Weather Storms of Life With Hope and Joy (with book review)

Storms hit us all in different ways, but one thing is certain, storms will hit us all. 

Trials are not a maybe; they are a certainty. And, please don’t take this wrong, that is a good thing. Without trials, we’d never appreciate and grow to depend on God. We’d be self-sufficient, know-it-alls, satisfied to do it all on our own, thank you, and fail miserably! 

Steadfast Faith

Those whom I know with a steadfast faith, are most often individuals who have suffered greatly in this life. I’ve written before about Kara Tippetts, a young mother of four who died of cancer; Sara Frankl, a young woman forced by health issues to live shut off from the world; Nick Vujicic, a husband, father, and international motivational speaker born without arms or legs; and Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic for more than 50 years who was recently diagnosed with cancer for the second time, suffers with chronic pain, yet founded and still leads an international ministry (Joni and Friends) serving the disabled. Although each suffered much, their trust was secure in the Lord. 

I know others more personally who exhibit the same kind of faith in the midst of difficult battles. A friend who’s daughter is dying from a debilitating disease, another who’s daughter walked away from the faith, and still a third who suffers with neck and back pain. Each one’s love for God and trust in His sovereignty and goodness despite their heartbreaking situations inspires me. 

Their stories make me ponder what it takes to weather strong storms with hope instead of despair. 

Weather Storms With Hope and Joy

When we go through trials, one of the first things we do is question why. Why me? Why this? Why would a good God allow this?

Ironically, answers to these questions will not make our situation better. We don’t need answers, we need assurance that things will get better (even if we don’t know when), that there is a purpose to the madness (even if we don’t know the specifics of that purpose), that we are not alone in the fight.

And the only place we can be certain of finding these things is in the presence of God. Yet we need to grow to trust Him.

When storms hit, we don't need answers, we need assurance that things will get better, that there is a purpose to the madness, and that we are not alone in the fight. All of these are found in the presence of God! Share on X

Honestly, in the heat of the moment, God’s presence and provision is not always evident. It takes reflection on how He has been faithful in the past. It requires time spent getting to know His steadfast character through Bible reading and prayer. It takes reminders and encouragement to daily walk with Him when the pain escalates and doubts and fears threaten to suffocate us.

I’ve said it often: I want to suffer well. Like the Apostle Paul, I want to live as an example of faith, no matter my circumstances. But no amount of want can make it happen.

I pride myself as being a strong woman, but I’ve learned through the years I’m not nearly strong enough to bear my burdens well. Neither are you, my friend. We need to exercise our faith to make it strong enough to withstand Satan’s attacks and sin’s consequences.

Grow a Strong Faith

It’s easy to become discouraged when we feel battered and alone. Only a strong faith, rooted in a foundation we know will never wash away, will allow us to weather storms that come with hope and joy. That kind of faith comes from doing life with God: intentionally, consistently, and comprehensively.

Only a strong faith, rooted in a foundation we know will never wash away, will allow us to weather storms that come with hope and joy. Share on X

In His Word, steeped in prayer, engaged in thanksgiving and praise, surrounded by fellow believers — if you haven’t yet, begin that kind of living today.

“I pray that [God] may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 CSB

Reflections: What does living with God intentionally, consistently, and comprehensively mean to you? Do you feel you are doing it? What could you change to live that way?

More Encouragement

God gives us fellow believers to strengthen and encourage us. Through their presence, words of encouragement, prayers for us, and the sharing of their own faith journeys, we can be bolstered in our own walk with God.

Speaker and Author Lauren Gaskill shares her faith journey in a new book titled, Into the Deep, Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith. Filled with personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and practical application, Into the Deep, invites readers to dive deep into a life of “fearless faith”: a deep faith that withstands the battering of the storms that will hit each of us.

Lauren’s own faith was rocked by chronic illness. Her authenticity in sharing her struggles draws readers in. Her sharing of what she learned about developing a deep and courageous faith offers practical help for others. It begins with surrendering our fears and trusting God in the deep waters of life. 

“Faith in Jesus is our ticket to victory…. While we might only see things one battle at a time, God sees the bigger picture; and when all is said and done, we won’t have to guess who will win because the war has already been won. Give God your defeated mind-set and watch as He fortifies you with the strength and courage you need to overcome and claim the victory that’s rightfully yours.”

'Faith in Jesus is our ticket to victory.... While we might only see things one battle at a time, God sees the bigger picture; and when all is said and done, we won’t have to guess who will win because the war has already been won.'… Share on X

Inspiring Stories

Each chapter in the book provides encouragement and tools for exchanging our doubts and fears for a faith that withstands even the worst circumstances. But perhaps my favorite chapter is the final one, where Lauren shares the stories of others who also battled storms with courageous faith. Their inspirational stories demonstrate that joy is possible in any circumstance. 

“living joyfully doesn’t mean we will always be happy; it means that our outlook can be hopeful and joyful in the deep, painful seasons of life.”

Learn how to take your faith to the next level, trusting God no matter what deep, dark circumstances you face. Learn to embrace His peace and joy in near-impossible situations.