storms Archives ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Can Suffering in This World Be Really a Blessing?

“Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. Daniel 11:33-35 (NIV)

Trials, tribulations, turmoil all seem a part of life. Those who teach the gospel throughout the world are certainly not exempt from this. Indeed, there are many places in the world where worshipping Jesus Christ may result in torture, death, and loss of everything this earth offers. This is not new to our generation. This has been the story throughout the ages as God drew to Himself a people who would worship Him, a people to be His own. Our journey through a world broken and ravaged by pride, self-exaltation, and all the sins of a humanity where each person desires to be “god” in their own life; certainly will be filled with trials. Particularly, those trials will be greater for those who seek after God. The humble servant’s heart that would serve God in a sense goes completely against human nature. It is no wonder that the message of Salvation by Grace Alone is a message hated by pride filled men and women.

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Can Joy Really Win On the Battlefields of Life?

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:1-3 NKJV

In this life we face struggles, trials and devastating tragedies at times which tear at our hearts. When we look at all the tragedies surrounding us, we weep for those who are hurting. Devastating floods, angry mobs, corruption, terrorist attacks, poverty, cancer, and the unending list of battlefields surrounding our hearts and minds. What can we possibly do? Is joy something we should even hope for? Desire? Can we over shadow all the pain by clinging tight to joys of this world? Can we drown ourselves in success, money, things, friends, pleasures and trivialities to pretend that our heart does not ache? Or is there a different steadfast joy and hope on which we can cling to in the middle of this battlefield called life? An ember of joy that cannot and will not be destroyed. A tiny ember of joy living and abiding deep within the heart of each believer. That ember of joy, anchored tight to Jesus Christ, does not allow our ship to crash when life’s storms crash around us.

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Will God Anchor My Heart in the Midst of this Storm?

If there is one thing for certain in this life, storms do come. They come in many forms tearing at our hearts, minds and souls. Sometimes it seems the storms will never end with each one following the other like an endless hurricane season with almost no relief between.

I have been recently reminded of the depth of fear and turmoil that we as Christians may feel at times during this journey. Will editing and rewriting the third edition of Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley; I was carried back in time to those moments of despair and loneliness. Were it not so long ago? Widowhood, cancer, recurrent illness—Valley after Valley of despair with glimpses of hope in their midst. The glimpses were like flickering candles that were nearly blown out by the storms. I took myself there for perhaps two reasons. I wanted to give all of you, copies of that book—one section at a time. Yet, since the initial writing or even the second writing; I have grown spiritually and for that reason needed to give you the insight I have learned along the way. The second reason to take myself back there is it provides strength for my own journey. For certain there are still storms raging around me; but, how I see those storms has changed over the years. Anyway, the book is available to anyone who subscribes to my website. You will receive updates of each post. Be assured your email will not be given to anyone else. You can email me as well with your ideas, your critiques, your needs and your own storms. I would love to hear from you.

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WHEN STORMS ARE RAGING

Fear, panic, and anger fill our hearts when storms are raging around us. We cry out from our fear and pain with questions. We shout to God, “Why me?” At times, our faith seems to fail us as it crumbles into despair instead. Sometimes we are filled with guilt; perhaps our own sin has led us there. Much like the apostles in the boat when the storms would rage.

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