Refined by fire, trusting a Big God.
“He knows the way I take, when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
-Job 23:10
This is an incredible verse. To realize that Job, after losing his house, money, children, and health, can still see the bigger picture! This has been a rough year for me in many ways, but I have to cling to the Truth that once this season is over, I will “come out as gold.” That simple statement is enough to keep me going, to continue to persevere and develop endurance that develops my character from the core, outward.
A devotional I read further expands Job’s revelation:
“The furnace may be hot, but not only can I trust the hand that lights the fire, I can also have the assurance the fire will not consume but only refine.” He allows these trials so we learn how to depend, or lean on Him. This is such a struggle for me. I keep fighting to be independent when I KNOW that I was created to rely and find fulfillment in my Creator.
WHEN I FEEL GOD IS THE FARTHEST AWAY< HE IS OFTEN THE NEAREST TO ME. In Psalm 142:3, David writes, “when my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way.” I don’t think God is every truly distant, but I do think He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4), and we can better draw near to Him when we experience desperation and brokenness.
In connection to all this, I am reading a book about praying the names of God and I am currently learning about how God is El Shadday (EL shad-DAI). This means He is God Almighty. Or the literal translation is, “God, the Mountain One.” Mountains are powerful, constant and majestic. So is my God. This name of God is used 31 times in the book of Job. Why? Because Job needed to look at the Mountain of a God He follows and not the circumstances in his life that seemed like a mountain.
I was sharing all this with Jeremy and he brought up a profound connection. In Matthew, Jesus talks about if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Perhaps Jesus was talking about our God Almighty and that the prayers, love and faith of His children MOVE Him to act, respond and intercede.
In awe of our awesome God, Kate
“He knows the way I take, when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
-Job 23:10
This is an incredible verse. To realize that Job, after losing his house, money, children, and health, can still see the bigger picture! This has been a rough year for me in many ways, but I have to cling to the Truth that once this season is over, I will “come out as gold.” That simple statement is enough to keep me going, to continue to persevere and develop endurance that develops my character from the core, outward.
A devotional I read further expands Job’s revelation:
“The furnace may be hot, but not only can I trust the hand that lights the fire, I can also have the assurance the fire will not consume but only refine.” He allows these trials so we learn how to depend, or lean on Him. This is such a struggle for me. I keep fighting to be independent when I KNOW that I was created to rely and find fulfillment in my Creator.
WHEN I FEEL GOD IS THE FARTHEST AWAY< HE IS OFTEN THE NEAREST TO ME. In Psalm 142:3, David writes, “when my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way.” I don’t think God is every truly distant, but I do think He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4), and we can better draw near to Him when we experience desperation and brokenness.
In connection to all this, I am reading a book about praying the names of God and I am currently learning about how God is El Shadday (EL shad-DAI). This means He is God Almighty. Or the literal translation is, “God, the Mountain One.” Mountains are powerful, constant and majestic. So is my God. This name of God is used 31 times in the book of Job. Why? Because Job needed to look at the Mountain of a God He follows and not the circumstances in his life that seemed like a mountain.
I was sharing all this with Jeremy and he brought up a profound connection. In Matthew, Jesus talks about if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Perhaps Jesus was talking about our God Almighty and that the prayers, love and faith of His children MOVE Him to act, respond and intercede.
In awe of our awesome God, Kate
posted by Kate at 10:55 AM
7 Comments:
These are some good thoughts that I’ll have to spend more time on. I've been having a few deep struggles myself. Seeing God with the fortitude and conviction for us that He won't move or yield, makes a lot of sense to me right now.
I think it is so important to focus on the truth in times of struggle and hardships. As humans, we tend to have our emotions overshadow everything when things get rough. Imagine how it must have felt for Job to try and keep a steady head on his shoulders when everything he once knew was falling apart around him. Focusing, and even embracing the truth that God is on our side, God is holding us and working for us, and we are not all alone no matter what our emotions tells us is a great thing to learn. I praise God that he is finally showing you this truth. Now i pray that during times of struggle, Kate and all who read this blog embrace the truth and rely on God. Cast all your cares upon Him!!!!
Thank you for these truths Kate. I really like it when you said that faith from God's children move him to act and respond to us. This weekend at Spring Retreat Pastor Holt was talking about this too. He compared his life with his chilren to that of God and us. He said that when his children are crying for his help, he is going to MOVE and respond to them because they are crying and knowing that they need their fathers help. He said he is much more willing to respond to his children when they are like this then when they are just like "Dad when ever you get around to it, I need your help with something." God wants us to cry before him and be in absolute need of him. He wants us to know that we need his power and when we have that faith to humble ourselves before the Lord, he will respond and MOVE because we are willing to give up ourselves and live in him with his power. My prayer, is that we humble ourselves before the Lord, crying out to him, in desperation for his love and grace. Letting God refine us, strip us, break us, and embracing the truth of God's promises.
Thank you for all the powerful truths each of you said...God is o faithful to work and refine us. He is calling our generation to be desperate for Him as Mary of bethany was... to cry and yearn for Him. He is MOVED by our affection, love, and pleadings because we recognize our need for Him!
Kate!
I just found your blogger thing because of your IM away message. I don't know if many people know of your writings on-line. This is awesome! Great truths about God! I'm excited and will make sure to check in regularily to see what's going on. Keep up the good work because you are a great writer! Have an awesome week!
-Ang
Beautifully written. Well thought through. Centered on scripture.
She keeps teaching me how strong faith can be. You're a great example
I'm so blest to have Kate as my daughter.
Kate's Dad.
kate...i am so very blessed by the boldness of your fierce heart...may you continue to hear the sweet whispers of His tender love...you are the Lion of Judah's lily (among thorns)...love you.
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