I have been looking back at my previous posts lately. Something that I have come to notice is that I constantly mention hard times. I began to wonder why that was. I came to realize that we learn from the storms we face in life. I know that it is widely said that we learn from mistakes, but we learn from all the hard times too.

As I have said in the past, going through those times is no fun. You feel tired, hurt, and sometimes alone. There are times when you want to give up. However, haven’t you noticed, that somehow we are able to get through it? Some storms may last longer than others and some may leave deep scars that take long to heal. Even so, we are able to overcome because God got us through those times.

I have told you just a few of the hardest things I have had to go through. I have had my own personal demons and have had to live past loss. As hard as those times were, I can’t say that I would take them back if I could. Each hardship I went through taught me of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:26-27

When I was going through that time of low self-esteem, God showed me that the confidence I needed was living in me. That I had value and that I needed to stop holding myself back. He used my good friend Neil to show me that I had the ability to do anything I set my mind to. I was freed from my own shackles.

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” – Ephesians 3:12

When my dad left, I felt abandoned. Everything that I had ever imagined my life would be like, disappeared with him. I was broken and to this day I am still scared by that. However, God showed me of His everlasting love. He taught me of His security and of the true meaning of a fathers love. I know that I have not been abandoned.

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up.”- Psalm 27:10

In times when I felt lost in the darkness, He showed me light. I was blinded by my own goals and I didn’t realize that I was working against myself. Even though I was being an ungrateful brat, He grabbed my hand and showed me the way. I may have strayed from the path a few times, but Jesus has always led me back to Him.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

 There have been times where I felt like all the work I have done was for nothing. I fail to see the fruits of my labor and wonder if all that work is worth it. Time and time again, God reminds me that my work is not in vain. His word does not come back to Him empty. As long as I keep my faith in Him, the work I do will mean something.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

I have had plenty of times of feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally. I felt like there is so much to do and no time for rest. I could be running on fumes and still have to find a way to keep going. He showed me that by praying and by leaving all my burdens at His feet, I could find peace and rest. I could be free.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:1-4

By growing in my faith in Him, I am able to overcome it all. God is with us always and anywhere we may go. We don’t need to feel sad, frustrated, alone or overwhelmed. And even when we do, we can be sure that God will get us through it. He always does. He is faithful and He loves you. So, just know that your storm will only make you stronger in the end.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10