Refined!

Before I tell you about something I learned today I will give you an update on my health... so basically I have GERD and some of you are like what in the world is that?? In lay man's terms it is really bad acid reflux, only it makes me sooo nauseous! Anyway at least I am not dying and have started on some new meds so hopefully it will be under control soon! Thanks for all your prayers!


Ok so every morning on my way to work I listen to Chuck Swindoll on the radio... I am so turning into my mom, she used to listen to this every morning when I was little. He is probably one of my most favorite speakers, I could listen to him all day. Anyhow he has been in the book of Daniel and today narrowed in on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo... or for veggie tale lovers Rack, Shack and Benny! Well we all pretty much know the story of faith of these 3 fellows but Pastor Chuck said something profound: When they were thrown in the fiery furnace the only thing that the fire consumed was the ropes which bound them. That totally took me back... how profound! I have read that story so many times and I never saw that before! That is how God works, He wants us to experience freedom in the things that bind us or hold us back... but to get there will take REFINING which is what the fire or in our case trials represent! The refining period is soooo hard yet so rewarding! I know that personally I have failed alot of refining tests and allow the things of this world or the lies of the enemy bind me from the freedom the Lord has for me. Good thing the Lord allows do overs and will allow me to take that test over and over until I pass and get it right.... then we move onto the next.
Lord, thank you that you never run out of grace to give and that you are always willing to re-teach until I get it right. Thank you for always seeing my potential and walking me through the fire even when I want to give up. Thank you for refining me even when it hurts.