Newsletters

Storms in Our Lives

June

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We all experience storms in our lives. You might be suffering through a health problem or maybe a financial hardship. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one or been impacted by a layoff at work. Some storms are bigger than others, but every one of us has experienced them in our lifetimes and we will experience them again.

Sometimes the storms are the result of bad decisions we made (or decisions we should have made), but other times they can be completely random. Regardless of the reason, storms are inevitable. We will experience pain and suffering and thinking we can avoid them is foolish.

Part of Life

Struggle and hardship is a natural part of life. We will experience heartache and sorrow. We will experience failure and the sting of rejection. We will experience pain and fear, loneliness and sorrow.

Being disciplined and making good choices can reduce the storms in our lives but will never prevent them from crossing our path. When we try to convince ourselves that we can completely prevent storms from happening, we only add to the pain and frustration when they occur.

Jesus said that following Him would not insolate you from pain and misery. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So, what are we to do if Jesus isn’t going to stop the storms?

Contentment in the moment

Paul wrote to the Philippians about this very topic. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

Remind yourself the storm doesn’t last forever

Remind yourself that no matter how big or bad the storm is, most storms don’t last forever. When we are caught up in the moment, we can fall into the trap that this is all there is. This can have a demoralizing effect on us as we convince ourselves that the current storm we are in is all there is. That this struggle or challenge is our life. For some of us, unfortunately, we are facing a lifetime challenge, but for most we aren’t. And we need to remind ourselves of that fact. That the storm will pass.

Interestingly enough, these are the times we draw closest to God. And while God doesn’t relish in our pain and anguish, He so desires a relationship with us and I’m sure He’s very happy with our renewed focus on Him.

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Life is full of hardships and unexpected challenges. It is inevitable, but you can weather through them. Read about it in my ebook ..... and it's free when you sign up for my newsletter.