After a Storm Comes a Calm...

After a Storm Comes a Calm…

September 4, 2012 • 18 Comments

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After a Storm Comes a Calm…

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I’m not sure what storm you’re facing.

I’m not sure when another will come.

I’m not sure if the end is near.

I’m not sure how it will be resolved.

I’m not sure why this storm is yours.

I’m not sure who’s in the eye with you.

I’m not sure how long you’ve been in its midst.

I’m not sure what lesson is being taught.

I’m not sure why HE allowed it to happen.

But He did.

At times, I’m as unsure, as uncertain as you.

I struggle to understand why a storm is mine.

I struggle to understand what I am to learn.

I struggle to believe some day it will end.

I struggle to believe it is not a punishment.

I struggle to think any good can come out.

I struggle to think a storm could be profitable.

I must, however…

…choose to believe He loves me.

…choose to believe He has only my best interest at heart.

…choose to believe the truth of His mouth.

…choose to believe the power of His hand.

…choose to believe He can calm the storm.

…choose to believe He WILL calm the storm.

May we claim this verse together:

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ~ Mark 4:39 (emphasis mine)

What lessons have you learned/are you learning in the midst of a storm?

How did you struggle to wrap your mind around what was happening?

What did you choose to believe?

How did you choose to respond?

YOUR testimony is s testament to His faithfulness while encouraging the broken, discouraged, hurt and disillusioned.

So, what are you able to share that glorifies Him while benefiting a fellow believer?

Share it. Comment it.

Titus 2 Tuesday / Open Your Heart Tuesday

Image Credit ~ Pinterest

Scripture reference ~ KJV

http://twitter.com/numbersevenmgmt lorneth D peters

I am reminded that God is right there with us and he does not let us go through more than we can handle. I stopped by from titus2sdays. I look forward to staying connected deloranow.blogspot.com
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  Amen to that, Lorneth!
  Thank you for visiting and I look forward to getting better acquainted.
  Have a blessed Tuesday…
http://twitter.com/ShannonTeter Shannon Teter

Stef, I needed this one today! My storm seems to ebb and flow like the tide, but low tides are severe. Thank you for sharing!!
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  God knew, Shannon!
  Praying for your “low tides” specifically today…
  Love you dearly!
http://www.newequus.wordpress.com/ Mindy @ New Equus

Oh Stefanie…you know the storm I’m swimming in right now. This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  You’re welcome, Mindy!!
http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/ Barbie

Beautiful! He is right there win the middle, in the very center of every storm we face.
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  Thank you, Barbie!
  Yes, right in the center:)
http://profiles.google.com/lauren.mirecki Lauren Mirecki

To pray…as the first response, not the post-despair response….Lord, increase my faith!
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  What a lovely thought, Lauren!! Love it!
  Have a wonderful day in the Lord…
Denise Oldham

Bless you for sharing.
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  You’re welcome, Denise.
  Have a fantastic day…
http://www.canaanboundbrigade.wordpress.com/ Kim B.

Here’s a preview of an upcoming post I’ll be doing. I learned to ask What instead of Why. What can I change? What did I learn? What will I be doing differently? I learned to seek out His blessings that DO come during a storm. Yes it may be pouring, but He does provide some days filled with sun, cherish those days & thank Him for that! I’m still struggling with our clean up stage, but I have to submit completely to God even though some things are HARD. Nothing happening to me is a mistake, God IS allowing it for whatever reason HE sees fit. If I truly trust Him, believe He IS good, then I HAVE to believe my trial is not in vain. Jesus suffered the ULTIMATE trial, yet as a result, we were granted the ULTIMATE future. Eternity with our king!
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  Amen… Amen… Amen!! I can’t wait to read your post!!
  So thankful HE’s faithful through it all:)
Rebekah

I guess the post about my gratitude journal that you read, pretty much describes how I deal with storms. I have learned in the midst of a storm that you have to enjoy things NOW . You just can’t wait for everything to be “ok” or going your way to enjoy what you do have, because you could be waiting a long time. So I have learned to seek blessings and enjoy the things I do have while waiting for the other not so cool things to improve. I chose to respond by taking a needed break to do nothing if I need to and feel whatever emotion I need to feel, and then brush myself off and chose joy. I will create joy by doing something that makes me smile if need be I think God wants us to enjoy what we do have and focus on that instead of what we are lacking. That is not to say that it is always easy! Then we can turn around and comfort others with the comfort we have received, as the scripture says. Joys shared multiply, but storms shared lessen the burden and create more hope!
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  I totally agree, Rebekah! The change in perspective, seeing the grace in the midst of the storm, has revolutionized how I think. That doesn’t mean I don’t wallow a time or two, but I certainly don’t stay there.
  Thank you for sharing:))
http://twitter.com/lifesurrendered Michele-Lyn

I do hope the stories I share benefit the readers. Sometimes I wonder if I am a bit too much of a grumbler and complainer and the grace part gets lost in the words. I want to bring hope and encouragement…. I rest in Him for this and pray my words offering is pure…

Beautiful post, my new friend. By the way, I must have missed it somewhere that you are a pastor. Wow. I have so much respect for pastors. It is a sacrificial life you have to lead. Blessings on you <3
- StefanieYoungBrown
  
  Michele-Lyn,
  From one who reads your words faithfully, your story, stories benefit, encourage and point all of us right back to Him. Any grumbling or complaining (of which there’s little) gives us a peek inside a real person longing to serve and give her life away.
  Actually, my husband is a pastor ~ 27 years in KY and not on an interim basis at our new home church in TX.
  Cannot wait to have conversation with you at Allume:)