All of us, at one time or another, have experienced turmoil or storms in our lives and you might be dealing with something like that right now.  And even though the circumstances may be different for all of us, there’s one thing that we all have in common when it comes to the storms of our lives – we want them to stop…and we want them to stop NOW!  And often times when we cry out for it to stop, it not only doesn’t stop, it gets worse. And we find ourselves on our knees asking God why He has allowed this.  And the first lesson we learn when navigating through a life-storm is that there are no easy answers to that question. But know this, friend: If there were no great trials in life, there would be no great triumphs! Someone much smarter than me once said, “The same hammer that shatters glass, forges steel.”  And many times it’s in the hardships of life where great things are born.

Consider when the Apostle Paul was imprisoned and under strict house arrest. It was during these unfortunate times of his life that he wrote some of his most inspiring letters.  Many times when you go through difficulties, storms or just downright hard times, you can learn things about yourself and discover your strengths and weaknesses you could not learn anywhere else or any other way. And if you handle the storm correctly, you can even use the storm to your advantage and let the winds and the waves propel you to the other side!

This thought is also found in Psalm 23. In this chapter we find the pleasant and calming scene of sheep grazing on the tall, luscious grass and drinking from the cool mountain springs. And we love this picture of the green pastures and still waters. But, David doesn’t stop with that description…he continues on: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Yes, there will be those times when our Father will take us to the green pastures and still waters, but Thank God, He will also be with us in the deep, dark, scary valleys as well. And in those valleys we can learn as many important lessons as we can learn in the green pastures. God has a purpose and a plan for you in the storms of life. And you can rest assured that He is with you in your storm as it blows you to a new shoreline.

Pastor Jeff

pastorjeff@lwwconline.com

 

 

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