We go through many things in life that are both good and bad. We as a society also tend to fix our eyes on the bad things and see them as a hindrance rather than an asset. We say, “If this didn’t happen my life would be…” or ask, “Why God? Why did this have to happen to me?” We ask ourselves these questions daily, and maybe even hourly. But have you ever asked yourself, “What is God giving me through these moments?”
At first glance, it seems like this question doesn’t make sense. But if you think about it a little more you’ll realize that it’s the best question to ask in the midst of a storm because God has a purpose for both the good and bad moments that we live through. He gives purpose to things that we think can’t possibly have any. Relevant illustrations of this are seen in how a mountain peak always follows a valley and how a rainbow always follows a storm; a high always follows a low. Although we know this is true, it’s sometimes easier to play the victim and say, “Oh but you don’t know what I’ve been through!” and “I have lost this and that." Although our feelings and loss are valid, what we sometimes fail to realize is that we choose our perspective. Will we focus on the storm or on the rainbow?
Growing up in Florida, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes throughout the years. What has always amazed me is how the eye of the hurricane seems to put a pause on the storm; how there's a moment of peace in the midst of chaos. It’s in this moment of respite from the thrashing wind and rain that we get to see that the storm that once felt never-ending has finally almost run its course. This moment gives us hope that once the storm is over, there will be a rainbow and a reason to rejoice.
God works in the same way. When you’re in the middle of a storm in your life, God will give you moments of peace to signal that the storm is almost over, and once the storm is over there will be a reason to rejoice. So today I encourage you to ask, “What is God giving me through these moments?” and stand in awe as He provides for you in the storm and eventually parts the gray clouds to reveal His glorious rainbow.
Ashley Roman
Executive Assistant