Be The Sun . . . Daily Journal, Finding new tools for faith and compassion. Laurie Pace, Texas Artist
©+Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 2017
Photography
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"Be the Sun breaking through the clouds." A. D. Posey
As the storms rage... eventually the sun peeks through. God wants us to learn from those storms and apply it as we move through on the other side into the calm after the storm. The rainbow has arched across in the distance... and behind us as we walk through the last of the dark clouds we break into His light. In reality, He has walked through the storm with us. He has never left our side.
Those stormy moments need to be met not with our strength but with what God provides. Humanly, we lack the resources and abilities to meet life's challenges. God knows how we suffer and He knows all we are going through. He is strengthening us.
There are four lessons* involved with these storms as we emerge from them.
We learn from all experiences. Hardest is letting go and realizing God's trials become our "tools" as we live and move forward in our lives. We have to acknowledge and realize our own helplessness in order to find our dependence on Him and rely on what He can provide us. Through Him we grow stronger and our tool box full of compassion and faith.
Psalm 46: 1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled. Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.," so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?"
* Listed items rewritten but found in an article with INTOUCH Ministries, INC. Article on our Abilities to Meet Life's Challenges So God will Provide what we need. intouch.org
As the storms rage... eventually the sun peeks through. God wants us to learn from those storms and apply it as we move through on the other side into the calm after the storm. The rainbow has arched across in the distance... and behind us as we walk through the last of the dark clouds we break into His light. In reality, He has walked through the storm with us. He has never left our side.
Those stormy moments need to be met not with our strength but with what God provides. Humanly, we lack the resources and abilities to meet life's challenges. God knows how we suffer and He knows all we are going through. He is strengthening us.
There are four lessons* involved with these storms as we emerge from them.
- Storms are often a hardship we face that will cleanse us. Our society has become a 'me' society. The younger generations are focused more on 'what's in it for me' and less and less of the younger generation walk without faith in their lives. These storms and trials are necessary to cleanse our mind and bodies and hopefully guide us back to God.
- With difficulties around us, often we are not in the middle of the storm but are on the edge in the wind and first rains. The storm may not be a trial directly meant for us but we begin to empathise and learn to be compassionate, reaching out to those that are directly affected. The storms we have experienced to this time clearly have made a difference or a mark in our lives enabling us to reach out and minister to others facing similar trials.
- God promises to be with us and provide a path for us. In Psalm 46: 1-3 (see below) He will shelter us and keep us safe. If we do not go through the storms we cannot experience the power of God. You have to look up to find your way. Watch for His light.
- Storms make us aware of God's presence. We may not always sense or feel Him when we face a trial or crisis, but He is there. A small child can face many new trials in crawling and walking yet if his Mother is nearby as a comfort, the child is more likely to take the challenges as he learns new things. God is there in the same way for us. If we knew right now that He was there standing with us, we would become assured and strengthened by His promise. We can endure and make it through the storm. Read Hebrews 13: 5-6 (also posted below)
We learn from all experiences. Hardest is letting go and realizing God's trials become our "tools" as we live and move forward in our lives. We have to acknowledge and realize our own helplessness in order to find our dependence on Him and rely on what He can provide us. Through Him we grow stronger and our tool box full of compassion and faith.
Psalm 46: 1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled. Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.," so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?"
* Listed items rewritten but found in an article with INTOUCH Ministries, INC. Article on our Abilities to Meet Life's Challenges So God will Provide what we need. intouch.org
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Laurie Pace
A Texas Artist
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