Storm Stories: The Overcomer

What can I say about TheOvercomer?  I have read her testimony–in the link below–and, as shocking as it was, the sunrise she has seen and shared has been gift to a great many people, including me.  She has no illusions about just how tough the storms of this mad life are to endure, but, even so, Darla has a great sense of humor to this very day.  She cares very deeply about the people in her life who are fortunate enough to call her friend.  I know this, of course, because I am one of them.  Today, she reminds those of us who know–and points the way for those who do not yet know about a certain…

REFUGE

by Darla

Storms are not new to any of us, it seems we live there most of the time, whether or not you are a Christ Follower. The intensity of the storm is the same for each of us, no matter how any of us sees it. If it brought you to your knees, if you cried, if you felt the desperation, if it looked like the bottom feel out and felt like it too, if the walls were closing in, if the night felt like it would never end…it was a storm. Your storm can not be measured against another storm. All storms, all us individual are feeling the effects of the storms. Storms change the appearance of things; a physical storm can change the appearance of a landscape, and an internal storm changes the appearance of ones thinking, reactions, and responses. How can I be so sure about this? Part of my testimony of my lifes storms can be read here:

http://4evrhis.wordpress.com/down-to-the-bottomlifter-of-my-head/

I grew up in a Storm, so I am most familiar with stormy life as opposed to calm living. So many times I became discouraged after a storm, thinking I had overcome it, and rode it out. Only to find out I was doing the happy dance in the eye of the storm. Defeat. Lonely. Despair. Crushed.

Following Jesus Christ has taught me how to weather the storms. YES Christ Followers have storms. Sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes spiritual. The difference is, God is my refuge. I now stand in the stronghold of God through the storm, holding on to HIM with two hands, refusing to let go. They still bring me to my knees, the difference, I pray harder, and cry out to HIM, instead of allowing the despair to come in. Do I get knocked off my feet? yes! Learning to get back up, brush it off, and move on in Christ.

Wondering if you are thinking how does this help my storm? The winds will whip, the skies will grow dark, evil will feel present-even pressing, despair will breathe down your neck, hope will seem to run out leaving you alone..and GOD said..”I will never leave YOU or forsake YOU”. HE doesn’t lie, Its your promise from GOD..BELIEVE HIM. HE walks through the storm with you, and although you can’t see HIM or feel HIM, HE does not leave. Cling to HIM, and the Sunrise will come, and some added bonuses for the ones who overcome the storms. I heard a speaker say once..”God is looking down in your storm, and HE sees YOU holding on for dear life, and YOU are beautiful to HIM, HE reaches down and covers you and although HE may not stop the storm, HE will hide you in it.”

Peace, you are not alone..we are all here with you, and HE is closer than anyone person can be to you.