For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. Hebrews 4:12 (TLB)
In our instantaneous world, embracing anything for a lifetime may seem far fetched and impossible. But to achieve an enriched existence withstanding the test of time, our interaction with God and His Word requires day to day intentionality.
God placed a book on my heart as a doorway for readers to examine personal reliance on biblical truth and a tool to infuse Scripture in life with an eternal mindset. It is designed to take us beyond a surface level walk with the Lord to a pathway of intimacy with God and His Word.
Let me give you a sneak peak…
God has an individual vision just for you. He dreams of you resting assured in His Word—feasting on Scripture as a sole substance. The almighty Father longs to extend strength, hope, love, and wisdom—mighty and brave warrior skills for life and all its strife which comes at you from all sides. So, is this your aspiration as well? Do you have an incessant hunger pang for God and His truth? Are you seeking pure happiness and delight like the prophet Jeremiah experienced?
Jeremiah identified God’s Word as his primary resource (Jeremiah 15:16). He valued the benefits of pursuing spiritual nourishment and assigning it top priority daily. Jeremiah knew to find the worth in God’s Word; he had to intentionally seek it and carry out his calling (Jeremiah 1:5). Much like discovering his missing sandal from a long journey the previous day, Jeremiah knew the Lord’s wisdom and discernment would not magically appear without some action on his part (Side note: He was not married.).
In his discovery, Jeremiah describes the intake as a personal digestion method, a process where he internalized God’s Word (Jeremiah 17:7). Through it, he found substance for living. He treasured God as his life-coach and held tightly to the promises of God (Jeremiah 29:11). Without a doubt, Jeremiah expresses the great wisdom he uncovered—daily existence hinges upon the pursuit of God and His promises despite the world’s rejection. He embraced his calling as a prophet despite the mindboggling persecution he described in chapter 38.
In agreement with the Lord, I want to see you exhibit all His wisdom and riches through the daily application of Scripture. I care about your spiritual progression, and I never want life to find you deficient in the power of biblical authority. My wish for you is you drench yourself so much in Scripture it causes the enemy to scurry in fear from God’s goodness pooling around you. I pray this journey will illuminate the Lord’s voice on a more personal horizon and ignite a burning desire to genuinely know God on a new level. I yearn to see your affection for God’s Word increase in miraculous ways.
As the book unfolds, how many of you would be willing to commit to a week of prayer for God’s direction and discernment? I would love to have several prayer partners come alongside me this week and pray for the protection of the message God has within this writing. May His name be glorified and lives changed forever through His work. My heart is filled with passion to ensure others authentically live through God’s very words.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Are you troubled? Has anything recently stirred fear in your life? Does the unknown future often ignite anxious feelings? What about the presidential election? How are you handling the wait?
Life has been a little “out-of-control” for me lately. 2020 has continued to deliver chaos and the unexpected. The year has been filled with all types of emotions, experiences, and newness. Yet I have noticed a peace and flexibility which I can only account as God.
PEACE-what a beautiful word. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14. Imagine our nation today if we each choose to have peace within our hearts? Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. Oh, to have a heart filled with peace and an obedient spirit to bring everything to the throne room of God.
So, let me throw you a curveball today…How’s your heart? Do you have peace within? Could there be anything in life worth disturbing this? What about the sins of our nation?
God captured my attention this week as I began studying Micah chapter one. Micah is known as a minor prophet who was used by God to warn Israel and Judah (both the northern and southern Jewish nations) of the coming judgment of God. In this chapter, Micah’s heart is revealed. He is troubled immensely by the sins of his neighbors and mourns for their judgment and unremorseful spirits.
BAM! This pierced my soul. Why? Because how often am I concerned about the sins of my neighbors? My own wavering mess is usually all I can focus upon. But Micah loved his neighbor deeply. His heart broke for their choices to follow a sinful pathway and was bold enough to allow God to expand his heart beyond his own life.
I had to ask myself, “How’s your heart?” Unfortunately, I found it self-centered and limited to the box I put it in. I had to ask, “Why doesn’t my heart break for the choices of our nation? How deep is God’s love within me? Have I allowed Him to penetrate my love for others the way Micah displayed in Scripture?”
Father God, we are a nation desperate for You. Thank you, Lord for opening my eyes. It is devastating the unrest and sin plaguing our country. Help us be more concerned for those in our world. Let us be bold in Your love and reach out to those around us. Use us, Oh God, to be Your light in the darkness. May we be concerned about the peace within every heart.
How’s your heart?
They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Hi friends! I am delighted you have stopped by today. Refining has been an amazing journey over the past sixteen months. It went from simple reflection on paper to small groups, retreats, online classes, Zoom meetings, one-on-one mentoring, Facebook, Instagram, and a blog. WOW! I am still in awe from God’s amazing work without delay.
As I reflect upon the journey, I can’t help but think about God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven”. The Lord’s timetable is perfect yet I often find myself existing elsewhere. I frequently have to remind myself of Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
Timing is a tricky issue. There are times we need to speed it up, slow it down, or even just wait. WAIT? Yes, that is a word I don’t like to hear either, especially in regards to my personal agenda. How often do you like to hear the words, “Sorry friend, there has been a delay in your plans” or “You will have to exhibit patience because this is impossible currently”? Urgh! My initial response-Are you serious?
What about you? How do you respond to delays? Is patience your strong suit? Are you the poster child for waiting? Most people try to avoid delays. They take a different pathway to work to avoid a school zone or travel outside of peak hours to avoid traffic. I am guilty of taking matters into my own hands when I believe my time waiting is deemed as wasteful.
2 Ways to Respond to Delays
Remain faithful and rely on God’s timing: What would you say if I told you our delays could be part of God’s plans? The Bible is filled with examples. Remember when David was anointed as a king? He had to wait 13 years before he was truly anointed. How did he respond? David remained faithful and loyal to the Lord. He trusted God’s timing.
The Lord has great plans. In our journey, He will expect us to exercise endurance and perseverance when our agenda is delayed. We can allow waiting to build our character. God has devised a reason for the postponement. Although the time lag may seem a waste, the Father will continue to stand beside us. It is up to us to permit God to continue in the driver seat and direct our pathway. Delays are a test of faith. They quickly reveal the ruling authority over our lives.
Take matters into your own hands: Although God doesn’t expect us to sit back and do nothing, He does want us to remain committed to His ways. For generations, we seem to struggle to be compliant. Think about Abraham. He decided he should get ahead of God to have a child.
We live in an instantaneous world where things come quickly-fast food, 2-day shipping, messaging, texting, quick pay, and the list continues. Why would we tolerate delays? They are a nuisance and we have been conditioned to believe we are better off taking matters into our own hands than waiting. So, jump on a solution and avoid waiting. Life is too short.
But God quickly reminds us of the test-the delay exam-Who do you truly honor? Are you more loyal to man’s ways or God’s direction? Do you fear being seen as a failure in the world’s eyes or do you really rely on God and His timing? Can you find joy in waiting? Do you have what it takes to be dedicated and constant in your faith when God seems to be dragging His feet? Are you devoted to fighting back those selfish agendas and committed to resist the enemy’s schemes?
Just food for thought…How do you handle delays? Better yet, how will you handle it the next time it rears its ugly head?
I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 