Thunderstorms

  

Storms of Life

Tonight we are having a thunderstorm.  My girls are tucked into their beds; however, they are NOT sleeping.  Instead they are worrying.  Why?  Well because they are afraid.  What are they afraid of?  They are scared of the lightning and thunder.  They are worried about rain water coming into our house.  They are terrified that our house will burn down when it is struck by lightning.  (Notice, not if it is struck by lightning, but WHEN it is struck by lightning.)

Thunderstorms remind me of the trials and tribulations that we all go through.  For example, do you remember when it would rain when you were a child and you would start singing "Rain, rain, go away!  Come again another day."?  As a child I sang that song many times, even more so when there was thunder and lightning outside.  Don't we do the same thing when a trial comes upon us?

We may not sing the song, but we often do start complaining.  It can sound something like, "Why does this have to happen to me?"  Or even, "I am living a nightmare, I wish it were over!"  Then there is the occasional "Why can't I just get to the next chapter of my life?"  Let's be honest when trials comes upon us, we often can't wait to get out of them.  We want it over as soon as possible.

Of course we want the trial over as soon as possible.  No one likes to experience difficulties.  However, just as the earth needs the rain that comes from a thunderstorm, we need the trials that come into our lives.  Those trials teach us something that we would have never learned any other way.  Those trials grow us as a person; they stretch us.  The best part is that after we have endured those trials we can be an encouragement to those who are going through a similar situation.  Essentially, we become a rainbow to those who have watched us endure as well as to those with whom we share our story.

When the thunderstorms of life come upon you, do not worry.  I am sure you have heard the saying that 99% of the time the things that we worry about never come to fruition.  It is true.  Why spend your time worrying, instead try to see what you can learn from the situation or what you can do to change the situation.  Pray about the situation and seek guidance.  That is a much better way to spend your time.  

You will also find that it will keep you from becoming paralyzed by fear.  Instead of thinking that your house will get struck by lightning, trust that God will always be with you.  He has promised to never leave you or forsake you!  (Joshua 1:5: Hebrews 13:5)  Claim that promise and start walking through your trials without fear and trembling.  Be confident that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! (Philippians 1:6)  

Are you going through a trial right now?  Do you need prayer support?  If so, just post a comment and I will pray for you.  You do not have to share your whole story or any of it at all.  God knows what each and every one of us is going through.  He will hear my prayer and answer in the best way possible.

Have you gone through a trial that you want to share?  Do you want to be an encouragement to someone else?  If so post a comment and know that you will bless someone else.