Storms Are for Our Good

Stories always make me understand things better. I love that Jesus used parables to teach people in the bible, because I understand them and they help me see His reasoning better. I came upon this story this morning, and it's so spot on to the storms of life. Also, that I'm nearing the end of season one of LOST and I'm completely hooked. haha. "The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He feverishly prayed for God’s rescue, but with every day that passed, his hope weakened. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood for protection from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. Everything was lost. Stunned with grief and anger, the man cried, "God, how could you do this to me!" The next morning, he woke to the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" the weary man asked. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. Storms are for our good." This literally just made me smile when I read it. I can totally see how we don't understand when God does something we are hurt by, but He doesn't do it to hurt us. Instead, He does it to save us; to rescue us. What an incredible picture. Looking back on my life growing up, there were some rough storms; some big waves. But it's in those storms that I grew. Those are the times when I remember God showing up and teaching me. I learned to TRUST Him. He is oh so faithful! Even looking back this past year, probably the biggest storm of my life was going through a long period of depression. I'm talking like 8 months or more...that I actually acknowledged it. When you're in the storm, the pit, whatever it may be, you can't see anything in front of you. There's so much darkness that you don't know how you're going to get through it and come out of it. But coming out of that pit is the most beautiful, glorious thing you will ever experience... Seeing God's goodness and faithfulness like never before. I can now see that although I felt completely isolated and alone all that time, He was there holding me up when I felt like I was drowning. He was there, holding my hand and closer than ever. Coming out of that time, I am a new person. I've grown so much in knowing myself and in knowing Jesus. I'm thankful for the storm and grateful for a God that can see the big picture. His ways are always the best. These storms are the waves that bring us safe to shore.