Sometimes when storm clouds gather in our life we fear the worst. But God frequently uses those storm showers to bring to us His best. And this becomes a matter of trust. I like what one author said in the great devotional classic Streams in the Desert-
One day I sat on the side of the mountain and watched a storm as it moved through the valley. The skies were filled with darkness, and thunder began to shake the earth. It seemed as though the lush landscape were completely changed, and its beauty gone forever. But the storm passed quickly and soon moved out of the valley.
If I had sat in the same place the following day and said, "Where is that intense storm and all its terrible darkness?" The grass would have said, "Part of it is in me." The beautiful daisy would have said, "Part of it is in me." And all the other flowers, fruits, and everything that grows in the ground would have said, "Part of the storm has produced the radiance in me."
Have you ever asked the Lord to make you like Him? Have you ever desired the fruit of the Spirit and prayed for sweetness, gentleness, and love? If so, then never fear the fierce storms that even now may be blowing through your life. Storms bring blessings, and rich fruit will be harvested later. (Henry Ward Beecher)
That's a good lesson to remind us of the process by which God blesses us. It is as the psalmist said, "Surely God is good..." (Psalm 73:1).
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron