blistered hands...
searing loss...
scorched lungs gasping for breath...
There is no stop, drop, and roll in these flames
all things working together for the good of those who love Him
a soul in anguish kept afloat by God's tender mercies
bitter gall, resentment and anger rooted out by one acquainted with grief
a bruised reed and smoldering wick sheltered, nursed, and nurtured in the Savior's gentle hands
broken cisterns revealed for what they truly are, replaced with a sure foundation
spiritual disillusionment wrought from broken dreams replaced with flickers of radiant, redeeming love
how to make sense of a season of sorrows
joy is all the more beautiful when found in the shadows of sorrow
hope never rings so true as when proven true in the midst of tears
faith untested and unchallenged is as nothing to that which endures
love received while in the grips of suffering is all the more valuable
kisses from the Refiner's flames reveal the glorious splendor of what Christ died for me to become
being called "precious and beloved" by the heavenly Father when I am broken leaves me radically undone, giving room the the indwelling Spirit to do a fresh work
what seem to be painful losses experienced in His refining fire change shape and hue over time, becoming uglier as they fade in the glorious light of what is becoming, what yet may be
He will be our God and we will be His people, with unveiled faces contemplating His glory and being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory
