I wanted to
concentrate on this particular part of the verse that’s in the picture, but
here it is as a whole:
concentrate on this particular part of the verse that’s in the picture, but
here it is as a whole:
“You brought us into the net;
You laid
affliction on our backs.
affliction on our backs.
You have caused men to ride over our
heads;
heads;
We went
through fire and through water;
through fire and through water;
But You
brought us out to rich fulfillment.” NKJV
brought us out to rich fulfillment.” NKJV
“You
brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
You let
people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water,
people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water,
but
you brought us to a place of abundance.” NIV
you brought us to a place of abundance.” NIV
When we
think of God as good, we may have a hard time with verses like these. The key
to understanding them is: word focus, context, and culture. This isn’t a
frightening verse. It’s a comforting verse.
think of God as good, we may have a hard time with verses like these. The key
to understanding them is: word focus, context, and culture. This isn’t a
frightening verse. It’s a comforting verse.
Wednesday,
we’ll unpack it and take a look at it from something we can understand. A
particular tree that grows in Michigan and Colorado.
we’ll unpack it and take a look at it from something we can understand. A
particular tree that grows in Michigan and Colorado.
Musing/Meditation Prompts: Remember a time you
felt your feet were in the fire, maybe you’re whole body. Everything seemed to
burn up before your eyes, but you called on the Lord and He delivered you. Can
you picture that time–that season? How did it stretch you? Grow you? How did
you respond–as clay in the Potter’s hands, silver in the refiner’s pot? Did
you buck and fight and grow bitter in that time? What could you have done
differently if you had bucked. What wonderful spiritual treasure developed
inside you from the fire? Have you been able to comfort others with the same
comfort you were given by God?
felt your feet were in the fire, maybe you’re whole body. Everything seemed to
burn up before your eyes, but you called on the Lord and He delivered you. Can
you picture that time–that season? How did it stretch you? Grow you? How did
you respond–as clay in the Potter’s hands, silver in the refiner’s pot? Did
you buck and fight and grow bitter in that time? What could you have done
differently if you had bucked. What wonderful spiritual treasure developed
inside you from the fire? Have you been able to comfort others with the same
comfort you were given by God?
Ever
felt like you were drowning? Being flooded? When the enemy flooded you, how did
God raise a standard and beat him back? Remember the moment your spiritual
lungs were free to breath. Fire and floods are beneficial to our spiritual
journey. Thank God today that He loves you enough to allow those tough times.
You’ll reap rich fulfillment–spiritually.
felt like you were drowning? Being flooded? When the enemy flooded you, how did
God raise a standard and beat him back? Remember the moment your spiritual
lungs were free to breath. Fire and floods are beneficial to our spiritual
journey. Thank God today that He loves you enough to allow those tough times.
You’ll reap rich fulfillment–spiritually.
Where are you? Fire? Going through murky waters? Have you come out
on the other side? If so, do you have any words of encouragement for those are
facing fiery trials and raging storms?
on the other side? If so, do you have any words of encouragement for those are
facing fiery trials and raging storms?
Definitely some murky waters. Blerg. Thanks for the post!
Your Monday posts always get me super hungry for your Wednesday posts, Jess. 🙂
I feel like I've been "on the other side" for a few months. Although, I am rewriting a book right now and that feels pretty murky. But I can definitely think back to a time, just a little over a year ago, when I felt steeped in murk. God used some much-needed assurance from His Word and some heart-felt, Holy Spirit-guided decisions on my part to pull me out.
You always have such great posts. God bless YOU, Jess!!! XOXO
Both fire and water are vital to our spiritual growth. God burns off the dross in my character that doesn't belong, then washes off the black soot to continually make me new. LOVE!
Sorry I've been scarce today. My son had to go to the doctor. Croup. 🙁 Say a prayer for us both!
Yes, definitely some murky waters. What is funny is, that 10 years ago, if the circumstances were the same, I would have said that we were going through the fire. But time and seeing God at work through some tough times has taught me that God is in control and always has the best for me, whether I see it now or later.
Right now I'm in a good place, but what I have learned about the fire is that God in it with us…He's goodness is unfailing:)
Sorry I haven't had the chance to visit in awhile! Praying for you and your son.
This year has been so incredibly busy, but writing has been good. As far as ministry goes, the Lord keeps closing doors. So, the waters are murky right now. Not sure if He wants me out of ministry for this time or if I am doing something wrong??
Lots to pray about…
Thanks for this post!!