Giving Thanks in the Storm

I looked at my beautiful girl as she struggled with life. My heart ached because I could not make it easier, but the truth is the struggles make us strong.

Perhaps that is why God blessed the God-wrestler Jacob. The struggle strengthened and refined Jacob. It isn’t the easy things in life we cherish anyway. We cherish family – that refining wonderfully frustrating group of people to whom we are related. We cherish the marriage that required hard work to maintain and build up intimacy.

Perhaps it is the storms that make us strong and draw us closer to God. Maybe instead of thanking God so often for the easy in life, we should thank Him for the storms. The storms that bring pain, but also joy we never knew possible. The floods that wipe us clean of the filth to which we cling and bring us to the end of ourselves, our schemes. When the storms pass then we are truly thankful for the sun.

So I pray for us as we walk through the storms or the sun that we count it all joy for God’s glory.

Father God I pray for each person reading this blog post right now. I thank You that You created them and that You have perfect plans for their lives. I pray that those experiencing storms right now would feel Your comforting, peace-bringing presence. I pray as they draw near You in this storm that You would strengthen them and guide them for Your glorious purpose. May they give You thanks even now. For those walking in the mundane of life, Father help them to see the sunshine and thank You for all Your gifts of love and mercy. May they never lose sight of You as they walk through life and may they honor You in all they say and do. Father for those just stepping into the sun after a long storm, give them rest for a while on Your mountaintop. Help prepare them for the journey ahead. May they be obedient to serve You all their days. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name I pray. Amen.

How can I pray for you today? Leave a comment and let me know.