stories of faith
The heart of Antique Candle Co.® is Christ.
In every season, we must take a step back and praise the One who has blessed our small business. Even with so much uncertainty in the world, it is encouraging to recognize Christ's faithfulness and know that He will see us through any rough waters we face!
Reading stories of the Lord's faithfulness is one of our favorite ways to set our minds on things above. Several of our sweet friends in the studio offered to share how God is actively working in their lives. We hope and pray that you find encouragement through these shared stories of faith!
Carol - Shipping Specialist
Can you share a little bit about your personal relationship with the Lord?
I have been a daughter of the King for as long as I can remember. I was blessed to be raised by Christian parents and I gave my life to Christ as a young girl. I’ve never doubted God’s love or faithfulness. One of my spiritual gifts is faith!
How has God been faithful in your life this year, this month, or even this week?
I am so thankful that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The great “I Am” is unchanging. We can fully count on Him and trust that He is working things out for our good, even when we can’t see the silver lining.
I don’t know why the world has been turned upside down, but I am so thankful I have a personal relationship with the One who is in control. I don’t know what I would do or how I would deal with all the uncertainty in life if I didn’t have an intimate relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace. The world might be in chaos, but my soul is at peace because I know that everything that happens on Earth and in heaven is part of God’s sovereign plan.
I pray people are choosing Him as their Savior and experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding that only God can provide. (Philippians 4:7)
What verse do you cling to that gives you hope and encouragement?
There are so many Bible verses that offer comfort during difficult times. I was trying to choose one to offer encouragement when I came across some sermon notes from a few years ago. The sermon was about overcoming fear; how appropriate! These verses from Romans chapter 8 really spoke to me and I hope they will bring you some comfort as well. The entire chapter is worth reading, but I’m sharing a few key verses here. Romans 8:15-16, 18, 26, 31, 34-35, 37-39 (ESV)
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption...The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (v. 15-16) ...For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (v. 18)...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (v. 26)
...If God is for us, who can be against us? (v. 31) ...Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (v. 34-35)
...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (v. 37-39)
Kaitlin - Production Operations Manager
Can you share a little bit about your personal relationship with the Lord?
He is good. His is kind. He is caring. He understands. He knows.
I tend to be a pretty anxious person, and quiet moments with Jesus are what supports me through each day. He is the person I can bring all of my brokenness and anxious thoughts to knowing He is listening and responding with His good, kind, understanding, and care-filled heart.
How has God been faithful in your life this year, this month, or even this week?
An analogy that always comes to mind when thinking about God's faithfulness is a painting. When you are standing up close to a painting you only see what is directly in front of you. However when you step back, more and more of the painting comes into your view, eventually making up a huge mural that has beauty and purpose. I've seen God work faithfully in my life many times, but the moment that stands out to me the most was a huge change in my life.
I was pursuing an entirely different career path, wasn't feeling passionate about it any longer, and the time commitment was taking a huge toll mentally and emotionally. I decided to end my pursuit because I felt like God was saying he didn't want me there any longer. That was really hard. So much uncertainty, instability, and unknown. Those few months of the in-between really challenged my faith in the Lord. I was only seeing what was directly in front of me; but He was faithful. He lead me to the community of Antique Candle Co.® that is so, so fruitful.
Now I stand back, seeing what His plan was for me all along, and I know that it was good and perfect the whole time. I just needed to trust Him, stay the course, and continue stepping backward to see the entire mural He was painting through my circumstances.
What verse do you cling to that gives you hope and encouragement?
I have a few, but one I've been holding onto recently is Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT).
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
Emily - Merchandising Specialist
Can you share a little bit about your personal relationship with the Lord?
God is a faithful Father, in control of all things. When things are going well, I know it is because of Him. But even during times of anxiousness or worry, I know I can run to Him and rely on Him. I love that if I ever need to hear His words, I can read the Bible or come to Him in prayer.
How has God been faithful in your life this year, this month, or even this week?
God has been so good to me, constantly reminding me in my times of worry that He is with me and He knows the plans He has for me. He has also provided for several needs that I was worried about, and placed people in my path that have continued to point me towards Him and His goodness.
What verse do you cling to that gives you hope and encouragement?
A verse I love that is not so much a hopeful verse, but one that reminds me where I stand especially in difficult times is Isaiah 50:10. It reminds me, while other people can be a source of encouragement, ultimately God is my truth and my strength and only He controls the world. I should be looking to God for wisdom and truth, not people. I also love 2 Samuel 22:2-3 for the same reason!
"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God." Isaiah 50:10 (ESV)
"He said, 'The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.'" 2 Samuel 22:2-3 (ESV)
Brittany - CEO + Founder
Can you share a little bit about your personal relationship with the Lord?
I personally love it when I see or feel the Holy Spirit working in or through me. For me, it typically comes from extensive, consistent time in prayer and just talking with Him. (Especially in the car for some reason!) When this happens, I feel so loved and known inside and out, which makes total sense because He created me!
How has God been faithful in your life this year, this month or even this week?
I LOVE watching the Holy Spirit working through other believers! Even when I find myself distracted with my life or circumstances, I can still see Him working through others - that's always a joy and encouragement to me!
Just last week, Hannah, our Chief Marketing Officer, mentioned the idea of sharing the good news of Jesus through faith stories and scripture. I was completely distracted with the world situation, everyone's health, and the finances of the business. As a small business owner going through a crisis, my head was running a mile a minute. But in that moment, God halted my distracted mind. In that moment, He clearly showed me how He was working through my Sister in Christ - what a beautiful thing! God truly wants everyone to know Him intimately in all circumstances.
What is a verse you cling to that gives you hope and encouragement?
I've always LOVED Romans 1:16 (NIV). If I'm being honest, it's super easy to get distracted and lose eternal perspective. This verse reminds me that one day I will be in Heaven with my Creator, Father, and Savior. I love this verse because it reminds me that God wants to deeply know everyone. He wants you and me to be a part of His family. This verse make me smile and gives me confident hope for a future with Him. I cannot wait to be in Heaven with Him forever!
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:16 (NIV)
How has God showed His faithfulness in your life?
We'd love to hear your story, friend!