(When going through the storms of life, not only are we growing, but old things are dying off of us, in this picture, courtesy of PhotoLab, the flowers represent growth while going through the storm, and the black dress means old things are dying off. The smile represents the joy that GOD gives us while going through a storm.)
Hello Family and late Happy New Year!
It’s been months since I published my last blog! A lot has happened, but this morning, I had time to reflect on life and The Holy Spirit showed me that it is in our must challenging times in life is when we grow! Sure, mostly everyone is in great spirits when everything in our lives are great. When our relationships (both professional and personal) are thriving, our finances our flourishing, bills paid on time and our health is the best it’s ever been. But what about the times when our whole world comes crashing. Our relationships are in turmoil, money is funny, our health is failing, I could go on. However, it says in the Bible to praise Him at all times. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
However, the question that comes to mind is, how can we praise GOD when our world is falling apart? The first thing is that we praise Him for who He is. (Colossians 1:16, Psalm 115:3, Romans 11:33). We praise Him, because during our times of trouble, He Sustains us. (Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 5:7, Exodus 14:14). He tells us not to worry. (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:6). He prunes us (John 15:2) and it is in this pruning process; it is in the most painful. He removes people, bad habits, attitudes and behavior which are no good for us. He delivers us from strongholds. He makes us aware of our sins and we can come into true repentance. (Acts 3:19) He grows us up and restores us!
So during these times, we can truly praise Him! In the words of my awesome friend L.C., it’s enough to make a deacon want to shout! So when we go through troubling times, count it on joy, He’s working it out for our good! Then, once you’re out of it, you can look back and see how far GOD has brought you! It’s in this painful season that you truly don’t see how much GOD is changing you. It also strengthens your relationship with Him. When family and friends turn away, He is there! When you’re going through this hard time, He’s right there and you become so dependent on Him, He becomes you’re closest friend. Closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24). It’s truly a beautiful thing that happens to you when going through a storm, even though it doesn’t feel like. When you come out of the storm, so much has changed. You have grown, but most importantly, your relationship with GOD has grown!
Being through and still going through quite a storms myself, I can honestly say that it’s a terrifying, yet amazing experience! Family, I encourage you today that whatever you are facing, whether its challenges in your home and/or job, financial circumstances, health, etc. just remember that GOD is carrying all of us through! He’s taking us through the storm and on the over side of this, there is victory! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, because trust me, it’s not, at all. As a matter of fact, it’s very painful and some days are harder than others. But, it will get better. Stay blessed family, remember most importantly, GOD loves you and I love you.
Love,
Taylor
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