There is difficulty in writing any book or blog. I struggle with the book that I am writing. My intent is to share the hard times that happened in my life, but keep the focus on God. I want you to know the amazing things God did during those times, and how He used them to help me with future ministry. Not for pity. I want you to know that I have empathy for you.

We are naturally self-centered individuals. It’s who we are because of sin in the world. It’s very easy for us to take our kindness, good deeds, and experiences and share them as a “look at me” posting. That is not my desire.

As I read postings on Facebook, follow news articles, and talk with people that I encounter every day, there are so many heartbreaking stories. Many lost, confused, depressed, not sure where to turn. We make plans, and then plans change. Tossed from one place to another.

It reminds me of the leaves I see outside my window. Some have changed color, some have just turned brown. As they fall from the tree, there is no specific destination. They inconstantly float around until they hit the ground. But they don’t stay in the same spot. A brief gust of wind and they are off somewhere else. Many people are in a whirlwind right now. A gust of wind, a storm, a tremendous wave crashing down on them.

Frantic… scared… exhausted… in abusive situations… uncertain about the future… worried about their loved ones. Some are jobless, homeless, and hopeless.

Many of the stories I read or hear, though, are relatable things that have happened in my life. I want to share the blessings and growth that I have learned from my trials and strength I have gained through God’s word and interventions. If I can share the hope and healing I have found with only one person, it will be worth all the hard work of writing, and what I believe God has called me to.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (emphasis added)” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4/NLT).

“He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted… (Isaiah 61:1b/NLT). God has healed me through the trials, tragedies, and heartbreaks to reach out to others who are hurting.

It took years before I could look back on my life and understand how God used all of those atrocities to make me the person I am today. I drew closer to Jesus, and He strengthened me to help others. Keep in mind, we have the freedom to make our own choices. Decisions we have made that God’s hand has not filtered (prayed over) will have consequences. Any of those preferences could have devastating results lasting a lifetime.

Having the experience of seeing God use those struggles for a purpose and for His glory doesn’t make the current heartbreaks easier, but knowing that He has been faithful before, I am assured that He will be faithful again, and will help or hold my hand until it passes – either on earth or in eternity.

Philip Yancey said, “Faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”

I heard an applicable sermon yesterday. Pastor Louie Giglio at Passion City Church preached. “Defiant Worship in the Midnight Hour”. (2) Defiant Worship in the Midnight Hour – Louie Giglio – YouTube I pray every day, throughout the day, but I wouldn’t consider myself a prayer warrior – I strive to be a prayer warrior. I have learned in the middle of an incident that is distressing to thank God and ask Him what He wants me to learn from this situation, and of course, for His help. I sing worship songs, but I cannot remember a time when something agonizing happened that I stopped in the middle of it and sang praise and worship to God! An amazing aspiration to aim for! I pray the message will encourage you as it did me.

Remember, the next time the waves come crashing down on you, look up, pray with all of your heart, and sing praise to the King!

The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea (Psalm 93:4/NKJV).