How do you praise God in when the storms of life hit? Not if, but when—because they surely will. How, when you are diagnosed with a debilitating disease, when you lose a child or a spouse, when you have wayward children, when the pain and pressure builds to a seemingly unbearable level can you still praise God?
How do you defeat hopelessness?
Those of you who know me, know I’ve been through two very difficult storms in my life. Today is the anniversary of one of those events: the day my first husband, Jason, died in a car accident.
Ten days after my 25th birthday, I was talking to Jason on my cell phone. He was transporting a load of Christian literature on a foggy day to Christian Resources International.
We were talking about when he was getting home, what we were going to do that evening, and why he was later than expected. I was anxious for him to get home. We had been gone for several days, so we hadn’t had any time to ourselves recently.
Right in the middle of our conversation there was a scream.
At first I thought it was a joke.
But when there was no response I was scared.
People talking in the background. Despite my cries into the phone, nobody ever picked up.
A long night ensued. My mom came and kept me and Bradley, who was just 7 months old, company. I held Bradley close and paced the floor.
I watched the news. I learned that at the time I had lost contact, there had been a 200 car pile-up on his route. I repeatedly called the hospitals where those who were wounded in from the 200 car pile up had been taken.
I worried about the worst, but hoped for the best…until I saw the flashing police lights through my window.
I was is shock. I was devastated. My best friend and only man I had ever loved was gone. It was worse than any nightmare I had ever had.
Knowing who your God is
I believe the key to surviving any storm is to know who God is and what He promises before the storms hit.
One of the verses that I knew and leaned heavily upon was Romans 8:28,
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
A few things to note about this Scripture:
- It does not say all things work together for good for everyone. They work together for good for “those who are called”—God’s children. If I was not a child of God and could not rest in this promise, I do not know how I would have made it through this period of my life.
- The verse does not say that all things work together for our happiness. It says all things work together for “good”—and we are talking about God’s definition of good, not ours. God is working in his children’s lives—through joys, pains, despair, trials—to conform us into his image.
I know as sure as the sun shines that more trials will come my way. I pray during these times (and during the times of rejoicing) God will work in my life to make me into the image of Christ. If you belong to God, be comforted in your sorrow, know: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
For those of you experiencing dark, stormy days, I pray you’re able to find find joy in your sorrow. Comfort in God’s arms.
Trisha, sharing our pain and healing with others is keep to making God’s love evident in all things. Thank you for sharing this with me, and your readers, as it just made you even stronger in His love, while strengthening those you touch.
Trish, I remember so well the day and weeks that followed your loss and heaven’s gain. You have grown into the lady I knew God had purposed. Thanks for your faithfulness, you inspire others by sharing this.
What beautiful words of strength and faith.
Trisha, I didn’t know you then, I wasn’t in your life at that time. I never new Jason. I can however see you today and how God has blessed in your life!! It has been wonderful to get to know you and see the evidence of God’s amazing healing power. Hugs to you my friend!!
That should be “knew”…sorry.
Amen!! Through the various trials in life, they are for my good and have brought me closer to God because I’m seeking Him in prayer, reading His word, and listening to sermons more.
Trisha, January never comes around that I don’t think about Jason. You are a beautiful Christian woman. You are a testimony of how you come out of the other side of a tragedy. I’m so grateful that God is so faithful!
Trisha, what a testimony to Gods faithfulness and how much glory it brings him with your unwavering faith even now as you continue to share His goodness through it all. How it encourages my heart and faith to see your desire to glorify him when all seems lost. Love you and thinking about you today!
Tears come reading this and remembering that day. The image of seeing such a young widow with a baby the day of Jason’s funeral will be imprinted in my mind forever. You have indeed “Praised him in the storm” and have been such an example. Its been so encouraging to see God bless you in a beautiful new family. May He continue to! Thanks for sharing this…
Thank you for sharing part of your beautiful and touching life. I cannot imagine having lived such a tragedy, and your testimony blows me away. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thinking of you today like I do every January. I can remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the tragic news. I can still picture the shock you were in. But seeing how you coped with things afterwards will always be an inspiration. You truly put your trust in God and He surely has blessed you for it!
beautifully inspiring hugs
*sniff* Thinking of you, my dear friend. <3
Trisha, I knew the story but I didn’t know it was your story. Tears over here too.
Wow mama this was very powerful! Thank you for sharing your faith!!
Hi Trisha! I grew up with Jason and Ryan and found your blog through another high school friend! Thank you for reminding me today of a funny guy who even in high school was a Christian example in our school and for reminding me to praise God in the storms.
Thank you, beloved Trish, for choosing to look up to your heavenly father rather than wilt from the overwhelming pain. Thank you for loving Jason’s folks. Thank you for seeking God’s will and accepting His path. Thank you for letting me love you [and your family] as I would if you were my own daughter. Thank you for finding rest in Abba’s loving arms.
Thank you for sharing. Through your loss, others may be encouraged when the storms of life breach their shores. Very thoughtful post. Thank you.
Thank you each for your kind words.
What a beautiful example of faith you are! Thank you for sharing, I admire your courage, bravery & the wisdom you share here. My church group just learned in depth about this verse as well.. This is one of my favorite songs, it helped me through my mother’s life and death with Alzheimers.
I’m not sure of the date of this post, but I was looking for some comforting thoughts, I just lost my husband of 34 yrs to a blood clot in his heart. One hour and 45 mins from the time he kissed me goodbye and went to work he was gone. I am haveing a hard time adjusting we were together for 37 years we grew up together I know no other way to live but with him. I thank you for your beautiful story and wonderful words of encouragment. Love in Christ.
Hi Cathy,
I’m so sorry I just noticed this comment and it’s a couple months after you left the comment. I do hope you are learning to adjust, I know life is never the same. Praying that you feel God’s presence surrounding you.
Oh Trisha, I never knew this about you! I am so sorry to hear this. You are such a strong, beautiful woman! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Angela. It is certainly the strength of God in me. I don’t know how I could stand the trials of life without him!
Thank you for this post. Sorry for you loss! I can deeply understand. Crazy thing is, I must have signed up for something, but I got this post in my e-mail file. Recently, I’ve lost my Husband. He passed away on May 10th of this year. (It’s only been 4 months and 12 day). Today just happened to be one of those “hard” days…. God placed your post in my inbox! So I wanted to say thanks for your post & for allowing God to use you to touch me tonight. Your message was a great reminder and encouragement! I needed to be reminded of His hope and that He will continue to be my strength through this difficult time!
From a Grieving Sister-in-Christ!
I am so thankful to God this came to your inbox and was able to encourage you. God knows just what we need. Sending hugs and prayers! The days will get better. God is good.
Trisha, I did not know your story before today. I’ve just read your “dancing” story, and then clicked through to read this one for the background – and I don’t have the right words to respond properly.
It occurs to me that I’m glad to see you point out in this post that our idea of “good” and God’s idea of “good” aren’t always the same. And yet it feels trite of me even to think that, because although we’ve had some difficult and wearying times, nothing we’ve experienced can compare to losing a spouse or a child we’ve held in our arms.
Thank you for sharing so openly.
I Cannot even fathom such a loss. Thank you for sharing with the world so others may begin to heal from their pain as well. May an eternal light shine for always on your husband and may you be filled with peace and love.
Thank you so much for the well-wishes.