This Too Shall Pass

In the midst of your suffering it is very difficult to see past the dark clouds.  I remember earlier this year when it rained for what seemed like two weeks straight and then we had a few days break and it started to rain again.  This wasn't just a smooth, steady rain.  There was thunder and lightening and fear of tornadoes.  I remember thinking it was going to rain forever.  But it didn't.

Sometimes in life it seems as though the storm is going to last forever.  The hurt and pain is never going to end.  But thanks be to God that is not how the story ends.  As I was reading and praying and spending some quiet time with God, I came across this verse.  II Corinthians 1:5 which reads, 'You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ'.  Of course we don't see our suffering as for Christ while we are going through it, but I tell you my brother and my sister it most certainly is.  As a child of God we must believe that our suffering is so God can get the glory.  A dear friend of mine said to me a few days ago that she would look back on her situation and wonder how she made it through. Of course, both she and I know how she is going to make it through.  WITH GOD!  But just like when the sky is dark and it's raining, often times we don't see a break in the clouds.  It's just one storm after another.  It starts off with your job which affects your finances which affects your marriage which then affects yours health.  Just one storm after another. But as the verse above reads, the more you suffer, the more God provides.  I felt so good after reading this.  It gave me, once again, that blessed assurance that things would work out for my good. And this is the same assurance that you should have. 

Verse 6 goes on to say that, ' So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation!  For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be and encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer'.  Although you may not see it right now and you may not receive much comfort from this while you are in the midst of your storm, you can rest assure your victory will be a testimony that will help someone else.  The Bible is my favorite book.  I believe within it lies everything I will ever need next to personal communion with God.   But when I can look at the sister or brother sitting next to me and see how they got over and hear their story, it makes it all the more real to me.  The same holds true for you.  Be encouraged!  What God has done for others, He will do for you. 

I leave you with the words of a song by one of my favorite singers Yolanda Adams....'This too shall pass'.

In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you; These trying times that are so hard to endure
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour; Hold fast your heart and be assured
This too shall pass, like every night that's come before it.He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass, so in this thought be comforted.  It's in His Hands. This too shall pass
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall.  He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong. But with His strength, you'll overcome
So set your eyes upon the mountain and lift your hands up to the sky.
And let His arms of love surround you and take you to the other side.

Dear Lord,

I see no end in sight.  It seems like the pain is never going to end.  I know all the right things to say and I keep telling myself those things every day but the pain is still the same.  The rain is still coming down.  I need you.  I need you right now.  I am holding to your unchanging hand.  Thank you Father in advance for your comfort.  I know that I can make it.  Thank you for strength.  Thank you for comfort.  Thank you for peace.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.