No one likes to wait. And the bigger the “something” we’re waiting for to happen, the harder it gets. Trusting God means trusting His timing which is often easier said than done. Every once in a while, a story comes along that helps us remember that miracles do happen, and that God’s timing IS always perfect. We hope you enjoy the story of our guest Lorie Barnwell. Her testimony is raw and emotional. It's full of ups and downs and has the twists and turns of a binge-worthy Netflix series. Its heartbreak is exceeded only by its blessings - on both a natural and spiritual level. Most notably, it's topped off by a profound miracle that has left medical professionals scratching their heads!
Lorie is currently the elected Treasurer for the City of Warren, Michigan. She’s also a pastor’s wife (her husband Bill is lead pastor at Royal Oak Church) and mom of an 8-year-old son, “Little Bill.” Her story revolves around the joys and disappointments of starting a family, but it’s a testimony that anyone who has ever had an unfulfilled dream or major disappointment can relate to. In essence, that would probably be all of us.
We all have our own stories of having to wait. We could be hoping and praying for a spouse, children, grandchildren, a better job, our business to take off, our health to improve, a broken relationship to heal or countless other things big or small.
We’ve heard that patience is “a virtue” and that enduring hard times builds character. Scripture says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1: 2-3). However, in the middle of a tough situation with no actual answers, that may not necessarily be comforting. In fact, Lorie talks about how being real with her anger at God helped produce a breakthrough.
Remember, regardless of what you're going through, each step in the process is important. C.S. Lewis said, “prayer doesn't change God. It changes me.” No matter what the outcome of our circumstances, we can indeed be changed. We can also become a comfort to others and share our stories.
Hearing accounts of trials and triumphs that are genuine, honest and not sugar-coated can be life-changing. We hope you’ll click play and get some encouragement from this awesome testimony.
Check out our follow up bonus mini-episode
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
EXTRAS:
We referenced a devotional in the episode called “Believe Bigger” by Marshawn Evans Daniels
More quotes and books from C.S. Lewis