Sunshine after Rain

Perhaps life has dealt you a low blow and you’ve lost hope. In the natural it may appear that way. But, praise God, we serve a supernatural God. The God who created the universe, formed the stars, sculpted the mountains, gave birth to life: This is the God we serve. The God who is “able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

God’s power knows no limits. His grace is sufficient. His promises are forever to all who truly seek Him. His love cannot be measured nor contained but can transform a life when one is willing to yield to God’s divine plan.

To the Christian, there is no defeat, only lessons to be learned in a life filled with challenges. In God’s sight there are no problems, only opportunities -- opportunities to demonstrate His power and glorify His name.

In order to receive these promises from God, you must first become His child. Becoming God’s child means more than simply claiming to be a Christian. For years I declared myself a Christian. And I was certain I was until the day my life began to fall apart. And then, in my despair, I cried out to God and found Him in a new and very real way.

Times were tough back then and I didn’t understand all that was happening to me. There were things I didn’t like about myself but didn’t know how to change. Powerless to change my circumstances for the better, I cried a thousand tears. Life seemed useless and I just wanted to give up. But then I remembered that God said He would never leave nor forsake me. He knows we struggle sometimes but looks beyond our faults. In the midst of it all, our merciful God teaches us the most incredible lessons, including the need to trust Him. And so I did.

In the midst of my pain, I began to search for the answer to my problems, and in prayer I found it. I began to go to church. I prayed for God to lead me to a church where I could receive the help I needed, somewhere I could grow in Him. And that’s just what He did.

One day, one of the men in the church who knew what I was going through invited me to his home. And for three hours that day, he sat and shared God’s love with me. On that day, through my tears – and there were many – I put my trust in God, and He changed my life.

In the midst of the storm, I began to lean on Him. And not only did my circumstances change, I changed, too.

Today I thank God I am no longer the same. Though I’m not all I should be, I no longer struggle with the same issues that I did back then. Jesus set me free!

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word.
Just to know that He has promised,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o'er and o'er.
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more.

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him...” (Rev. 3:20)

I remember hearing that verse for the very first time. I couldn’t believe my ears. I thought, “Inviting Jesus to come into my life and He will is really true?” Jesus said it, and so it is true, my friend. After all, you may not buy the words of men, but you surely cannot disregard the words of Jesus, the living Son of God. It is by adhering to His Word that we receive the transforming power of God.

Perhaps you, too, have been struggling to change your life on your own strength. If so, listen to the words of Jesus, who said, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10) Right now, if this is your heart’s desire, pray this simple prayer. Mean it from your heart and you, too, will begin a new life on the road that leads to true and lasting happiness.

“Dear Lord, I come to you in Jesus’ name. Forgive my sin, cleanse my heart, take my life and make me what you want me to be. And, with your help I will serve you for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

May I be the first to congratulate you on your decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior! Your life will never be the same. Yes, there will be some hard times along the way, but there will be miracles, too.

Jesus dried my tears and gave me His peace. Even though I never thought I would have peace in my life, the Bible says, “…but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) And now I have the peace that had eluded me for so long.

I’ve had a number of storms in my life. But what the devil meant to destroy actually ended up building me up. And through these storms, God taught me how to remain faithful. My faith now is stronger than ever. You, too, will grow in faith as you stay close to the Master.

You won’t be perfect but, by the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s mercy, bought for us by the blood of Christ, you will find yourself changing day by day. When you stumble and fall, just ask for His forgiveness. And, if you really mean it, God will help you back on your feet, clean in His sight to start again.