Storm Clouds and Shadows

In life, it is inevitable. There has been, and again will be, dark moments of my life. There have been even dark seasons in my past. They are the storm clouds that disrupt our plans - and ruin our sunny days. "When it rains it pours," is and old saying that implies that when trouble rains in our life. It can sometimes pour down like a summer thunderstorm that has moved in, replacing blue skies.

Revelation 1:7 See! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see Him. Even the men who killed Him will see Him. (NLV)

Just like a garden needs the rain that accompanies the clouds, I need Jesus, who is always with me as the dark clouds pass through my life... and there have been plenty. What I do in those times is what is important. Do I stop what I'm doing and run for cover? Maybe I just change my up my plans and keep myself busy. I may be tempted to look up and ask, "Why now God? I have important things to do." Or, "Can You please make it stop? I can't go through this.' 

Did I look to Him when the skies were clear? Did I say "Thank you Lord!" and praise Him when I felt the sunshine on my face and all was well with my world? - Not nearly enough, I'm sure. Forgive me, Lord. Am i able to be thankful when I am in the middle of a tsunami of turmoil?

Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging Gods character, we do not yet know Him. ~ Oswald Chambers 

My dark, black cloud appeared on May 4th, 2010. I was uncertain if I would live to see May 5th, and in that cloud I received my greatest blessing. My notation at the bottom of the July 29 page of my devotional reads:   "*Thank You that You were all I could see in that dark cloudy moment May 4 - and that others needed to know you."

God was with me as that cloud passed. I felt closer to Him than I ever had in my life. I wasn't afraid. I didn't try pleading with Him to spare me. My thoughts were only of Him, and the work for His kingdom that I had left undone. Who didn't I tell about Jesus? Am I sure my family knows him? My friends? I had peace knowing I would be with Him. But would they?

His purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship to Him is exactly that of a child - God and my own soul, other people are shadows. ~ Oswald Chambers