Proven in the Storm

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We don't like "down stuff." You know what I'm talking about: pain, struggle, difficulties, trials, burdens, problems... Talking about that kind of stuff is like walking around all day with sand in your shorts: it's irritating and uncomfortable. Unfortunately you can't spend a day at the beach without getting a little sand in your shorts. So give me two minutes of your time before you tune out, surf elsewhere, or turn the page. With the successes and joy in life comes a little "down stuff." How we handle it determines who we are and where we'll ultimately go in life.

We're not always sure where the "down stuff" in our lives comes from. Sometimes we have to face the storm of our own stupid actions. Other times disasters fall in lap without our participation or involvement. There are times we just stumble into trials by innocently making ill-advised decisions. There are even times when others are simply out to get us and bring troubles into our lives. Other struggles feel like the attack of something, or someone, maliciously evil.

Bottom line, trials are in our lives. They are inescapable. We can't always determine why they're there. Job never received an answer for the presence of the severe trials in his life. So knowing why the "down stuff" is there may not be the most important thing!

In watching two very different young people face trials in their lives, I've been reminded about the key issue in facing life's difficult challenges. THE SOURCE OF OUR STRUGGLES IS NOT NEARLY AS IMPORTANT AS OUR CHARACTER IN FACING THEM! Who we are is not dependent on the origin of our problems, but on our integrity in overcoming them. As these two young people have faced their trials, they have taught me several things:

1. Don't give up the good part of yourself in the middle of your struggles.
2. Keep your heart focused on your goal not on the obstacles in your path.
3. Believe what those who love you say about you, not those trying to drag you down.
4. Face the tough times with the ultimate goal of pleasing God, not anyone else.

Character is forged and integrity is proven in the storm. We may look like a sailor on the shore, but we're not really a sailor until we are proven in the storm.

If life is rich and full for you now, then thanks for reading this with sand in your shorts. Give thanks to God and be a blessing to others. But if life is a challenge and you find yourself in a storm with lots of "down stuff," remember what's important and don't give up. There is more than a light at the end of your tunnel, there's a better you.

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