Over the course of these 11 months we will have a portion of time where we get together with our entire Squad, Squad Leaders, Mentors, and Coaches to take a minute away from ministry and have “Debrief”. After our first month in Panama we spent 5 days in Costa Rica before moving to our ministry site. We got to reunite with our entire Squad after being separated from one another for too long. There was time for much needed (and desired) rest, and quality time with Abba to reflect on the past month(s) and lessons learned. I spent the majority of my time on the beach (within walking distance of our hostel (PTL)) deep in thought and prayer. It was also a rare opportunity to sit and catch up with people from back home, fully able to engage in conversation, and be intentional with community. Since this was our first debrief I didn’t go into it with too many expectations; I wanted to see all my people, eat an Açaí bowl, and spend time watching the sunset.
It honestly still surprises me how surprised I am by the Lord and his pursuit of my heart. I may not have had too many expectations going into debrief, but I certainly didn’t expect the Lord to increase the intensity of refinement in my soul.
I know what you’re thinking, woah Courtney, calm down, it’s not that serious. But when you process the meaning of refinement and recognize that that’s what the Lord is in the midst of doing..
creating an image of you to reflect him…
…THAT’S SERIOUS IN THE BEST WAY
During debrief one of our Squad Leaders taught a morning devotional on refinement that shook me. What is refinement?
re·fine·ment
the process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
The Lord wants to remove all our shame, doubt, fear, insecurity, worthlessness—He does not see us this way and His deep desire is for us not to carry and believe these lies. As his Beloved, I am learning how to allow myself to sit in the fire and let Jesus melt away my insecurities and imperfections creating an image reflecting Him. It most definitely can be painful and burn at times, but the beautiful creation he is molding and shaping me into is worth it and more than I can even fathom. Even when the heat seems to be too much to handle, He is with us. Even when we think it is too far gone, He is there.
Choose to step into the fire. Let the Creator refine your soul.
Jaco, Costa Rica
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Malachi 3:3
