The Clouds Roll Away

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.