Dear Irene,
We are praying for you today. I can’t believe you have been home for two months. It does not seem possible. I am reminded how rapidly our lives can change from one moment to the next. The only constant in our lives is our Heavenlyl Father. I am so amazed and thankful for his unchanging grace that he bestows upon us.
We love you!!
Thank you for sharing your faith and your challenges through the daily updates. Your testimonies reach far deeper than many sermons today. Praise the Lord for your willingness to walk this road for His glory. May the Lord continue to heal you and strengthen you each day!
I’d like to share the words to a song which captures the heart of a faithful follower of Christ in the midst of an overwhelming trial.
*****
Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer
by Margaret Becker and Keith Getty.
Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labor through this storm
You have called me to this passage
And I’ll follow though I’m worn.
May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart’s testing
With Your likeness may I wake.
Jesus guide me through the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more.
May this journey…(repeat chorus)
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne.
May this journey be a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart’s testing
With Your likeness let me wake.
*****
Praying for you,
Julian and Hosanna Loh
Hey Dave and Irene,
I’ve been following the journey you’re on and want to add my prayers and appreciation for your faithfulness in trusting the Lord for his protection and provision. It’s hard for me to imagine the level of difficulty and stress this phase of your life must take on your family. A passage of scripture came to mind as I was reading about the crucible experience on your update page.
In Isaiah 1:25 the Lord says that “I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities” in talking to the children of Israel. The passage is a picture of the metal workers in ancient days who poured metal into big pots heated by hot fires. As the metal/rock melted, the impurities (dross) would rise to the surface. The worker would use a ladle to skim the surface of the pot and remove the impurities as they released from the hard and crusty rock. The workman would lean in and look into the surface of the pot. When the pot was cleared of all impurities the surface would reflect the image of the worker, like a mirror. At that point, the worker knew the metal was pure and usable, ready to be formed into a beautiful lasting treasure.
In the same way the Lord is working to cleanse us of impurities and imperfections in our life. He is allowing the “heating and stirring” of our lives to skim away the impurities. When he can lean in and see his reflection in our lives, he knows that we are truly usable and reflecting his glory. PTL! How beautiful the Dias household must be to the Lord!
Blessings to you today,
John
“Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23
