Precious Pearls
Finding beauty in trials!
May 24, 2023
“Faith & Praise”
“Praise You in This Storm” Casting Crowns
It didn’t take me long to accept what had happened to me.
I knew I would never run again.
I knew I would never race again.
I knew my active, adventurous life would completely change.
But I didn’t know what my new life would look like. After the accident, I spent the next several months on my couch. This was not the summer I had planned. As the months passed, Tom and the boys cared for me. Family and friends took my boys on outings to provide them some fun opportunities. Our church family faithfully provided meals. People scattered throughout the world prayed for me.
I passed my days slowly on the couch.
I fought pain.
I struggled through physical therapy exercises.
I battled new, intense emotions.
Where would it all end? Would I ever walk again? Would my lower leg have to be amputated?
When I realized this storm would last for years, I had a choice. Find ways to praise God or wallow in misery and self-pity. God made me a fighter. I had my roots in Him, and I had an amazing amount of support. How could I not praise God!
I know the first time I praised God. Immediately following the accident, I was transported to a small hospital. I was alone and terrified. God placed a gracious man in my path who was responsible for transporting me to have X-rays. He offered to stay because he said I looked scared. At one point he asked me what happened. After I told him, I concluded with, “… But God is so good! He protected my boys! My two younger sons almost came with me. If they had, one of them would have been hit!”
This man was not the only one to hear this. Dozens of medical workers asked me what happened. They all received the same account which ended with God’s goodness. Yes, I did praise God. Was I perfect? No. Did I question God at times? Absolutely. But when my focus was reset on God, I praised him for dozens of things. I wish I could share them all, but this is not the place for that amount of detail!
In the Bible, David struggled with his emotions during trials. He wrote in Psalms 30:5b.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
David gives a glimpse of his heart in Psalm 6:6.
“I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.”
Although David struggled, he articulated how he shifted his focus to the Lord in verses 8 and 9.
“For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.”
Trials are not easy!
We may struggle, but when we look to God and praise Him, He will hear our prayers and see us through. Even in dark times or times when we feel our prayers aren’t being answered, we can still find ways to praise God in the storms! Psalm 9:9-11 reminds us.
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people.”
Today’s song inspires us.
“I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say, “Amen” and it’s still raining
“Well, as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I’ll raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
“And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm”
Listen to this entire song. It will encourage you to praise God even when you are facing a storm!
Precious Pearls 
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