Some days no matter what we do, or how hard we try, things just don’t go the way we want them to. There just some days when we wake up and get out of bed, that we wished we had just simply stayed there in bed.

I was thinking and looking back on a time when an unexpected storm hit my life and I was completely devastated. Growing up in church, and being around other Christians, I had always heard them talking about going through something hard and difficult and knowing that they were going to be fine, and how God had brought them victory. But now it was happening to me and my family. We were the leaders of a church, it was never to supposed to happen to me or mine. We were the ones who were supposed ot be strong and help others, but now it’s hit our family!! And I wish I could say that I came throuugh it all without faltering in any way.

But I allowed myself to have a pity party. I allowed myself to get angry with God and even some of the people around me. The smallest things would sometimes set me off. I hid it well from most, except for those who know me best. I just kept asking the “million dollar” questions, “Why?” “Why Me?”, “Why Now?”. You know, the same questions many of you have asked at times of trouble.

But I had a friend that kept reminding me of the promises of God. One who kept reminding me of the things that deep down I knew, but I didn’t want to admit because I simply didn’t want to. “Let me have my pity party!!!” Has anybody else ever been there???

He kept reminding me of the promises of God’s power, His love for me and that He would take care of me. Again, things that I knew for myself, but did not want to admit because I was hurt. I was devastated.

But once again, God came through for me. He cared enough about me to bring through that storm. Stronger than ever. His love, and the love of my family, my friends and church family was the only thing that kept me going during that very dark time.

That part of my life I seldom bring up, nor do I share it publicly often, because I am too embarrassed that I would forget such precious promises. The storm of losing my mom, was one of the most unexpected storms and toughest times I had ever faced. But it taught me many things. And has allowed me help others going through that same storm and many other situations. It taught me that God never gives up on anyone, He never stops loving you, despite how you may feel. And He taught me that even if I focused on other things, He would still be focused on me. God taught me that I could not heal my own pain, but that only He could. Despite the detours you may take, God will still find you. He will send folks into your life to take you by the hand and help bring you bring you through the toughest of situations. He’ll bring people into your life that He will use to not only get you back where you were before your storm but will also make you stronger and a better servant for Him. I remember someone asking, “Why do bad things happen to good people.” The truth is, whatever storm you may be facing today is only as bad as you let it be. Because no matter how hopeless things may seem, and no matter how lost you may feel… God is there. He is there, and He will use that storm to change your life, to make you stronger. He will use that storm to show you that no matter how lost you may become, He will never leave you nor forsake you, just like He promised… Even when you rely on your own strength instead of His, He will be there. He is there telling you every step you take, how much He loves you, and that He will always watch out for you. Nothing can separate you from God’s love, and nothing can overcome His power!! Don’t allow yourself to become stuck in your own pity party. We serve a mighty God that will continue to fight for us!!