It has been one of those seasons. A couple of really hard weeks. You know . . . the kind that makes you just wonder how so much can be happening at once. The kind of weeks that make your heart ache for lots of reasons. The kind of weeks that make you weary and tired.
First a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in my family. Then surgery. Then a fellow farmer — a neighbor and long time friend of the family — was told he was looking at less than a year to live. Then another unexpected surgery in the family. Then news the family friend had passed suddenly just weeks after his diagnosis. Then another surgery and news the cancer had spread. Chemo to begin. And all of life’s other normal stuff that would feel big on its own until you have big stuff going on.
The normal stuff doesn’t just stop because you have a lot of big stuff going on.
It is a lot. It can be overwhelming. You go about your days, but this heavy stuff is never far from your mind and heart. Sometimes it seems like too much.
I know that God doesn’t tell us this life will be free from struggle. He doesn’t tell us this life is immune from difficulties. This life is just plain unpredictable, and it can be stressful, disappointing, sad, and sometimes scary.
But take heart, friends, His love is deeper than any of these trials. His peace is bigger than any of these trials.
One thing we do know is that He will be with us. So it will be okay.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” {Isaiah 41:10}
Another thing we know is that He can give us peace in the struggle. So it will be okay.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” {John 16:33}
Although peace sometimes seems a little harder to find when we are in the midst of sadness and darkness . . . it is there. God’s peace is comfort in the storm. There is a season for everything, but hope is always ahead. God is always good, and we are always loved. This heartache and disappointment won’t last because His peace and His love are greater.
We will never be able to predict where this life will take us and what we will go through. Bad things happen. Good things happen. That is just how life works.
But one thing we can be sure of is that God is our partner through it all. His peace will comfort us regardless of our circumstances, an inward peace that can only come from Christ.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” {John 14:27}
My faith belongs with Him and Him alone. Through Him comes a peace that passes all understanding. Feel His peace because He is with you. God is always with you. He never leaves us. He does not fail. So it will be okay.
Praying for those of you currently in a stormy season. May you know that His peace is bigger than it all.
Written with love from Jennifer, StudioJRU.
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Calvin Zusabel Ibañez says
Oh this is just what I need, Jennifer 🙂 I thank the Lord for using you and your words. I am on my 34th week already and being a soon-to-be first-time mom, I am excited, scared, confused, doubtful and trying my best to trust the Lord (although I must admit that it does not come easy especially with hormones and emotions raging). And then, minutes ago, I just got a call from the hubby of a car accident he figured. Praise God he is okay but the car suffered damages which translates to additional expenses. Was so down and disappointed and frustrated I thought I could give birth any moment. Good thing, God is gracious and He led me to this. Thank you very much. =)
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Oh goodness… so much! Grateful your husband is okay! Praying His peace over you. And congratulations on the new little one soon to come!
Calvin Zusabel Ibañez says
Thank you so much, Jennifer. =) Your reply means a lot. Just prayed for you and the people in your life. Lord bless us!
Beth Williams says
Calvin Zusabel,
Prayers for the soon to be little one! Prayers for a healthy child!! Thankful that hubby is ok. May God watch over you and keep you safe!
Blessings 🙂
Calvin Zusabel Ibañez says
Thank you, Beth. This is so sweet and Jesus-like of you.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
I tried posting before, but it didn’t allow my comment?? It was positive – I promise….thank you for a wonderful reminder that the change needs to begin with me and from the inside out.
Blessings,
Bev
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
It might have just took a bit to go through… we see it now, Bev! Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement!
Marianne says
It is our comfort to know that He holds us at all times… Blessings
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
It truly is a comfort, Marianne. Yes.
Beth says
Thank you for this- I completely resonate with how the “normal” stuff FEELS big until you really have some BIG stuff going on (and then you’re wishin’ for that old normal stuff to be the biggest thing in your life….) Been there, done that, felt that way pretty recently as we watched a child go through some deep, dark waters and tried to help them out on the other side. Nothing else mattered for weeks – months- except that child and their life. So far, so good, but it’s totally rocked our family’s world for a while. “Big” stuff can be emotional and lifestyle issues; unfortunately, these are less talked about and less visible than a diagnosis or a treatment. We found often people don’t know how to come alongside you as well when you’re not dealing with something concrete in the medical world. But we know that God understands, and we have felt His peace and have seen His miracles.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
You make a wonderful point, Beth. That “big stuff” comes in all sort of ways. May we be open to helping others through all sorts of life events. Grateful He understands it all. Grateful to hear things are good so far in your family.
Beth says
Thanks, Jennifer. And, that being said (what I said in my comment), please know that I am very sorry for all that you have gone through, which was indeed medical and huge and scary. What a load you’ve had to carry. May you feel His strength in these days.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you, Beth. Grateful we don’t carry it alone!
MJ says
Yes, the storms that are not as easy to talk about (broken relationships, wayward children, marriages, emotional issues) can be even more difficult. People can be wonderfully supportive when a medical issue is being dealt with. It is easier to find ways to help. With other things people don’t know what to say or to do. So they don’t say anything. It can be so isolating. I have had so many losses this year and I am overwhelmed with sadness but Knowing God is next to me is all I need. I’m Living moment by moment relying on him. Thank you for the encouraging verses.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
So sorry for your storms, MJ. And so sorry you feel isolated. Praying His peace overwhelms you! Praying His love overwhelms you!
sheri says
Iam praying for your storm’s to pass MJ. it can feel very isolating to be going thru issues other than medical. the past 2 month’s I have felt sure I was losing my mind! I pray day by day for the peace I so badly need to be strong and get thru this storm. Please pray for me and my husband to weather the waves! God Bless and Keep You…
Beth says
I completely understand, MJ and Sheri! It is indeed isolating, and sometimes a bit disappointing when you’ve shared your struggles with others, and of course they are compassionate and care, but after that initial conversation, no one ever calls to follow up or see how you are doing with the family/personal/non-medical issue. That’s when it gets lonely. I don’t fault the people at all, because I’ve done it myself over and over again to others, but I am much more sensitive now to continue to connect with people who have shared their emotional and situational and family struggles and not drop off the radar with them after they first tell me about it.
MJ says
Sheri know that you are not alone. I am walking where you walk. I know what you feel. I will be praying for both you and Beth.
sheri says
thank you MJ for your prayers! I pray that you will find GOD’s peace as you walk through the storm. something tell’s me that your storm will become smaller thru your reaching out and sending prayer’s and love to other’s. God Bless and keep you in his arm’s. as I was writing this, the poem “Foot Print’s In the Sand” came to my mind!! do u know it? I’am going to look it up right now and send it to you, Blessing’s and Love to you !
Beth says
Thanks so much, MJ! And I will be praying for you and those of us here who are struggling with emotional pain,
Beth Williams says
(((((Sheri,
I understand. I have been there also! May God bring you a sense of peace, contentment, and calm to your lives! I know how lonely one can feel when there is no one to talk to about the situation! Praying for you both!!
(((((Hugs))))) Happy Mother’s day!!
sheri says
Beth, thank you so much! I learned a very big lesson a church. Storm’s will always come and go but how we handle them is what will get us thru! God knows the ending to all of these storm’s so the the more we handle them with Christian Maturity the easier the storm will be, and the more peaceful it will be when we come out of it. hmmm, this really hit home for me, it made me ashamed of all the whining and self-pitying I have been putting myself thru! I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, something that has not been there for a very long time! I flipped on the tv and there was a pastor talking of the very same thing!!! wow, do you think God is trying to tell me something?? God Bless you,have a wonderful day,my sister in Christ !!
Beth Williams says
MJ,
Praying the storms pass quickly! May God heal your broken heart and give you peace and contentment! I pray you feel God near you enough to hug you and bring calm to your life! Wish I was near you to give you a hug and a shoulder to cry on!
(((((Hugs)))))!! Happy Mother’s Day!!
Beth Williams says
Beth,
Prayers for your child. May God change their heart and bring them out of the trial. I pray for peace, contentment and normal to hit your family soon!
Blessings and Happy Mother’s Day!
Beth says
Thank you so much! I’m encouraged by the sweet, sensitive responses here. Much appreciated.
JeanneTakenaka says
Jennifer, I am sorry for the heavy season you are in right now. Your post is just beautiful. And spot on. My storms are small right now. When I’ve walked through some of the bigger ones, their waves have threatened to take me under. You are so right though—when my eyes are on the Lord, when my heart is seeking His, that’s when His peace comes in. It rarely takes the storm away, but He leads me through the storm, His presence comforting me.
Saying a prayer for you today.
Beth says
I love this – “It rarely takes the storm away, but He leads me through the storm, His presence comforting me.” I wish more folks – esp. Christians- realized this. It doesn’t mean we will have a storm-free life; it means we have a Savior in the midst of it who leads us.
sheri says
AMEN..
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Our comfort in the storm, big and small. We are blessed. Thank you so much, Jeanne.
Candace DeJesús says
Timing of this is SPOT ON! It may not be a season of heartbreaking things, but it is definitely a season of being overwhelmed by so very much on my plate. I am definitely in a place of feeling tired and weary.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Praying for His love and peace to overwhelm you, Candace!
sheri says
praying for some rest to come your way Candace !
Penny says
Jennifer,
I am so sorry for the heavy load you are carrying all at once.
Prayers for you.
Thank-you for your post, It is a comfort to be reminded, that yes despite the hard things we will be okay because God is by our side throughout the duration.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much, Penny.
A says
Thank you so much for this today! I am so grateful to Jesus, my Rock; He has gotten me through so many horrible storms. I am working through some deep stuff right now and its so tough, but I know that He is there. I pray that each of you feels His loving presence today, that you are lifted up in faith on the stormy seas that threaten. May each of you know His tender touch this morning 🙂
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
So sorry you are going through a stormy season, A. Grateful He is by your side through it all. Praying for you today.
Brenda says
It’s so hard to remember His peace sometimes, let alone feel it. Reminders are always timely. Thank you for sharing your heart today Jen.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Praying you feel His peace when you need it most, Brenda!
Inspired Life says
Jennifer,
I am fiercely clinging to this truth today “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” {Isaiah 41:10} Thank you so much for this timely word.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Such a beautiful verse, isn’t it? I love that truth!
sheri says
I wrote this verse down,,it really hit me between the eye’s. thank u Jennifer, I needed this so badly…more than you can ever know. sometimes when things are so out of control I wonder how I can possibly go on to another day! but I know that God will give me the strength to make it one day at a time. Iam wondering if anyone else ever feels this way ? Thank u , sweet sister, you are my answer for today..Blessing’s
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
I know many people feel that way, Sheri! There have been many times in my life that I prayed to God for the strength to just get through the day. One day at a time. And there He was, each and every day, getting me through. Praying for you today!
sheri says
Thank you Jennifer, it is good to know you are not alone and that you have prayed and found He was there. so much love and encouragement..Blessing’s and prayer’s to you !!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
It is a beautiful thing to look back and know He saw you through everything, isn’t it, Bev? Blessed to have that comfort in our lives!
Cindy says
Beautifully said and so full of hope! Of course I’m sharing {and I really like the lighter/white cross – makes the blue look different!}
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much, Cindy!
marsha lang says
Thank you!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you, Marsha!
Susan G. says
Thank Jennifer for these beautiful truths and even more beautiful words of Scripture. Isaiah 41:10 and John 16:33 are so powerful and some of my favorite words to read and to hang onto when the going gets tough. I keep in mind He indeed is bigger, and that we are here on earth for a very short time, in light of eternity!
God is always with us and His Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter!
Blessings to you today as we pray for our nation and the world on this National Day of Prayer.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Yes, the Great Comforter. Oh how I love that, Susan. Thank you.
MillennialMom says
This is the most perfect devotional I could have read this week. I missed it the other day, but saw it just now, after overhearing a conversation in the library that sent shivers down my spine. The people were discussing the political motivations in our country right now and how that all fits into the scheme of the tribulation and end times–admittedly, I’m nowhere near a scholar on the subject, and despite knowing where I am going to be after this life is over, the fear that I feel when I contemplate the scary events going on (and what might or might not be on the horizon) consumes me. Every day my mind is constantly aware of a sense of doom, which is discouraging and terrifying. It makes no sense given that I understand God is a God of light and hope, and I know this fear comes from the enemy himself. Finding peace for someone like me, a long time anxiety sufferer, has always been hard and the older I get, with more awareness of the nonsense going on in the world, it just gets worse. So I thank you for this devotional because what I am really needing right now is to know and believe that it really is going to be okay.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
So happy you found it at the perfect time, MillennialMom! The world can be a downright scary place. There are so many things going on! Praying His peace overwhelms you. He is the God of light and truth and we can rest knowing that!
M says
I can so relate to the doom and fear thoughts. I fight it everyday. I know God is in control but I’m in a constant struggle to have his peace.
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
Prayers for your family! May God bring healing to your family member with cancer! Prayers that Chemo and all will go well!! Prayers also for you neighbor and friend. May his family feel God’s arms around them at this time! Prayers for peace and contentment in all situations!
I was in a similar situation last year. We moved my aging dad into assisted living. He had multiple medical issues and was in ER 4 times. I never knew when phone would ring and it was stressful. That took a huge toll on work and I made many mistakes, ones I don’t usually make. My review was not good this year. It was during that time that hubby almost lost his job–thankfully he was able to go back to hospital and then found a good job with same company closer to home. While my dad is doing much better this year, my hubby is once again in jeopardy of losing his job if the two big medical companies merge. I am on the look out for another job. I have had wisdom thrown my way thanks to reading Bible and Proverbs 31 ministries…Solomon prayed for wisdom; Wait for a solution to problem don’t manipulate-He is at work in you. Such wise words God spoke to me one day. Also got another bright light…Dad will get VA benefits that will allow him to stay where he is! Praise God!
Blessings to you and Happy Mother’s day to everyone!!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
So much to go through, Beth! Happy to hear the good news in it all. He is always at work! I pray that you will continue to feel His peace through each of these situations. Thank you so much for your kind prayers.