11/27/2024
Let’s be real—life gets messy. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows; sometimes, it’s more like a full-blown hurricane that leaves you gasping for air. I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. Moments when everything feels out of control, and I’m just begging for some kind of relief.
But here’s what I’ve learned: storms are a part of life. They’re not random, and they’re not pointless. Sometimes, they’re the only way God can get our attention or shake loose the things we’ve been holding on to for far too long.
When I was writing Through the Shadows: A Journey of Faith, I kept coming back to one truth: you don’t have to face the storm alone. There’s a calm available to you, even when the winds are raging and the waves are crashing. It doesn’t come from pretending the storm isn’t there or willing yourself to “just stay strong.” It comes from trusting God—even when trusting feels impossible.
When the Storm Hits
If I’m honest, I don’t always handle storms well. My first instinct is usually to panic, complain, or try to fix everything myself. I’ll cry out, “God, why me? Why now?” But over time, I’ve realized that storms have a purpose. They show us who we really are and where we’re placing our trust.
It’s hard to admit, but I’ve placed my trust in all the wrong things before—my own strength, other people, even distractions to numb the pain. But God has a way of stripping all of that away in the storm, not to hurt us, but to remind us that He’s the only anchor we truly need.
How I Stay Calm (Even When I Don’t Feel Calm)
Staying calm in the storm isn’t about ignoring your feelings or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about choosing where you place your focus. Here’s what has helped me:
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Get Real with God:
I’ve had some raw, ugly cries with God during storms. And guess what? He can handle it. He doesn’t need me to have it all together; He just needs me to come to Him. When I pray, even if it’s messy or full of questions, I feel that peace—the kind only He can give. -
Focus on the Bigger Picture:
This one’s hard for me, but I try to remember that the storm won’t last forever. When I look back on past struggles, I see how God used them to grow me or prepare me for something better. It doesn’t make the storm easy, but it reminds me that there’s a purpose in it. -
Find Gratitude in the Small Things:
Even in the worst storms, there’s something to be thankful for. Maybe it’s a kind word from a friend, a moment of quiet, or just the fact that you made it through another day. Gratitude shifts my focus from what’s wrong to what’s still good—and that changes everything.
Walking Through the Shadows
If you’re in a storm right now, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, crying in the dark, wondering if things would ever get better. But God doesn’t leave us in the storm. He walks with us through it, teaching us to trust Him, even when we can’t see the way forward.
The same God who calms the seas can calm your heart. It doesn’t mean the storm will disappear overnight, but it does mean you can have peace in the middle of it.
So, take a deep breath. Whisper a prayer. And remember, the storm doesn’t define you—your faith does.
With love and understanding,Cassie