Come out shining like gold ✨

But God knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I will come out like gold. — Job 23:10 NCV

Hoping through Grief Today's inspiration comes from: Reflections for the Grieving Soul by Nike Nappa Editor's note: Mike Nappa's book Reflections for the Grieving Soul was written after his dear wife, Amy, passed away from cancer. Mike sought refuge in Scripture when bereavement became his constant. Here's a little of what Mike wrote in the foreword for you:   If you're reading this book, your world has been irrevocably changed by the death of someone you love.   I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.   You are in an awful time. And you deserve help as you grieve.   Right now is unbearable, I know. Forget about "one day at a time," right? Let's shoot for "the next ten minutes" and see how that goes. That's why this book exists. For you, for me, for the next ten minutes.   So this is my prayer for you now, after the funeral:   May God be noticeably near to you. May the promises and pains of His Word comfort you today as they did for me yesterday. And may they give us both the strength we need to wake up and face tomorrow. Or at least the next ten minutes.   *   I hope that when I'm gone, you'll still see God's goodness. Still see His love for you. Still find joy in each day. ~ Amy Nappa, Journal entry, July 8, 2016   But God knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I will come out like gold. — Job 23:10 NCV   Before she died, I asked Amy to write her own obituary. I just couldn't do it. I told her I would put in the appropriate dates, but she had to do the rest. So she did. But God knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I will come out like gold. — Job 23:10 NCV But God knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I will come out like gold. — Job 23:10 NCV This is how she wanted to be remembered...   Amy Wakefield Nappa was born on November 10, 1963, in Portsmouth, VA, to Norm and Winnie Wakefield. She moved to Heaven on Sunday, September 11, 2016.   Amy was a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. She loved her family and her friends dearly. Her greatest joys were to spend time with family, to hang out with her friends, to laugh, and to mentor those a little behind her in the journey of life.   Amy loved Jesus with all her heart, and her greatest desire was to be remembered as a woman who shined the love of Jesus.   Looking at this now, months later, I feel a touch of pride. She was everything she said in this obituary — and much more. She left out the parts about how she was a successful business executive, a bestselling and award-winning author, a woman whose published works influenced the lives of millions of people in nations all over the planet, a speaker to thousands, and (because she ranked it highly in her life) an annual volunteer at the "Imagination Station" of our local VBS productions.   Amy changed the world. I've asked myself how she did it, how one little woman living an obscure life in a small town in Colorado could make such a difference for millions of people. The only answer I can come up with is this: Amy's greatest desire really was to be remembered as a woman who shined the love of Jesus. That was just who she was; it was natural for her. And God used Amy just being herself to shine His love through her and spray it out into the world. And when she suffered, when her body failed her and her faith was tested in the extreme, she was still just Amy being Amy, shining His love on all of us who were near.   It was the worst time of my life. And the most extraordinary time I've known. God knew the way that Amy took, and like Job of old, at the final end she came out shining... like gold.   PRAYER FOR TODAY   Dear Father, I think I'd like to shine — just a little bit. When I'm tested today, may Your Spirit be the help I need to come out of everything shining. Like gold.   Amen. Excerpted with permission from Reflections for the Grieving Soul by Mike Nappa, copyright Nappaland Communications, Inc.   * Ready to Dig Deeper? SHOP THIS BOOK ► Your Turn Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? We know the misery and we're so sorry. We pray these words from Mike have made you feel less alone and a little more loved by God. ~ Devotionals Daily READ THE BLOG A source of peace in the most difficult times Save 41% Reflections for the Grieving Soul: Meditations and Scripture for Finding Hope After Loss $10.00 41% off  + $10 off $45 & Free Shipping with code SCHOOL   + $10 off $45 & Free Shipping   with code SCHOOL  SHOP NOW As you mourn the loss of a loved one, this collection of intimate personal reflections, Scripture, and heartfelt prayers from a fellow griever offers comfort and hope in the days, months, and beyond as you navigate life after loss.   The funeral comes and goes, and you're forced to deal with the chasm your loved one left behind. But grief doesn't operate on a predictable timeline. You may find yourself somewhere you didn't expect—drowning, kicking, or screaming—long after your loss. You may feel unable to talk to others—or to God.   Whether you've lost someone you love or know someone who is grieving, this comforting book is a balm for weary souls and a source of peace in the most difficult times. FREE bonus gifts with purchase: receive a grief group discussion guide and companion video series, sympathy card template with ideas on crafting a heartfelt message, and Scripture coloring sheets-- delivered to your email after purchase from FaithGateway LEARN MORE ► Today's devotion is by: Mike Nappa With every purchase of the book from FaithGateway, you'll receive these special bonuses: Sympathy card template with ideas on crafting a heartfelt message. Scripture coloring sheets – a great way to keep the mind (and hands) busy during a hard time. Grief Group Discussion Guide – This 5-week discussion guide works through the sections of Reflections for the Grieving Soul. Can be used for self-reflection as well as in a group setting. Companion videos for small groups (or personal viewing) to help with processing your grief. SHOP NOW *Free bonuses will be delivered to your email after purchase More about the book In Reflections for the Grieving Soul, widower and author Mike Nappa comes alongside you in your saddest hour, offering support and empathy. He gives you words of Scripture to meditate on at whatever pace you need, personal reflections from his own grief after losing his beloved wife, Amy, and accessible prayers for when you don't know how or what to pray. This honest and moving collection offers: Comfort as you seek God in your grief Understanding about the regret, fear, and anger you may feel Powerful Bible verses to meet you in your loss and pain Honest prayers to help you cry out to God SHOP NOW What Our Readers Are Saying "I couldn't put it down! I read the whole book as soon as I got it. It ministered to my broken heart. I have gone back to it again and again plus I have recommended to others." — Marie H. "Really grateful that this book supported me in growing closer to God while grieving." — Evie D. "So nice to see that someone truly understands the difficult pathway to peace after loss." — Stacy S. SHOP NOW More on grief Through a Season of Grief: 365 Devotions for Your Journey from Mourning to Joy $10.79 40% off SHOP NOW If you've lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you've discovered that few people understand the deep hurt you feel. Where do you turn for daily comfort and help? Where do you find the tools to move forward? Through a Season of Grief is the first 365-day devotional designed to support and uplift you in the first, most difficult year of bereavement.   These devotions offer biblical comfort and practical teaching that will enable you to take steps forward each day toward healing, including devotions specifically geared toward supporting you through your grief such as: How to embrace the grieving process How to cope when the meal train ends Who to turn to when you can't control your emotions More than thirty respected Christian professionals—including Anne Graham Lotz, Kay Arthur, Jack Hayford, Elisabeth Elliot, Norman Wright, Barbara Johnson, and Luis Palau—share their insights on how to walk through the devastation of grief toward wholeness and hope. You will hear from people like you who have lost a loved one and have found God's healing presence amid despair. LEARN MORE ► It's time to wrap up summer vacation, put the pool floaties away, and get geared up for fall!   For a limited time only, we're offering A+ deals — up to 58% off books deals just for you! Plus, take $10 off $45 and get free shipping with code SUMMER. Ends 8/7. SHOP NOW SHARE this devotion with someone who needs it today SHARE

 

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