Embrace the Storm Clouds

No pain, no gain.

That’s the workout motto, right? But does anyone really like the pain? When we’re working out, we know that the temporary struggle and pain we feel will give us desirable results. But the pain itself, most of us would rather avoid. Personally, I don’t know anyone who actually enjoys the pain, but I have seen some people at the gym who appear to be taking the “no pain, no gain” motto to the next level…growling and scowling with each pump of the iron. As for me, I don’t mind working hard, but I’ll leave the growls and scowls to the iron pumpers. I’m okay with a little fluff in my biscuit.

In life, I have also seen the “no pain, no gain” concept play out. When we experience pain in our lives, we find that it gives us the greatest gain in our spiritual journey. It’s easy to trust God and proclaim His faithfulness when everything is going our way – the way we want and expect things to go. But the true test comes when the winds pick up, storm clouds roll in, and the heavy rains cause the tide to rise. During those times when we face tragedy, receive life-altering news, and have undesirable outcomes, it can be downright challenging to see beyond our own pain. And it can be even more challenging to trust and proclaim His faithfulness.

However, it’s during those times when we must lean into Him because He reveals Himself to us as we go through each step of our trials and tragedies. If we allow Him, He will be the comfort in our affliction¹ and give us peace that surpasses all understanding.² When we are at our weakest, God is our strength.³ He will replace our sadness with joy and will bring us restoration and healing.⁴ He holds us up with His right hand.⁵ We are to “consider it pure joy…whenever we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance.”⁶

We experience pain – sometimes heart wrenching, nearly unbearable pain – but when we come out on the other side, we realize we have gained an increased faith and trust in God because we can look back and see how He brought us through it. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”⁷ 

Let’s embrace the storm clouds and the rain in our life. Without clouds, we would have no rain. Without rain, our seeds will not take root. Without roots, we can bear no good fruit. Without good fruit, we have no harvest. Without a harvest, we have no hope. Without hope, we have no victory. And victory causes us to find the purpose to which we have been called. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”⁸ 

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,

I give You the highest praise and honor. I am so thankful that I don’t have to depend on my own strength to make it through because You have promised to be my strength. I’m thankful for your emotional and physical healing that restores my soul and refreshes spirit. And I’m ever grateful for the joy and hope I have, even when I’m going through storms. I ask that You bring this to mind as I go through every kind of trial, Lord. All my faith and trust are in You. I can do nothing apart from You, but with You I can do all things. I lift is prayer up in the holy name of Jesus. Amen!

Today’s Bible Verses

1. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV
2. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, ESV
3. “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV
4. “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10, NLT
5. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10, NLT
6. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4, NIV
7. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5, NIV)
8. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV).