I have seen this play out in my life recently. I truly believe that people who have been through the fire and experience first hand that the only one to get them safely out is God alone, have this assurance that no matter what happens God has it. The crux is being able to be that for other people, or at least be the lighthouse that points others to the One that can be that for them. That is where I am at. I have been through the fire...a few times, and each time my dependence on the Lord gets stronger and stronger. I want to give that to others. Somehow use my story to point to His goodness. Alisa, as I have followed you for many years, I see that in you. Each time you come out of the fire your beacon of light is stronger, brighter, and more on fire for others to know that He is the goodness, hope, love, security, and peace we all yearn for. Thanks again for your words and for being the light that directs others to Him!
This is so real for me… I know that I’m loved by God. I know that I’m a safe person because I have friends that cry on my shoulder that I’m not super close to. I know I am finally secure and who I am in Jesus. He has been asking me to come sit with him, and just be. He told me he will fix all the deep wounds that stop me from moving forward to help people towards the kingdom. As a pastor’s wife I have lost friends because God has asked me to choose Him and serve the kingdom before my friendships. Living in the ministry world has been so lonely and so many deep flaws of my pettiness have been exposed. I know that my only friend is Jesus, but yet I am hesitant to move forward to be the safe one that He asks me to be. Prayers for strength to move forward to safe our brothers and sisters🙏❤️
We all need to have more time on our knees with our face planted on the floor than we do with the phone in our hands.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear thought the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how they bring desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 'Be still, and know I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!' The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" Psalm 46
Gold words again Alisa ♥️. I recall the shift that happened in my heart when the Lord used a psalm to tell me that He was my defender. When ministry (other wounded and fearful people) would wound me and I’d find myself in a heap (because turns out I was wounded and fearful too) He’d invite me into the shadow of His wings where He’d tell me He was my defender and that I was safe to keep my heart open and humble. Then He’d provide other safe people to help restore me. This process over and over healed me and set me free because it exposed parts of my identity that were still orphaned. My confidence as His beloved child is deep in my bones and has healed me and enabled me to live into abundance.
Amen! Love this Alisa. It makes SO much sense. Honestly if we aren’t safe people, unsafe people who need the Lord won’t feel comfortable coming to us! And what you said also makes a lot of sense regarding my daughter. Since we adopted her in June and got her just this last January, she’s now really starting to test us to see if we are really safe, and if she is really unconditionally loved. She’s never had true safety before. Thank you for this reminder that more than rules, consequences and boundaries, she still needs to feel safe right now.
I have struggled with the feeling of safety since I was young because of mentally absent parents and a physically abusive father. Self-protection still shows it's ugliness in my life, including my walk with the Lord many times. It is a pattern I have learned and so it becomes hard to live opposed to. Yet, thankful the Lord knows, loves, and gently guides me to a higher place one step at a time, one relationship at a time. Love is a risk, as C.S. Lewis has stated more eloquently than I am able. This week, the song "Lean Back" by Capital City Music has been impactful and relates to this post well. Trusting His arms, His heart, and His motives above all else where true security is found.
I have seen this play out in my life recently. I truly believe that people who have been through the fire and experience first hand that the only one to get them safely out is God alone, have this assurance that no matter what happens God has it. The crux is being able to be that for other people, or at least be the lighthouse that points others to the One that can be that for them. That is where I am at. I have been through the fire...a few times, and each time my dependence on the Lord gets stronger and stronger. I want to give that to others. Somehow use my story to point to His goodness. Alisa, as I have followed you for many years, I see that in you. Each time you come out of the fire your beacon of light is stronger, brighter, and more on fire for others to know that He is the goodness, hope, love, security, and peace we all yearn for. Thanks again for your words and for being the light that directs others to Him!
This is so real for me… I know that I’m loved by God. I know that I’m a safe person because I have friends that cry on my shoulder that I’m not super close to. I know I am finally secure and who I am in Jesus. He has been asking me to come sit with him, and just be. He told me he will fix all the deep wounds that stop me from moving forward to help people towards the kingdom. As a pastor’s wife I have lost friends because God has asked me to choose Him and serve the kingdom before my friendships. Living in the ministry world has been so lonely and so many deep flaws of my pettiness have been exposed. I know that my only friend is Jesus, but yet I am hesitant to move forward to be the safe one that He asks me to be. Prayers for strength to move forward to safe our brothers and sisters🙏❤️
Oh I need this today! Thank you Alisa❤️Love you and thank you for the heart check. Lord may I look to you for the safe.
We all need to have more time on our knees with our face planted on the floor than we do with the phone in our hands.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear thought the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how they bring desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 'Be still, and know I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!' The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" Psalm 46
Gold words again Alisa ♥️. I recall the shift that happened in my heart when the Lord used a psalm to tell me that He was my defender. When ministry (other wounded and fearful people) would wound me and I’d find myself in a heap (because turns out I was wounded and fearful too) He’d invite me into the shadow of His wings where He’d tell me He was my defender and that I was safe to keep my heart open and humble. Then He’d provide other safe people to help restore me. This process over and over healed me and set me free because it exposed parts of my identity that were still orphaned. My confidence as His beloved child is deep in my bones and has healed me and enabled me to live into abundance.
Amen! Love this Alisa. It makes SO much sense. Honestly if we aren’t safe people, unsafe people who need the Lord won’t feel comfortable coming to us! And what you said also makes a lot of sense regarding my daughter. Since we adopted her in June and got her just this last January, she’s now really starting to test us to see if we are really safe, and if she is really unconditionally loved. She’s never had true safety before. Thank you for this reminder that more than rules, consequences and boundaries, she still needs to feel safe right now.
Love you Alisa, God bless, Jen
So good! Thanks for sharing your heart...................
🙌🏿✝️Praise Jesus,🙌🏿✝️! This blessed me again in that Holy Spirit lovinly rekindled the 🔥flame🔥 He put in me to go back out in the battlefield!⚔️🔥⚔️🔥⚔️
Thank you for sharing this. Yes, my safe person is Abba Father, aka our Heavenly Father. He has always been there for me. I love Him soooooo much!❤❤❤🙂
I have struggled with the feeling of safety since I was young because of mentally absent parents and a physically abusive father. Self-protection still shows it's ugliness in my life, including my walk with the Lord many times. It is a pattern I have learned and so it becomes hard to live opposed to. Yet, thankful the Lord knows, loves, and gently guides me to a higher place one step at a time, one relationship at a time. Love is a risk, as C.S. Lewis has stated more eloquently than I am able. This week, the song "Lean Back" by Capital City Music has been impactful and relates to this post well. Trusting His arms, His heart, and His motives above all else where true security is found.
Thanks for sharing your heart! So good ❤
I would love to know your marriage testimony!! If you have posted or talked about it somewhere publically, can you share the link?