Surviving the Storms

               Have you ever had one of those seasons when you are just overwhelmed?  I’m talking about the times when problems or needs seem to be coming at you in all directions and you feel like you are going to be buried under the weight of it all. 

            I vividly recall one particular week in my life when it felt like the walls were closing in.  I was already discouraged and depressed about the direction of my law practice and my life in general.  In short, the practice of law was no longer “fun” or profitable.  I had downsized the staff and was looking for a way out of the mess I had made of my life.

            Then came the “week from hell!”  First, a client questioned my integrity, and even though that wasn’t the first time that someone had challenged my character, just because I was a lawyer, this time was different.  That was one of those “last straws”, so I made it clear that I would no longer represent her and walked out of our meeting. 

            Next, my nephew, who has been like a son to me, ended up in the hospital with a serious infection due to a bug bite.  We weren’t sure if he might lose his arm or even worse. 

            Finally, I was in my office one morning when the fire department announced that there was a gas leak in the building, and we had to evacuate.  I could just see the whole building blowing up, destroying numerous files and records. 

            Ultimately, the week came to an end.  The client apologized and I resumed her representation.  My nephew recovered with no lasting effects, and the building didn’t explode, but while it was all happening, I wasn’t sure that I could handle the stress. 

            We’ve all had weeks or months or maybe years like that.  We’ve all had those times when we are overwhelmed, tired of having to make decisions, or of being the “responsible” one.  So, what do you do when those seasons show up, as we know they will? Romans 12: 12 provides the answer.

            First, “Be joyful in hope.”  As Christians, our hope is not in anything this life can offer.  Our hope is in Christ, so no matter what trial or difficulty we are experiencing, we know that the final victory is ours.  Christ has already won the battle, so we can have joy despite our sufferings.

            Second, we must be “patient in affliction”.  Life is short! James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that we are just a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4: 14b).  While trials and tribulations are no fun, they do serve a purpose.  Often, we grow the closest to God during those times. I know that I did. He becomes the Rock that we can cling to, so we must remember that “this too shall pass”.  What lies ahead is infinitely greater than any problem we may endure here and now, so be patient, the best is yet to come.

            Finally, “be faithful in prayer.”  Prayer is our lifeline when we experience pain and sorrow in our lives.  Remember, God loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us.  He is not going to desert us now.  During our troubles, we must keep the lines of communication open.  Call on the name of the Lord.  Tell Him your troubles.  Cry out to Him.  He is our “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46: 1b NIV84). 

Without my faith, I don’t know if I could have survived those dark days or that terrible week, but with God, all things are possible.  Remember, don’t try to carry the burden alone; give it to God because He cares for you!

Psalm 46