Good Pain (Hosea 6:1)

Eyes of Mercy by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Recently, God has been talking to a couple of us on the Dyed4you Team about His mercy. And as He did, He began talking about His refining fire. Initially I was confused because I would not have thought of trials and refining as being connected to the mercy of God. But as Papa began to give the revelation, He brought to mind Misty Edwards’ song “Servant of All.” In the song, she makes reference to the fact that the Kingdom of God is an “upside down kingdom,” where we die to live and lose to gain. This seemed to parallel what we found with trials and the mercy of God. If we can embrace this upside-down nature, we can truly begin to flourish. Continue reading “Good Pain (Hosea 6:1)”

The Place of Preparation

Seek the Light” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

We may not always expect our place of preparation to be a pit as it was for Joseph (starting in Genesis 37), but such was certainly the case for me in my walk. Something my son Jonathan said to me some time ago comes to my mind a lot. When I spoke of how God seemed to use me more than I would have expected when I was in the pit, Jonathan’s reply was,“To you, it was a pit, but to God it was a place of preparation.” Continue reading “The Place of Preparation”

Radiant Bride

There is a bridal gown – white and beautiful, covered in glittery jewels making it shine bright. And as I stand looking at it, I am struck with the thought, “how can I possibly wear this?” I feel so unworthy.  I feel the weight of shame from my past – innocence lost, mistakes made.  The loud voices saying “You are not enough.” Continue reading “Radiant Bride”

Complete Surrender

I am startled out of a deep slumber by the sound of banging. At first I am afraid but then curiosity gets the best of me. I get out of bed and notice the whole house is so lifeless, old and dark. The only light is from the moon as it shines through the windows. There is little light to guide me as I make my way toward the sound that awoke me. I can see well enough to make out an open door at the end of the hall. As I approach the door I realize that’s where the banging is coming from. The room is completely empty. As I enter the room I can see a figure banging on the wall with bare hands like they are trying to break through. Continue reading “Complete Surrender”

Barren No More

I am awakened by the sound of the wind. How I got to the wilderness I don’t know, but I am keenly aware of the ground beneath me. It’s dry and cracked with no life at all. I lift my eyes to look around and all I see is dry, barren, cracked ground. The wind sends the dust from the ground to and fro. I shield my eyes from the bright sun and the dust of this harsh landscape.  Continue reading “Barren No More”

My Father’s Lap

I awaken to the sensation of tears on my pillow. I realize that I have been crying in my sleep again. The hurt and the pain are just too much. My heart is hurting and I can’t catch my breath. I start to hear their words echo in my head…”You were never there for me”, “I don’t love you anymore”, “What do you want now?”, “I’m busy” and “Why can’t you just be like normal people?”. The echoes cut me like a knife and I can’t help but to sob. I wonder what I’ve done wrong. Why did everyone leave me? Then I pray for You to make me a better person so people will love me and come back. Continue reading “My Father’s Lap”