When the dust of this wild life settles
and you can finally see clearly –
when you look in a mirror,
will you like what you see?
Will you shine brighter than you did
before the storm?
One thing is for sure: in this world, we will face obstacles. In spite of our best intentions, life has a way of stirring up one dust storm after another. We can’t always control what happens to us, but that’s okay because we can always control how we respond.
When we respond to challenges with faith, hope and love, our spirits can grow more gentle, strong, joyful, compassionate, wise and beautiful over time. When we respond by closing our hearts to God in bitterness and despair, we can shrink into shadows of our former selves, becoming less loving over time.
When we look at life’s challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, we can choose to be heroes on a great spiritual adventure instead of victims of circumstances beyond our control.
In the long run, choosing faith pays off. James 1:12 says Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
When we look at life from a long-term (especially eternal) perspective, it’s easy to see why God allows us to have struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth. The challenge is hanging in there until the dust settles, when we can finally see the fruits of our efforts.
What storm of life are you moving through right now? How are you responding with faith, hope and love through it all? Are you making choices today that will shape your character into the type of person you want to be tomorrow? I’d love to hear all about it. Comment below, and I’ll be delighted to provide encouragement and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
God, give us the grace to grow closer to You through the storms of life. When things aren’t going our way, give us the courage to grow spiritually. Fill us with Your spirit of strength, fortitude, wisdom and love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.