Seasons of the Cave (The Higher Purpose Behind our Pain) Episode 5
In this show I’m joined by pastor and author Dennis McGuire who wrote Seasons of the Cave: Lessons we Learn from the Dark Places of Life. Many of the various ‘cave seasons’ in our lives are necessary for God to work out His purpose in us, and draw us closer to Him. We will describe some of those ‘cave metaphors’ we sometimes find ourselves in, like the caves of: conviction, confinement, correction, consequence, compromise, chosen, surrender, confidence, change, conquest, close encounters and closure. Learn about what cave you may be in or have been in. Listen as we share our own personal cave seasons. You will learn about why we must go through these times, what God is teaching us through them, and what cave we might be in right now as a society. As you go through difficult times in your own life, let this bring you hope and inspiration that God is working all things out for your good.
Jodie, I am a first time listener. Fantastic interview with Dennis. He and I have been friends for about 44 years. We have ministered together for years. Knowing him as I do, you brought out treasures of him and of our “caves”. Thank you so very much!!!
Hi Scott,
That is so cool how you two have been friends for 44 years! That is a lifetime lol. I’m also thrilled you enjoyed the interview, and glad I was able to bring out some treasures 🙂
Thanks for listening!
Blessings,
Jodie
Hi Jodie,
I enjoyed your podcast with Pastor Dennis McGuire. He was my Pastor in Riverside CA. for many years in the 1990’s. His book and this podcast were very inspiring to me. I too have been and am in some of those cave experiences. Pastor Dennis is so genuine, wise and humble. His church family now are extremely blessed to sit under his teachings. Thank you for your interview with him.
Hi Tracy,
I’m so glad you listened and that it was inspiring to you! I will pray that God teaches, leads, loves, and encourages you as you go through your ‘cave.’ I’m praying for the light to come into view at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again for listening and thanks for your comments!
I second Scott’s thoughts about your interviewing skills. This was a nice 50/50 exchange of thoughts, insights, and experiences. Each share built off another and it flowed very nicely. Interviewing is, of course, an important skill that will serve you—and all of us–well as you continue in this new season of using your strength, hope, and experience to sharpen each of us. Be mindful, however, of an interruption or two as he was beginning to develop a thought.
Prov. 20:5 (paraphrased) you—as a person of understanding—have the ability to draw out the “deep waters” of the purposes in a person’s heart!
And…yep. I’ve been in the “cave of correction” when I didn’t learn the lessons in the “cave of confinement” 🙂 Now…I am so grateful that he has GRANTED me repentance unto life and that He gave me time to repent. But, it is needful that I continue to make a daily decision to turn my life and will over to Him, perhaps simplifying my daily prayer as Dennis stated, “God have mercy on me”. Somedays I can be the Pharisee and NOT remembering that I am still the Publican! And…your podcasts are one excellent way to keep on the right path.
Best,
Rick
Hi Rick,
As always, thanks so much for your feedback! I tend to edit quite a bit on the backend of these and may have overdone it a bit on this one. Thanks for the 50/50 comment. My goal of this show is to make it a ‘show’ and not an interview…like two people having coffee! Thanks for sharing your cave experience too. I think I have been in them all!
I like that a lot. A show—two people having coffee! Nice touch…it DID actually
feel like that and so do the others…Bears hibernate in caves. We should not. I am looking forward to listening o more! Best as always!
Rick