Encouragement when times are tough

April 7, 10:34 PMNewark City Buzz ExaminerWalter H. Allen

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I imagine many of you probably use some type of daily devotional or inspirational reading to get through. I'd like to share one here that I found especially poignant on the subject of weathering storms.

This comes from Streams in the Desert by LB Cowman, updated by Jim Reimann. The first is a portion of the March 30, 2009 entry:

"Beloved, never try to get out of a dark place except in God's timing and in His way. A time of trouble and darkness is meant to teach you lessons you desperately need. Premature deliverance may circumvent God's work of grace in your life. Commit the entire situation to Him, and be willing to abide in darkness, knowing He is present.

"Stop interfering with God's plans and with His will. Moving the hands of a clock to suit you does not change the time."

The next day, the writer picks it up again. This is some of the passage from March 31, 2009.

"The storms of temptation may appear cruel, but don't they lead to a greater intensity and earnestness in my prayer life? Don't they compel me to cling to God's promises with a tighter grasp? And don't they leave me with character that is more refined?

"The storms of sorrow through bereavement are intense, but they are one of the Father's ways of driving me to Himself. His purpose is to softly and tenderly speak to my heart in the secret, hidden place of His presence. There is a certain glory of the Master that can only be seen when the wind is contrary and my ship is being tossed by the waves.

"Jesus Christ is not my security against the storms of life, but He is my perfect security in the storms. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing."

Amen.