I have found that there isn’t always a calm before the storm. Some storms rage, knocking us off our feet, destroying everything we have worked to accomplish. Others are quiet and steady altering or otherwise delaying plans we have made. Living in a season of storms demands a faith I never thought I would need and could never muster on my own. In these times, the Lord provides a peace that truly shames worldly wisdom.
Visa Denial.
Change of field.
Culture shock.
Earthquakes.
Loss of home.
Language discouragement.
Landslide.
A scary ER trip.
Country-wide shortages of essential supplies.
And all in 9 months! It’s only by God’s grace we’ve made it through all of this with our sanity somewhat intact. It’s not that we have experienced anything majorly tragic, (and, oh, how I thank God for that!) but even the seemingly endless trickling of trial that just won’t subside takes its toll day after day. Sometimes, I find myself longing for a more uneventful existence, but I know that among the seated and satisfied is not where the Lord does His great work! Keeping that in mind from one storm to the next is the hard part. I am praying for calm, but preparing for a storm. Looking back, I am comforted seeing how He has provided all I have needed to weather each storm, and it is with this knowledge I can persevere with the work He has given me to do. And not only to carry on but to find joy, to see the Light as I struggle to keep my head above water, and, perhaps, help others see It too as they search for something…anything…to keep them afloat.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Have you experienced a similar season of storms in your life?
I would love to hear your experiences in the comment section below!
Thank you Amber for your faith and joy through these trials. I of course entered a storm 3 1/2 years ago when my kidneys failed but God has given me grace and I am so thankful for being able to do dialysis at home. Then two years ago, Curt had a massive heart attack. Getting him through that was difficult to say the least, but as always God is good. The storm I am struggling with now has really been the hardest for me to remain joyful. I fail miserably from time to time. Two months ago, Saturday, Nov. 5th I woke up with a rash on my left leg. By Sunday morning I was in excruciating pain. Tabitha went with me to the ER. I was given no diagnosis (Er doctor was not a dermatologist), On the 8th I went to my doctor and she instantly new it was shingles. It was affecting my sciatic nerve. The pain was the worst ever, but I continued to work through it. I still have pain (not as severe), but I have lost music l e tone in my leg. Getting in my van is difficult, I can’t make it up one step if I am carrying something, and worst of all when grandbabies sit on that leg I cringe. I am so thankful for a church family that prays and Facebook friends that pray and encourage me. You are one of those. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Though we weren’t around for the start of your storm we are thankful we could pray for you and encourage you during parts of it. We were even lucky enough to visit Curt in the hospital. I think we surprised him though! I do hope you experience some healing and will pray to that end. I trust the Lord has shown himself mighty and good even in the midst of your pain. These things certainly help us long for glory!
Hey Amber! I just found your blog on FB, and I was blessed by your post! God gives us patience through trials and matures our faith. Many times i find myself praying for patience and yet cringing and dreading the trail of my faith.
God bless you guys as you serve in Napal and learn language with all of this going on. You all are in our prayers and I know God is using you already and is now preparing hearts to hear.
Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you so much for your comment! It is difficult to be vulnerable but am thankful for the feedback I am getting that some are touched and challenged. God bless you and yours!
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