Blossoming in His Presence

Does this season look bleak to you? Has the thought of a new year caused heaviness in your soul rather than joy? Maybe there have been moments where you have asked the Lord with tears streaming down your face, "When will this pressure/storm/wilderness season end?" Things may look dark and the pressure may feel unbearable, but you are not alone, my friend. Jesus wants to weather the storms with you. He wants to hold you within the shelter of His strong arms. Perhaps this season has been one of refinement in your life. Refinement often comes in an uncomfortable format, however, it leaves behind a treasure in its wake. Pearls are formed in the midst of discomfort and irritation. Diamonds are formed under conditions of intense heat and pressure. The refinement of gold uses hot fire. In this process, the dross (impurities) rise to the surface and are scooped away by the refiner. The fire is kept at a maximum temperature until the refiner can see his/her reflection in the molten go