The Blessings of Lingering Storms – by Lillian Rhoades

“What a wonderful God…the One who so wonderfully comforts and strengthen us in our hardships and trials….that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 LNT).

Storms are perfect metaphors that aptly describe the trials in a Christian’s life. But no matter how fierce natural storms rage, or how much devastation they inflict, they’re soon gone.

Not so with life’s storms that usher in hardship and trials. They do not always come and go. Very often, our “sore trials,” are like ceaseless winds and heavy downpours that foist themselves upon us for indefinite time periods. And even when there’s a momentary lull, we remain in storm alert mode.

You may be experiencing the onslaught of a lingering storm, where adversities or afflictions are always in the forecast. Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, author of Streams in the Desert and one of my favorite authors, also experienced a “staying storm” when her husband became ill while serving as a missionary. For six long years, she cared for him until his death. Amidst the turbulent, uncertain tempest of long-term care giving, she wrote her widely known, devotional book. She learned how to turn her storm into a steady stream of blessing that continues to flow into the lives of countless others.

Amy Carmichael is another one of my favorite authors, who served on the mission field until her death in 1951. She wrote about her constant storm:

“Disappointments [are] those weary little things that enter the room with quiet procession. After the foot began to mend, other troubles came one after the other, pulling me up just when it seemed I might walk again.”

Her book, Rose from Brier, continues to water the hearts of those who are thirsty for encouragement.

Your trial may be a lingering storm that never seems to blow away, but the “I” of the storm can use it to fill the cisterns of others who need comfort and strength.

Lillian Rhoades lives in upstate, New York. Her greatest joy is hearing from God, and sharing His words with others. She is the author of, When Youth Fades-How to Celebrate Life after 60. Contact