Friday, December 31, 2010

Sometimes He Needs us to be Uncomfortable...


Johannesburg, South Africa, where I stay, is prone to the most exquisite and phenomenal "highveld" storms. One can open their curtains in the morning to the beautiful African sun and by late afternoon the blue sky has transformed into a grey-black blanket of storm clouds.
Personally, I love this weather. I love the feeling of being completely out of control of earth's "rampant temper" while knowing that I'm safe beneath a strong, sturdy roof.

So often in my spiritual walk there are times that can be related to this feeling.
Every Christian goes through hard times, through "storms" in their spiritual walks and while these situations are so often devestating and painful, we sometimes forget that God serves as the strong, sturdy roof above our head that protects us from real harm.

Storms present themselves differently to people. Storms may include financial difficulty, depression, addictions or the loss of loved ones.
These situations are so hard to deal with, even as a Christian who believes that God loves us and protects us.
  Personally, there has been many situations in my life where I've found myself questioning why a God who promised to eternally love and protect me could have allowed situations that so deeply hurt me to occur. Everyone say's that He always has a plan that goes beyond our understanding but in difficult times those are words that are sometimes difficult to hear.

I have learnt, however, that even though those words are hard to swallow, they are essentially very true.
In stormy times, there is always a song that I listen to that helps me remember who is in control. It has become one of my favourite songs and I'd really like to share a snippet of it with you. The song is "Praise you in the Storm", by Casting Crowns...

"I was sure by now, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And 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 is torn
I will praise You in this storm"
  
The message that I'd like to share through this post is that there will always be times when you face hard situations. My pastor once said that you should be kind to strangers, as everyone you meet is facing some kind of battle.
I find it necessary in tough sitations to remind myself that God allows and uses every situation for His glory and our good.
Even if a situation feels like it's going to break you, He can use it to teach you something and more often than not you come through it as a better person. And maybe sometimes we need to go through tough times for Him to achieve something great through us. 
He never promised that the road would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with you every step of the way... 

xXx

On a different topic I'd really love to thank everyone that read and commented on my first post. I really do apreciate all the support I have recieved in my new blogging venture.
I hope you all have a very blessed New Year!

10 comments:

  1. What you have written is so very true for so many of us and which is the basis of our faith.

    Hebrews 11:1
    Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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  2. Beautiful post and well said. That is one of my favorite songs too! Another song with that theme is "Jesus Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me.
    As I think about your topic it occurs to me that if we were comfortable all the time, as humans, we wouldn't turn to God. When I've had my most marked spiritual growth is when I've been holding to God for dear life.
    I am loving your blog. Happy New Year to you and yours from all of us in the holler.

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  3. Dearest Bobz...
    You write beautifully, honestly and inspiringly. You have a gift...keep up the good work! I love your blog!
    Lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
    Ps Lotsalicks from King Toffee too :)

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  4. Happy Birthday and welcome to Blogville!

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  5. Welcome to the land of bloging, and the chance to share the things that are most important to you with friends you have yet to meet. Enjoy the journey, and may your 21st Birthday be a happy one.

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  6. We welcome you in the blog world. You write beautifully and we look forward to your next posts.

    Happy Happy Birthday!!!

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

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  7. Dear Bobz - what a lovely blog you've created! I'm so glad your mom has shared with all of us, I've just signed up and will be reading your posts with great interest!

    On my own blog I've put two little pieces that are so connected to this posts:

    - Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2

    - Everything that is above my head is at the Lord's feet...

    I applaud you for putting your beliefs out there - I know that it's not always easy for young people to be so open and candid about their christianity and I have so much respect for what you're doing with this blog.

    All the best, also with your studies this year!

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  8. Maxmom sent me over, and I am glad! You have a lovely blog, and that was a beautiful post. Very well written, and really touching on subjects that I have also thought about.

    Welcome to blogging! I hope that you have a great experience, and meet many wonderful people around the World through your blog.

    Happy 21st Birthday!

    KrisAnne and Suka

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  9. Hi BobZ,

    I found you through you mom and I was a bit confused...who is BobZ? Welcome to the blog world and Happy Birthday.

    Denise & Kasha the Dainty Great Dane

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