Praise You in this Storm

Three years ago today, we received a phone call from Caleb that Chandler had been in a dirt biking accident.  So, how have I gotten through the 3rd anniversary of that day?  Here's how.

It really amazes me sometimes how God seems to do things right on time.  His time!  This morning, I woke up and started to get ready for work and get the kids ready for school.  I don't have to go into work until later.  So, after they leave, I usually sit down and drink coffee and read through devotions.  This morning's devotion was right on time.  The verse for today was: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.  That verse reminded me that I may not understand why we've experienced such a great loss.  I may not understand why we have some of the struggles we do.  I may not like the cards we've been dealt a lot of times.  But, there is a reason for it.  In all of this, God has a plan.  That plan is for His purpose.  It's possible I won't even know the purpose or the good that comes from all of these things in the long run.  But, when our days are over here on earth, it will all make sense.  The pain, tears and suffering won't matter any more.  As much as we hurt here, the timing here is nothing.  We have an eternity awaiting us that will be full of joy, love, happiness, etc.  No more tears!  

On the way to work, I had the radio on.  I flip through the stations a lot.  When I landed on a station, they started playing a song.  It was "Praise You in this Storm", by Casting Crowns.  The song says so much that I can relate to.  It's a great song.  I wept the entire drive to school.  

As soon as I got to the school, I received a text from a friend.  She said that she was praying for our family.  So, I enter work knowing that people are praying and that means so much to me.  I don't take those prayers for granted.  They do work.  When I get into my class, I explain what we are going to do for the day.  I tell the students what the plans are for tomorrow and that I will not be there.  Chad and I have been given the day off tomorrow which is a huge blessing.  We are truly thankful for the heart of the principal at the school and for her considering what our family needs tomorrow.  Anyway, before we start our class work for the day, a student asks me if we can pray.  We don't usually start our class with prayer so this was a change.  I asked him, "would you like to pray?"  He said, "yes".  A few other students shared a few prayer requests.  Then, this student started praying.  For most of that prayer, he prayed for our family.  It was the most beautiful, touching prayer.  He prayed it with such compassion.  That prayer came straight from that 6th grader's heart.  That prayer was such a blessing to me.   I love that kid!

Throughout the day, I've received many texts, FB messages and calls from so many people praying for us and thinking about us.  I am so appreciative of them all.  It is so comforting to know that we have so much love and support through this journey.  Yes, it's 3 years later but we still hurt.  We are still in need of those prayers.  

So, once again, we've made it through another hard day.  It's been very clear to me that God continues to know where we are.  He still comforts us.  He does that by using so many people.  I am so thankful that people are willing to be used by God to be a help and encouragement to us.  



"Praise You in this Storm" - Casting Crowns

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

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

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

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

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

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

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
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm