Storms Of Life Come Quickly

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Mark 4:37 NIV

Is that not the way normal life happens?  One day you can be doing everything you know to do right, smooth sailing seems to be the forecast of the day, and then out of nowhere comes a furious squall. Has that ever happened to you?  On days like this in my life it always seems that one problem never gets lonely, because trouble seems to follow trouble.  When one thing goes wrong there will most often be other troubles come as well.

My advice is not to be surprised when troubles come.  They are a part of everyday living in a fallen world, even for the most dedicated believers.  In fact, the strongest people of faith I know are those who have experienced tremendous heartache and pain, which has shaped who they are today.  From very personal experience I can say that I would not be half the leader, Christian, pastor, father, husband or friend that I am without the times of excruciating torment I have experienced in life.  (If you want more of my story read previous posts on my BLOG, but there are some stories of heartache too personal to share. You have your stories too.)

The question for me at this stage of my life is not why the storms come, but how am I going to allow God to use them to make me into who He wants me to be?  Are you asking that question?

How has God used storms in your life to mold your character, your faith and your life?