Songs in the Night

"The strength of a ship is only fully demonstrated when it faces a hurricane, and the power of the gospel can only be fully exhibited when a Christian is subjected to some fiery trial. We must understand that for God to give 'songs in the night,' He must first make it night."
-Nathaniel William Taylor, Streams in the Desert, June 7 reading

Last night, there was a tropical storm here in Florida. There were high winds and pouring rain for a few hours, all of which was predicted.

But sometimes our storms in our lives are unpredictable. Sometimes they just come. But we know that in this life, there will be storms. And I think part of this passage from today's reading answers the question of why we have storms.

The storms in our lives are an opportunity for God to show us the strength that He can give us.

This life wasn't meant to be all easy and good. I believe that through our trials, we become closer and closer to God. It is through the trials that we become molded into who He wants us to be.

And this is frustrating sometimes. Downright frustrating. In no way am I saying it's easy. Trust me.

I can't tell you how many times I have been frustrated at God for all of the stuff I was put through and continue to go through. But I know that God gives us the strength we need to get through. We have to rely fully on Him though.

I think a lot of difficult things either turn people away from God or the trials bring people closer to God. I've experienced both. I've had moments when I was so frustrated and angry at God that I wanted nothing to do with Him, but He brought me back to Himself. I realized that the strength I had to get through the storms came from Him.

I like how this passage says that in order for us to experience the good times in our darkness or the good things that can come out of dark times in our lives, God must make it night. He must bring us through those dark times. This can be difficult to digest in some ways, because we think of God as all good. Now why would He allow such darkness into our lives?

Did I have to be abused, neglected and homeless? Did I have to lose my brother to suicide? Did I have to be diagnosed with PTSD and schizoaffective disorder? Why did I have to go through all of that and why am I still dealing with everything?

My answer to those questions is that I have overcome so much and through overcoming the darkness, God has given me a beautiful "song in the night" to express what He has done in my life. I have a great opportunity to bless others with my testimony to His goodness and grace. He has given me a chance to help others through what I've been through in a way that I never could have without going through those trials.

Through the storms, we realize who God is and then we have an opportunity to share that with those around us. We have a chance to spread hope, peace, joy and love.