07/11/2019
We are so likely to become discouraged when the storms of life are upon us, but in them we are strengthened by the wind and the hardship. The weak branches break off, and our roots, filled with new moisture, bring forth new growth... all this to better prepare us to withstand what lies ahead. The winds of storms are like pruning shears, and drought sends our roots deeper in search of new moisture. Don’t let your faith be overcome by adversity it will soon be replaced by new vigor and strength.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
When I was a young man I attended the Virginia Military Institute and the first year there was incredibly hard. We underwent physical and mental hardships that I can’t begin to describe to you, but as each one brought me to my breaking point, I was strengthened by its passing. Each year thereafter, although not as intensely demanding as the first, brought its own new challenges, but what I had faced that first year had prepared me for it... my roots were indeed deeper in the ground, and my limbs were thicker and stronger... I was able to withstand these new challenges. The interesting thing about this is that I really didn’t understand how the adversity of one year built upon that of the previous, and that without prior hardship having prepared me I would have been lost in what I faced at that moment. As the years passed, and I looked back on the experience, this reality of it became clear. Our faith is much like this, as God walks with us through the storms, breaking off those old weak branches, replacing them with new growth, and sending our spiritual roots deeper. Take heart my friend... for God is with you in the midst of every storm.
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
Psalms 34:17-20 ESV
The Lord’s hand remains upon us in the desert, the wilderness, and upon the raging sea; He sends angels to strengthen us, and to see us through the times of our greatest suffering. He gives us endurance at the post as the jailor’s whip tears our flesh. In the end His will is done in us, and we will have been increased in righteousness to the point of becoming holy, and lifted up to sit with him. The storms of life serve to humble us before Him, and make us able to withstand the onslaught of evil by our dependence upon Him. We are made perfect in weakness, and strong by enduring the storms.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
Psalms 62:5-8 ESV
Are you in the midst of a storm, and looking for God in it; or maybe you are in a calm between hardships, and looking back on your rescue? Wherever we are in the midst of life’s trials there are two things that are certain... we are not alone, and The end will be good if we hold tight to the hand of Jesus.
“He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."”
Matthew 14:29-33 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the hardships, trials, and storms of life that bring me closer to you, and strengthen my faith. Thank you Holy Father for standing in the midst of my greatest travail, and calling me by name. Hear me Lord as I cry out to you, and plead that you help me in my unbelief. Give me understanding Father, and once we have walked through the valley of the shadow of death together... let me look back to see how great you were against the evil there, and how strong you have made me. Thank you Heavenly Father for the revelation that only looking back on my suffering brings, and the thrill of seeing you there. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who sees me through the valleys of my fear, and holds me firmly rooted in the ground of righteousness. I praise you in the storm, even as I call out for your deliverance. You are great, and are faithful in your love for me. Wonderful is your name, and merciful your hand that lifts me in times of trouble. All glory is yours Father, as your grace flows over me through Jesus Christ who walks with me, and shepherds me through my times of suffering and sorrow. Your joy abounds in me, and your rainbow thrills my soul when every storms subsides... revealing your hand.
Rich Forbes