Blessings in Suffering
Last weekend, our Widow’s Ministry learned the many ways God can use suffering in our lives.
Last weekend, our Widow’s Ministry gathered together for their monthly brunch. We had a blessed morning as we shared a meal, fellowshipped, worshipped the Lord, and prayed together. We left encouraged after hearing about how God sees the widow in scripture and about the blessings in suffering.
In all the references in the Bible to widows, many themes are reveal about how God sees and treats the widow. God cares for widows (Acts 2:6). He defends (Psalm 68:5) and protects the widow (Proverbs 15:25). God hears the widow (Exodus 22:22) and advocates for the widow (Isaiah 1:17). He will bring justice for the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18). God restores the widow (Job 29:13) and cares for the widow (James 1:27). And in the Gospels, we see Jesus shows compassion to the widow (Luke 11:11-17).
In each of our lives, God uses suffering in many ways and for many purposes: to keep us His humble servant, to show His grace, to perfect his perfect power in our lives, and to show us that He is all we need. Keep your focus on Jesus. He is with you (Isaiah 41:10). He protects you (Psalm 91:4). Remain a humble servant of Jesus. Our suffering is not in vain, He is working out His perfect will. With suffering comes blessings, if our hope is in the Lord. “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7
— Natalie Nelissen
WIDOWS TEA
Next month, Calvary Women’s Ministry is hosting our annual Widows Tea with guest speaker Merrily Hagerman. You can RSVP for free here.
The Remedy for Wavering Faith
Draw upon the power of God through prayer.
Have you ever been full of faith on a mountain-top experience, yet quickly find your faith destroyed by fear? Elijah experienced this same thing when, after a great victory on Mount Carmel where God’s power was on full display, the devil came in the form of a woman’s threatening words to rob him of his faith.
It doesn’t take much to cause fear, even in the strongest Christians. Elijah had experienced many miracles, and yet his faith wavered. He raised a boy from the dead. He believed God for rain after a three-year drought. He watched God provide for him food and water for three years and even saw God bring fire from heaven. Yet, all was forgotten in a moment by the threats of an angry queen. The devil is good at what he does — harassing us with threatening words that cause fear. There is a reason the Bible says “do not fear” (in one form or another) 365 times. God knew that we would need a daily reminder.
If you find yourself in this same place today, being tossed to and fro by fear, stop and remember God’s past faithfulness in your life. Take a moment to consider where these feelings are coming from. Draw upon the power of God through prayer, and be reminded of His promises in the Word.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
”The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
”I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
Be encouraged today that if you are under attack, you must be doing something right! Hang in there! Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he WILL flee (James 4:7).
— Michelle Randall
Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellerandall1
God bless you!
ADORE Christmas Dinner
We had such an amazing and blessed time at our 2023 Women’s Christmas Dinner!
Ladies! We had such an amazing and blessed time at our 2023 Women’s Christmas Dinner! We are so thankful to Jesus first and foremost for being our Guest of Honor and bringing women unto salvation both nights!
We are so thankful to all the men who served us so diligently, to all the women who helped with set up and decor, and our special guests Crystal Ameron and Maddison Coe for their beautiful performances!
To watch Michelle’s special Christmas message, download our app Calvary South OC, visit our YouTube channel or click here!
For a complete list of Merry Market Vendors and their resources, click here.
God bless you!
A Drought of Unanswered Prayer
When there is no Yes or No, there is a “Wait.”
Have you ever felt like you are in a 3-year drought? Like your prayers are not being answered? It’s been said, when there is no “yes” or “no,” there is a “wait.” Are you finding it hard to wait? You’re not alone. Waiting is difficult. However, waiting builds perseverance, and perseverance builds character, and character builds hope.
When Elijah was told by God that there would be a 3-year drought in the land, he responded with trust. He didn’t freak out, try to fix it, or figure things out — He trusted the promise of God. Was it hard? Yes! But during those 3 years of drought, God was working miracles for and through Elijah.
If you have found yourself in a drought of unanswered prayer, do what Elijah did and choose to trust God through it — and HE WILL work miracles on your behalf! ( 1 Kings 17-18).
— Michelle Randall
Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellerandall1
For questions or needs, contact us at women@calvarysouthoc.com or call the church office at (949) 443-2572.
God bless you!
Koinonia // Fellowship
We had a blessed time of fellowship during last week’s Koinonia!
We had a blessed time of fellowship during last week’s Koinonia! It’s always a blessing to take a break during our normal week, schedules, and routines and break bread with one another, celebrate all God is doing in each others’ lives, pray with our sisters in Christ, and be encouraged in the Word of God.
Don’t forget our Women’s Bible Study is on break until the New Year! Join us when we return in January as we continue our study through the Gospel of Mark!
