Isn’t it amazing how the worst storms make the most beautiful skies?

You can almost guarantee after a storm that the sunset and sunrise will be breathtaking.

I usually have my camera ready in anticipation of capturing God’s glory painted across the sky; clear sunny days are nice but there’s just something magical that happens after a storm. 

I’m constantly in admiration at how God gives us examples for our own lives through his creation because after all, can’t we say the same is true for you and me?

I know some of the most beautiful people who have come out of some of the worst storms and some of the most amazing testimonies that have come from the worst tragedies.

We see this all throughout the Bible, from Moses to Job to Esther and David and it didn’t stop there, God continues to show his greatness and majesty through the lives of so many today.

The Bible says “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2

I know this may be at times easier to say than do, especially when you’re in the midst of the storm and there seems to be no hope.

When you’re in the midst of hurt and agony you’re automatic response is ‘Why?’ ‘Why me?’ ‘Why this or him or her?’ 

You go through shock, anger, sadness but eventually, if you’ll just hold on in Faith — you’ll once again find Hope and God’s goodness and glory will shine through.

I wish I would have believed this because I didn’t understand when the Lord called Aryanna home; at only a year and a half she hadn’t even scratched the surface of life. She had just learned how to walk and run and say ‘mom’. She was curious, fearless and full of life and then – like the morning fog — she was gone.

In the midst of this fiery trial, it burned like I would imagine the deepest depths of hell to burn.

This storm beat and battered me as I barely hung on by the very tips of my fingers but I hung, I hung until those fingers gave way and I fell into the arms of Jesus.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms 34:18 NLT

I was burned, bruised and empty but He rescued me; He removed my scars, healed my bruises and filled that emptiness with a peace I’ve never experienced before and don’t know that I could have experienced His presence like I have, had I not gone through the worst storm.

Someone this second is brokenhearted; someone this second is in a storm.

Maybe as you read this, you’re the one going through the trial; maybe you’re the one in the pit of the storm?

It’s been 11 years since Aryanna ventured onto Heaven and I’m just now beginning to realize and believe that every trial bears the seed of a beautiful testimony. If you allow it, these seasons of grief can one day be used for His greatness and glory and to also uplift and encourage your brothers and sisters of faith.

“Every trial bears the seed of a beautiful testimony.”

My faith was tested that day but through it my endurance has grown.

I don’t know what you may be facing or going through but know, there are countless people who have faced trials and heartache just like the ones you’ve encountered or are encountering this very moment; there are countless people who have fallen under the pressure and others who have triumphed and gained victory.

It all comes down to which path you’ll choose – will you allow the storm to completely destroy you or will you let it mold you and form you and strengthen you?

If you choose the latter than I guarantee when the clouds part and the skies clear, God will display his majesty in and through your life.

Call out to Him, draw near to Him and never lose sight of Him.

God Bless.

Anita Marie