This year has been a year of blessings, but also a year of facing difficult times in the lives of our children and their
families. Difficult times have seemed to be more than abundant; and we’ve caught ourselves asking if Satan ever takes a break, does the pressure ever stop? Being in the midst of the storms of life weighs heavy upon us; and Carmen, who works in the girls’ home, took notice and shared some beautiful and encouraging words with our staff this past Friday during devotion time:
“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.” Psalm 77:1-2
Have you ever felt like life’s circumstances are beyond what you can handle? This feeling is overwhelming and can consume us. We often try to understand what can’t be understood at the time. We may seek advice but still not feel at peace. We feel that no one understands what we are going through. However, Jesus can bring peace and comfort to our heart at all times. He never leaves us; He is there to walk alongside us or even carry us.
Words to a popular praise song, “I’ll Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crown, seems to describe what we’ve been feeling at La Casa.
“As the thunder rolls/ I barely hear Your whisper through the rain/ “I’m with you’” / As mercy falls I raise my hand/ And praise the God who gives and takes away.” There are times when we start to think that God is sitting back watching our suffering and not doing anything.
The song’s chorus repeats. “I’ll praise You in this storm / And I
will lift my hands/ For You are who You are/ No matter where I am / 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.” We can still raise our hands and praise Him….even in the midst of storms because of who He is. He is in control.
Carmen had no way of knowing that hours after her sweet devotion and reminding our staff that we can praise Him in the midst of the storms, another storm would strike. We invite you to pray with us that we boldly lift praises to Him even in the midst of a new storm. Pray that our staff and children feel the peace that passes all understanding and can continuously give Him praise. Thank you for standing in the gap for us!
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
By Sharon Powell and Diana de Rodriguez