My heart is breaking for the people who are affected by Hurricane Sandy. For those directly impacted, it’s going to take a long time to get back to “normal”. Some of those people lost their loved ones in this storm so they will have to adjust to a new “normal”. I started thinking about my life and the people that I know personally and I quickly came up with a list of 20 “storms” and realized that we all face storms from time to time. Can you relate to any of these situations?  

1. My house got flooded from rising water and insurance won’t cover it because I’m not in a flood plain.

2. We have no hot water or electricity and it’s freezing outside.

3. My son was in a car accident and is now a quadriplegic.

4. My husband got his work truck out of the shop and then he wrecked it on the way back to work.

5. My wife of 21 years is cheating on me.

6. My husband is addicted to drugs and when he leaves, I never know if I will see him again.

7. My son taunts me when I try to discipline him.

8. My friend committed suicide after her husband filed for divorce because she was too embarrassed to be divorced again.

9. Our rental home was devastated by a fire and we lost everything we own and we had no insurance.

10. My friend got cancer and withered away before dying at the age of 40.

11. My husband got into a car wreck on my birthday and later died after being in a coma for 8 months. He was only 22.

12. My son has birth defects that affect his sight, speech and hearing.

13. My husband of 18 years wants to pursue a homosexual lifestyle.

14. My daughter got arrested for underage drinking.

15. My house was robbed.

16. My teenage daughter is pregnant.

17. My son is in jail after trying to kill a man.

18. My unborn baby died.

19. I lost my job 3 years ago and now I’m living in an extended-stay motel.

20. My son is addicted to drugs and refuses to stay in rehab.

When we are in the midst of a storm, the first question is usually, “Why me or why is this happening?” Even if you get an answer, it’s not going to change what has happened.  The next reaction is to try to figure out what to do to stop the suffering which often involves controlling things that are beyond our control. So, if you don’t know why and you can’t control the situation, what do you do? Praise God!

Praising God is probably the last thing on your mind when you are suffering, but it’s the best time to praise God and it’s one of the most effective ways to overcome because it strengthens your faith. I remember a time when I was in great torment (fear has torment). It was just about midnight and I had been praying for hours. I finally stopped praying and tried to fall asleep and I heard, “Sing”. It was as clear as a bell, but not an audible voice. Singing is not one of my gifts, so I asked God to “prove” that it was Him speaking. I silently asked Him to give me a scripture and immediately I heard Isaiah 54. My Bible was by the bed and I reluctantly turned on the light and opened my Bible to Isaiah 54. I was amazed! The first word of Isaiah 54 is “Sing”. Wow! I turned on the stereo and started singing as best I could. Not only did I feel better, but I also received an answer to my prayer. I don’t remember what I sang that night, but one of my favorite songs is “Praise You in this Storm” by Casting Crowns. If you are going through a storm right now, I encourage you to sing praises to God and enjoy the peace that follows. God will get you through every storm you encounter.

1Thessalonians 5 - ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

Let’s Pray: Lord, I don’t like what is happening, but I know that You are with me and even though You may not stop the storm, You will give me peace in the midst of the storm. I know that You work all things together for good and I can get through this with Your help. Direct my steps as I navigate through this storm. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

QUESTION: What do you do in the midst of storms and suffering? Use the comment form below to share your thoughts.

Lifesong by Casting Crowns

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