The sting from all of this family drama...


is giving way to accepting reality. 



I know things will never be the same. 


I also realize not everyone has the same value systems 


as to how to treat others, and that it is easier to criticize 


or abandon those in need rather than be 


a positive part of the situation.


“Family” is not necessarily what we were born into. 


A real and true family are those who stand by us, 


unconditionally and without reproach or judgment.



God is allowing me to rise above the madness 


because He is with me... 


physically, emotionally, spiritually 


and every imaginable way that one can be there 


for another in a most desperate time of need.


Our storms might look different in this life, 


but they all offer the opportunity to change us, forever. 


And God can take what seems tragic and devastating 


and turn it around for good.


It may not happen as quickly as we'd like, 


it may feel like a struggle, and we might find ourselves 


longing for another way, but blessing will come from it.

For this is the way God works. 


The "Good" will shine through. 


And we won’t ever be the same again. 


For the person who eventually 


walks out of the storm 


will be different than the one who


walked in.

We can be assured, that God's work within us 


is never for harm, but to strengthen us, 


to build deeper character and faith, 


and to bring us out as "Gold,"


leaving lasting impressions for His glory 


in this world.



With God in the forefront of our lives 


nothing can truly harm us,


but this isn’t a guarantee 


that we will not experience pain. 


It’s a promise that everything that comes to us, 


including our trials, is part of... 


God’s Master Plan.

The truth is, God doesn’t promise 


certain limits to suffering. 


He doesn’t guarantee personal happiness. 


He doesn’t ensure our escape from pain, 


but He gives us the strength to endure. 



He will never give us more than 


He has equipped us to handle.



God’s people are often 


crushed beyond measure:


the Bible makes that abundantly clear.


Here are some guarantees God’s Word does give us:



  • Suffering will come, 

  • but we will also share in Christ’s glory 

  • (1 Peter 4:12-13).



  • All that happens 

  • will be for our good,

  • to make us more like Jesus 

  • (Rom 8:28-30).


  • Nothing can ever separate us 

  • from God’s love 

  • (Rom 8:38-39).


  • God won’t let us be tested – 

  • beyond what we can bear,
  • but will provide a way for us to endure it 

  • (1 Cor 10:13).


  • God will give us all we need for life 

  • and godliness (2 Pet 1:3)

  • In our weakness, 

  • He will give us strength 

  • (2 Cor 12:9-10 cf 2 Cor 4:7-12; 

  • Phil 4:11-13; Col 1:11-14).


God never promised us this life would be easy, 


but God does promise that... 


He is bigger than any storm we face... 


and He's always working for good.