Day 25 - Faith In the Storm

Posted by Danielle Sloan

James 1:2-3
 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

As parents, there are so many days that challenge your ability to raise a disciplined child without breaking their sweet spirit.  Ally-Grace turning three put me and my husband, Chris, through many trials.  We went through 3 daycares and 1 preschool in a matter of 8 months.  No matter the situation, she was having terrible behavior outbursts.  During this time, we searched for so many answers to “fix” the problems ourselves.  We attempted many different behavior strategies and even visited a Christian Children Psychologist.  I remember praying for guidance, and being the mom, I just knew that I could fix the situation.  One morning on the way to work, I was praying and the song “Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns came across the radio:

…I’ll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart was torn
I’ll praise you in this storm…

I immediately began to cry.  During this time, I was trying to “fix” the situation and didn’t give Ally-Grace completely over to God.  As of that minute, my prayers changed.  I then started thanking God for testing my faith and putting me through trials because He knew I needed to trust Him.  Then I began to thank Him in advance for solving the problems we were having with Ally-Grace.  And though we were months from being out of the storm, things began to change.  Now there is a night and day difference with her overall behavior.  If you are going though a “storm,” I challenge you to thank God for the trial he has given you and then thank Him in advance for taking care of the situation.  In the end, He will deliver you from the storm.

PRAYER:  “Lord, thank you for being all-knowing and allowing me to grow during this “storm.”  Thank you for taking control and “fixing” this problem while blessing me and making me a better witness for you.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

POINT TO PONDER:  God wants you to have faith that He has a perfect plan for you–even guiding you through a storm. The storm is part of His plan that makes you a better Christian as you become a stronger witness for Him.