“What if your blessings come through raindrops?” Do these lyrics sound familiar? They are from the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, a beautiful song with a wonderful message.
Last week, I experienced some intense raindrops; it was tough. Going through a trial is always challenging. We want it to end, to go away, but it lingers. We even pray: “Lord, let this pass; please do something.”
This time, I decided to say a different prayer: “Lord, I am not asking you to spare me from this trial; I am asking you to give me the strength to go through it,” without expecting that in the end, I would find a blessing in disguise.
The transformation
The experience reminded me of Saul becoming Paul. I cannot even imagine what it is like to realize that what you believed in, defined your identity, and were passionate about was wrong.
“Saul got up from the ground but could see nothing when he opened his eyes. So, they led him by hand into Damascus. For three days, he was blind and did not eat or drink anything“.
Saul’s transformation was painful. But as I read Paul’s story, I realized that Jesus’ encounter with Paul and the suffering he endured saved him. I didn’t know how this trial I was going through would turn out, but God did.
Fasting
A good friend suggested fasting; I believe it was God speaking to me, so I did it. I have fasted in the past, but this time wasn’t like any other.
My mind was set. I would put all my might and effort into it. This time, I poured my heart out to God, and it felt different. I could feel God so close to me, hugging me as if telling me: “It’s all going to work out.” It gave me so much peace. I stopped thinking about the problem.
As I read scripture and prayed, God spoke to me about something different (not the problem). He said: “Have you noticed we don’t spend as much time together?” I was in shock.
He was right. I never stopped praying, reading the bible, or having devotional time. But it hadn’t been the same lately. Life entangles you with many expectations and commitments, especially as you age. Nevertheless, spending time with the Provider and Creator of everything should be our priority; sadly, it wasn’t mine. I spoke to God, and when I least expected it, the problem was resolved. Someone told me: “Sorry you had to go through this.” I said: “No, don’t feel sorry, I am grateful I did!”.
Sadly, sometimes, you need a trial to go to God. This was a wake-up call that I needed to hear from God, and because of this trial, I could listen to Him. If you are going through a storm today, take time to spend it with God. Don’t focus on the problem, but on the God who works things out. You might even find some blessings in disguise.
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