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Finding Hope in Difficult Times

As a woman who has faced many storms in life, I am often asked, “If God is so good, why doesn’t He keep you from these difficult circumstances?” My answer is, “He is so good that He keeps me through them.”

Storms happen

Storm:  a disturbed state of environment, marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions. A center of low pressure w/ system of high pressure surrounding it. Opposing forces create stormy weather.

Why should any of us think that life is not fair because there is a significant disruption in our environment? In my experience, the more turbulent a storm, the deeper my faith has grown. 

There is a certain sweetness that builds when we face difficulties without casting blame or comparing circumstances.

Through the years, I’ve endured a difficult divorce, my daughter’s death, a broken back, and financial crisis. Now I am weathering my dad’s cancer and my son’s addiction. I’ve learned to see life’s storms as an adventure, this helps me to let go of the stress of what I cannot change.

When a Nor’Easter hits New England, we don’t get angry and blame God, instead, we make a big pot of chili, bundle up and enjoy the wondrous weather. Some of us Cape Codders venture out to the ocean to see the amazing wind and waves. Yea, life may be put on hold for a bit, but we make the best of it.

Trusting God in your difficulties can actually be like chasing a storm. 

This has been a really difficult season for me, but once again my faith is being stretched and strengthened and my anxiousness continuously gives way to an unexplainable joy, which gives great strength to persevere. (Note: not constantly: without interruptions, but continuously: repeatedly without exceptions or reversals)

Just as a old time New Englander knows that “this too shall pass,” with the survival of each storm, you and I should learn to trust God more and more. God does make a way when there seems to be no way and If you have witnessed it once, it’s easier to trust Him the next time you cannot understand what He is doing.

I shared with you last week that I do not know what God is doing right now, but I do know that I would be wise to watch in wonder and trust Him once again because He has already proven to me that He makes all things beautiful in His time. 

If you are enduring a hard season right now, I encourage you to seek the only true source of hope, and allow joy and peace to direct your steps. How do you do this? By trusting the One who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. 

Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

***** 

As an author and speaker, my passion is in helping women and children overcome confidence conflicts, especially those involving rejection, betrayal and loss. After 30 years in the beauty industry as both a cosmetologist and an image consultant, I love to use my profession, along with my experiences and training as a Biblical life-coach to help others struggling.

Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter,  Pinterest, Linked In,Goodreads  or consider having me speak at your next event. Visit http://catrinawelch.com for more information.

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