Suffering refines and restores

In this episode, we talk about what it means to weather the storms of life well. Everyone experiences difficult moments throughout their lives and these storms come in all shapes and sizes. In each one, we have the opportunity to respond from a place of truth and peace instead of fear. We share practical ways we've learned to weather the storms in our own lives, from simplifying life to immersing ourselves in Scripture. We also explore how pain, though difficult, can lead us into deeper healing and communion with God. No matter what you're facing, you are not alone—He is near, and so are we.

Heather's One Thing - Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson

Heather's Other One Thing - Same God (feat Jonsal Barriente) from Elevation Worship

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Pints with Aquinas | What to Do When Marriage Gets Hard (Jason and Crystalina Evert)

Michelle's One Thing - Healed and Restored Nonprofit

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
• Searching for and Maintaining Peace book study
• Be Transformed book study

Journal Questions:

• How have I been making decisions out of fear and overwhelm?
• What do I believe about God, myself, or another person within the context of my storm?
• When do I feel the most emotionally dysregulated?
• What coping mechanisms am I turning to instead of going to the Lord?
• What good is God doing within me in my suffering?

Discussion Questions:

• What storms are you experiencing in this season?
• When has the Lord revealed His Presence to you from within a storm?
• Are you relying on the Lord or on yourself in the midst of your storm?
• What fruit has been born from suffering in your life?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Remain in me. This is the word of Jesus. It is not only a call but a promise of strength, peace, and fruitfulness." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

"Let us live with Him as with a friend. Through all the storms, He remains." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Scripture for Lectio:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

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Chapters:

00:00 Our Holy Home

01:16 Intro

02:06 Welcome

04:33 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

08:12 How the Enemy Tries to Amplify Storms

09:45 Slowing Down is Essential

12:08 When Prayer Becomes Dry

14:23 Turmoil Can Feel Like Its Our Fault

16:43 Remembering God's Faithfulness

18:37 Pain Causes Us to Make A Change

20:48 Distractions Will Never Fulfil Us

22:44 Maturing is A Decision We Make

24:15 Weathering Storms In Community

26:54 Spiritual Practices

28:55 One Things