Praising God in the Storm

     Pain, hurt, sadness, confusion.  Those words have come to my mind over and over again over the past six months.  When I had my hysterectomy and I felt (to me) like I had lost everything I knew I wasn't alone.  I knew others had stories, I had heard some of them.  What I didn't know is how God would open my eyes and my heart to those stories. 
     For the past six months I feel like I have "accidently" come across story after story of those who have lost a child, couples dealing with infertility, families dealing with a sick or disable child, etc.  Many of these stories are just as sad, if not more sad, then mine.  They are filled with the deepest levels of despair.   I'm discovering the deep connection that loss and suffering has. 
    Even as I write this my page is on one of these sad stories.  On the playlist playing in the background of this blog is "I will Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns.  These "accendental" run ins have been such a source of hope and encouragement.  Each one of these amazing woman/families have seen God through it all.  While they admit it is hard they also choose to focus on him.  They find their hope in him.  They find their joy in him.  I pray that our story is the same as so many others.  I pray that God is glorified through it all.
     I thank God for bring story after story to me.  I thank God for those of you who have been so willing and open to share.  God is using you.  I praise God for those who have been open and honest on their blogs about their hurt and struggle and what God has done with it.  Many of them pray that God will use them.  They will probably not know until heaven, but they have been used. 

Here are a few of the words to "I Will Praise You in This Storm".  This is so dear to my heart.  Lord, I choose to praise you!!!

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to You

and raised me up again

my strength is almost gone how can I carry on

if I can't find You

and as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus