Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Mirelis González Sánchez, volunteer with Ministerio Hermana Rosa de Hierro in Honduras

I have been teaching children’s classes for years in different congregations and one of the things that I enjoy the most is everything I can learn about them. These tiny creatures have a great natural capacity to transmit beautiful teachings and values that are necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. By observing them and valuing the importance of the ingenuity and transparency of their hearts.

On one occasion, one of the girls in my class got very excited about a puppet that we use on Sundays to recreate the Bible story we are sharing. I knew that she loved puppies and so I allowed her to play the role of that little animal, created by God during the formation of the world. When the class was over, we all gathered the resources we had used and I told the group goodbye and that I hoped to see them the next week.

The following Sunday, I noticed as “my little animal lover” came closer that she had a sad and worried face. When I talked with her, I understood what happened. She felt sorry and sad because without anyone realizing it, she had taken the puppy puppet home since she had liked it so much. She told me that she felt really bad for what she had done to her teacher that she loved. Right then, she showed me a teddy bear from home that she wanted to gift to the class as a demonstration of her repentance for her behavior.

The attitude of this little girl prompted me to remember and meditate on a very important theme for Christians. She not only understood what she had done, but the change of heart motivated her to act in a way that demonstrated her repentance.

When we draw near to the feet of Jesus, one of the first things we learn, besides His love, is that we should repent. That moment is a necessary step in order to be saved, not one we can skip over.

We often refer to repentance only as a feeling of guilt and sorry that we should have after bad acts. When we go to the Bible and dig deeper, we see the true repentance that the Lord demands, not just the feeling of pain for our sins, but rather it should lead us to change our way of thinking that, in turn, transforms our way of acting.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matt. 3:8)

First, we must understand the depth of love God has for us and the sinful condition in which we were found. This leads us to change our reaction to sin. In other words, if we sin, it should hurt and sadden us. Consequently, these two attitudes will lead us to act in a way that reflects sincere efforts to distance ourselves from sin in order to establish direct communion with God.

If the repentance we experience stays only in our thoughts or a confession of our faults and does not yield true fruit, it will remain simply as a regret on our conscience. In the Bible, we see various examples of people that, even though they recognized their sins, they did not demonstrate authentic repentance. This was the case with the Pharaoh of Egypt (Ex. 9:27) and King Saul (1 Sam. 15:24).

God seeks in us a repentance that leads to joy based on the hope that He offers us salvation and forgiveness of sins. This is totally different from the regret that Judas Iscariot experienced when he recognized that he had sold his Lord who was innocent. The result of his sadness was not to turn to God, but rather to take his life in a tragic way.

It is necessary as daughters of God to seek daily an attitude of repentance. We can all grow closer to His presence no matter how dark our past. Pedro shows us that, in spite of his faults, his character flaw that led him to deny His Teacher, he opened his heart to show true humility. Pedro knew to recognize the power of the Lord and courageously admitted the magnitude of his sin. The Bible tells us that he cried bitterly and repentantly. This heartfelt act was the door through which the Holy Spirit could work in his life. After this, the apostle reflected his joy as a valuable instrument in the hands of God to carry the gospel to many. He even gave his life for the cause of his Savior.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

So, let’s reflect for a moment. Is our repentance the complete process that yields true fruit for God or simply an internal personal reflection?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #repentance #truerepentance #changeofheartandaction #forgiveness #guestwriter #blog

Written by Eliuth Araque de Valencia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Heb. 11:11)

I can assure you that both you and I have passed through a variety of seasons in our walk of faith. In particular, I have experienced seasons of fruitfulness and I have also experienced seasons of suffering where I did not understand how God could redeem it. And yet, He did.

In my family devotional life, each night we pray for our deepest needs; it is one of the most anticipated moments, opening our hearts, recognizing that we have our struggles. Each one participates giving their requests… that is the dynamic. My turn comes. I once again made a recurring and embarrassing request for a woman who longs to receive the praise of her husband and children, and at the end of a day with a hectic and busy schedule I said: “I ask that God work in my life as the woman He wants me to be, with a soft and quiet spirit pleasing in His eyes.” My son replied and said: "You have been asking for the same thing for a long time." And this was my starting point of affliction, of pain and anguish. "Yes son, it's time."

It is not that God does not always answer my prayers exactly the way I want Him to, nor how many times I manifest them, it was time to not stand there waiting for something magical to happen, but to trigger change and truly take advantage of every opportunity as a mother, wife, daughter and sister to show Christ, even when His very nature is to redeem.

And this is what I see today in this passage. Here Sarah, wife of the great patriarch Abraham, tends to be seen in a frame of dignity and honor. But reading the biblical description of her life, it is impossible not to notice that at times she acted very badly. She may throw fits and tantrums, be impatient, moody, scheming, fierce, mean, fickle, bad-tempered, jealous, erratic, irrational, a winner, complaining, and nagging. However, it has always been a reference or the perfect model of godly grace and meekness.

So, it's easy to start from praise, thinking that we're good Christians, that we read our Bibles, that we pray regularly, that we congregate faithfully and obey all the rules. This is an inaccurate version of ourselves. We fail daily, we are unfaithful every time we choose to sin, we are weak and easily distracted. We can have it all by appearance, but our heart tells the truth. When our life is not according to God's plans and purposes, all we experience is pain, misery, and much regret. At some point it can seem to work in our favor and at the same time be far from God, in slavery, stagnant, without significant changes.

Sara was a creature driven by carnal problems like us. There was one thing she wanted above all else, and that was having children. But she was barren from the beginning to the end of her childbearing years. In fact, this is pretty much the first thing scripture mentions about her in Genesis 11:30, obviously grieving over barrenness. Each episode of bad humor or conflict in her family was preceded by her failure due to her infertility. This consumed her. She spent many years dealing with the frustration and depression that her reality produced. Her desperate desire for motherhood was ended by accepting the fact of her barrenness (Gen. 16:2). She wanted her husband to have an heir so badly that she came up with a plan between him and her maid.
Conceivably, the aftermath of such a carnal alibi was nearly life-tearing and seemed to leave a permanent scar on her personality. Her bitterness infuriated her for thirteen years, until she finally insisted that Abraham expel the other woman, and the child they had fathered.

Her defects are notorious and enough, there is no doubt, she had fallen. Her faith weakened, her heart led her down a wrong path, flaws visible and unquestionable. And we wonder, could there be something more? Fortunately, yes, there was much more to Sara than that. She had both strong points and glaring flaws. The scriptures actually commend her for her faith and steadfastness. The apostle Peter points to her as a model of how each wife should submit to the authority of her husband. Her life is characterized by humility, meekness, hospitality, fidelity, deep affection for her husband, sincere love for God and hope in all trials.

After making this contrast and contradiction, I can conclude that Sarah was a woman who received redemption, because she learned what was valuable, she believed, giving birth to a son after the years of her fertility, being old, a precedent in Hebrew history. The most relevant aspects are her unfailing fidelity to her husband, her perseverance against incredible obstacles and the firmness of her faith; they became the main feature of his legacy. Indeed, the New Testament admires her in the hall of faith: "Because she considered him faithful who had made the promise." (Heb. 11:11)

The full spectacle of Sarah's faith is not fully appreciated until the many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to that faith are considered. The happiness of God's promise fulfilled, not because of Sarah's perfection in obedience or faith, but because God is faithful to His word. Some promises of God are conditional on us doing something. But others are unconditional and are fulfilled not because of what we do, but because of who God is.

“Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many.” (Is. 51:2)

Now, dear reader, a life of faith is what God appreciates. You and I are not perfect women, we cannot be. God is not indifferent, He sustains us. Today, believe despite your struggles by remembering Sarah. She, against hope, trusted that the impossible for her, that which caused her laughter, would become true. And because He is faithful, we who believe in Christ are justified and redeemed.

That is why God shows His love in that, even though we were sinners, Christ died for us, to enjoy righteousness, believing in Him; being rich in mercy, He not only had a redemptive plan with Sarah and her family but also a plan for us. With the name of Jesus, enjoy, laugh embracing the value of each moment in faith and redemption in the hope of the glorious gospel that sustains us.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #faith #hope #Sarah #againsthope #trust #redemption #imperfectredeemed #blog

Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina

One of my favorite letters is Colossians, especially since it has an interesting introduction and exaltation of Christ.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Col. 1.15)

God, the Whole, is the invisible Creator of the universe. What beautiful words! However, something even more fantastic is perceiving that our faith transcends and surpasses what is visible in this world.

It gets more difficult to believe in things that we cannot see in our daily life, as this present time practically prevents it. We believe in supported science events which have evidence and reveal extraordinary results. However, Paul tells us that Jesus is the image of an invisible God. So, how is it possible to believe in the invisible? This is the magic of the power of God, to dwell in us invisibly, but not in an imperceptible way.

In Colossians 1:17, Paul clarifies the matter a little bit more for us, he gives us a couple of characteristics about Jesus: He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Jesus was already there before everything was created and gave shape to everything we know today. The fact of recognizing the creation as divine work is the greatest evidence of our faith in the invisible God.

We do not need to see God, because we see His works, and His most important work is us, the main ambassadors of Christ, co-heirs of the kingdom. Therefore, we are invited and responsible for participating with Christ in the redemption of the visible creation of an invisible God.

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

In general, we could say that society has certain expectations of women depending on their role or marital status. For example, women are expected to get married before their 30s, have children, and also have a prosperous and profitable job. None of which is a bad thing, but truth be told, sometimes life does not turn out that way or in that order… and that is when our complexes and conflicts with ourselves arise.

Today, I invite you to analyze the things that we CAN do regardless of our culture, role, or marital status. Let's look at the story of Ruth, a widowed woman, a single-again woman, who decided to emigrate to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law. She decided to start from scratch, but she decided to do it the right way.

From her history we can learn:
• We can choose to have God as our God. (Ruth 1:16) Sometimes we make the mistake of putting the boy we like, friends, work… as “gods.” They become our source of emotional stability and divert us from the one true God. Let´s remember that all these things are fleeting. Rather, we can choose what’s best, like Mary did in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
• We can serve others. (Ruth 2:11) Ruth served her mother-in-law, and the good work she did was known to all.
• We can work hard. (Ruth 2: 15-18) When we are willing to work and be productive in our field, we find grace and favor in the eyes of others.
• We can learn to appreciate processes and learn from them. (Ruth 2:23) The process of sowing and harvesting barley and wheat takes months. It is sown in the fall and harvested in the spring. Each stage of the process is important and Ruth knew it. She did not demand instant results. She did the right things step by step with patience and confidence.
• We can cultivate an admirable character. (Ruth 3:11) Ruth was known among the people as a virtuous woman. That reputation was cultivated over time and appreciated by all.
• We can learn to accept the advice of a wise person. (Ruth 3:18) Ruth listened to the wise advice of her mother-in-law Naomi.

Although Ruth had the happy ending that many single women desire, it is important to note that she got married AFTER she had manifested all these characteristics. This means that she was ALREADY a virtuous, helpful, hard-working, and devoted woman of God BEFORE getting married.

Many times, we hear some women say, "When I get married, I will focus more on God, on service, on growing professionally, etc." Ruth shows us that this is not the correct order. A Christian woman should cultivate all of these characteristics from an early age.

Our character and decisions totally influence the results we will obtain. Ruth made the best decisions and that is why she became David's great-grandmother.

God's Word redefines and shapes us. Let it continue to do its work in us to remain redefined in 2022.
For more information on single life from a biblical perspective, I invite you to read the ministry’s new book, One Single Reason: Conversations with Single Women.

I really enjoy reading the blog emails from Iron Rose Sister Ministries (IRSM). They have inspired and taught me so much, and I am thankful for all of those involved in this precious ministry. I had an opportunity to meet Michelle Goff in person last month at the Women Walking With God conference in Wichita, Kansas, and we got to talking about IRSM and their emails. I got very excited when I learned that not only was she looking for contributors but also that the word for May was transformation. I believe my words to her were, “Have I got a story for you!” So, here it goes.

Jade sucked in her breath. “Marianna, please stay calm, but there is a lion about 50 yards behind you and he sees us.”
“No there’s not. Stop messing around,” Marianna responded, with a nervous laugh.
Barely above a whisper, Jade urged her friend, “You have to trust me. I see one path out of here where he can’t follow us. Please do what I ask.”

One night, in a small-group Bible study, I shared a lesson with Hispanic sisters at a church in Houston. The class was about truth and lies and contained some of the same material that would later be included in Who Has the Last Word?.

The class was well received and at the end, I asked each of the ladies to partner with the woman next to her and share a lie of Satan she personally battles. They were also instructed to find a verse in the Bible that spoke a truth to cut through that lie, just like in the Lie/Truth Chart. It was beautiful to see them sharing and flipping through their Bibles.

As they were finishing up, two women excitedly asked me to come over and talk with them. They just had to share with me that they battle the exact same lie: that they don't have time to read their Bibles! They were able to encourage each other mutually in the truth and promises of Scripture. Phone numbers were exchanged so that they could continue to encourage each other during the week. Before I walked away, they read me the verse that gave them so much hope and joy—the truth that cut through Satan's lie and gave God the last word in their lives:

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Josh. 1:7-8)

God gave Joshua a beautiful reminder for the third time in that chapter, “Be strong and very courageous.” May God continue to bless each of us with encouraging reminders, as He did for those two ladies that evening. And may He continue to use Iron Rose Sister Ministries to equip, inspire, and empower women in their relationship with God and others.

My question for you today: Would those ladies have been impacted as greatly from that verse and convicted in the lie if they had been doing it alone?

Last month, we looked at lies and truth through the book Who Has the Last Word? Yet the greater value of that study comes in the context of small groups.

This month, as many prepare for their fall Bible studies, we will look at small groups: the blessings, the challenges, and the biblical support for how to do them well.

#IronRoseSister #smallgroups #community #truth

Written by Brenda Brizendine, Volunteer Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

As a child, I began to imagine what my married life would be like. A nice house, a loving husband, and many children! But I always thought: I WILL NEVER MARRY A FOREIGN MAN NOR LIVE OUTSIDE MY COUNTRY! Little did I know of the plans that God already had in store for me. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

In my plans, I would get married at 25, have children starting at 28 and be a young mother of 3 adorable children.

I turned 25, then 30 and no, I hadn’t gotten married. Without realizing it, I began to give much more importance to the idea of being married and, yes, it even became a bit of an obsession. My friends had boyfriends, were getting married and had beautiful children and families. And I kept thinking, who will God send me? (My relatives also were reminding me of what I was “missing,” because I was not getting younger).

One afternoon during a Bible study meeting, we read 1 Corinthians 7, which mentions that single women should be caring about the things of the Lord. There I understood that it was my time to put my attention on the Lord Jesus and not on any of the other "things" or "people" I had on my agenda. That was the moment when I could fully serve Him.

When I focused “my” sight, “my” time, and “my” agenda on the things of the Lord, was when I learned to know Him better, to delight in Him and in His word, and to be more like the person He designed me to be. It was then that the man of my dreams came into my life.

Much of what our story entails is unanticipated plans: He is a foreigner, speaks another language and lives in another country. What an irony, right? Sometimes I wonder if I had to wait a little longer for having said my “never” phrase, but I am sure that everything happens in God's time and way.

At first, when he started to get closer to me, I saw him as just another friend, I didn't anticipate in the slightest way that something could come up between him and me. The relationship progressed, to the point where he asked me to marry him. Everything went very well, thanks to the support of God's blessing. But my heart had not forgotten the part of my “fear” of going to live with a foreigner in another country.

One Sunday at church, a couple of months before the wedding date, a sister told me she had a message from God for me. *Note: I hadn't “ever” shared about my “never” with many people, so I had already “packed” it. But God, who knows the depths of my heart, my desires, and my fears, had not forgotten. And He wanted to work on that area of my life.

The message was the following: My daughter, I love you, I formed you and I know the desires of your heart, and also your fears. I know you don't want to leave your country, and you don't want to leave your family. (By that time, my dad was sick and receiving dialysis treatment, I have a sister with special needs, and I couldn't get used to the idea of being away from them, "in case they needed me") But today I tell you, - the message continued - the man you are going to marry, I have sent him to you, he is going to love you, he is going to take care of you and your family, and he is going to be with you because I prepared him for you. And for your family here, I'm going to take care of them. Just remember: be still and know that I am God.

Sisters, only God could send such a punctual message like that! By the way, you can confirm that promise of God in Psalm 46:10. With that message sisters, I had no doubt that this was God's time, and the man that God had prepared for me, including the fact that he was a foreigner!!!! That filled me with peace and confidence to continue with my unexpected plans.

We have now been married for 9 years, and in this time, we have experienced an endless list of unanticipated plans:

• During the process of migrating to this country, God provided people and resources to complete it.
• When we were preparing to grow the family, the doctors told us that we had no chance of achieving it.
• We focused on buying a house then, and without anticipating it, we got pregnant. My husband's reaction at that moment was: "and how are we going to eat?" Thinking that our budget would go to the payment of the house, and we were not prepared for medical payments. At the end of my pregnancy, my husband lost his job. We had a beautiful girl, but we were left homeless as the home we were building fell through. During this time, we had to live with the in-laws.
• We had been looking for a house to live for months, and our real estate agent called us to tell us that a client wanted to sell his house to someone who did not need to "fight" for the house, because at that time the real estate market was very crazy.
• My husband loses his job again. Even though we had planned that I would stay home to raise the baby, I had to look for a job. God sent me one that only needed me for a few hours per week.
• My husband finds a job in another city. God introduces me to Iron Rose Sister Ministries, and I start working for them.
• We have to move again to be closer to my husband's job. This new house is much better than what we were originally looking for, before the baby.
• COVID arrives. We lock ourselves in.
• We began to attend church at another congregation post COVID. They invite me to be part of the team that restarts the women’s ministry.

There are many more things that I can continue mentioning. There is a lot of unpredictability in the work area, in relationships, in the housing situation, regarding illnesses, but something that I can anticipate is the love and care of God.

When I look back at what has happened in these last 9 years, I have no doubt that God is faithful to His promise of being with us until the end of the age. It behooves us then to be still and recognize that He continues being God.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
(Psalm 107:1)

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #unanticipatedplans #loveofGod #careofGod #waitontheLord #guestwriter #blog

Written by Lisanka Martínez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

““So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said.”” (Gen. 24:58)

When my eldest daughter told us her decision to go to another country, 5,899 miles away from ours, to meet her groom's family, we were filled with apprehension, doubts and fears, which we expressed to her. Not only us, her parents, but also my older sister, my mom and other family members. It seemed so crazy to us that she had to go so far without knowing what she was going to find when interacting with such different people—different in age, culture, language, religion, among other things. She, showing great courage, decided to step out in faith, take the risk and walk away, leaving us worried about her future.

Comparing this family story with Rebekah's story, despite the obvious differences such as the fact that her family agreed, I notice that they have things in common: courage, good disposition, and the desire to discover God's plans in their lives.

Analyzing Rebekah's story, a little, we notice her great qualities when:

1. She went out of her way to please a stranger (Abraham's Servant), which shows her hospitality (Gen. 17-20).
2. She was God's answer to a prayer of faith (Gen. 24:12-14).
3. She showed confidence in the direction God was giving to her life by accepting this change of circumstances (Gen. 24:58).
4. She also showed patience and humility when making that camel journey of about 800 km (500 miles).
5. It is an example of respect, submission and humility, shown by the gesture of covering her head with a cloak when she knew that the one who approached them was her future husband (Gen. 24:65).

Sarah’s story was repeated in Rebekah’s. She was beautiful and also barren, which changed by divine intervention. It should be noted that Rebekah, being so young, risked being separated from her family to start an adventure that she did not know how it would end. This is obviously not easy: to leave the family circle, to leave everything she was accustomed to, according to the rules and tasks for each family member. She found courage to do it, sometimes with positive results, at other times, not so much, but in the end, to fulfill God's covenant with Abraham. Her decision to leave on that unexpected trip led her to be an important part of something transcendental in the history of humanity.

Being encouraged to break ties with the family, even for a while, is not for all of us, but God has a way and a solution for each situation. Whether you have to do it to meet your future husband's family, for work or studies; because the situation in your country has become so difficult that you want to look for a better future in other lands, or because you have decided to be a missionary, or you have become a widow, you are single and retired wanting to change your life... God will always take care of guiding you, taking care of your when undertaking a journey like this, even when you have a difficult past, a complicated present, or you cannot even glimpse light in your future. God always knows your starting point and the place you will arrive at.

If you feel that that change, that unexpected plan is really His divine will, be humble and trust. Let yourself be guided by God towards a possibly extraordinary future. Are you willing to follow Rebekah's example and do what God expects from you? Will you trust that His plans are always the best?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Rebekah #unanticipatedplans #Godwillguideyou #trustGod #guestwriter #blog

Co-authored by Claudia Pérez and Edilaine Staton, volunteers with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Alabama 

The topic of infidelity in the world today seems to be "fashionable." Every day more public figures exhibit their unfaithful relationships without fear or modesty. It seems that talking about infidelity today is becoming something very "common and normal." And, sadly, infidelities can even be seen in the lives of great religious leaders and within the Church itself. This occurs when behavior outside of what is written in the Scriptures is announced or preached, being faithful to an earthly standard, rather than to the will of God.

Dictionary.com defines infidelity as unfaithfulness; disloyalty. Let us remember what the Bible tells us about infidelity; it reminds us that we have a jealous God who wants us to present ourselves as a pure virgin bride to Christ. “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him”(2 Cor. 11:2 NIV).

Let's remember the unfaithful relationship between God and the people of Israel. Israel received a warning to not bow down to any other god because Jehovah is Jealous.“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex. 34:14).

Today, the question is: What are the other gods we bow to: the god of money, ego, work, confusion, lust, disbelief, etc.?

God examines hearts. Another example of an unfaithful relationship was the nation of Judah. God’s desire was for Judah to turn to Him with all her heart, but Judah did it halfheartedly. “’In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,’ declares the Lord”(Jer. 3:10).

In the next few verses, we see that God saw Israel as righteous compared to Judah, and gave Israel an opportunity to repent.

The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. Go, proclaim this message toward the north: Return, faithless Israel,” declares the Lord, “I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,” declares the Lord, “I will not be angry forever.”(Jer. 3:11-12)

God has always wanted us to turn to Him with sincere repentance. How many times have we had an unfaithful relationship with our God? How many times have we failed God? How have you shown your faithfulness to God? Like Israel or like Judah? God knows our hearts and will find falsehood. It is my prayer and wish that our repentance be sincere and without pretense like Israel. God forgives us and does not pour out His wrath. He will send people to us who will help us know His heart and who will feed us with knowledge and wisdom. God has given us His Church to welcome and instruct us in His Word so we may remain faithful to Him. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).

God tests people’s fidelity. Let's remember how God tested Abraham's faithfulness in Genesis 12:1-2. God was at that moment testing Abraham's trust and faithfulness. God continues to test people as He did with Abraham, however we are not always totally willing to submit to God's will. Today, fidelity to God is increasingly missing from mankind. How many people are suffering due to a lack of faith in God? They do not believe that God even exists and that ultimately leads to their ruin. Many even reach the limit of their strength and take their own lives. The Bible tells us: “Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction”(Prov. 13:15). Infidelity leads us to transgress God's law and walk a hard and rough path.

When we decide to be wholeheartedly faithful to God, we will put aside our egos and walk together on the path that God set for us. As long as we continue to live behind the wall of our desires, we will in no way be able to understand the fidelity that God desires and we will experience an unfaithful relationship with Him. Sinful actions in our lives are evidence of an unfaithful relationship between God and us.

Malachi 3:6 reminds us: “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Thus, our infidelity will not alter God's faithfulness, even when we fail in our efforts to be completely faithful to Him. Are you ready to leave any god that is resulting in an unfaithful relationship with the Father? Are you ready to start a faithful relationship with our God and experience His great love and protection?

Written by Melanie Curtis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

In July of 2021, I came closer to God than I have ever been in my adult life, and that is when I was giving birth to my beautiful baby girl, Ginny. As time has passed since then, however, I have struggled with God, maybe more than ever before. That is, I have been unable to wrap my mind around John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

How could any parent allow their child to suffer, especially at the degree to which Jesus did? This is a hard question, but as we ask the hard questions, we need to never forget that “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8b). Keeping this in mind, let us examine Jesus’s sacrifice further.

1. Jesus died so that we might live. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 Jn. 4:9). Yes, God allowed Jesus to suffer and die for all, but it was so that He could offer us forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

2. Those who persecuted and killed Jesus, plus our sins, were what caused his suffering: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)

3. Jesus gave himself up of His own free will. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8).

4. Even though it’s hard, parents allow their children to go through hardships because they look ahead to the future, beyond the pain. Parents have faith that the aftermath of that suffering will be good. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2b).

5. Jesus is God’s Son, but we are His children and God loves us too! He cares about us and wants to save us from our sins: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

In summary, although we can’t take away what Jesus had to suffer, we can appreciate what God did for us by accepting the salvation provided through Jesus’s sacrifice and living in such a way to honor His sacrifice.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. (Eph. 4:30-5:1)

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #resurrection #guestwriter

Written by Brenda Brizendine, Volunteer Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado 

Have you ever felt like you were carrying the entire weight of planet Earth on your shoulders? Or have you felt a very deep sadness? But what makes these feelings even more troubling is that you don't have any idea why.

I remember very well one particular day when I felt this way. I can't describe how real that weight felt. All I wanted to do was cry. I was so overwhelmed by this feeling that I couldn't concentrate on anything.

I wanted to pray and ask God to help me with that weight, but I couldn't complete even a single sentence in prayer, and I didn't know how to ask or what to ask for. But I remember that God directed me to ask for support in prayer from my group of sisters, prayer warriors, who had accompanied me for a long time on my Christian walk.

It was when I shared my request with them, and we agreed to pray for mercy and for God to take away this overwhelming burden, I was released. Through that unity in prayer, even from miles away, the battle was fought for me, and God freed me from the burden that I was carrying.

To this day, I can't find a reason for those feelings, but I am very aware of what I felt when that load was being lifted from my shoulders and my heart was being filled with peace and joy as I read the words of prayer that the sisters shared in our group chat.

Their faith, united in prayer with mine, made something supernatural happen. This reminds me of the passage in Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

And also, the passage found in James 5:16b, “pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

The enemy tried to defeat me because he found me alone, but when my heart was united with the hearts of my sisters, something powerful happened. The power of the unity of the family of God once again conquered evil with good, sadness with joy, tribulation with peace.

It is important that we develop that community of faith. If you've ever seen the movie "Facing the Giants," there's a scene where a group of people come together to pray for the kids at school. Things began to change. Things started to improve. Powerful things begin to happen when we come together in common agreement, and they are asked in the name of Jesus.

In his novel, This Present Darkness,Frank E. Peretti describes what he imagines our prayers together can do when we are in agreement. It is like clearing the way so that the angels can complete the mission that God has given them.

I currently meet regularly with a group of friends and sisters to pray over our children. Each week we share specific requests, and together, in single-minded agreement, we share these deep desires with the Father. We have seen many of those requests answered. And we are confident that we will continue to see the Hand of God at work in the lives of our little ones. I encourage you today to find your own prayer group, remembering that where two or more are united in the Name that is above all names, there is the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles.

Allow me to share a prayer with you:

Eternal Father, Great, and Strong You are! I come to you through the Lord Jesus Christ, declaring what Your Word says— that where two or three are gathered together in Your name, there You are in the midst of them. At this moment I come in agreement with my sisters to cry out to You and invoke Your presence. You are Almighty God and for You nothing is impossible. I ask you to take control of our lives and those of our families, keeping us from illness, and supplying us with everything we need in a supernatural way. In the name of Jesus, Father, we humble ourselves and cry out to You for our nations and we ask You to establish Your kingdom. Shower down Your power and glory upon the world, pouring out repentance and conversion on every inhabitant of our countries. Lord, thank You for the power we experience in agreement and help us to maintain unity and keep us from division and strife. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Unknown Certainty
Tiffany Jacox

Life is one big mystery. We grow up excited for the future and what awaits us. We stress and worry and plan for our future as we grow into young adults. We have hopes and dreams but we never really know how the next day will pan out. We have faith and hope in each new day or maybe we just take it all for granted.
Many of us have experienced many different things throughout our lives. Maybe some of those experiences were positive and joyful or maybe they left you hurt and confused. I know I’ve experienced joy, pain and confusion. Growing up in a difficult childhood, having a baby at the age of sixteen and getting married before my 17th birthday. My husband joining the military, taking us to a new life I had never known. Then many years later a slew of personal issues that would have to be dealt with, along with the trials most people face on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, I didn’t always stand firm in my foundation of faith. I was a lukewarm Christian at best for many years, until finally, I completely fell away for seven years.
In what my husband and I would classify as a good time in our life; I found I wasn’t complete. I was empty and searching. It took me months to realize what was missing in my life and in 2010 I nervously approached my husband, who was not a Christian, about how I believed that Christ was missing in my life, in our lives, and I needed to find my way back. We found a wonderful home in the Bellevue church of Christ. I developed a new found love and understanding with Jesus Christ and my husband gave his life to Christ in 2011. Our two daughters also gave their lives to Christ in the following years. This was my first experience realizing the unknown in my life and seeing God provide.
During my lifetime, I had never really thought about my path. I never really wondered what God had in store for me. I knew the pathway to heaven was narrow and that Christ was the only way, but I never considered anything beyond that. But as I felt Him calling out to me and my heart began to listen, I inevitably got in the way. I started trying to figure out what I was made for. What were my talents? What did I enjoy? Where could I make the most impact? Boy, do you notice a theme there? It was all about “me” instead of Jesus. No wonder I was having trouble!
In 2015 a wonderful woman in my congregation asked me to co-teach our Sunday morning women’s class. I wasn’t sure I was up for such a task. I would be one of the younger ladies in the class and I don’t have the knowledge, wisdom nor experience these wonderful ladies would have. I didn’t quite measure up. I also hadn’t really done much of anything in front of a group before and that was terrifying to think about. Thankfully she assured me that I had what it took and she would be there for me. Ok, I thought, I can do that. It’s not like I will really have to lead or teach, not much anyway. Oh I love how God works! Turns out that I ended up teaching that class, my very first adult class, on my own. Not only did I survive but I did just fine. God used this time to provide me with a confidence, no matter how small, that He already had in me. He proved to me through the experience and through the support of the ladies, that He has equipped me. Teaching really requires a lot of preparation and study. Another bonus from God, it helps to keep me in His Word on a regular basis. It also helps me to look a little deeper and really meditate on what the living word of God is saying to me. Wow, that first year really opened my eyes and grew my faith. God took my insecurity, my weakness and my uncertainty and used it not only for my good but for His good.
God stretched me even further in 2016. I had started to learn the year before to trust in God in new ways. I started a local mission in this year based off an idea I had seen an old high school classmate do. I started Prayer in the Park. I set up a booth in our local farmer’s market each and every Saturday. We handed out materials about our church and we just greeted folks with a smile and offered our prayers. We had some people who stopped just to ask questions or just to chat. We had some who stopped and asked for prayers. Each week I had to call and see if there was a space for us and make sure that we were still welcome. We were on a short leash being a religious group. This is when my faith began to grow even more because each week we were granted permission. Every Saturday we were able to spend time with other vendors and members of our community in the beauty of God’s creation and build trust and develop relationships. We were even blessed with seeing some of these people come to worship services. It was a beautiful thing.
This was also the year that I set aside my fears and went on my first overseas mission trip. My husband had gone the year before and had encouraged me to come along this time. So, I prayed about it and prayed about it and then I said, “Okay God, here I go......send me.” Our youngest daughter also came along. What a beautiful experience and what lessons I learned. 2016 was an amazing year with my local mission, my first overseas mission trip and my second year of teaching ladies class that I was really starting to see God move. I was starting to really let God lead me. I also began to understand what peace and confidence in Christ meant.
However, 2017 proved to be a more challenging year. I lost a cousin to aggressive breast cancer. I still had personal issues I was working through, job stress, financial stress, ministry frustrations and all the things we all deal with each day. Once summer came, God reminded me to refocus. Our ministry was welcomed back to the farmer’s market and we found a ministry made stronger. We were blessed with the opportunity to talk with more people than the year before. We had more people sharing their stories with us, some of them heart wrenching, yet they allowed us to pray with them and love them. We were the light of Christ.

I was provided a moment to submit to God one particular day in the park. We had some lovely women who had stopped and were sharing their struggles with us. I was asked to pray. I was asked to pray over these women, right there in the middle of the park, with dozens of people around. I panicked for a moment and then I took a deep breath and said, “God please lead me.” I was still shaking as I put my arms around these women and prayed. The Spirit was with me and the words flowed easily. I was moved to tears. What a vulnerable moment. Afterwards, I needed a moment to myself to thank God. He provided me with a moment of love and understanding, growth and support. He showed me that He is always right there with me, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It also gave me the strength to do more prayer in front of others. I also went on my second overseas mission trip in 2017 and found this trip to be a lot more about listening and submission, the next building blocks to making me a Godly woman.
2018 has already provided me with many opportunities. I feel a confidence and passion in reaching out to others. When I get nervous or scared, I just remember the path God has set before me. I have a great desire to encourage all women to really listen for God’s direction. I am in my third year teaching my ladies class and I just love it. It has helped me grow in my knowledge and my faith tremendously. I plan on continuing in mission work but I am waiting for the Lord to direct my path on when and where. I am in a way, taking a bit of a time out to listen for his direction. I have been given proof in my experiences and my relationships to trust God. He sends people our way when we need it and when we least expect it. He provides opportunities for us, we just have to be ready to receive them. Be still and listen and be ready to say, let’s go! The uptight control freak I used to be is learning to be a little more relaxed and trusting in Jesus. His way is always better than my way and I now look forward to the unknown because I have seen the beauty that comes from unrivaled abandon to the Lord. I am totally certain of my unknown uncertainty, and I welcome it because God is already there waiting for me.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those you are called according to His purpose.” (NASB)
Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (NASB)
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (NASB)

#IronRoseSister #growth #mystory #Godsleading

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

Paul and Barnabas teach us that different personalities are able to work together when God is the focus.

Acts 4:36-37 (ESV) introduces us to Barnabas. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.”

Paul comes on the scene in Acts 7:58-8:1, called by his Jewish name Saul, holding the garments of those stoning Stephen and approving the execution, indicating that he had some authority among Jewish leaders. He was born in Tarsus, an ancient city off the coast of the northern Mediterranean Sea. Philippians 3:5-6 says he was of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee. He would have considered Jesus a false prophet because of His claim to be the Son of God. He would have believed the new disciples were leaving the true God of Judaism, much like his ancestors did in following Canaanite gods.

Saul grew up in Jerusalem and studied at the school of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). 

Saul went to Damascus with a letter of authority from the high priest of the synagogue, intending to persecute the church there. On the way, he encountered Jesus and was baptized by Ananias. He began preaching in Damascus soon after he was baptized, amazing the disciples who knew he had originally come with the intent to persecute the Christians there (Acts 9:21).

When Saul returned to Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him; they remembered him as a persecutor of the church. But Barnabas stood by his side and introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:26-27). They didn’t trust Saul, but they did trust Barnabas.

The disciples had scattered after the stoning of Stephen. In Acts 11 word reaches Jerusalem that there were believers in Antioch, and Barnabas was sent to investigate. Acts 11:23 tells us, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord.”

Barnabas then went to Tarsus to look for Saul, who had been sent there by the disciples in Jerusalem for his safety (Acts 9:30; 11:25-26), and brought him to Antioch where they worked together for a year.

Acts 13:2 reads, “…the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”

Another missionary disciple, John Mark, went with Saul and Barnabas on this first missionary journey, assisting them as they went from town to town. At Paphos, Mark leaves and returns home.

Acts 13:9 refers to “Saul, who was also called Paul,” and from this point on we read of Paul and Barnabas as they continue without Mark. This journey was filled with receptive hearts as well as persecution from the Jews, who sometimes followed from town to town. 

When Paul and Barnabas finished this first journey, they sailed back to Antioch, gathered the church together, and declared all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith for the Gentiles.

Even after all the persecution, Paul and Barnabas began planning a second missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark again, giving him another opportunity, but Paul opposed taking him and they argued. Acts 15:39 calls it a “sharp disagreement.”

As a result of this disagreement, they went different ways; Barnabas took Mark, Paul took Silas, and the gospel was spread in two directions. Paul completed three missionary journeys. We do not have detail about the further work of Barnabas.

Paul appears to be goal-oriented… he had a purpose, a plan… and he did not want it disrupted. He probably made decisions quickly, then stood by those decisions.

Barnabas appears to be relationship-oriented, looking for those who needed encouragement. He probably took his time making decisions, evaluating what the need was before acting. 

Despite the disagreement, it appears Paul kept up with the work of Barnabas and Mark. In 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul wrote, “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 

Paul values Mark, and we assume the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was not a permanent rift. In Christ-filled relationships, good friends can have sharp disagreements and still maintain respect and friendship.

The confidence Barnabas had in Mark may well have been what encouraged him to write his gospel. 

Just as God used Paul and Barnabas despite their differences, He can use our different personalities for His purposes. Paul had intense zeal; Barnabas had a heart for people. We can learn from both of them.

Written by Kat Bittner, member of Iron Rose Sister Ministries Board of Directors in Colorado Springs, CO

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine…” (1 Pet. 1:6-7, NLT)

Many years ago, I suffered the loss of a sweet friend. It was sudden and unexpected. For the first time in my adult life, I dealt with a grief never before experienced. And I was profoundly changed. Marked by anger, bitterness, and indifference, this overwhelming grief obscured my blessings. I had no desire to work. I had no desire to fellowship. I couldn’t even occupy myself with things I loved to do, like cooking. I had done a lot of that with Hope. All the bustling delightful things in me were gone and I had no more joy. Or so I thought.

“…For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.” (Jer 31:13, NKJV)

Months later I attended a ladies’ Bible class which focused on how to restore our spirit following a time of rejection. The word “rejection” caught my attention. This is what I felt following Hope’s death. I felt rejected by God. He had given me this tender friendship which I had been longing for since moving to Colorado. He had given me someone with whom I could be genuine and transparent. And after 18 months, it had ended. God answered my prayer. And then my soul was crushed.

Yet, further study into God’s Word helped me understand that if I reconsidered my grief, I could redefine my joy. One thing paramount was to stop asking God, “Why?” and begin asking, “What do I do with this?” In trials, our energy needs to shift from being angry and indifferent to understanding how God works in us for His will and pleasure (Phil 1:13, NKJV). If that’s true, He couldn’t possibly be pleased with our wallowing and sour attitude.

With this recognition of God’s desire, I came to see the blessing in knowing Hope rather than fixating on my loss. I found blessing in seeing Hope in her daughter’s face. I found pleasure in attending her son’s wrestling meets and cheering him on as she did. I even began immersing myself in new recipes just because I thought Hope might like them. Slowly over time, my grief was tapered. My anger was assuaged. My bitterness was soothed. And my mourning turned into joy. I found joy in the memories of our wonderful albeit short time together. I rejoiced to have had a friend with shared passions. I found joy in watching her children grow. I even found joy in her husband’s capacity to love again and marry years later.

Joy had been redefined. It had gone from being something I thought was adrift to something that was immutable. I simply needed to see it amidst my pain. Joy needs to be unveiled. What a blessing to truly live out the words of James and “count it all joy” (James 1:2, NKJV) when in even the worst of circumstances. It makes all the difference to know that joy eclipses our affliction. And it can transform our faith.

How will you unveil joy and be redefined by it?

Written by Sherry Hubright, Volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Georgia
Shared in Who Has the Last Word? Cutting through Satan’s Lies with the Truth of God’s Word, written by Michelle J. Goff

I was in a very dark place. There were battles on every front and I felt as though I was losing every battle. One day I decided I didn’t want to fight anymore. I was tired. I packed a bag and placed it in the trunk of my car while no one in my household was present. Later in the day I
announced I was running an errand when in actuality I was running away. I did not tell my husband or my closest friends where I was going. The truth is I did not know myself.

My first stop was the Grist Mill at Stone Mountain Park (Atlanta, Georgia). It was one of my favorite places to retreat and pray, and so I did. I stayed at the park for a couple of hours pleading with God for reprieve from the battle. While I was vigorously waving a white flag, it was as though it was waved in front of blind eyes. I was plummeting deeper into darkness.
It was decision time, but I did not like the choices I was giving myself. I decided the safest decision was to give myself more time away from every person and every responsibility. I sent a text to my husband telling him I was fine, but I still needed some time alone. He was very gracious. It was at that point I turned off my cell phone and I checked into a hotel. By the time I got to my room my voice mailbox had several messages from my husband and from one of my dearest friends. It was a couple of hours before I could listen to the messages and a while longer until I could respond. What words did I have to explain my behavior? None.

In their writings, both Oswald Chambers and C.S. Lewis describe something called the Dark Night of the Soul. They could write about it because it was their experience at one time or another in their own lives. It certainly describes my experience too. If you are like me you often equate darkness with evil and that does not bode well with this Christ-follower. The truth is even in my darkest moment, and in His silence, I sensed the presence of God or as I have since described it, the Shadow of God.

David paints the picture well in Psalm 23:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; your rod and staff they comfort me.”

On that day several years ago, God had not abandoned me. Looking back now I can see He made incredible provision. In the valley, He gave me a quiet place to lie down, His presence, and His Word and Spirit to guide me out of the valley and to a much better place. His faithfulness then is all I need now to remind me that any valley-time I face is still proof of His love.

*****
What would Sherry’s Lie/Truth Chart look like?

Thank you, Sherry, for sharing your story! Together, we can give God the last word when assaulted by the lies compounded by depression.

From Psalm 91:

“He who dwells in the shelter (covering, hiding place) of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings will you find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…”

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #depression #valleytime #lietruthchart #WhoHastheLastWord #guestwriter #blog

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteer and Board member for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

Genuine Christianity is best lived out by the gratitude we display!

I find gratitude to be a lost art. Today’s culture and society have become so consumed with the castigation of the past that an appreciation for the good things is waffling. We’ve become more mindful of the troublesome parts of life. Our focus often drifts toward the imminent burdens we bear in our body (physical) or mind (emotional) when we ought to be focused more on the divine (spiritual) matters for which we should be abundantly grateful. We who are in Christ have been gifted by God through the Holy Spirit to withstand a whole lot of affliction and come out the other side intact.

It behooves us then to be appreciative, knowing that we are perfected by God (James 1:2-3). It does our body and mind better to be preoccupied with Godly things instead of the contrary things of life. I don’t know one believer who has been tormented by thinking on divine and holy things. But I’ve known plenty, myself included, who have been overwhelmed with suffering by fixating on worldly matters. These matters are temporary items for we who are temporary occupants in this world. And abiding in the temporary demonstrates ingratitude for the eternal.

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” (1 Pet. 2:11, NLT)

If we are to be of any influence on unbelievers or if we are to be true ambassadors for Christ, we must be grateful for what He has done (Eph 1:7). We must be grateful for who He is (1 John 4:14). We must be grateful for how He works (Heb 13:21). And we should be audibly demonstrating our gratitude.

“Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise you before all the people.” (Ps 35:18)

The message of hope and God’s love can be spread to the unbelieving by our own gratitude for Jesus. What better way for the world to know Him than by our own proclamation of thanks?

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.” (Ps. 105:1)

For gratitude to truly emerge in the world, we must emulate gratitude. We need to be “doers of the word” (James 1:22) and reveal Jesus to the world (Heb. 1:3). If we can convey to the world the hope of Jesus, the world is more likely to live in the good rather than reside in the bad.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12, NIV)

God has blessed us beyond measure. Beyond what we merit. That in and of itself is enough for which we should be thankful. How will your gratitude be visible and thereby testify of Jesus?

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

Some relationships are easy; some are hard. The pandemic exposed many conflicts that were seething under the surface. We’ve divided into “us” versus “them” camps on so many levels. Does anyone else feel that were experiencing another Babel, where we don’t even speak the same language? I felt the relationship challenges most keenly when our adult daughter moved home last fall. After being out of work for nearly a year due to the pandemic, her savings were depleted. We offered her our house to live in. “Not to worry,” said we, “we’re going back to Greece in a couple of weeks and you’ll have the house to yourself.” Virus variants developed, countries experienced new waves of cases, regulations and travel options continually changed. Somehow, a couple of weeks turned into three months.

It’s never easy when an adult child moves home. It’s especially challenging when that adult child has developed a world view vastly different from your own. Every conversation turned into a debate, and I found myself afraid to open my mouth because I felt like I didn’t even speak the same language. I spent a lot of time praying, asking for new ways to relate. I’m still waiting for an epiphany. Things improved, but the relationship challenge is still there – which is not necessarily a bad thing. You see, when our daughter lived away it became easy not to engage at all beyond the surface level. Living together, this was not possible. Even if it’s not easier, the relationship is better because something is actually going on.

I recently thought of a parable in which Jesus uses a family in conflict to relate a spiritual truth. Luke 15: 11-32 tells the story that we commonly call “The Prodigal Son.” Ultimately, it’s about God’s redemption of all people, even those that might be considered unworthy, but we can learn some lessons about family in the story as well. A man has two sons – the easy kid and the hard kid (I’m paraphrasing here). When the “hard kid” asks for his inheritance early, I’m sure the father knew he wasn’t really ready for it. He also knew his son well enough to realize that deterring him would be counterproductive. And so, he let him go. The danger was real; I’m sure we all know stories of prodigals who never returned.

But we, like our Father, cannot force change on those we see going down a destructive path. The change must come from within. We wait, we love, and we watch, as the father in the parable does. Luke’s story has a happy middle when the younger son returns home. Relationship is restored. But, alas, joy is cut short. The older son, the “easy kid,” is resentful. Will the older son get over it? Will his resentment continue to fester? The story ends with this issue still hanging. The father is back to the waiting game. He tells him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours,” (Luke 15:31, ESV) but he can’t force a change to the older son’s heart. All he can do is wait, and love, and watch for the opportunity to connect again.

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteer and Board Member with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

Waiting is hard. It can be one of the most unwelcomed and unpleasant aspects of life through which we have to muddle. And if you’re like me, prone to being impatient and annoyed, waiting can also be the most grueling test of our faith. Fortunately, it can also be the most rewarding faith builder because waiting perfects us and makes us complete (James 1:3-4).

When I look back on the times I was waiting on God in my own life, I see how very antsy I was. For instance, I couldn’t wait to grow up. I couldn’t wait to get married. I couldn’t wait to have children. I couldn’t wait to travel and see the world. Many times, I tried to intermediate God’s timing for my life and do things on my own. I entered relationships that were unholy. I forged friendships that damaged my spiritual state of mind. I went places and did things that weren’t indicative of a child of God. All this was done to expedite when and how I wanted the course of my life to unfold. I was much like Sarah taking matters into her own hand when she couldn’t bear a child (Gen. 15). And much like Sarah, my interference with God’s timing for my life didn’t exactly pan out for the best. I spent many years making choices in my life which were intended to hinder the wait. And they all led to heartbreak, negative consequences and a lot of sin.

I’ve come to understand through all of this that waiting on God requires a great amount of trust. We must trust that God is actively working in and through our lives to mold us into what He has designed. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand” (Is. 64:8, NLT). We must trust that God’s judgement is never clouded by selfish motives. We must trust that God’s perspective isn’t narrowed by human desires. And we must trust that God’s timing is consummate because He is the creator of time. (Heb. 11:3). God works in us in His time because it is His plan, not ours. And we need to submit to God’s authority over all aspects of our life because of His supremacy.

“Surely you have things all turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me.’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?” (Is. 29:16, NKJV)

The times I chose to make things happen in my life in my own time and by my own hand have always resulted in futility. But when I choose to surrender to God’s plan and trust in God’s timing, I’ve reaped only the best for my life. God’s timing gave me the man He specifically designed to be my husband and through that timing I have been blessed to share life with him for the past 32 years. God’s timing gave me four particularly created individuals to mother. With that timing I have experienced a most profound love and derived the subsequent joys of being Grammy! Finally, God’s timing brought our family to Colorado. And with that timing I have been blessed to work at a wonderful ministry helping families thrive in Christ. And I have been blessed to be a part of a church family that has given me strong and enduring friendships. Again, all of this was a result of God’s timing in my life. And my waiting on God.

God’s timing is an incredible thing. It is of great quality. It is significant. It is honest. It is timely and opportune. It is indeed perfect! We need only be patient to reap the blessings from waiting on God because God also waits on us. He waits on us to hear our praise, our confession, our thanksgiving and to be honored. When we wait on God and He on us, and when we enter a mutual relationship with Him, God treats us like we are the only one. “…. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it” (Rev. 2:17, NLT). This is the special attentiveness that God gives to us. So, we need to trust in our waiting on God.

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Written by Melissa Lindsey, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

My name is Melissa Lindsey and this is my journey to motherhood through adoption and more importantly, through faith. My husband and I have been married since 2014. Our marriage has been filled with adventures in traveling and has been met with its share of joy, challenges, and adversity. Our faith in God has served as a compass to guide us through times of uncertainty, unemployment, and infertility. In 2015, we became deeply interested in the idea of having a family of our own. Unfortunately, it was easier said than done.

From 2015-2017, we faced unemployment where Berdell had to re-invent himself and embark on a whole new career and I discovered I had stage 4 endometriosis and uterine fibroids. In 2016, I underwent surgery and had a myomectomy performed to remove my extremely large fibroids. By 2018, the fibroids returned with such aggressiveness that it was endangering my health and I was forced to have an emergency hysterectomy. Doctors were shocked I had been living with such an immense amount of pain for so long; they had never seen a case like mine before. The fibroids had attached themselves to my colon, bladder, and the endometriosis had completely destroyed my ovaries and fallopian tubes. Like any couple who dreamed of having children of their own, this was a devastating outcome that came with mourning and depression. To say I was not angry or not angry at God, would be a lie. As a former school counselor of 13 years, I have seen my fair share of children who go home to environments that are unstable: children who face different forms of abuse at the hands of the ones who are supposed to love and protect them. Yet here I was: childless, broken, and damaged. Did God find me unworthy? Too broken to bear a child in His image?

My husband was the one who brought up the idea of adoption. I was half invested in his suggestion; still hanging onto the hope that God would make a way and I would be pregnant. It was during this time I started a deep dive into social media and came across several stories from adoptees and adoptive parents who had situations similar to ours. This is where I found the adoption agency we would eventually use, Faithful Adoption Consultants. They are a Christian based organization located in Georgia. I loved their message and loved listening to the stories from families who adopted through them. We officially became active with FAC in January of 2020 and started receiving profiles of expectant mothers looking to place their unborn babies for adoption. I leaned on my husband, our faith, and scripture during this time; particularly Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our belief in the power of the Lord was definitely needed, because as soon as we signed on the dotted line that we wanted to be FAC clients, the requests for payment from every person who would play a part in bringing our baby home, started rolling in. There was no one else, but God, who could have made it possible to raise enough funds needed to adopt, down to the very last cent. Several times we questioned if we made the right decision; were we crazy? We’re just two educators with modest means embarking on one of our wildest adventures yet!

While we were incredibly blessed to have overwhelming support from family, friends, and even strangers. Our road to parenthood was not what we anticipated. While we thought we knew how we’d get to our destination, the reality is, the journey wasn’t what we expected. Our adoption experience didn’t come without some scars and struggles along the way. People unfamiliar with adoption do not understand the mere exhaustion of the process; the strain it imposes on your mind, body, and relationships. The number of hoops you have to jump through with different state agencies to determine if you’re fit to raise this beautiful child. Then there’s the waiting. Waiting to finally be chosen by an expectant mother. Praying each night this woman who’s making one of the hardest decisions of her life, will ultimately choose you to love her precious baby forever. Finally, there’s the one thing hopeful adoptive parents don’t like to talk about and are often too scared to bring it up – disrupted adoptions. Disrupted adoptions are often adoptions where a birth parent chooses to parent the child upon the child’s birth. My husband and I went through this experience twice.

How do you grieve someone that never really belonged to you? These sweet babies that I loved for months will never know me. They will never know how hard I prayed for them and their mothers. Even though I never got to hold or feel these babies kick, they grew in our hearts and will forever be a part of our family. I went to a very dark place within myself during this loss. I struggled to process it all. Adoption is hard. Excruciatingly hard. Even though my heart felt like it had been ripped from my body, if a birth mother chooses to parent, that’s not a failure. While we mourned those losses, we fell deep into God’s Word, trusting the One who has the whole world in His hands. His love is steadfast. His promises are faithful. He brings redemption out of brokenness. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). A week later, we received word a young expectant mom and her mother had chosen us to parent her baby after reading our profile. Despite our faith being severely tested, we always knew that God had a plan for us all along! Our greatest blessing was born September 30, 2020.

It is evident that adoption is close to the heart of Christ and should be central to the mission of Christians worldwide. When we receive our Lord by faith, we have the honor of becoming His children. Throughout scripture, there are verses that tell of our spiritual adoption and how we are adopted into His family. “In love He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will…” (Eph. 1:5). We are all equals in the eyes of God. In adoption, every child is worthy of being part of a family, just as He has called us worthy to be His daughters forever. God wants this father-child relationship. He delights to provide for and protect His children. I can always rely on Him. There’s a verse I read every day during our period of waiting, Psalms 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God is my portion, He is enough. He was my portion when I was overwhelmed with worry and when we were going through hard situations. He was my portion before we adopted our baby girl and He continues to be what I need each and every day.

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