Life’s Storms Are Only Temporary By Cindy Oriol
There will come a time in our lives, even though we didn’t ask for it. A challenge of understanding the painful storms we are going through. But Jesus knows and sees all. He is there with us, especially when we are facing our trials. He is with us in the valley with his arms opened wide, beckoning us to come inside, where we feel loved and at peace. When we feel our lives are falling apart, He’s always there to pick up the broken pieces and put us back together. We may not see Him, but He is there. We as the body of Christ should believe by faith, not by sight. He gives us free will to decide if we want to trust Him or not; I choose to trust Him completely. The Lord has given me a beautiful testimony to share with others. Together He and I have written a book named “Having Joy in the Midst of the Storm” to encourage and inspire others while they are going through their own storms in life. I love to share it everywhere I go. I want the Lord to receive all the glory, honor, and praise. So anytime I get an opportunity to talk about Him, I do, especially in hospitals. Recently, I was hospitalized and from the first person I met until the last one that took care of me, I praised His name. He is so worthy of our praise. My roommate and I started our day by reading our devotionals to each other.
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While I was having a heart procedure done to correct my heart rate which would suddenly drop each time I stood up, I spoke a quiet prayer to the Lord. Because I suffer from seizures and I needed to remain still, I asked Him to hold me down for this test. I told Him, “It’s just you and me, Lord. You are always here with me, keeping me safe, and still.” I saw him in his long white robe, sparkling like the stars. He opened his arms and beckoned me to come inside. There, in his loving arms, I felt safe and comfortable. After they finished the procedure, while in the elevator on the way back to my room, I sang, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Both of the transporters thanked me and told me I had made their day. I told them it is the Holy Spirit urging me to sing. I also said that I don’t just come to the hospital because I am so sick, I come to talk to others about Jesus. We can talk about him everywhere we go, even at the hospital. When several doctors and nurses have asked me, “Cindy, with all that you have gone through and still are, how can you still have joy?” I tell them, “If I don’t have joy in my heart, then others will think I don’t trust Him completely, and I do.” I will not let the devil steal my joy for the Lord. It’s amazing when others can see my light shine for Him because of the Holy Spirit living inside of me. Our Lord has made me so strong, especially with my faith. I crawled to the foot of His cross, laid all my burdens at his feet, and left them there. Once I did that, I felt such a beautiful peace rush through my body, and I knew I would be all right no matter what trial comes my way because I have Jesus. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I, myself, am not worried because “Life’s Storms Are Only Temporary.” We aren’t home yet.
