Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Rest through Trust in God
From death to life
From lost to redeemed
From weary to rested
From broken to restored

We have a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual need for rest. Mark Buchanan, in his book, The REST of God, proposes that if we do not redeem the original purpose of Sabbath, to rest, we will miss “the rest of God—the things of God’s presence and nature we miss in our busyness” (pg. 16).

We cannot find true rest or restoration outside of God. He is the author of rest and calls us to Him in order to rest from our weariness and restore our souls.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Matt. 11:28-29)

REST IS SYNONYMOUS WITH TRUST.

1. I rest when I trust that God is in control.
“Either God is good and in control, or it all depends on you” (Mark Buchanan, The REST of God, pg. 63). #truth
Whether or not we admit our issues with control, our very actions demonstrate how we wrestle to surrender to His will.
I know that I often have trouble truly praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Yet, when I truly submit, I can finally rest.

2. I rest when I trust that God has forgiven me of my sins and accept the relief He offers from that burden and that life.
Because the thing that most weighs on us, burdens us, and gets us down is sin. And in Christ, I find true rest: life after death.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
(Eph. 2:4-7)

3. I rest when I trust that God doesn’t rest.
Yes, God rested on the seventh day after creation. Yes, Jesus was physically tired as He experienced life here on earth.
But to God, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. His timing is perfect. His faithfulness is sure. His mercies are new every morning. He knows how many hairs are on my head, so why would I get worked up about whether or not my needs will be met—any of my needs.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matt. 6:25-34)

I TRUST; THEREFORE, I REST.

#IronRoseSister #restoration #realrest

My name is Mercedes Torres Sanchez. I am forty-three years old and I am Cuban. You can call me Meche, which is what Michelle affectionately calls me.

Since I was born, God had plans for me. I had a difficult childhood. I come from a non-Christian family and there was a lack of family love. I was in a boarding school. Yet, through it all, I grew up with the LOVE and care of our Father. Even though I didn’t know Him at that stage of my life, He cared for me and He was in control. He always showed evidence, even when I didn’t see it.

I have two wonderful kids: Cristian is 20 and Yordank is 18. I thank God for giving me the amazing opportunity to be a mother. He is always showing how He is in control.

But on June 16, 2016, I was diagnosed with cancer in my left ovary. When they performed the surgery, they realized that it had metastasized and so they performed a full hysterectomy, as well as removed connective tissue near my colon, rectum, and bladder. I received chemo treatments before and after the operation. Thanks to God, I was able to handle all of this.

During one of those very difficult days, a Christian neighbor I didn’t know well approached me. She asked if I wanted her to put me on the prayer list at her church and I said yes. Why would I say no? Even before I reached the point of spiritual growth and maturity where I am now, I always sought God and would even look up to heaven and ask for His help. Today, I know that He is everywhere, omnipresent.

A few days later, the preacher from the church that was praying for me, Osvel, and his wife, Madelin, came to visit me. It is the Church of Christ in Güines, Mayabeque.

Today, I say with great pride that I have been a Christian for a year and four months. My life was restored completely by all-powerful God. I have grown spiritually and in my faith in our Father, King, and Lord. He has blessed me even in the trials I have faced.

I overcame my illness, thanks to God and the strength that He gave me.
I always repeat this verse with lots of faith: I can do all things through Him who STRENGTHENS me (Phil. 4:13).
Thanks to God’s love and mercy, I am healed, out of danger and I am even receiving experimental vaccines against cancer. I give thanks to God for being accepted in this study.

I am very happy to have converted to Christ. By becoming a Christian, God restored my life and saved me. I thank Him for hearing my requests.
Today, I am a new person and my old life was left behind.
And today, I only believe in God and not in any images.
Jehovah has made me who I am and I grateful.
I have learned to lay my burdens at His feet because I cannot handle them alone. Rather, with Him, I can handle anything. In my prayers, I ask and wait for his mercy and restoration in my life (Job 33:36, Ps. 80:3).

I must also mention that I had the blessing of winning a marvelous educational book at a Ladies’ Day in Matanzas, Cuba. The book is entitled “In God’s Right Hand: Whom Shall I Fear?” written by sister Michele Goff.

As the title says, we have nothing to fear. Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The story I most liked in the book was the one with the pearl necklace. It has a powerful teaching.

I encourage you to have a strong faith in the Lord (Rom. 10:9-10).
There are days in which I feel burdened and I begin to pray.
Sisters, God blesses us when, with faith, we ask that He renew our strength to keep moving forward. Thanks be to almighty God for His grace and mercy.
The BEST defensive tool is PRAYER.
Don’t want until you hit rock bottom to believe in and seek God.
Psalm 23:1, 4
Isaiah 41:10

May God bless you always and sustain you in His right hand.
Blessings to each of you,
Sister Meche.

#IronRoseSister #restoration #InGodsRightHand 

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

A precious camp counselor (we will call her Elizabeth) shared a memorable anecdote with me. Elizabeth had been married, but her husband sadly fell into sin and decided to be with another woman. After time had passed, the other woman wanted to learn about Jesus. Unsure of who else to ask, she approached Elizabeth. Elizabeth said she will never forget sitting in her kitchen, sharing the gospel with the woman who had stolen her husband and wreaked havoc on her life. It was the hardest thing she ever had to do. But saving a soul was more important than her heartache; she set aside her damaged feelings for a higher purpose.

Elizabeth maintained a degree of distance from the other woman to protect her heart. It is okay and healthy to set boundaries with other people. In his podcast Excel Still More, Kris Emerson describes how the apostle Paul did precisely that. Two missionary journey companions he had previously trusted were no longer allowed to travel with Paul after they had deserted him: Demas and John Mark. After traveling with Paul and participating in his ministry, Demas deserted Paul “because he loved this world” (2 Tim. 4:10 NIV). In his previous letter Paul affirmed that God, “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). We see a desire for mercy on those who had deserted him in 2 Timothy 4:16. Despite this desire, Paul could no longer trust Demas and warned Timothy about him.

There can be Christians who we are unable to trust because of their continued bad choices. We still love and care for them. Loss of trust is neither desiring nor determining condemnation; rather, placing boundaries is protection. Scripture teaches, “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15: 33). We don’t want unhealthy influences in our lives. Having close relationships where we can influence someone for Jesus without being led astray requires balance. Second Corinthians 6:14 instructs us to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. We might think we are strong enough, but we may find out that is not the case.

Therefore, we need to draw and maintain boundary lines. Those on the other side of those boundaries are still valuable people. Jesus teaches that the two greatest commands are to love God and love our neighbor (Mark 12:28-31). When the opportunity presents itself to maintain this balance and teach the truth, we should follow Elizabeth’s example and take it.

In Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the value of mutual relationships in which “if one falls down, his friends can help him up” (Ecc. 4:9-12). Those we keep close should “help us up” by encouraging our strength and devotion. We can listen to their advice and trust them, for “those who walk with the wise will become wise” (Prov. 13:20). These are the people with whom we regularly communicate and feel safe opening up to. Through forming relationships with the trustworthy and wise, we build a support system that strengthens our faith and gives us the confidence and ability to influence others for Christ.

Due to their immense value, we need to prioritize building and reinvesting in healthy relationships that may have been neglected. This requires observing and appreciating their positive character, bringing them close, and deepening a relationship with them. We may need to take the initiative and discover how we can encourage the other person as well.

Conversely, if there is an unhealthy relationship that is hurting you or your relationship with God, it needs to be addressed. Jesus teaches us to cut off the hand or eye that causes us to sin (Matt. 5:29-30). If you have a relationship with someone who is leading you into sin or working against what you are trying to do for the Lord, it may need to be ended. If it cannot be ended, then limit the time you interact with that person. A little space might help you have a healthier faith and could benefit the other person. Pray, ask for God’s guidance, and read His Word before deciding.

While Paul and Barnabas were preparing for their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. In contrast, “Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:38-39).

Paul could not trust John Mark because he had previously abandoned them. Later, however, Paul asked that John Mark be brought to him because John Mark had been “helpful to [him] in [his] ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). As time passed, change must have taken place. From this, we can learn that there is hope for relationships to be restored. Our God is in the business of redemption and restoration; sometimes in this life, sometimes in the next.

No matter the outcome, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28).

God’s Restoration in Relationships
Written by Faith Bailey

When thinking of restoration, several instances flood my mind. Prisoners have been used to turn the hearts of their captors to Christ and compassion; men and women have been made whole again after a terrible heartbreak; dreams have been reshaped and brought back to life; siblings have put down their grudges and grievances; and marriages have been given back to the God of Love after 50 years of hurt and distrust. Perhaps one of the most miraculous ways God brings restoration on this earth is in relationships. It truly takes a power that is out of this world to change hearts and bring about forgiveness, healing, and sincere companionship.

Last summer, I was able to see a glimpse of this process first hand, and compare restoration of the world verses the transformative power of God. In Rwanda in East Africa, I had the chance to work with an international school and some missionaries, and spend considerable time learning from nationals. Known for its tragic history of genocide and civil conflict, Rwandans have spent the last few years trying to mend their reputation and their relationships. The message you’ll often hear is that they are “one” and that there is complete forgiveness.

Coming in as an outsider, you will be overwhelmed by the absolute beauty of the country and the people. Your heart will be broken by the story of their past, and lifted by the new story of forgiveness and brotherhood. However, you may also feel a spiritual darkness always around you. Stay long enough and you will see the fear and distrust between people on the streets as you pass by. I truly believe they crave restoration and will continue to encourage healing and unity with all of their strength. Many see Rwanda as an incredible example for even attempting this extreme level of forgiveness. Despite their efforts and rising reputation, in very few situations did I feel the peace that comes when people are truly being restored by the power of Christ.

It was made obvious to me that relationships cannot be fully restored through human effort, but only through God the Father and the working of the Holy Spirit. There are agents of change in Rwanda who, through prayer, seek people of peace and use their circles of influence to facilitate this healing. In these circles, I felt a lightness and a peace. Among Christians who are seeking Christ, we were told stories of their families and of the war. They normally won't tell you about these things, but restored people fear the unspoken less. They are willing to bring things to the light, because they have experienced God´s comfort.

I don’t understand completely how He brings things back together. But I know that apart from Him, there is no lasting healing. He restores. He refreshes the soul. He brings dead bones back to life. Who else can do what He can do?

“The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life...’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Then he said to me... “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” (Ezekiel 37:1-5, 7-10,14)

As surely as things are destroyed and fall apart in this world, restoration happens in the Kingdom of God every day. God is not one to make empty promises. If He calls us to love our enemy, we can rest assured knowing He has overcome the situation. In Christ, we have the hope of restoration in our relationships, which are so essential to life. The fatherless have been placed in families. The silenced have been given a voice. Captives to hatred have been set free. And His restoration is continually stretching further and deeper in these hearts.

#IronRoseSister #restoration #Hebringsthedeadbonesbacktolife #restoringrelationships

“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest...” (Matt. 11:28).

The weariness had gotten to me. Everything was a burden, a task, a chore. The joy and the spark were gone. A watered-down version of myself with a short fuse, I felt like I had become burdensome to others as well.

Deep down, I trusted that God and others still loved me. Some were hurting with me as they watched me wrestle in the trenches and they even jumped in to help, prayerful with me that this would be a passing phase.

God has affirmed that I was not alone in my pain and frustration. My experiences were not unique. Everyone goes through stages when life weighs more than we can bear. Tired of being weary, I longed for the joy of service, ministry, and life to return.

I cried out to the Prince of Peace, the source of true rest, our one true God and loving Father, to pull me out of the muck and mire. My mind knew that He could do it. My heart trusted it. But my body and my emotions had a hard time falling into step with His Spirit to truly come out of it.

In a similar spirit to David’s Psalm 51, I cried out for God to restore to me the joy of my salvation and to renew a steadfast spirit within me. Willing to be pruned, I asked Him to remove what needed to be stripped away and to reveal what I needed to let go of.

And my personal journey mirrored what we were facing as a ministry. Pruning is painful. We often want to continue with what is known, comfortable, or familiar. But growth does not happen there. We step into the unknown, we get uncomfortable, the unfamiliar becomes a breeding ground for greater trust... And God provides. God restores. God renews.

I rejoice that God has restored to me the joy of my salvation and of the work I am honored to do for Him. I am tired, but less weary. I am burdened, yet feeling a weight lifted. The dark cave now has a light at the end of the tunnel. Sounds like a verse I know...

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Cor. 4:7-12)

Sometimes the first step of growth is death. And my growth process is not complete. But I am grateful. And I am reminded that “it’s all part of the journey...” (I tell a story about one of the first times I brutally learned that lesson In God’s Right Hand, chapter 3.)

How is God restoring the joy in your journey?

#IronRoseSister #restoration #restoringjoy

Many of our readers are not aware of the complicated situation in Venezuela. The severity and critical nature of things has caused a mass migration and refuge crisis across the world. Personally, I know of families that have moved to every country across Latin America, the U.S., Canada, Spain, and even several who have moved to Russia. The conditions in Venezuela are a humanitarian crisis. Many, when they moved, left everything they had (homes, cars, jobs, etc.) and left with what fit in their suitcase. Children arrived in the new country malnourished and sick because of the scarcity of food and lack of basic medicines.

In our ministry bulletins, I have shared the joy at being able to see my beloved Venezuelan brothers and sisters no matter where I travel across the Americas. Their love for the Lord and His work is contagious and they are serving in their new congregations. They are making the best of their difficult circumstances, but they are fighting with intense emotions and frustrations at having to start over in a new country.

In light of this past month’s theme (the Holy Spirit) and this month’s new theme (restoration), I want to share the perspectives from four Venezuelan friends who now live outside their home country. Their answers to the four questions I asked are found below, referring to them as Venezuelan Sister 1, 2, 3 or 4, instead of using their names, out of respect for their privacy.

1. How do you feel in your spirit when you see what is happening in Venezuela?

Venezuelan Sister 1: Even before leaving Venezuela, I was sure that everything was and continues to be a great spiritual battle. Of course, my human mind goes through many frustrations and anger. I felt trapped, discouraged and like I couldn’t breathe. Now, from the outside looking in, I continue to see the fight and how sad and bad the situation has become. My prayer for years has been the same: that God will hinder the enemy from planting his seeds of thought in our people, that the leaders and those that are in power will repent of their evil ways and change the direction for the country, that there be massive conversion to Christ, that many will be saved, and that God will protect the innocent.

Venezuelan Sister 2: I have had mixed feelings. On one side, I feel sad and unsettled to see how evil has spread and dishonesty has grown across the Venezuelan population; in general, every time things escalate and become more dishonest, confused, ineffective and selfish in light of the needs and chaos that grow daily—and without realizing that it is a vicious cycle that is perpetuated. Yet on the other side, I have felt the protection, covering, and blessing in the midst of the difficulty, not only in my life, but in the lives of others, in tangible and personal ways that the Lord is with His children, even in the valley of the shadow of death. The Holy Spirit has been my comforter at all times—in the streets, in the middle of protests, in scarcity, being violently threatened at the door of my residence building and in our church building. I can see that at those times, my faith has been tested and I can find joy in middle of these circumstances, in spite of the fear and sadness.

Venezuelan Sister 3: I feel so sad when I see how the devil has worked through selfish desires for power in order to manipulate many directionless souls, taking the country to the point it is at currently.
I am led to seek God more when I see human beings seeking their own good without considering the needs of others.
I am deeply pained when I see my country suffering in so many ways, but when I go to God’s Word, I understand that what is happening will continue. This is a call for us to be light in such darkness—to reflect Christ at all times. The situation in Venezuela is an opportunity for many souls to come to the Lord’s feet. We should be ready to work no matter where we are now.
Matthew 9:37

Venezuelan Sister 4: I have mixed feelings when I see the many shortcomings of my country. My spirit is saddened. And I am pained by what my Christian brothers and sisters and my family are going through. The situation in my country allows me to pray without ceasing for my beloved Venezuela and her people.

2. How have you seen the Holy Spirit working in Venezuela in the midst of the current circumstances?

Venezuelan Sister 1: I see the work of God in the brothers and sisters there (in Venezuela)... Their strength, how they fight so that the Lord’s work will advance, even at this time. And they keep giving the glory to God. There will always be a remnant, no matter what happens. God is with His faithful everywhere.

Venezuelan Sister 2: I have been amazed to see how the Holy Spirit acts in the Christian brothers and sisters who share, support each other through the scarcity, go out and preach with courage, do not give up meeting together, help others, and are aware of the needs of others. It has been a time in which the children of God have experienced what it means to have all things in common. Things like sharing your lunch with a brother even though you don’t have much in your own home, or share your rations with a homeless person, or give medicine in spite of the tremendous medical shortages, or serve at a time and place when your own life is in danger. The church continues to persevere and find joy in the midst of the overwhelming trials.

Venezuelan Sister 3: I have seen that, in spite of such a crisis, God is caring for His children. He has provided what we needed and much more. The family of God has united without being limited by distance.
Psalm 27:35

Venezuelan Sister 4: Giving strength to my brothers and sisters, keeping them strong in their faith and hope, in spite of the trials and tribulations. Only through the Holy Spirit have our beloved Venezuelan brothers and sisters been able to survive what they are facing. I know that our prayers are heard and answered in the care and provision for those who are in Venezuela.

3. What is the Holy Spirit doing in your life currently?

Venezuelan Sister 1: He’s working patiently on my character, as always. He’s increasing my faith and gratefulness to our merciful God. My life has totally changed—my routines and way of life, but He has always been faithful to fulfill His promises and He has remained faithfully at my side, giving with generosity everything I need and more.

Venezuelan Sister 2: Currently, the Spirit is encouraging me, lifting me up and comforting me through this transition and emotional sadness from having left my family, friends and Christian family in Venezuela. At the same time, He is using me to listen, serve, encourage and exhort others here where I am currently. I am still in a stage where I am asking, in prayer, that the Spirit guide me to be useful in the way the Lord most needs here.

Venezuelan Sister 3: I have felt that God has protected me and has taken care of my family at all times. He has taught me that the family of God is immense and that His blood is what unites us. Christ is an indestructible bond. He has also taught me that God is in control of everything and that we should live one day at a time, because we don’t know where we will be tomorrow nor whether or not we will even be here. I am learning to be more patient and to trust the Lord.
John 6:68

Venezuelan Sister 4: He is helping me maintain my eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of my faith, Jesus Christ. He strengthens me in the changes, getting to know the congregational culture. I can see His gifts at my disposal in order to continue growing His kingdom and in the areas I am exposed to. I can also see how He has filled me with His great love. I am in a country where no one else in my family lives (other than my husband), yet I have never felt alone or abandoned. God shows His infinite love so that others may see how His perfect plan is played out in the lives of His beloved children.

4. Now that you are no longer living in Venezuela, how have you felt the Holy Spirit accompanying you, guiding you and using you in your new location and congregation?

Venezuelan Sister 1: It is wonderful to be here and learn from brothers and sisters with a strong faith like ours, but with a very different life, influenced by the culture and geography (just like us from our country!). It is exciting to serve and affirm that God placed me where my gifts can be used to bless other members of the church and the community in general—especially as I see how I can help spread the gospel.

Venezuelan Sister 2: I think that right now, where I am currently, the Lord, through His Spirit, has allowed me to see the need for gentleness, kindness, and a listening ear. These qualities have allowed others to confide in me, especially to share their struggles and doubts. Also, the Spirit has allowed me to see certain spiritual needs and pray for them so that His will may be done and even possibly, that I will be used by Him to meet those needs.

Venezuelan Sister 3: The Holy Spirit has accompanied me every step of the way. It has been a process to adapt to a new country, but it has been easier thanks to my brothers and sisters in this new congregation who show the love of Christ to everyone. I have learned that the most important thing is our soul—material things come and go. And I feel that God wants more of me. Actually, He wants ALL of me. He knows our thoughts and desires. When we seek Him, He will work.
Psalm 34

Venezuelan Sister 4: More than ever, I see the tremendous work the Holy Spirit has done in my life. He has given me the disposition to adapt and change to a totally different culture than the one I came from and was used to. He has given me patience and confidence to remain in the congregation where I am even though I prayed and prayed that we could meet somewhere else. God told me, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Through His Spirit, he has transformed the way in which I see things and He has given me the desire to do things for His honor and glory in this congregation. And here, where I find myself, I can continue to preach the love of God to others.
As I write this, I also think of my Venezuelan brothers and sisters... I have no doubt that God will guide them through His Holy Spirit, as He has done with me in this stage of so much change in my life.

Concluding Comments:
I give thanks to God and to my Venezuelan sisters for sharing from the heart their perspectives on what the Spirit is doing and the hope we can have for eternal restauration. May God restore the country of Venezuelan and continue to help those who are there and the Venezuelans across the world. We appreciate your continued prayers and thank God for what He continues to do in the midst of such difficult circumstances.

#IronRoseSister #prayforvenezuela #HolySpirit #restoration