Our nation has just experienced devastation at the hands of Hurricane Harvey and now we are facing the threat of Hurricane Irma. Where do you turn when your home or your very life is hit by a storm so catastrophic you’re left with rubble and remains of what was once solid and secure? Maybe it’s not a literal storm with wind and rain that has affected your life but perhaps the foundation of your home has been shaken by a negative health report, a wayward child or loss of loved one. Perhaps the one who promised “I do” now doesn’t.
Having experienced a recent storm in my life I can say I know the love of God in a way like I’ve never experienced before. I can say I know what it’s like to cry yourself to sleep and no words of comfort could console. But when you experience God’s love you can’t articulate it with words, but you know He is surrounding you and keeping you. Many times, as believers we don’t like to have these conversations because somewhere along the way a misunderstanding was birthed that Christians and people of “faith” don’t’ struggle. Maybe that is your story but not mine. I know God to be a keeper because there have been times when I couldn’t keep myself. His grace surrounded me, His comfort upheld me when no one else could help and although the storm was all around He held me close and I knew that it was going to be okay.
As you go through your test be reminded of these things:
- God is for you and loves you immensely
I know one of the most common questions when facing a storm is, “If God loves me, why did He allow this to happen to me?” Truth be told life happens to all of us. It doesn’t change the fact that God is sovereign and that He loves us. There are many things that can’t be explained and that is what makes faith so profound. It’s trust when you don’t see and believing beyond what you feel. (John 3:16 NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
- You are never alone
God is with you and He is your defense and rescue! He will comfort you with His great love! (Zephaniah 3:17)
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
- You will win
We were created to win in life. One loss does not equate defeat. Get back up, dust yourself off and be reminded you are more than a conqueror! (Romans 8:37 NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Whatever you are facing, run to God. He is a shelter in the time of need. Trust Him to keep you, to make a way. This pain won’t last always. You are equipped to endure! I’d like to leave you with these lyrics penned by one of my dear friends, Martha Munizzi. Be reminded, you can make it through the storm!
“You can make it through the storm,
you can make it through the rain.
You can make it through the trials,
you can make it through the pain.
And though you may not understand,
there’s a purpose, there’s a plan;
so while you worship,
He’ll bring you through it all.”
“You Can Make It Through The Storm” by Martha Munizzi
Photo Credit:ID 67199460 © Galina Samoylovich | Dreamstime
