Thursday's in the Truth -- My Way or the Highway

I consider myself to be a planner.  I have all kinds of plans running through my head at any given time; long term plans, short term plans, plans for today, plans for what is happening right this very moment, and even back up plans.  My husband and I want to be spontaneous and sometimes we appear to be so but in reality it takes a lot of planning.  What happens when things don’t go according to plan?  Let’s be real here, we get cranky.  Ask any of our kids and they will tell you all the gory details.   Kids don’t lie when they get to rat out their parents.  We actually get pretty cranky when things don’t go the way we expect them to.  And I’m only talking about everyday plans.  When something big changes, watch out!

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God’s plans are always perfect.  Yet, we tend to jump in and tell God how it’s all going to work out.  God changed my perfectly laid plans exactly three years and nine months ago.  You see, we found out we were expecting a new baby that was most definitely not in our plans. To be completely honest, this change in plans was difficult for us to wrap our heads around.  We were what God might call “stiff-necked.”  And to drive the lesson home, every step of this new path God had given us was contrary to every plan we tried to make.  Now that I see the whole picture, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere but where we are in our lives right now.  I am so thankful for a God who doesn’t give up when I am stubborn and strong willed.  We learned so many great lessons during that season of change.  Today we are fully enjoying all of the many blessings that came from that season.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

The biggest lesson I have learned is that I can be a planner and still have my focus on Christ.  When I spend regular time in the Word and in prayer, I feel closer to God; it is easier to discern His will in my life.  By trusting God to do what He is so good at, I am blessed.  I still am not perfect (imagine that) and I still try to plan everything but when things don’t go as planned, I am reminded to look for His many blessings.

Another blessing to come from my season of change is that my story may encourage someone else.  Are you struggling with plans that are not going your way?  How have you been able to put God in control of your plans?  Share your story in the comments below to encourage someone or to be encouraged.

Thursday's in the Truth - Seek His Face, Not His Hand

All too often, we can allow our lives to become consumed with society’s views, and rely too heavily upon the “quick fix” options to alleviate the pain today’s world has to offer. We can find ourselves constantly seeking out just one little push of the easy button. Maybe you desperately try to avoid the much needed conversation because we can’t bear the confrontation, or at times, we can even tend to look the other way, because coming face to face with reality means we may need to change who we see in the mirror. What happens when your road takes an unexpected turn, or when you continue to find yourself knee deep in the muck? As Christians, our response to every situation greatly depends on from which perspective we chose to look. The foundation of our very faith relies on where we place the focus of our eyes and of our hearts. God does not promise us a life free from trials, but He does promise all of His love, grace, and mercy as you embark on the unfamiliar journey ahead.  ( Matthew  11 : 28-30 )

In John 16:33, Jesus says to the disciples prior to His arrest, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on this earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  As believers, we should expect nothing less than the continuing tensions placed upon us from a world so out of touch with Christ. However, we can also expect our spiritual relationship with Christ to produce abundant amounts of joy, peace, and comfort because we are able to remain in sync with Him by way of The Holy Spirit.

The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts the disciples encountered as they grew alongside Christ. A life lived out in faith often involves hard work, persecution, deprivation and deep suffering, yet remain focused on the Resurrection that follows the Crucifixion.  As we decide to walk in faith with our Lord, He will time and time again allow us to be tempted, tried, and challenged far beyond what our own abilities are capable of handling. Do not become discouraged my friends, each trial is designed to be evidence of His work in your life for others to see. Moses encountered God through a burning bush in Exodus 3:4, Peter, in the midst of a raging storm walked on water with Christ in Matthew 14: 28-29, and Joshua parted the Jordan River out of trust and obedience to Him as described in Joshua 3. Each one of these experiences built the faith of these men, and the same holds true for what you and I experience through this life.

Author and speaker Os Hillman writes, “God often times allows pain to ignite destiny in our lives. Without motivation, many of us would never fulfill the purposes for which God created us. “

The Holy Spirit transformed the disciples into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down.  Just like each and every one of us today, they were ordinary people whom God chose to use in extraordinary ways.  The key point here, is not to focus your eyes on His hand of deliverance, because let’s face it; your circumstances may never change. However, keep in mind there is great victory through the pain.  Just like the Apostle Paul, we may have been allowed a thorn in our flesh for reasons we may never understand, but rest upon the words God spoke to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” The sole fact that God’s power is displayed in our weaknesses should give us the hope and courage to proceed. It is truly one of the many signs of spiritual maturity when we can rejoice in the hardships and use them as a means of glorifying God.  

My prayer for all of you today is that you are able to look past the temporary pain of this world, seek God in all of your circumstances and boldly ask Him to help you adjust your lens if needed. Don’t allow yourself to miss an opportunity to see Him…….you never know who may be watching.

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always”

Stef

The Purpose Behind the Page

As women, we can have a natural tendancy to apply so much effort and time pouring ourselves into the needs of others. In doing so, we often end up leaving our own well’s completely dry. Refined for Christ was created by the Women’s Ministry leadership team at The Refinery Christian Church to be a place where no matter what path you are currently traveling, you can drink straight from the biblical truths posted here every Thursday.  “Thursday’s In The Truth” is designed to encourage and strengthen the soul as each one of the writer’s works through the Bible and journals about topics God has placed on our heart's. Each week will be completely different, and will focus on the promises He has made to us all. We are honored to serve His kingdom and look forward to growing alongside each and every one of you.

                                                                        Romans 15:4

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and   encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises. “

Welcome

Welcome to the Refined Women's Ministry Blog!

We are the women's ministry at The Refinery Christian Church in Goodyear, AZ.  Our desire for the women of Refined is to be refined into precious G.E.M.S. 

Refined focuses on four areas: Growing, Encouraging, Mentoring, and Serving. Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, we have a place for you!!

Through programs that meet you where you are, we desire that you will find:

• A place to Grow in your walk with Christ
• Encouragement and friendships to keep you going
• Opportunities to Mentor others and be Mentored 
• A place to take what you have learned and Serve others

Our goal is that as you become involved, build friendships and apply God's Word to your life, you will experience the love God has for you, your heart will be strengthened and your true beauty will be Refined!