God Speaks Through The Storm, Part One
If you’ve missed any part of this series, click on any post directly below.
Part One-Intro
Part Two-My Storms in a nutshell
Part Three-Depression
Part Four-More Depression
Part Five-Even More Depression
Part Six-Guest Post, Dan Blanchard
Part Seven-The Last Depression Post
Part Eight-Death of a Child
Part Nine-Death of a Child
Part Ten-Guest Post, Holly Good
Part Eleven-Death of a Child
Part Twelve-Death of a Child
Part Thirteen, Death of a Child
Part Fourteen, Death of a Child
Part Fifteen, Death of a Child
Part Sixteen, Conclusion
If this scripture is true, then I am a blessed woman, indeed. More blessed than I ever cared to be, actually. And that crown of life promised to me? I’m thinking it’s going to be a BIG HONKIN’ CROWN.
Like so many of you, I’ve been blindsided by a few major storms in my life. Storms that didn’t go away regardless of the amount of prayer, fasting, scripture memorization, pleading, begging, ranting or raving. Storms that God—for whatever reason—decided He would rather see me endure than simply command them to be still.
I’m not talking about having a bad hair day (though I’ve had my share of those, too, and they ain’t fun). Take this day, for example. Yes…that’s my real hair.
I’m talking about the kinds of storms that bring you to the end of yourself. The ones that threaten your very foundation. The ones where you exhaust all your survival options, and realize if God doesn’t bring you through safely, you won’t make it. The ones where you wonder if God hears you, if He’s able, if He cares…if He’s real.
The ones that make you want to give up and die.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter 4:12-13)I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the middle of something major, some well-meaning person always manages to attempt to comfort me with these words:
Before I go any further, I want to offer my interpretation of that scripture, because I think it could change the way we view not only our trials but also the source of our strength. It will also serve to lay a firm foundation for the rest of this series.
If you read that scripture in context, Paul is talking specifically about the temptation to sin. He’s saying that there is never a temptation to sin that is so great that our only option is to sin. In the context of sinful temptation, God will always provide a way out so that we will not have to sin.
Nowhere in scripture does it say that God will not allow trials and tribulations to come on us that will be greater than what we can bear. In fact, I think it teaches just the opposite. Example after example of godly men and women in the Bible illustrate saints of God enduring unthinkable circumstances, too great for any human to bear in his or her own strength.
And maybe this will totally rock your world, but I believe God purposely allows trials, tests and tribulations into our lives so that we will run to Him as fast as we can, cling to Him as hard as we can, and grow in faith as much as we can. Because when God brings us through the worst trials of our lives with HIS strength, we praise Him as loud as we can. (I know it should be “loudly” but proper grammar destroys the rhythm of my sentences…)
In the last ten years—with the strength and grace of God to completely sustain me—I’ve persevered through the death of my son and my mother within a six-month period as well as a seven year struggle with Major Depressive Disorder. I haven’t really touched those issues yet in this blog, but I’m about to.
In a big way.
Because in all the years I’ve pursued intimacy with God, I’ve never learned more about God or heard God speak more clearly to me than during these times of major trials. I would venture to say, nearly everything God is able to do through me—anything with eternal value and spiritual significance—stems in some way from a dark, desolate place. I wish it weren’t true, but it is.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
I know, I know. Reading about death and depression isn’t very easy—or fun. Trust me, it’s not all that fun to write about either. That’s probably why I’ve avoided it for so long. I really enjoy making you laugh. So, while these next couple Mondays may get pretty heavy at times, I will be certain to give you (and me) lots of emotional breaks (I said “emotional breaks” not “emotional break DOWNS”) on Wednesdays and Fridays.
So grab your Bible–and your tissues. Buckle your seatbelt. Keep your arms and legs inside until this ride comes to a complete stop.
Are you ready? Yeah, me neither.
Sandy, I’m glad you’re doing this. I’ve heard people say that so many times. God won’t give you more than you can handle. And I agree, it’s no where in the Bible. In fact, I’ve said just the opposite. He sometimes allows things in our life so we can come to the end of ourselves and turn to Him. I am unable. But He is so able.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I knew that you suffered the loss of your child and can’t imagine the pain of that. You mentioned that your mom died within six months of that date. It must have been horrible to deal with those losses.
I understand what it is to be depressed. I don’t like to talk about that stuff much because I try to focus on the positive and see something good or something I’m learning. But for me too, this has been a very difficult season, probably in different ways than you.
I’m so thankful for my small group Bible study on Sunday mornings. They are so supportive and pray for all of our needs. They also keep us accountable. And I’m also grateful for my new blogging friends. I believe we’re living through a very uncertain time in this world. But I have to remember that this isn’t my real home. I’m just passing through. But during my time here, I want to be faithful and obedient to what the Lord calls me to do.
Bless you Sandy. A big hug from your friend.
Hi Sandy,
That was a very powerful post!! Praise Jesus!!
If you get the opportunity, please say a prayer for the requests on the main page of our site.
God bless you,
Mark Seay
http://www.LighthousePrayerLine.org
ps – feel free to follow our blog or grab a free button if you feel led to do so. 🙂
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More then ready girl. Bring it on!!!
Love you 🙂
You have my attention :)!
Sandy, thank you for your willingness to address depression. From everything I’ve read, Spurgeon, Bunyon, and many of the great fathers of our faith struggled with this issue in their lives. Elijah did also. So as I go through my bouts of ‘Lord, eternity NOW would sound real good’, I’m encouraged that it has been the way of many great saints. You go girl! Know that there are many ears like mine waiting for someone else’s voice to say, “You are not alone.”
With respect and love,
Dottie
Sand, how my heart beats with yours! I LOVE what you wrote on your blog. It is what I have lived. God has certainly given you a gift to boldly teach His Truth.
Thank you for visiting my blog because in it God led me to yours. Your words spoke such encouragment to me. Yes, our Lord sometimes will not remove the storm no matter how hard we cry out because He knows what we need to come out the other side to be the people of God He needs us to be with a message He needs us to speak.
Blessings to you,
Wendy
I am more than ready to read. Honestly, I have been one of those who say “God won’t give you anything that you can’t handle”, but it wasn’t until I read your post that it all makes sense. It completely taken out of context!
I too struggled with depression in 2005, right after the birth of my son. Everyone thought it was post-partum depression, but little did they know that it was because of him that I got up every morning and remained “Active”. It was a little of everything…I was finishing my Masters degree, I started a new job (promotion) at the hospital I worked at, I was student teaching, taking care of a newborn, and then to top it all off my parents (who live in Texas and I live in Missouri) had the biggest blow out of their married life which landed my mother in a hospital and my father in jail… and guess who was to pick up all the peices… Me!
It was the lowest time of my life, when it should have been the happiest, and I honestly put the blame on my parents for what they put me through.
It wasn’t until I started my very first Beth Moore study that I started to come out of it. I would NEVER wish it upon anyone, but I have been able to reach out to people that were in the midst of stuggling themselves.
I am SO looking forward to this! I pray for your courage and strength. Like I’ve told you before… You amaze me in everything that you do!
Strapped in and ready, Sandy! I’m anxious to share in what you’ve learned through your trials. I’ve often said, times of joy never taught nobody nothin’! Suffering is the best teacher. Which just stinks, but it’s true!
BTW, thanks for being willing to bear the pain again.
Bless you.
Sandy,
Thanks so much for opening up and sharing your life with us.
I’m looking forward to reading about what’s on your heart.
Praying for you,
Kate 🙂
Do I dare admit that I’m afraid of what’s ahead? I feel like I’m being preped through your story for an experience all my own. I’m honored to be able to share in your story and I will be listening with an open heart and mind. Thank you for your courage to walk through this again. I’ll be praying for you.
I believe God purposely allows trials, tests and tribulations into our lives so that we will run to Him as fast as we can, cling to Him as hard as we can, and grow in faith as much as we can. Because when God brings us through the worst trials of our lives with HIS strength, we praise Him as loud as we can. (I know it should be “loudly” but proper grammar destroys the rhythm of my sentences…)…I would venture to say, nearly everything God is able to do through me—anything with eternal value and spiritual significance—stems in some way from a dark, desolate place.
Downloaded from my brain.
I always tell people, when they ask “How do you do it?” (ya know four kids 3,5,7,9…energetic, strong willed, stubborn, lively, full of personality kids) that God always gives me a little more than I think I can so I will always depend on Him.
And, my blog is a result of my second miscarriage…in week 12…dark times that gleaned much spiritual treasure.
My daughter’s daily prayer (even though she knows God’s already said no) is to let her be an animal…just for a day. 🙂
This is weird, hilarious and so, so fun! Wow, you encourage me. Thanks, sis.
Blessings to you for allowing God to use you in an incredible way to minister to others.
Hugs!
Sandy,
I’m not sure I’m ready…but I’m so willing to see how God worked through these storms in your life.
I’m grabbing my box of tissues! I’ll say a prayer for you! Blessings to you!
God’s truths come shining through this heart felt post. I too have seen and heard so many people giving advice to those suffering from depression, such as “You are not praying enough.” When I was severely depression, I don’t think there was a single moment that at least one part of me was not screaming out the Lord’s name, quoting scriptures back at Him, praying, exhorting…yet seemingly without results.
And I agree completely about the temptation verse – certainly not talking about suffering. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is so clear in telling us that in times of intense suffering we learn to rely upon His strength, not our own. I think this would shock many Christians, who expect that God will keep us from suffering. So when suffering comes, as it does to everyone to some degree or another – we get a massive shock, suffer from denial, anger, confusion, etc.
When we know the truth – learn to be content whatever our circumstances, trust in Jesus, and consider suffering pure joy, what a difference it makes to the way we respond to the suffering. It rages outside us, but does not come inside. Then we can receive the rest Jesus has for us.
God bless
It is strange to think that God allows trials in our lives totally for His kingdom..and this is for His kingdom in ministering comfort to others..thank you so much..
I hope you don’t mind but I’d love to print out the thing about not being given more than you can bear and share it with my small group tomorrow.
I needed to read this. Thank you.
You’re welcome. 🙂