MiniSode 2.c: RESTORED: Life after Salvation: Defining significance and solidifying my identity in Christ through the Refiner’s Fire

I put out one of my FEEDBACK posts on Facebook asking those who have heard me share my story or read my book, if there was a question(s) someone may’ve wondered about or wanted to ask, or maybe a subject which rose to the surface which I could elaborate on for a minisode.  

One response I received was referencing and pertaining to a very, very painful season in my life.  The height of it, lasted a couple years, and has had long-lasting repercussions. In fact, it was another one of those ‘life never really was the same after” situations.

One of the questions was, during this extremely painful period, how did I cope?  

Suggestions were offered such as “was it an influx of godly friends, did you hide yourself in the word?  How did you deal? Why did the despair not lead back into any type of self harm, drugs, or alcohol abuse?

..." I would get to the end of a one-mile corner, be overtaken by grief and anger, stop and scream at the top of my lungs, “WHY GOD, WHY?”

I also stayed in and would literally cry over and read aloud the Word of God.  I spent most of my time in the Psalms and developed an appreciation and understanding for the life of Job.  I stenciled and painted Job 19:25 on the huge propane tank outside the window.  So even as I looked out it served as a bold, black lettered statement of faith and reminder in the midst of fear and despair

JOB 19:25 I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES 

The entire verse reads “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” 

Another from the book of Job I found hopeful was:

Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

If there were any idols in my life when this happened, there were none left after.  My girls, my babies were the hardest ones and last to go. Besides, children make poor idols.  When He tells us he is a jealous God, and to have no other idols before Him; He is sternly and staunchly serious.  When he says we are His, bought at a high price, we are sealed.  He fiercely protects us, defends us, and yes, dear daughter of God, disciplines, prunes, and proves us to be faithful and brings us forth as gold. He doesn’t put up with predators, wolves, and accusers forever.  He moves, sifts, and works all things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. 

Allow this to sober us and cause us to diligently keep our eyes on, focus in, and seek His face.

 But none of these can shake my foundation and compromise my stability in Christ. can be taken away or they turn away.  

See nothing else is worth my life, my devotion, my worship, my all. He remained and I remained in Him.  

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. 

Get Barbara's book, RESCUED, RANSOMED, RESTORED: From Damaged to Delivered here.

Verses sighted:

Mark 10:45
Psalms 103:12 
1 John 4:4
John 8:32
Ephesians 3:20
Romans 5:8
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Ephesians 1:4, 13-14 
Galatians 2:20 

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