“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV
Walking with God does not exempt us from enduring the many storms that life can bring. However, our relationship with Him will determine how we come out of it. Storms will test our strengths and exploit our weaknesses. Storms aren’t meant to be peaceful. Storms stir up fear, anxiety, worry, and doubt. They can also happen with or without warning. They are designed to discourage us, to shift our focus off the things of God, and to get us off track.
Some of the storms that we go through may be a result of the decisions made by others, an attack from the enemy, or they are oftentimes caused as a consequence of our own actions. No matter the case or the cause, storms have the tendency to disrupt or even destroy lives.
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”Isaiah 43:2 KJV
When we go through trials and tribulations it is very easy to get caught up in the situation or circumstances surrounding what we are going through or to get overtaken by our emotions. If we are not careful, we may find ourselves slipping into a depressive state or feeling isolated and alone. This spirit is not of God, and we must ensure to safeguard our hearts and minds. We must remember that the enemy will never miss an opportunity to try to use our most vulnerable moments to distract us or create even more chaos in our lives. He will often use the ones who are the closest to us to inflict the most pain. He will use anyone or anything to keep us from walking in our purpose, to shake our faith, take our eyes off God, or even backslide.
“For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 KJV
For the past 9 months, my life has taken so many turns and I have been hit in every place and in every way, that could hurt me the most. From experiencing losses, sickness, hurt, pain, betrayal, brokenness, and disappointment……I have felt every emotion imaginable. This season that I have been in hasn’t been easy. It felt like everything was falling apart and I was caught up in a whirlwind of a never-ending storm. When every part of you has been tested and tried and no one knows the depths of the pain that you feel, besides you and God. I knew that there was a purpose or reason as to why God was allowing me to go through the storm. I didn’t understand it, but I knew in due time, the lesson would be revealed.
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:18-19 KJV
Prayer and faith were my lifelines. When I felt like I didn’t have the strength to pray for myself, I would often ask those that I truly trusted to pray for me and with me. I kept my faith in Him…..I drew closer to Him and He gave me peace in the midst of the storm. There were days when I would wake up with so much peace, joy, and gratitude in my heart. It was so overwhelming…...I couldn’t explain it.
God did not promise a life that is problem-free. As long as we live here on this earth, we will continue to face adversity. But as we go through those trying times, we must never lose hope.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 KJV
Yes, storms can be painful, but as I stated previously, there are many lessons that can be learned from them. This season has been humbling. I learned that we can never become complacent in our walk with God. Storms do not always come to break us, but instead to help build character, deepen our faith, and strengthen our relationship with God.
Yes, it may be difficult, but keep your eyes on God. When you feel like giving in to the spirit of brokenness and defeat, pray and ask Him to give you the strength to push through and to keep moving forward. Remember that God is still sovereign, and His Word remains true.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
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