We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NASB

Why is it that in most every passage I’ve been reading lately I’ve been reminded that things might be bad, but they’re not horrible? Is God trying to tell me something?!?

As I pulled out for work the other day, I looked at our bush and realized it had bloomed. The white flowers stuck out against the green bush and the red bricks. It was so pretty, it made me stop. I then realized we were set to have storms and rain that day and I prayed it wouldn’t ruin the flowers before I had a chance to get a picture of them. 

A couple of hours later, I looked down at my phone and my husband sent me a text that read, “To brighten up your day!” It included two different pictures of the flowers with rain on them. I told him how I was afraid the storms were going to mess them up and I was so happy he got the pictures. He simply replied back, “The rain on them makes them prettier!”

Hmmm…I was looking at the rains in a negative way as messing up the flowers. Yet, I agree, there is such beauty with rain on the flowers. Don’t we often do that when bad things or tough times come our way? We pray for God to not let the storms destroy us. Yet, there is beauty in the rain.

Can you think of someone in your life going through a storm? Is it not a beautiful sight to see those weathering storms to praise God in the midst of the storm? When I see someone who has been pelted by rains and they still open up in full bloom to let the glory of God to be shown, it makes me stop and think of their beauty. I am amazed at their peace in the midst of the storm and their reliance upon God.

Weathering storms look different for all of us. I wonder if weathering storms might be slightly easier if we would EXPECT hard times to come knowing that through the rain, we will be watered and able to grow more in our faith and in the goodness of God? If we expect hard times and we know God will be with us as we weather the storm, we will be free to know the presence of God in the midst of the storm. We can focus more fully on Him and not the issues at hand. 

What storm are you weathering today? What do you need to do to focus more fully on God? I pray the peace of God will fill your hearts and minds even as the waves beat you down. Stand firm in your faith and know God isn’t going anywhere!

© 2020 Susan M. Sims

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