Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Rayne Gomes, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Lk 6:36 NIV)

At my job, we provide services to a public organization responsible for granting benefits to citizens. It’s a normal day for me to serve dozens of people who have had their benefits denied, even though they have every right to receive them. Therefore, they contest the decision because, from a human perspective, everyone should receive what is due to them and it is unfair to not give someone what they deserve.

The spiritual perspective of mercy consists precisely of not granting something that is deserved. For us, this is a tremendous blessing because if we take into consideration what we deserve to receive due to our sinful nature, there would be nothing left for us but eternal condemnation.

The writer of the book of Hebrews talks a lot about the mediation and granting of this mercy in our lives. In chapter 2, verse 17, he states: “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God.” It is interesting to see the emphasis that the author puts on the fact that when Jesus came in the flesh, He experienced the same situations as us and lived through the same reality as all humans. However, we know that He did not subject Himself to sin. Therefore, what would make someone turn God’s wrath onto themselves and receive the sentence that we deserved? M-E-R-C-Y.

When we deserved death, condemnation, and eternal distance from God… Jesus came and took our place so that we would not receive what was due to us. What a true relief!

Not only that, but Christ also destroyed that which could disable us eternally, brought us back to the family of God, and can claim that He knows exactly what we go through because He experienced the same pains, temptations, and trials so He could help us while we are in this life. And because He has also experienced this same life, He truly has compassion for us.

We can rest assured that, enjoying this immense benefit provided by Jesus as followers in His steps, there is nothing more important than imitating Him in our lives by also offering mercy to our neighbor. Of course, the application will be different. We cannot make atonement, nor do we need to, because Jesus has already done so, once and for all. However, extending a merciful hand to our brother or sister in forgiveness, love, and empathy leads us to an attitude of mercy, an example left by the Teacher who instructed His disciples in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Take a moment to reflect: How can you be better at expressing your mercy towards others?

Remember, Christ has already done the hardest part, and He will help you along the way!

Written by Elesa Goad Mason, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Texas

When I think of faithfulness and loyalty, the first picture in my mind is a dog: a being that keeps coming back regardless of how it’s loved or treated, that is loyal and protective even at the risk of its own peril. I would like to think that my beloved pets will be there with me, sharing in our eternal home.

In the Bible there are many people who were faithful and loyal to God. Some who are lesser known and showed great faith to the Lord, even if only to touch His garment, are the Roman officer who begged for his daughter’s life (Matt. 8:5-13), the woman in the crowd who desperately had to touch His robe (Mark 5:25-34), and finally the persistent Gentile woman pleading for her daughter’s sanity (Matt. 15:21-28).

One of the most famously loyal people in the Bible, of course, is Jesus Himself. There were many other great ones including Abraham, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Ruth, whose loyalty took the path of greatest resistance (Ruth 1:12-13). My favorite though is Moses, the only character the Bible described as a “friend of God” (Ex. 33:11 ESV). I can only imagine what it would feel like to be so close to God that He considered me His friend.

When Moses was 40, his journey of faithfulness took an abrupt turn when he killed an Egyptian soldier (Ex 2:11-15). He spent the following 40 years building what he thought was his life as a shepherd in the desert of Midian. Things certainly changed when he was 80 years old and encountered God in a burning bush. I don’t know about you, but if I were 80 and had this massive ask from God like Moses did, I’d be wondering what took Him so long to give me a call!

If nothing else, Moses trusted God so deeply that he left the throne of Egypt to become a lowly servant and shepherd in the desert. In that moment, God saw his faith and groomed him to be one of the most important men in the Old Testament!

God and Moses had a very faithful and loyal relationship. His exciting life has been the subject of many Bible class stories taught for generations. Moses did everything God asked him to, and he did it well. In turn, God gave Moses everything he needed to accomplish what He asked. Throughout all the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, God provided what the people needed so they would believe Moses and put their faith and hope in the One True God.

Having such a close relationship with God had to have been overwhelming. Imagine being able to hear the voice of God and have His glory literally pass before you – so close that God would have to lift you into the cleft of a rock to protect you from dying should you see his face (Ex. 33:18-20). Moses was a pinnacle of faithfulness and loyalty that was built on the Firm Foundation, which is later revealed to us in the bodily form of Jesus Christ. It is in Him that we are to put all our loyalty and faith.

To have a solid faith as Moses did is what we should strive for. But sometimes faithfulness isn’t as easy as we might think, even for Moses.

Numbers 20 tells the story of God providing water through Moses to an ungrateful people. Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as God commanded and told the people that we will provide this water. God was so angry at Moses and Aaron that He told them they would never enter the Promised Land with the Israelites. That seems to me to be quite a rough punishment for such a technical slip.

However, by saying “we,” not only did Moses fail to teach the Israelites about God’s power, but he minimized God’s strength by striking the rock. I don’t believe God felt Moses had lost his faith in Him. But He is a jealous God (Ex. 34:14) and will not tolerate anything less than our total conviction. Moses broke faith with God and his lack of humility kept him out of the Promised Land. How many “Promised Lands” do we miss out on due to our lack of humility?

Even though Moses couldn’t cross over, God’s grace showed His faithfulness to Moses when He allowed him to see the land and later, I’m certain, welcomed him home with great love. Deuteronomy 34 tells us God himself buried Moses in the land of Moab.

What can we learn from this? When we fall in love with who we are or what we can do instead of what God has given us or what only He can do, we break faith and fail to acknowledge everything God is. At those moments when God says no because our faith fails us, and it will, His eternal grace says yes!

Written by Kara Benson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

What is your love language? As a freshman in college, I heard my Bible professor ask our class if we knew that God had a love language. Most students silently stared at him while a few glanced around the room to observe puzzled facial expressions. Our professor smiled, opened his Bible to Hebrews 6:10, and read, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” One of God’s love languages is acts of service for His people. Since then, that verse has become one of my favorites because it helps me understand how to love God—serve His people.

My friend lived out that verse in the following school year. During finals week, Lydia asked if she could come over to my dorm before our health and safety check. Even though I was feeling overwhelmed and busy packing for spring break, I said that she was welcome to come. When I walked into the living area, I discovered that she had washed all the dirty dishes and cleaned the toilet for all the girls in our suite. What kind of a friend does that? A true friend. I almost wished she hadn’t because I did not feel deserving of her friendship. However, I am so thankful that by what she did, she taught me about service.

Years ago, I read a book entitled Love Does. That title has stuck with me because of the clarity of its message. Love is busy. Love is active. Love is not simply having good feelings for someone. Love does. Before the Passover Feast, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13). When He had finished, He tells them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (13:14). Galatians 5:13 teaches us, “[we] were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Instead of pursuing self, pursue serving brothers and sisters in Christ.

Romans 12:9-13 highlights serving others as a characteristic of love. It says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Let’s focus in on verse 10. Can we honestly say that we are lovingly devoted to our Christian family?

Devotion to our Christian family requires action. Faith without works is dead, as we learn from James 2:17. James explains that the combination of Abraham’s actions and his faith in God is credited to him as righteousness; “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did” (2:22). James emphasizes this point again in verse 24, teaching that “a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” Unlike the demons’ belief in God (as described in verse 19), true belief in God will manifest itself in our actions. Jesus teaches, “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:27-28).

Earlier in Matthew, Jesus teaches us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [food, drink, and clothing] will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). When we look at our lives, what fills our time? When we look at the weeks and weekends on our calendar, what do we see? Are we busy seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness? Or have we become more consumed with social media, hobbies, traveling, sports games, and entertainment? If we truly assess how we spend our evenings and weekends, we may find that we are giving too much of our precious time to the pursuits of this world rather than storing up treasures in heaven.

We might not be spending our time doing something sinful. However, our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). If Satan cannot convince us to abandon our faith, he may very well distract us from living out our faith. Let’s not allow even the good things of this world to keep us from following our Lord. Let us “be very careful how [we] live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:15-16). Let us redeem our time by helping the Lord’s people and thereby showing our love for God.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #service #action #lovelanguage #guestwriter #blog

Written by Jennifer Percell, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in St. Joseph, MO

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (Ps. 65:8, NIV)

Good Morning Sisters! Yes, it is morning, the morning of joy. Every day that we wake up and have opportunity to praise the great God of heaven is a new morning of joy.

Several months ago, these statements would have only brought pain to my heart. My heart was wrapped in a great cloud of darkness. Not only were we isolated in a frightening pandemic, my beloved older sister was suffering a terrible illness, I had many concerns for my children, and I was suffering a difficult illness myself. There seemed to be little hope to brighten any morning.

My prayers were quite desperate in those months. Since I am bound by human perspective, I could see little chance of change in any of the situations that were weighing me down. My desperate pleas were that God would bring some change to seemingly unchangeable circumstances. Those prayers did little to comfort me though, because I could not see the possibilities. I knew God's vision was so much greater than mine, but since I could not see resolutions, my heart refused to hope.

As I write today, we are still in the midst of a frightening pandemic. My sister's illness has progressed to a terrible condition, my illness remains undiagnosed and quite painful, and I still feel great concern for my children and grandchildren. In the midst of all of this I struggle to describe my joy. The deep rivers of unquenchable joy that have overtaken me feed my hungry soul in a way I have not known in my 61 years of this hard life.

The way that God reached His great strong hands into my very being and reshaped my heart was more effective and perfect than any surgery that may attempt to heal my body. I laugh out loud at my weak perspective that believed change was not possible. Can anyone look at 2020 and feel that life does not change? The changes wrought by experiencing great upheaval seem to us to be very negative. If I could recount to you the answered prayers God gave to me through the last months, you would see—you could not help but see—His great hand on every single moment of my days. You would see, as I have seen, that when life is most hopeless is when our vision can finally clear, and the incredible, indescribable love of the God of heaven will shine in brilliant technicolor rainbows.

As you cry your tears and sob with fear, please open your eyes and see Him. See Him reaching into your heart, making tender, gentle adjustments to your perspective. I wish I could describe how it works. If I could, I would not need Him so much. Step out of your darkness and allow the warmth of His light to nurture you. My sisters, the morning is so very, very beautiful.

Read from His word right now, read how the Potter works in Jeremiah 18:4, and Isaiah 29:16 and 64:8.

Read Lamentations 3:1-59 and sing new songs of everlasting joy. How is your morning going?

Written by volunteers with Iron Rose Sister Ministries Crismarie Rivas (daughter) in Ecuador, and Johanna Zabala (mother) in Venezuela

When we talk about grace in relationships, we focus on personal, family, work, social, and friendship areas, immediately connecting them to the precious spiritual aspect because, as we know, grace would not be grace if it had not been given by God.

A clear example in scripture is the apostle Paul, who, through the Holy Spirit, speaks to the church in Ephesus and to us today, affirming that "by grace we have been saved" (Eph. 2:1-10 NKJV).

This shows us the free and undeserved favor that comes from the love and will of God toward every human being on the face of the earth. Also, it carries a series of unique characteristics of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: His love, goodness, compassion, consideration, and mercy shown to each of us.

Today, we live in a society that little knows the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. Because of this, there is very little grace in the world's relationships.

However, for each of us as daughters of God and knowing His will through His grace given through His son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to demonstrate grace in relationships, especially in the family of faith. This encompasses everything: love, kindness, compassion, consideration, and mercy.

These are key elements to a genuinely gracious, single-minded relationship with Christ. This relationship leads us to practice the direct command to love one another, as indicated in 1 John 4:7, and links us to obedience to God.

To this effect, the grace of God is a divine and wonderful gift that gives us love, forgiveness, and strength to foster understanding, reconciliation, and spiritual growth that unites us powerfully.

The Bible repeatedly teaches about the application of grace in our relationships. Going back to Ephesians 1:6-7 (NKJV), we are reminded, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he has made us accepted in the Beloved, in Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." This tells us that the grace of God accepts us as we are and frees us from the burden of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Likewise, grace precedes forgiveness and reconciliation. "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Col. 3:13).

Grace calls us to forgive as Christ forgave us. By forgiving, we immediately open the door to reconciliation and maturity in each of our relationships. First Corinthians 13:4-7 beautifully tells us,

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

So, it is great to recognize that grace enables us to be patient and tolerant in all our relationships, reflecting God's love in our conduct and actions. And it is here when grace becomes selfless service, a unique and holy act frees us to serve others with love without expecting anything in return, following the faithful example of the beloved Jesus.

Finally, grace also allows for edifying communication. Ephesians 4:29 reaffirms, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Sanctifying grace is also manifested in the way we communicate. As women of God, when we edify and encourage each other with our words, we show grace to those who listen to us.

In conclusion, beloved sisters, God's grace is essential in every healthy and fruitful relationship. There is an indisputable need to apply it in our personal, family, and spiritual interactions so that we can all experience the fullness of love and peace that comes from God. From now on, may this exclusive favor from the Heavenly Father inspire us to live in grace and to always reflect it in each of our relationships. Let us ask ourselves daily, “Does the grace of the Holy Spirit accompany us and unify us all the time?”

Written by Sadia Morales de Mendoza, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Mexico

God’s promises are wonderful and sustain me in a world that is upside down. What about you? Have they sustained you? When I have felt most alone, I have been told, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt 28:20b, ESV).

I remember when I arrived in Mexico, I was just twenty-one years old. Leaving our country of origin was not easy, but migration has always existed. Maybe you have left your city or your home for work or other plans without knowing whether everything would be okay, or thinking nothing would go the way you think. It is there that God's promises take on value and truth.

When I first arrived, I missed my family, siblings, and the church so much. It can be difficult to express what we feel when others think we are the happiest in the world because we are fulfilling a dream or a clear answer from God, but we are in a new place, scared and fearful. I remember this promise: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Ps. 34:4). It’s been twelve years in which His promises have been great and faithful, and they have sustained me. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11). I believe and trust Him.

The sisters, brothers, elders, youth, and children of the church have become my family. I see in them part of every family member of mine. But even with them, I have sometimes felt lonely, nostalgic, and scared, like a child in the dark of night, waiting for my mom to turn on the light and kiss me on the forehead. But since she can't because of the distance between us, even though I know she won't stop praying for me, I turn to the one true God who can be here with me as well as with her in Honduras. I am reminded of Psalm 121:4-5. "Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.”

And we are given another promise: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:7). If He's done it for me, He'll do it for you.

So, even if your path is difficult—you are changing cities, you are leaving your home country, or you are starting over in a place to which you are adapting—the Lord Jesus will sustain you. He will guard your coming and your going from now until forevermore. And He'll fight for you. So do not turn away from Him, either to the right or the left. Keep on the path, and He will guard your soul. Believe in His promises! Be faithful, for He is faithful; and let us clothe ourselves in love, which is the perfect bond.

God can turn difficult situations into blessings and our bitterest experiences into a sweet testimony of His grace and power. Let us give thanks that His promises sustain us, and in them, we will forever trust.

His promises are many, but which one has been your favorite in the different stages of your life? Can you recognize any?

May the Lord bless your life. He will always keep His promises. Don't stop believing Him!

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Struggles… life can be hard. We can plan, but then something happens that shatters those plans, and it is not always because of something we have done that our plans did not work as we expected; often it is something over which we have no control.

So, where does that leave us?

We can be angry and bitter, or we can try again. It’s easy for someone to say, “Pick up the pieces and move on.” It’s harder when I am the person picking up the pieces and trying to make the best decision about what to do next when it seems every way is blocked.

It took Thomas Edison 2,774 tries until he got the right filament for the light bulb—one that would burn for more than a few minutes.

When an assistant complained they were learning nothing, the reply was, “Oh, we have. We’ve learned over 2,000 ways that don’t work.”

Can we imagine a world without the light bulb? It’s something we take for granted… as a necessity… but how different would our lives be if he had given up?

Having a positive attitude in looking at what might be considered a failure will help us work through the problem.

When a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, it struggles. Its wings are weak and wet, but it is in breaking through those strands of silk that the wings gain strength, allowing it to fly. If someone tries to help by cutting the silk threads of the chrysalis, the butterfly will die within minutes. It needs the struggle to be healthy.

It is in our struggles that we grow… even when we don’t like the process.

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) reads,

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Suffering… endurance… character… hope.

Financial struggles can make us more compassionate toward those who have less than we do and help us learn to budget.

Health struggles make us thankful for medical care and for better health when it comes.

Relationship struggles help us appreciate those friends or relatives who encourage us.

Think about the struggles some of those in the Bible experienced:

Noah and his family lost everyone they knew in the flood. When the door of the ark was opened, they stepped into a world where there was no one else.

Sarah was barren, longed for a child, and was mocked by her handmaiden.

Naomi lost her husband and both sons while living in a foreign land.

David found himself in a dark place, far from his shepherd days and glory as king after taking another man’s wife.

Elijah was hated by Jezebel and fled after a “mountain top” experience on Mt Carmel.

Daniel was one of numerous young teens captured and taken to a foreign land… away from family and friends.

The apostle Paul tells of his struggles in 2 Corinthians 11:24-29, yet he was still able to write,

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).

“The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thes. 3:3).

The writer of Hebrews gives this assurance, “He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23).

We belong to the Father, and Jesus is interceding for us. When struggles come, we need to remember the words written long ago by David, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Ps. 118:6)

We have the assurance that God is faithful, that Jesus is our Advocate, and that the Spirit lives in us, so let’s use these struggles to live as “children of Light”! (Eph. 5:8)

Written by Claudia Pérez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Alabama

What happens when a Christian and her faith are tested in times of struggle? Who has not experienced difficult situations? Truth be told, we have all had struggles at some point. In those moments of uncertainty, we ask ourselves, “Why me? What should I do with this struggle?” instead of asking ourselves, “Why is this happening to me? What am I going to learn from this?” or even “Why does God allow us to have these struggles?” Maybe we think that in our lives as His daughters, we will only have paths that are filled with light and that are colorful and beautiful.

The reality, however, is that it is through these struggles that the Lord's purpose is fulfilled in our lives. A global pandemic showed us this.

Two years ago, many of us fought a fight that completely changed our lifestyle. Locked up, without contact with each other, grandchildren were looking for a way to hug their grandparents through transparent curtains, masks, and gloves. Screens became the only contact in the family, school, and work. All physical contact was prohibited. The church was affected worldwide. And in that struggle, many of us asked, “Why, Lord?”

In those moments of struggle, many forgot the word of the Lord, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Rom. 8:35 KJV).

In those moments of struggle where our God tested our faith, many became stronger, and sadly, others went astray. Two years ago, I was in a hospital in Mexico in the COVID area, isolated from everything and everyone. The only thing that sustained me was my faith; that faith that makes us strong in our weaknesses and that hope of eternal life. I was trusting that my spiritual family was praying for me. It was not an easy fight. There were weeks of strengthening myself in the Only One who can make us strong. These were weeks of uncertainty, and it was in those moments when the word of God strengthened me. Without access to anything, with nurses and doctors that God put in my path, and with confidence in the promises of the Lord in my mind, I remembered those hymns of encouragement, strength, hope, and trust.

I remembered the words of the apostle Paul,

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's” (Ro. 14:8).

The day finally came when the will of the Lord was fulfilled and I left that place, more strengthened than when I entered, with the sole purpose of continuing to fulfill His command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). In those moments of struggle my faith grew even more.

I remembered 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Clinically, my diagnosis was not encouraging at all. But the Lord says, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Ps. 42:11).

Maybe you are going through a struggle right now. Ask yourself, “What am I living this for?” Remember that He will complete His work in you. God has a purpose for our lives. And, it is through struggles that our faith is tested by fire. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1Pe. 1:7).

So, if you are going through a difficult time, I invite you to trust Him, honor and glorify Him who can do everything in everything— because when we are weak, then we are strong.

Written by Débora Rodrigo, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arequipa, Perú

All the women around her were mothers. Being a mother is what gave a woman of her time and her culture her reason for being, her value in the family and in society. But Hannah had no children. Hannah was empty. She was alone. She felt useless. A waste of society. Good for nothing. Her husband could not understand that feeling of helplessness that devastated her heart. He asked her, why do you need a child? Am I not enough for you? But of course, he had his own children; another woman had given them to him. She was unable to do it. She felt watched, singled out. When she walked through the streets, she felt how other women looked at her with pity. She knew what they were thinking. There was Hannah, the one who couldn't give her husband children. The one who would never feel the baby kicks in the womb, the one who would never breastfeed her children. Some women made fun of her. We do have children. Not like you. Something must be wrong with her. Or at least that's what she felt.

The anguish grew with the passing of time. The chances of the miracle occurring diminished considerably as the months progressed. The years continued to pass without stopping. Hope was diminishing. Impotence grew, and along with, it desolation. Little by little Hannah’s heart filled with anguish. Loneliness. Bitterness. No one could understand how she drowned the deep weight of sadness. It was impossible to explain. There was no way for others to understand this terrible bottomless tunnel that Hannah walked through every day. Alone.

Like every year, Hannah, along with her husband, who was also accompanied by his other wife and the children she had given him, traveled to the Shiloh sanctuary to worship God. It was a family custom, an appointment they didn't miss. But this year Hannah was traveling completely devastated with hardly any energy, without even the courage to feed her own body. Upon arrival, she could do nothing but retire to the sanctuary and pray to God from the silence of her solitude. She needed to free herself from that deep sadness. Soundless words came out of her mouth and mixed with the tears that flowed from her eyes without rest. There, in the midst of her loneliness, Hannah poured out her heart before God. She emptied it completely. She begged Him to take such a heavy load. There, Hannah finally felt understood. As her prayer flowed, a vibrant energy strengthened her body and soul. Finally, little by little, Hannah allowed the sadness to leave her mind and her being, emptied of the anguish that had taken possession of her for so long. Hannah let God give her encouragement and even joy in the midst of her terrible suffering. Anyone who saw her like this, completely abandoned in the arms of God, would have considered her crazy, or even drunk, as the priest himself thought she was. But she was just a devastated woman surrendering to a God who loved her and understood her suffering. The only one who could comfort a heart as broken as hers.

After praying for a while, Hannah wiped away her tears, got up and went back to her family. But this time with renewed strength, without the heavy burden of the abyss of sadness. Her appetite returned and she felt motivated enough to keep going. God had comforted her heart. At last, the heavy burden of sadness had become more bearable, and even light. Although her desire for a child was still just as strong as before, that suffering was much more bearable. She knew she wasn't alone. She knew she was loved and understood.

Only a few years passed before Hannah returned to that same place and stepped on that same ground that had seen her cry inconsolably and find the comfort she needed. This time however, the tears were of joy. The words, inaudible one day, were now clear and firm, the phrases that before implored help, now gave exclamations of gratitude and joy. Gratitude for that son that Hannah now embraced. Joy for a heart that found in God the hope it had lost. That son that she had felt growing within herself belonged to God and she gave him to God. God had replaced her anguish with inordinate joy. Now she felt complete, overflowing with joy.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Hannah #motherhood #sadnesstojoy #guestwriter

Written by Meagan Adams, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in McRae, AR

One of my favorite Christmas songs is It Came Upon the Midnight Clear by Edmund H. Sears. If you sing more than the first verse you realize that it’s not exactly the cheeriest holiday song. There is a poignancy to it, but also a call to something better. In the second stanza, Sears describes a scene where the angels are still singing their song of “Peace on the earth, good will to men from heaven’s all gracious king” but it goes largely unheard as it competes with the earth’s “Babel sounds.” In many ways, 2020 was a year of “Babel sounds” – confusion, conflict, uncertainty. It felt like all progress stopped and we all just ran around with no agreement on how to get anything done. Mankind’s perceived invincibility to accomplish anything it wanted was quickly derailed by a virus.

The third and fourth stanzas of Sears’s poem are the least-often sung. In years past, I focused on the third stanza:

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

This verse reminds me that there is a different reality than the world that I see. I wake up to my phone’s alarm and the first thing I see are news notifications of all that is going wrong in this world. It’s easy to get discouraged by it and to be frustrated that after all God went through to try to show us the way of peace and harmony, the world as a whole won’t listen. But that is not all there is. The angels continue to sing God’s love song – His message outlasts the futile and destructive behaviors of mankind.

This year, however, the fourth verse spoke to me:

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! For glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing,
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

In the past, this seemed only to apply to the oppressed people of the world, and I know that I am among the privileged. I haven’t had to experience ongoing, overwhelming injustice and hardship. Still, if anything describes the 2020 experience, words like “crushing,” “toil,” and “weary” seem to be apt descriptors. The force of the coronavirus-world weighs down on my shoulders, life seems an uphill climb, and my steps are slow and painful (both literally & figuratively!). Hmm, seems like somebody else needs to listen to God’s song, to reframe my view of reality. I need to heed the call to take a break from weariness, to rest in God’s presence, and to let God’s music fill me. I need to listen to the angels sing.

Written by Jennifer Percell, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Missouri

“He hasn't texted in two years. She has convinced him that he doesn't need me. How can he just forget his own mom?”

“Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry, I know we are never supposed to give up, but I feel the same way. At least my girls still text but it's nothing like it used to be. We were so close and now we are strangers. Did your son have faith?”

“He led the youth group—he even planned to be a youth director. But she is not interested so he just quit.”

“Same with the girls—they were both so faithful—now they say my faith makes me unsafe! Don't they remember I was the one who taught them that family is their safe place and that I would love them no matter what?”

Sarah and I had this conversation every week. Our friendship had bonded over pain for our prodigal children. Her son's fiancé told him his family was toxic. Sarah had no idea why, and his betrayal of their relationship had left her broken. We tried to encourage each other but neither of us could see a path to reconciliation with our adult children. So many of our friends had similar stories; lonely mothers unable to navigate new definitions of relationship expectations.

I often ask God to answer my prayers with a story I could tell that would encourage others and glorify Him. I had no stories for Sarah because my own pain had clouded my hope. There was no way I could see that her son would change his heart. It seemed that the only kind thing would be to help Sarah accept a life without him, just as I was trying to resign myself to the new reality of the loss of my daughters’ faith and close friendship.

Two years passed; each week we shared tears, prayers, and sorrows. When one of us had a strong week, we would feel hopeful, but our tears were far more common. I wanted to be a faithful friend— the one who never gave up and always left her feeling comforted and sure of God's blessings, but I was not confident. I saw no solution for either of us—no way for the lost relationships to heal.

But God...

Sarah's smile was radiant as we talked last month. She showed me a picture so full of life and joy that I could not contain my tears. In the picture, she cradled a newborn grandson. Two more years had passed, years during which God had written a redemption story in Sarah's life: a story with chapters of tragedy, fear, timid efforts to connect, love that wouldn't quit trying, and open arms of forgiving welcome. Chapters no one expected. Chapters only God saw coming. The story concluded with Sarah's home and arms full again. Her son has a new love, forgiveness has been sought and given, and new life has come to this family. All of them are open to growing in faith. Hope now radiates in my friend Sarah.

Now as I share joy with Sarah, my own hope is revived. Just last week another mother who endured years of fear for her prodigal children shared the story God wrote in their lives and the reconciliation they are enjoying. It is so easy to see the pain around us, but sisters, we are also surrounded with redemption. Our God is the God of reconciliation who desires that all men come back to Him. As we share our pain, let us remember that all hope for resolution of that pain lies in a perfect, benevolent, Father who cares for our erring children even more than we do. Because of this, let us never give up praying for the souls of our loved ones.

Hear the words of living active faith from Romans 12, verses 11, 12, 15, and 21:

11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
15. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

Dear sisters, are you waiting for a dear prodigal to return, or are you a prodigal afraid you won't be welcomed home? Please remember what I have forgotten too many times—absolutely nothing is impossible in the hands of our Great God. He is the God of reconciliation, and right now, as you are waiting, He is writing a story of love just for you.

Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Hope is an important part of the richness of the human heart, as it prepares us for the spiritual fruits of patience, faith, and peace. This means that, when thinking about hope, it ties us to faith and the love of God which are preciously linked. 

When I think about hope, I feel like God’s heir through the firm conviction that there is eternal life (Tit. 3:7). This motivates me, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome difficulties and all kinds of obstacles that arise in this earthly life, thus living out total consecration to God. 

Daily, we observe a society in turmoil due to so much evil, suffering, adversity, and problems. I believe this has caused many people to lose hope, not recognizing true hope in the Author of salvation, Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:2). 

With this in mind, I would like to share an example of the current situation that we live in my country, Venezuela. Day after day, people suffer from the economic crisis: lack of sources for work, electricitye rationing by the State (between 2 to 4 hours a day), lack of basic food in many homes, including Christian homes. There are health care centers in poor condition, declines in the educational system, deterioration and lack of attention in various State institutions, and repression and persecution of anyone who opposes the government system.

Each of these situations has forged in us the spiritual character and the understanding that we should not put our trust in a political system or an earthly power, nor in the things we see or surround us since if we do, we will lose out conviction and hope of how real the promise of eternal life is. This situation has strengthened my spiritual life as a daughter of the Most High God, by trusting in His will at all times and having that intimate relationship with Him through prayer and study of His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me to live in the spiritual and to do the will of God, with the peace and quietness of spirit that only He can give me (Rom. 5:1-5).

I should not put my hope in the things of this world (1 Co. 15:19). In my opinion, hope is certainty in the present and a firm expectation for the future, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. It is for this reason that I emphasize lovingly bringing the hope of eternal life to everyone who is hopeless, and preaching to them the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul. 

When I begin to experience and understand God's plan and purpose in my life, I develop a deep relationship with Christ. I trust in His will, and I begin to take firm steps even in the midst of storms, for we were called to one hope (Eph. 1:18). Beloved sisters, we must understand that hope is a bond and an essential element that allows for a spiritual transformation, strengthens our faith, and gives us security and confidence in the power of God.

I encourage you not to lose hope because it brings spiritual blessings to our lives and the lives of our families, reflected in the following ways:
   1. It leads us to praise and glorify God.
   2. It causes us joy and rejoicing.
   3. It renews us day by day.
   4. It inspires us to live a life of holiness.
   5. It inspires us to persevere.
   6. It inspires us with security and firmness.
   7. It inspires us with peace and tranquility.

Considering each of these aspects, we must not risk losing these blessings but rather live in holiness and obedience to please our God, longing in anticipation for His glorious coming, which is the foundation of our faith and hope. 

Currently, as daughters of God, every first day of the week in each of our congregations, we announce the long-awaited coming of our Savior Jesus Christ through the worship service when we participate in the memorial of the Lord's Supper, which the apostle Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, especially in verse 26, where he mentions that we wait, anticipate, and announce His coming or return. So, do you joyfully await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries and mother of Michelle J. Goff

One Sunday many years ago in “early marriage days,” my husband came up to me after church saying, “See that man over there? I invited him for lunch.” “You did what?!” I asked incredulously as I looked at the man who had just walked into the church building that morning. He looked like he had slept in his ill-fitting suit. He had huge dandruff flakes all over the shoulders of his suit and in his eyebrows, in other words, a less than appealing presence of a man. I said, “He’s a stranger and we’ve got a baby to think about.” My husband replied, “I thought of that. That’s why I invited the preacher and his wife for lunch as well.” Again, my reply was, “You did what?!” I only have a one-pound meatloaf in the oven. We don’t have enough.” My husband gently said, “We have plenty. This man has $2.32 to his name and needs a bus ticket and ride to the bus station to get to his family. He came to the church for help.” Oh my! I was immediately humbled and changed my response to a prayer. “Dear Lord, please forgive my harsh, immediate judgment and please provide enough for us to share as You did with the small boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish.” This was my prayer all the way home from church as I was also thinking of what else to add to the one-pound meatloaf.

When we arrived home, I got the meatloaf out of the oven and noticed that it had actually shrunk, not grown. “Oh my! Dear Lord, we still need a miracle multiplication here like You did with the small boy’s lunch.” I added to the meatloaf meal three cans of green beans, two boxes of macaroni and cheese, and a can of fruit cocktail with a sliced banana. Then I sliced the meatloaf and served the meal.

Everyone was served some of everything: meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and fruit salad. We had pleasant conversation over lunch. The preacher and his wife agreed to take the man to the bus station and the church would pay for his bus ticket so he could go home to family.

After lunch and everyone had left, I cleared off the table and noticed the meatloaf. Do you know what? I had meatloaf left over! Everyone had been served, yet there was meatloaf left over. I remember in Mark’s account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish” (Mark 6:42-43 NIV).

So, the next day as I ate a sandwich made with leftover meatloaf, I was again reminded of my prayer for God to multiply the meatloaf as He did with the loaves and fishes and He did, and He gave me leftovers as a reminder of His abundant provision.

My reflection afterward was also for the scripture, Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” While I do not know if this man was an angel, I do know that this event and every time I remember it causes me to reflect on this verse and consider the real meaning of hospitality. We often think it’s opening our home to our family and friends. Actually, that is fellowship.

Fellowship is when connectedness or relationship is shared among those with a common aim or background. Hospitality is providing an act of service of welcoming, receiving, hosting, or entertaining guests or strangers. It’s an act of service often to the least of these. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” As I’m sure you, like I do, want to serve Jesus Himself then we must learn to serve the “least of these.” This provides the greatest blessing to them, to us, and is Kingdom living.

Written by Cecília Santana, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

Throughout my Christian walk, I’ve understood that obeying God comes down to relationships. I can already hear you saying, “How so?” Hold on, I’ll explain! In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus says to love first the Lord God with everything we have and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In practice, these two commandments mean that we need to be in relationship with God first (praying and meditating on the Bible) and this relationship will influence all of our other relationships.

We can only love who we know, and to know, we must spend time together. In Acts 2:44-46 we see that the first Christians regularly did things together. Sometimes in the current digital age, virtual friends get more attention than real friends. As Christians, we must be mindful to not neglect time with each other, especially post-pandemic where even church services became virtual, and the practice of hospitality is running the risk of being forgotten.

The Bible talks a lot about the importance of hospitality and today I want to cite two reasons to exercise this gift:

1 - God gave the first example for us to follow.

God wanted to be in relationship with us so He created a “perfect home.” The Garden of Eden had everything we needed and, most importantly, God walked with us there (Gen. 2:15-25). However, we know that this relationship was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve and they were forced to “leave home” as a result (Gen. 3:23,24). Soon after, God as a Loving Father brought about the renewing of His relationship with mankind through Noah when He told him to build a “safe house” free from evil, better known as Noah’s Ark (Gen. 6-9).

But again, disobedience distanced us until God once again restored our relationship, this time through Abraham, and the first step was to “leave home” (Gen. 12:1-3). This relationship was so deep that we see God revealing his plans for Abraham’s descendants. They would be guests in another country for a while (Gen. 15:13), but then they would have their own home; a land flowing with milk and honey (Gen. 15:18-19 and Deut. 6:3). Abraham was an exemplary host when he received the angels (Gen. 18:1-8), as was his nephew, Lot (Gen. 19:1-3). In both cases, these visits proved to be huge unexpected blessings!

The promise made to Abraham (Gen. 12:3) has reached all the way to us as daughters, by faith through our relationship with Christ who came down from Heaven to live on earth with us for 33 years (John 3:16) and continues to live in us through the Holy Spirit. The most beautiful part of this relationship is that Christ prepared our eternal dwelling (John 14:2-4), so we know that we are foreigners in this passing world and we cannot become attached to anything here. Everything is borrowed from God and should be used to bring others to Christ.

2 - Hospitality is an opportunity to exercise practical love.

Through our earthly home entrusted to us by Christ, some of us have the opportunity to show His love to the residents (parents, kids, spouse) who need a welcoming place, a “little piece of Heaven” in this dark world, where they can renew their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. Whether we share our home with others or live alone, this love should extend to neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and even to strangers! (Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:10)

As wise women, we have the responsibility to maintain our homes (Prov. 14:1), be good managers and attentive to how everything is going like the “exemplary woman” of Proverbs 31. Our doors need to be open to teaching the Word as Lydia did (Acts 16:14,15, 40) so that Jesus can enter and transform lives as He did with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).

I am grateful to the woman who opened her home through which my husband and I came to Jesus and were converted more than 20 years ago. Therefore, my advice to those who think their homes are too small or too ugly is to let go of this idea because all guests need is for us to show them God’s love.

To conclude, I want to share three practical tips from the scriptures and my personal experience:

• Don’t complain! 1 Peter 4:9-11 tells us that we should practice hospitality without grumbling. I have had the opportunity to serve by helping with domestic tasks in homes where, even with problems, my merciful hosts were hospitable. I have also received guests who were challenging, and I learned to be more meek, patient, and self-controlled.
• Never expect anything in return! Everything we do is to glorify and honor God (1 Cor. 10:31). Our reward is eternal (Matt. 10:42). It is much better when the initiative to reciprocate is free and spontaneous, as it was with Elijah in 2 Kings 4:8-32. Be like the Shunammite woman— do your best and God will bless you— and if you are the guest, be a nice surprise!
• Finally: Rejoice, be generous and grateful for the opportunity to serve! Hospitality continues to be God’s powerful means of deepening relationships and changing lives!

Written by Brenda Davis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

“Above all, love each other deeply.” (1 Pe. 4:8a NIV)

God did not create us to go through life alone. I am blessed to be surrounded by people that I love and by those who love me. God’s Word is filled with reminders that we need to love each other. Jesus spoke plainly about how we are to love. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (Jn. 15:12).

But is simply loving enough? Paul tells the Romans that they need to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Ro. 12:10 ESV). I love this concept. Imagine how the world would be if everyone tried to outdo one another in showing honor? Peter also goes above and beyond encouraging us to love when he says we need to love each other deeply.

This deep love is demonstrated in the relationship between Paul and Onesimus. The two became such close friends that Paul refers to Onesimus as “my very heart” (Phm. 1:12). Another touching story of this kind of love is that of David and Jonathan found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Their relationship was built on loyalty, trust, and love so deep that Jonathan even risked his life to protect David from his father's anger.

If you Google “How to deepen your spiritual relationships” you will get about 293,000,000 results! Thankfully, the Scriptures provide ample guidance for how to develop this deeper kind of love.

Begin by focusing your relationships on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Php. 4:8). As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and build one another up.”

Here are three additional suggestions for developing deeper love in our relationships.

Stay in the Word Together
Deep relationships are based on Biblical truths. When we are not digging into the Scriptures to see how to love deeply, it’s hard to build a relationship based on truth and honesty. But when we let the Scriptures guide us, our relationships will grow and reach maturity, as Paul states in Ephesians 4:15 (NIV). "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Have Deeper Conversations
Conversation with someone we love should edify us and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24b). But we often spend entire conversations talking about our children, current events, and social activities, ignoring opportunities to dig deep into each other’s life instead of sharing our stories, struggles, and dreams.

To go deep, these conversations often mean delving into difficult areas, and we may be presented with some hard truths. Messy conversations are part of spiritual growth, and the more truthful we are, the messier and more painful it can be. But “wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Pr. 27:6a). Depth takes courage!

When you love someone deeply, it's almost like there's nothing you can't share with them. You can tell them how you truly feel, knowing that you will not betray each other’s trust. "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret" (Pr. 11:13). You know they won't judge you, and when you experience this lack of judgment, you'll feel safe and secure.

In addition, you can bring up touchy subjects with them because you know that you can be open and honest. Are you an honest friend? Do you only tell those you love what they need to hear, or is it more important that they like you? When we love deeply, we tell them the truth when we see them going the wrong way, even if it may hurt at first.

Listen
At times, you can communicate more with just your presence than with words. Deep love means giving focused attention without interrupting. Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to what the other person has to say and responding with sincere facial expression and body language sends a strong message of love.

James exhorts us to be “quick to listen,” and “slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19-20). In Proverbs 18:2 we read, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (ESV). So, Paul says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Php. 2:3-5).

Dear sisters, love deeply! “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” (1 Th. 3:12).

Written by Lindsay Richardson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Tennessee

As a missionary kid with a love for travel, I’ve had abundant opportunities to see different parts of the world and to experience a variety of service and volunteer opportunities. I have too many stories to share here, but just this last March I had the chance to go as a volunteer Spanish interpreter on a medical mission trip to Baja, Mexico.

As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV).

I am not in any way connected to the medical world, but knowing two languages has been a blessing that God has given me with which to help others.

Here are some testimonies and stories from my week in Mexico:

• We had a patient whom I prayed for in Spanish, and at the end of the visit, and afterward, he said he had tried everything for his pain: doctors, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medication. But this prayer helped more than anything else had.
• Another patient came to us with rashes all over his body, hungry, and with no place to sleep. We scrounged through our backpacks, gave him our granola bars and water, and found him a blanket.
• I prayed with an older man and as I was praying he would interrupt me with his requests: “oraciones para mi trabajo” (prayers for my job), and ”encontrar una mujer” (that he would find/meet a woman). I had a good laugh.
• A man came in carrying heavy emotional burdens in addition to his sickness and red, burning eyes. He was shaking and sobbing and said his wife left him and took their kids and he has no support system left. He said someone invited him today to the church where the clinic was held and I was able to assure him that he did in fact have a support system and family in Christ there. (I barely made it through that prayer because at the end, I got choked up.)

What a humbling experience! It truly has given me a new perspective on being “the hands and feet of Jesus.”

I have also been involved in some weekly opportunities to serve here in Nashville. I’ve been a part of a Christian organization called People Loving Nashville that provides food and clothing to the hungry and those in need. It’s been an amazing ministry to witness so many people in our city serving and loving each other. I’ve learned so much about humanity in addition to my own heart for others. It’s been a true perspective shift!

In Matthew 25:35-36 it says,

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Hearing heartbreaking story after story as I’ve been able to interact with people personally in my own city has also allowed me to feel closer to the heart of God as I allow Him to use me in small ways to help make a big impact in the Kingdom. People come to us every single week just because they know they will be loved and cared for in a special way that can only be explained by our relationship with Jesus. May we never underestimate the power of how we can be used by God! We are all simply seed planters, and He is the waterer.

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Proverbs 27:17 reads, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV).

For iron to sharpen iron, there must be two pieces. One piece cannot sharpen itself. We NEED each other. In the beginning, God saw it was not good for man to be alone, so He created woman. This was before the fall… before sin…so, think how much more important it is now in our sinful nature to have someone we can depend on.

Most of us have had the experience of sharpening a kitchen knife. A knife is a small saw with a micro-serrated edge. When it is sharpened, any uneven spots or “burrs” are removed, and the sharpness is restored. Often, it is polished to make it shine.

We all have uneven and rough spots and have become dull because of the ups and downs of life. We need encouragement, admonition, and even confrontation from someone who cares about us. That’s iron sharpening iron.

Think of lessons we learn from Scripture.

DAVID… in 1 Samuel 25 David asked Nabal for food for his men. It was sheep shearing season, and David’s men had been protecting Nabal’s sheep and workers. Even so, Nabal refused to feed David and his men. David was angry and took 400 men, intending to kill Nabal and the males in his household. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, heard and went to meet David with gifts of food, stopping him from this bloodshed.

Jonathan, son of King Saul, protected David, comforting and making a covenant with him when Saul sought David’s life (1 Sam. 23:16-18).

The prophet Nathan confronted David (2 Sam. 12) after his sin with Bathsheba, making him stop and think about what he had done and God’s laws he had broken… coveting another man’s wife, adultery (possibly rape), and murder. Only someone David respected could have said, “YOU are that man!”

Three friends with different types of help… three ways iron sharpens iron.

NAAMAN (2 Kings 5) was a commander of the Syrian Army… a gentile… a pagan… an enemy of Israel… and he had leprosy. The Syrians had captured and enslaved a young Israelite girl who told Naaman’s wife there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal him. When Naaman went to Elisha, he became angry at being told to dip in the muddy Jordan River. He had cleaner rivers back home. He had his reasons for not doing what the prophet instructed. BUT… Naaman’s servants confronted him, encouraging him to follow Elisha’s instructions… and he was healed. Again, iron sharpens iron.

SAUL… the early believers were afraid of him… with good reason. In Acts 9 Barnabas stood by Saul’s side, introducing him to the Jerusalem church who knew him as one involved in the death of Stephen and persecution of Christians, and telling them what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus. Where would Saul have been if there had not been a friend to stand by him? In Proverbs 18:24b we read: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” We see iron sharpening iron in friendship.

JOHN MARK was given a second chance by his cousin, Barnabas. Because he left the first missionary journey early, Paul refused to take him on another missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas parted from Paul and took John Mark. If it had not been for the encouragement of Barnabas, we might not have had the gospel of Mark. An older relative who cared… iron sharpens iron.

There are many ways that “iron sharpens iron.” Confrontation, encouragement, support, kindness, and rejoicing, all done in love can heal relationships with others as well as with God.

We can share ways we have persevered through the storms of life. When there is an established friendship, people are generally more willing to listen. Let’s work on building relationships that focus on the important things in life… so we have someone to turn to when life’s storms come.

Written by Naijuvelin Díaz Leal, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:5-11 ESV)

How many times have we heard or read about humility—that character that, although difficult, is not impossible to reach? The apostle Paul invites the Philippians to develop this character by taking Christ as their model. He presents this virtue to us as a reason for obedience and the consequence of exaltation. Humility, then, is an act of obedience. On another occasion, Peter would cry out, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God" (1 Pe 5:6a). We see how important it is and the effect that this condition always has on the Christian in any circumstance. Jesus Christ, being the Son of God, did not cling to that status, but lowered Himself, showing His meekness by bearing every scourge, confrontation, disappointment, emotional pressure, and betrayal.

Jesus showed the virtue of humility, full of grace and integrity; He was a model for the disciples and an example for all humanity. He willingly gave up His exalted position as the Son of God to bow down. He made manifest every good work that came from the Father. As His son, He bore suffering to teach us obedience and show us that in all obedience, there is a blessing. Christ is then presented to us as the model of humility in the following ways, while still not relinquishing His status as the Son of God:

• At His coming to earth (2Co 8:9).
• In His humility (Mt 11:29)
• In His submission to God's will (Jn 6:38)
• In His sufferings (Isa 53:1-9)
• At His triumphal entry (Mt 21:5,7)

Every perfect gift comes from above. Developing humility is a blessing, and executing it yields great benefits. When we are humble, we can attain salvation from God (Ps 18:27; 1 Co 1:26,29) and receive His grace (Pr 3:34). God honors the humble (Pr 15:33) and lifts them up (Job 5:11; Mt 23:12; Lk 1:52).

But what is humility? How do I recognize it? Is it a state of mind? A condition? Or a state of material poverty? Humility is acknowledging and exalting God's will over our own in our lives, gifts, virtues, and strength (Jn 5:19). When we constantly seek God and fully trust and accept His plans, that makes us humble and meek before Him. It is an attitude of the heart which goes beyond the external. To submit every thought or desire to Christ—to bring our cares and anxieties captive to Him—is to acknowledge His supremacy by recognizing His power and sovereignty.

Facing situations in which I must bend my will is a great challenge. It is a continuous challenge to know how to accept what God has determined. "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Mt 26:39b) is an example Jesus set, reminding me to be humble in many moments of my life, and strengthening me in all areas.

Amid struggles, the apostle Paul continued His service in humility despite the sorrows that beset Him because of the Jews (Ac 20:19). He bore the marks of Christ on his body and bore them with patience and meekness. He exhorts us, too, to put on that garment that identifies us as God's chosen ones (Col 3:12).

Taking up this appeal allows us to live more committed to Christ, worthy of the vocation to which we were called, and the God of peace will guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Are you willing to develop this great virtue or spiritual strength?

Written by Nilaurys García, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

When we think of Joshua and Moses, probably the first thing that comes to mind is that because Moses could not enter the promised land, Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people as it says in Deuteronomy 31:3 (NIV), "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said."

Joshua carried a great responsibility on his shoulders, and for that God prepared him, giving him Moses as an example and mentor. Even the people recognized this, as we read in Joshua 1:16-18.

Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!

I would be a little afraid if I were Joshua having to carry the responsibility of leading a nation, even with God's help.

The interesting thing about this relationship is that Moses did not believe he was prepared for everything that God called him to do. But God also put people in Moses’ path from whom he learned, and he then passed on his knowledge to Joshua. For example, he learned from his father-in-law Jethro that he should teach about the law and delegate the task of being judges to the people (Ex. 18:13-26). In addition, he learned to recognize Jehovah's sovereignty and that His promises are always fulfilled as expressed in Joshua 23:14-16.

I think what strikes me the most about Moses' example was that he accepted a task that he did not think he was qualified for. Moses reminds God that it is not easy for him to speak, as if it were necessary to tell the Almighty God something about His own creation, and God responds that HE created him that way.

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”(Ex. 4:10-12)

Moses' life is a constant reminder that God is in control of everything; his birth to being raised in Egypt gave him the tools necessary to carry out God’s purpose.

All that Moses went through served as an example to form the character of Joshua, who, at the death of Moses, had to lead the people and assume the position that his predecessor had before. In addition, he had the privilege of being called, "Moses’ aide" in Joshua 1:1. "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide”. God also reminded Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will also be with him. "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Joshua had to apply all these teachings when he led the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 6:2-5 so the Israelites could take possession of the city. They were to march around the walls once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched, the walls would fall at the sound of the trumpets and the cry of the warriors.

I believe that just as Joshua had Moses, we all have had key people that God has placed in our lives to learn from. Their teaching and example helps us draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Do you remember who these people have been in your life?

#IronRoseSister #teachthroughrelationships #learnthroughrelationships #mentoring #learnfromamentor #MosesandJoshua #blog #guestwriter

Written by Alina Stout, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Oklahoma

Imagine a moment when you were scared, anxious, or nervous about what was to come. Was it a bad storm? A meeting with someone? A phone call? A news report? A new job? A move to a new place? At that moment, you might have felt both emotionally and physically stressed. It is difficult to face a challenge when you feel so apprehensive.

Joshua had one of these moments, too. Israel’s fearless and humble leader Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness until they were finally ready to enter the promised land. God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses, and this was a good choice because Joshua had proven himself faithful forty years prior. He was one of the spies who visited Canaan, and he had faith that the LORD would deliver the enemy into the Israelites’ hands even though the Canaanites were a military threat (Nu 14). However, Moses was a great leader, and it would be difficult to succeed someone like him.

Joshua was now in charge of an entire nation of people who did not have a home and who had to fight in order to settle down. He had trusted in his youth that God would deliver the Canaanites into Israel’s hands, but would he trust that God would deliver the Canaanites into his hands, the leader of Israel? The people of Israel certainly would not be courageous if Joshua wasn’t.

God knows the hearts of all, and He spoke to Joshua on this matter when He appointed him. God reiterates to Joshua five times to “be strong and courageous” (Dt 31:6, 23; Jos 1:6, 7, 9 ESV).

God is not just telling Joshua to be a good leader. There is a way for Joshua to actively strengthen his heart and mind so that he is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. God tells Joshua to be “careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded,” to “not turn from [the law] to the right hand or to the left,” to not let the “Book of the Law… depart from [his] mouth,” and to “meditate on it day and night” in order to be “careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Jos 1:7-8). God makes it clear that this is the only way to succeed in their conquest.

God also ensures him of two promises: God will give Israel the promised land, and God will be with Joshua wherever he goes (Jos 1:3, 9).

When God gave His Book of the Law to Israel, His intention was for the law to inspire spiritual change in those who meditate on it. The law revealed a person’s sin and provided a chance for repentance. The law helped the listener understand God’s heart for the marginalized, such as foreigners, the poor, women, and victims. The law also helped the listener understand God’s insistence on giving justice to those who deserve it. Reciting and memorizing the law would help Joshua internalize God’s will. Obeying the law would affect Joshua’s daily personal choices and leadership decisions. Meditating on the words of God would help clarify Joshua’s vision, fortify his mind, and purify his heart.

How did Joshua respond to God’s command? He obeyed. Joshua might have still been apprehensive of what was to come, but he chose to obey God. Being strong and courageous was a choice that would lead to a positive outcome. In the following chapters of Joshua, we see how Joshua immediately continued forward with God’s plan. His faith in God when he spied in the land forty years prior had become the faith that he was living out.


So, in those moments where you feel scared, anxious, or nervous for what is about to come, remember God’s words to Joshua. You too can become strong and courageous by fortifying your heart and mind with God’s word. When you meditate on the Word, you begin to understand God’s heart, God’s justice, God’s will, and God’s promises. You grow in faith and will trust God in your every step into the unknown.

Think about your Iron Rose Sisters and their struggles as well. You might be able to help encourage each other as you walk this path with God.

For what do you need to become strong and courageous in your life?