The Gift of a Storm

It is interesting that no matter where we're at in life or where we live we will always face some kind of troubles. Whether it be financial, emotional, physical or even spiritual every storm comes with a hardship. And no matter how long the storm stays there is always damage and maybe even a few casualties. Yet each passing storm that comes we somehow get a little stronger from the past one.

You see a storm gives more than trouble it gives a gift. As odd as that sounds, sometimes it is hard to see let alone find but it is there. This gift is something to be treasured because the value of it is irreplaceable and worth having. Even though in the midst of the storm it is bitter sweet knowing that you are receiving this gift even though we don't want it nor think we need it.

So what is this gift? I honestly can't say - you see each person is given a separate one that means something different. Just because 2 people experience the same thing doesn't mean that they learned the same thing. However, I can say one thing that is common in the storm, we ALL show our TRUE colors. In the end; here are some of the things that we either earn or learn from the storm even though it is not limited to these: endurance, perseverance, a lesson learned, and wisdom.

I think we are put through these storms to be tested. Not for a letter grade or a pass/fail but a test I grade myself. In the end the question is, "Am I closer to God or not?" I think this verse sums it up:

James 1:2-6

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. [3] You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. [4] So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. [5] If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. [6] Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.

A life once lived

Death. The enemy of everyone and a friend of no one. Something that no one can avoid and none of us can get out of. It is in our top fears of life and when we go to a funeral we are reminded of how precious life really is. Death is so hard because some choose it, some are prematurely given it and others forget about it until another loved one passes on and reality sits in once more. It is a subject that no one wants to talk about and yet everyone is thinking about.


As hard as this topic is, it is interesting that more people are open to the good news of the Gospel than ever before. More people came to know and trust Christ after His ressurection. And for those who are still here it is a quick reminder that this life is short and that death shows no compassion to anyone.

So where do we go from here? What is the next step? Well I think the first one is to make sure (through prayer) that our relationships are in good standing. From there we have to ask ourselves, "am I alive or just living?" This life is a one time deal so to live it we need to REALLY live it. How you ask? When was the last time you (or I) stepped out of our comfort zone or gave without wanting something in return or did something out of the ordinary.

Try it and see what happens, what do you have to lose?

Satisfy Me Oh Lord

Today I heard a song called "Satisfy Me" from a group by Tenth Avenue North. After listening to it for a while it truly took the words of my heart and gave it straight to God. Funny how certain songs, words or even creative lyrics can pull at the heart strings and make you worship God like you never could before.

That is the underestimated power of worship, we get so calloused of songs and music that we forget that there is power behind the words we sing. I know for myself I hear a song I have sung a thousand times I tune out and just say words.

I challenge everyone (including myself) to find the root reason as to why a song impacts or impacted you because at some point of that song your heart is wanting to scream that to God. However, we first need to ask God to remove the distractions and chaos of our heart and lives to begin such worship.

Will you truly worship with me or just read on and forget what you just read?