I’m not a complainer. I try to be pretty optimistic most of the time. Having said that, every once in a while, I will throw myself a good old-fashioned pity party. I’m pulling into the gas station, and every pump is full. I have my eye on a parking spot, and someone pulls right into it. The price is perfect on an item in a store, and of course, they don’t have my size! These are minor irritations in life. They don’t really affect my quality of living, but they’re irritating. However, it seems like we go through “seasons” of life where hard realities hit us left and right. These storms do have the ability to affect your quality of life. There’s sickness, financial stress, problems at work, strained relationships etc. This is just a minor list. There’s a ton of real world issues that we have to deal with sometimes. We feel like we’re swimming upstream and just trying to keep our heads above water. It’s easy to ask, “What about me?”

“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Have you ever been there? It’s like The Lord took a vacation when you needed Him most. But if we look closely at this passage, we realize that Jesus was in the boat with them. He wasn’t threatened by the storm. He eventually spoke to it and made it cease. The disciples in the boat were freaking out. The storm was more than they could handle! Jesus was fully aware of the situation, but Jesus wanted them to realize that storms are going to come in this life. Instead of panicking, like we often do, realize that Jesus is with you. “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Your storms are no match for The God we serve. 

Do we believe that good things only happen to other people? Do we look across the picket fence into someone else’s yard with envy? Do we have the tendency to compare our lives to the lives of others deciding that they’re better off? These are questions we have to ask ourselves if we want to get a proper perspective on things. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

He’s speaking to everyone. Not just me. Not just you. Everyone will go through hardships. If you go through the disappointments with Him, you will make it. He’s overcome everything on your behalf that you will ever go through. That’s why the Bible is completely accurate when it says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Do you believe this? Is it just something we quote or do we really believe this in our hearts? The worrying would cease if we really believed that God was going to bring good out of turmoil. 

It’s easy to be joyful and happy when you’re on the mountain top. We have to let The Lord teach us to be content in the valleys. The valleys of life will build the trust and character that The Lord desires for us. These traits will help others in their time of need. So instead of getting caught up in all of your troubles, you’ll find yourself lending a hand to someone else in theirs. When you hear of someone in need and desperately seeking help, you might just say, “What about me?” Volunteer to be a light in the darkness. God won’t let you fail!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.