Take this day to catch up on your reading, pray, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
—1 Peter 1:6–7
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57 thoughts on "Grace Day"
Been sick for the better part of 4 months, small kids also with a husband who travels often for work. It’s been rough but I was encouraged by a friend this week to use this time to create a better compassion and understanding of those who suffer ailments but also to see it as an opportunity to thank God for my health & body. “Raise me again with a heightened sense of thankfulness for the unmerited gift of well-being… Teach me by my own small sufferings to be a better minister and friend to those who suffer greatly” (from a liturgy she shared). This scripture backs this. Perspective shift that was needed. I will endure this & be refined through this.
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Thinking of “various trials” brings my friend Melanie to mind, as we got to have lunch and catch up this week. Her son Andrew was diagnosed with a diffuse brain tumor a year ago, and at the beginning of the year had a bad seizure while visiting family for Christmas out of state. You all were so good to pray for them. He is doing a bit better now, but the tumor has extended into the top of his spinal column, so that isn’t good, though he’s on a new med and they are hopeful for future shrinkage.
They have put together a web site for those who want specific updates and ways to pray! If you’d like to follow along, I’ll put it inside these parentheses – just remove the spaces (andrew . is)
Blessings to all SHEs this weekend!
Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine how a mom manages to hear that, or the sin..just so scary. But God..praying he holds them close, distinguishes the fear, and gives them hope and peace.
Praying for healing for Andrew and for his family. It’s hard to imagine the pain and suffering they are going through. I will continue to pray for them.
…..greater worth than gold!! And here I am because of MY JESUS!! Stayed at a very welcoming AirBnB. Alyssa and I didn’t realize that it was actually a room inside of a large home. BUT God….. The Hosts were very welcoming. And we found out this morning the husband is chaplain for the Navy/military! I asked them to pray for us, and they did!! They even offered to Alyssa that if she ever needs ANYTHING that she can call on them when she moves here. God is SO good! Every thing is falling into place. I’m actually commenting from CSUMB as we wait for the orientation to start. Love you all SO much.
Just wanted to post the before and after… for context. Grateful for the hope we have despite the darkness that tries to flex its power all around us.
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3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
That is so good, thank you Heidi!! I think I will have to use that whole scripture as the foundation for my next week’s lesson at jail!! Because indeed, it is the best news beyond our current circumstance!
We memorized vs 3-4 in a study a while back—maybe a couple years ago??? Sadly some of them don’t stick with me to the point of recitation, like this one, but it is always more than familiar when it is referenced. :)
That’s true, I am not so good at retaining, but so many are familiar at this point!! They are so good to be deep down in our heart. Keep reading those Bibles She’s, nothing is more important!
❤️ amen
Great analogy on the refining of gold and life trials.
1. Heat reveals what’s real
Gold doesn’t look pure when it’s first mined. It’s mixed with other elements—dirt, rock, and impurities. To refine it, it’s placed under extreme heat until it melts. That heat separates the true gold from everything else.
In life, trials act similarly. Pressure, loss, or difficulty tend to strip away surface-level things—ego, distractions, false priorities—and expose what’s actually solid in a person: character, values, resilience.
2. Impurities rise to the surface
When gold is melted, the impurities don’t disappear immediately—they rise to the top, where they can be removed.
In the same way, challenges often bring out things we didn’t realize were there—fear, anger, insecurity. That can feel uncomfortable, but it also creates the opportunity to confront and remove those “impurities.”
3. The process is uncomfortable—but purposeful
Gold doesn’t “enjoy” refinement (if it could feel anything). The process is intense and destructive to its previous form. But it’s not random—it’s controlled and intentional, aiming for something more valuable and pure.
Likewise, many life trials feel chaotic or painful in the moment, but over time they can produce growth—greater wisdom, empathy, discipline, or strength.
4. Repetition increases purity
Gold is often refined multiple times. Each cycle removes more impurities, increasing its value.
Similarly, people often go through repeated challenges. While that can feel frustrating, each experience can build on the last, shaping a stronger, more refined version of oneself.
5. The end result is more valuable
Pure gold is far more valuable and useful than raw ore.
A person who has gone through meaningful trials often comes out with depth, perspective, and strength that simply can’t be developed any other way
Thank you Robin, again, I can use this message!!!
I once said here and I will repeat…that there is so much need for more “leaders” to go and start jail ministries in their cities! Most bigger cities have them and could always use more formed groups to go in that you could do, or you might live in a city that hasn’t even started a jail ministry program and you could be the one to establish! It is such a perfect time for the ones in jail that have suddenly found themselves in a situation as Robin so well describes, and when they can be offered a class that helps them find the BEST solution, wow, how wonderful it is to be a blessing and be blessed! But they have to have those classes offered!
I really should put this message on our FB page..but since I already went on here, I will leave it! But if anyone is interested in how to get going in your own church and town, let me know! It’s easy really. There are other ways to be involved as well such as being a prayer partner, or writing letters of encouragement to inmates.
This is so insightful, Robin. It is encouraging to remember that even chaotic and painful seasons are shaping us for a purpose. I also appreciate the reminder that repeated challenges can help us grow and better support others. None of it is wasted.
This is great Robin. I love the analogy. ❤️
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May my faith result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Christ.
My trials have brought me closer to God.
We may go through trials but God always uses what we go through to delvelop
Ladies,
I am ever amazed at the wisdom, insights, testimonies, verses shared, etc that you all put into your comments. Not just this week, but throughout all the studies. Such encouragement and truth! Thank you for taking the time to share. ❤️
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The verse today really is speaking to me as well. Hoping to come out of this trial, and that it “may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
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Refining is so difficult – long, painful, abrasive, uncomfortable, relentless, feels like it will never end and is just so hard. And yet, knowing and experiencing a greater understanding of our precious Lord, His heart for us and His love is such a comfort, peace and strength. Lord, use the days that we walk thru to bring us closer to you, to bring honor and praise to you. ❤️
Biblegateway verse of the day:
Colossians 1:27-28
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
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This reminded me of Kelly’s illustration of gold being chiseled out of rock. ONLY THIS TIME-
CHRIST IS THE TREASURE INSIDE US and the refining is letting Him shine through!
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SONG SHARE:
Jeremy Camp – Christ In Me (Lyric Video)
LYRICS:
In this obsession with
The things this world says make us happy
Can’t see the slaves we are
In all the searching, all the grasping
Like we deserve much more
Than all these blessings we’re holding
So now I’m running free
Into an ocean of mercy, unending
So come and empty me
So that it’s You I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
‘Cause You’re my source of life
I need the world to see
That it’s Christ in me, yeah
That it’s Christ in me, yeah
Done with what holds me down
The things I once was chasing after
Throw off these heavy chains
That I have let become my master
So now I’m running free
Into an ocean of mercy, unending…
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
The song lyrics are so powerful. Thank you for sharing ❤️
No one likes the trials and suffering, that is obvious. But the lessons learned, the shaping of our character, is such a beautiful thing. God works everything for the good of those that love him, that are called for his purposes after all.
Like I commented under Searching..the more you are in ministry or even in groups such as this one, we hear of SO many trials and troubles people have. It can almost get overwhelming in a way, that that’s all I see and hear. But yet, when we KNOW that God is working in them to pull us closer to him, a reliance and dependence, it at least makes them easier. But boy do I want to hear more praises and joy! I sometimes miss when I was blissfully happy, skipping through my little world! lol.
The song I keep playing and worshiping with last night and this morning is “Center” by Bethel. I just want to keep Him my center.
And also…I’ve Witnessed It” by Jen Johnson! It goes so well with my thoughts..that although I see pain and suffering all around me- it also makes me witness his power and Glory! Amen Thank you Jesus! May I keep my eyes on You and your goodness!
“Jesus Have It All- Jeremy Riddle!
This is on my playlist and I woke up with the lyrics running through my mind this morning lol :) :)
Rejoicing on today. Thank you Lord
Ahh, the refining process. Painful to go through, but so purifying. Lord, may my character of faith be proven when I suffer through trials.
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Thank you all for your prayers in the loss of my dear friend.
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Happy Saturday She’s. ❤️
I’m also reading in Job, today this verse came up – “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
I loved what you shared on the FB page of your friend! So beautiful her Spirit!
Sending prayers and hugs Sharon over the loss of such a dear friend!
After seeing your IG post this morning, then reading this– literally my mind just said “Oh, thank you God for your timing…”, in reference to you/Laverne’s family. Such a sweet reminder of the hope that exists even in our trials/grief. He’s near you right this minute, praying you feel it in your depths. ❤️
Amen!
He is ALWAYS with us, even, and especially, through the trials, through heart wrenching ‘Why God’ events. He walks with each of us through the storm, as our faith is strengthened. Sometimes I think, if such and such happened, I don’t know if I could stand the pain. There have been times that something worse than I could imagine happened and what a grip I had on the Lord during that time, crying, questioning, pleading, clinging. I can still feel the pain, and there are tears now as I think back to the past … but I know without a doubt that God brought me through then and will be there for the next thing, and my faith will continue to be strengthened each time.
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Psalm 121:1-2
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
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So many good comments yesterday- thank you, sisters. Praying for requests.
yes, I feel ya, I think the same so many times- what if? Could I handle that?
It seems there are challenges and sorrow everywhere I turn the last few years. Although, at the same time I see people cling to God (mostly!), so that is the good thing. I often say in chronic pain group, it keeps me close to God in a way that has led me on a different, but wonderful path than I could have never dreamed.
SEARCHING- thank you for sharing this testimony today! What encouragement for those who like me on one occasion, shut God out of a hard thing even though, like you, I could look back and see ways He protected me and guided me throughout my life. Thankfully He was right there when I did call on Him! And YES, that made my faith stronger. ❤
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Psalm 16:8
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
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As I read your comment I am listening to “Center” that Rhonda J recommended, and brings tears to my eyes. Life can be soooo hard but our Jesus can be sooooo good. He’s the One I hold on to. My soul will live to say “ Jesus I love You”
He does walk through with us, doesn’t he? So good… I think we get a feeling of loneliness in trials that is unnecessary and untrue when we are in the midst of pain. God never leaves us in it — he walks through it experiencing it WITH us; Capable of every emotion we encounter and expressing it alongside us. It’s remarkable to have a God so intimate and captivated by being near to US. ❤️
Such great comments this morning ladies. Have a blessed and restful weekend! ❤️
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Love Peter’s illustration here. Gold just taken from the earth is embedded within the pockets of a porous rock. Think of the faith (gold) within us still surrounded by hard places (rock). The trials we may face is the crushing of the rock to free the gold so that it can be refined or purified.
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Well hope that makes sense!
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Great comments and reflections this week, ladies. Thank you for sharing.
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Praying for you and your requests.
Makes all kinds of sense, thank you ❤️
So good, Kelly! Also reminds me of the illustration we’ve all heard about the purification of silver. When all the dross (sin) has been removed, the Refiner can see His reflection in the remaining precious metal. The melting and burning is absolutely no fun, but oh don’t we want God to see His reflection in us!
Yes, in one of my studies, Max Lucado described this in his video, and I had never heard that.
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Totally and beautifully makes sebse, Kelly; thank you! ❤
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Wow, this is good!
Thank you for the visual, Kelly!
So good!
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So good Kelly! (clapping hand emoji -in case it doesn’t show)
Amen! God is good!
Thank you Jesus❤️❤️❤️