The other day there were thunderstorms here in East Texas. I've
experienced thunderstorms in Oregon and Paris, but there was something different
about this one, the time after the storm. Though the storm clouds were past my
location, you could still see them moving right along. I saw lightning flashes
and heard faint sounds of thunder from within the bunch of clouds. I've never
seen this before. I’ve never been able to watch the storm as it rolls away. It
got me to thinking about the times in my walk with the Lord that have been
stormy. There have been storms of pain, rejection, loneliness, disappointment,
loss, and discouragement. During the storm’s occurrence, all you can see are
the dark clouds that surround you. The wind seems relentless and the rain
never-ending. You live in hope for the day that the clouds roll away, the sky
clears, and the sun shines down on you once again. And when this day finally comes,
you may have the opportunity to watch the storm as it continues somewhere else.
A friend loses a loved one, a child is rejected, a colleague is experiencing hurt,
a stranger is lonely and you can commiserate. You can commiserate because the
very storms that lurk above them were once above you. They feel overwhelmed,
but you see the blue sky surrounding the bunch of clouds and feel the sun’s
rays. You've seen hope revealed, you've seen hurt healed, and you've known God’s
presence in the midst of loneliness. You've sang through the rain and danced in
the wind, proclaiming God’s goodness during your biggest trials. It is one of
life’s greatest privileges to use your experiences to point others to the
Heavenly Father. Use the voice God has given you and sing a song of hope, proclaim
words of truth, and never let fear keep you from sharing your story.
