Gold

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

I love all the layers and colors represented in this weeks painting.  Every layer telling 
a story, maybe my story or your story.  
As we are learning ~ Nothing is ever wasted, ~ God uses everything for our good and
His glory. EVERYTHING!!  Those HARD  days, the HEAVY days, the days we just don’t
understand. Yes, I know I have walked through some of those days and I am certain you 
have, too. Maybe, even today?
The encouragement today is given to us in God’s Word.  God knows the path you’re 
walking. He will not neglect you or leave you alone. He is with you, holding you and everything in your path is filtered through His hands. Rest in that Peace. You are never alone.
Secondly, you will come forth as gold. The trials and testing that we face, as difficult
and painful as they might be are used as a purifying tool. God will refine, shape, and
mold us to be more like Jesus. I know these times can be hard and painful, but my sweet friend,
youwill come forth like gold.
“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

Holding On

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel,and he was limping because of his hip. Genesis 32:30

Hold On

~I bet he never fully forgot that place. The hills, the terrain, the colors, the breeze, the smell in the air.  The place where he wrestled with God, refused to let go and then got a brand new name.  

What are you holding on to God for? Are you weary from praying, tired of asking? I truly believe God loves it when we hold on in persistent faith. May I encourage you JUST. KEEP. HOLDING . ON.  Keep praying, Keep asking! Then- we He shows up and does what ONLY He can do, you will remember the place, the bursting of your heart, the tears that cry out in utter praise! He is WORTHY- ABLE and WILLING! Keep holding on!

🤍 Nothing is ever wasted with God

~God did not want to change Jacob so He could love him—He loved Jacob in order to change him.  Whew- let that sink in a minute. 

“Why did God love Jacob? Pay attention, because it’s the same reason God loves you. God did not love Jacob for what he was, but for what He knew He could make out of him. In spite of all of his faults, Jacob had a heart for God. God broke him so that he could bless him. “ Adrian Rogers 

🤍 an artist fun fact- I created this piece before I even knew what God wanted me to share. It was clear where He was leading after reading this passage on Wednesday. Last night I decided to google Peniel and found the attached picture and it left me a little in awe. Although mine is modernized in an abstract way, the colors and shapes were similar. My favorite was the lavender/ pink in the flower. God was so good to confirm this in my heart 

(a heart…a girl who often doubts herself)

…in such a sweet way. 💜 I hope you were encouraged today! 
January 15,2021