A Journey Out of Darkness and Into God’s Sacred Refuge with Lynne Rienstra

Welcome to Fierce Calling, where I chat with guests who take action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and use their gifts to impact the world for Christ. We share stories of hope and God's faithfulness to encourage, inspire, and challenge listeners to walk in their Fierce Calling. In this week's episode, A Journey Out of Darkness and Into God's Sacred Refuge, I welcome friend Lynn Rienstra, an insightful author, dedicated spiritual mentor, and pastor's wife who brings profound wisdom on embracing authentic Christian faith and finding freedom from fear. Lynn delves into the transformative power of Jesus and how believers can live free from fear, and in God's sacred refuge, as emphasized in her new book, Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis She shares her personal journey from fear and performance-based identity to discovering her true identity in Christ, encouraging us to walk through crises with faith and hope. Lynn also reflects on her experiences with Samaritan's Purse, emphasizing service and the gospel's power in transforming lives. Together we explore themes of spiritual resilience, community, and the vital role of storytelling in deepening our faith. Join us as we discuss the beautiful message of progress in faith, finding God's sacred refuge in turbulent times, and how we can all become beacons of light and grace in today's world. Connect with Lynne! Lynne Rienstra is a recovering Pharisee and spiritual orphan. Her dream is to catalyze a movement a loving service among women that will transform our churches, communities, culture, and world. Through her mentoring, speaking (she's taught thousands of women for over two decades), and writing, she leads women out of hiding and into a transforming encounter with the living God. In that place, they discover their identities as his brave beloved, rising up to restore our broken world as carriers of God’s love and presence. Lynne has followed a series of callings: English teacher, corporate insurance broker, pastor’s wife, women’s ministry leader, homeschooling mom, and development professional. (Since 2013, she has served as a regional director for Samaritan’s Purse). She holds a BA in English from Smith College and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center in Wheaton, Illinois. Lynne has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and online devotionals. Serving alongside her husband, Rob, a senior pastor, gives Lynne much joy, as do their adult children and grandchildren. Lynne has traveled to twenty-six countries on five continents (including North Korea, Iraq, and Kenya, where she lived for a summer among the Maasai. She loves Earl Grey tea, all things French, period dramas, reading C. S. Lewis and Elizabeth Goudge, and scoring vintage clothing finds. You can book Lynne for your event, or as a podcast or TV guest, at BraveBeloved.com. Listen to her Brave Beloved podcast and access her teaching on YouTube. Lynne can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling?