Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV

Many are in a season of deep pruning and it feels as though the Lord is doing heart surgery on you. This can be a very raw and vulnerable place. However, the Lord wants to encourage you that he is not doing this work to harm you, but rather it is to free you!

In the natural world, if there is a foreign growth in the body, the doctor will perform surgery to remove it because of its potential to become life threatening. The surgery is vital so that the growth does not spread and cause more harm.

The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, knows what we need even when we ourselves are unaware. Be assured that He is with you in the process even though it currently feels messy and painful. Ultimately, He is working for your highest good. This work is to free you up so that you will no longer be in bondage. When the work is complete, the enemy will no longer have access to any area of your heart.

If you have recently felt as though you have been going through the fire, just know that you are being refined like gold! The Lord is well pleased as you have come so far! However, He is calling you to go deeper still.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7 NIV

The Lord is looking at the posture of your heart and asking, “Will you give me your YES? Will you allow Me access to those deep and vulnerable places of your heart?” Do not be discouraged or overwhelmed at the things that are surfacing during this refining process. He is cleaning out wounds and injured areas that have become infected and keeping you from advancing. You are not being punished! Rather, you are being prepared to launch into your new season! This launching will require you to be fully healed and free!

If this is you, REJOICE! In this moment, it feels harder and more painful than ever. Continue to bravely venture into this new and uncharted territory with your Good Shepherd! The end result will be far more glorious than you know!

I see the Father smiling over you and He is encouraging you to not get weary in the waiting and in the process because you are about to reep much (Galatians 6:9)! Even though the enemy of your soul is hurling accusations at you during this most vulnerable time, your Father is speaking a good word over you!

You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24 NLT

The Father is not looking at how often you fall down or stumble. Rather, He is looking at how you continually get up and move forward with Him!

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Finally, know that the battles you are fighting and overcoming now are paving the path for freedom for future generations! Keep Going!

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18 NLT