Choosing to Trust God Completely Through Life's Storms
by
Shaunna Jackson
INTRODUCTION
Without a doubt, there is nothing more comforting than knowing what is in store for our lives, having a well-laid plan, and seeing it through to completion. But this book is about the time we are living in now when life falls apart, nothing makes sense, and there is no resolution to your situation, at least not that you can see. There is more depression, more anxiety, more frustration, and pain than ever before. People are losing their jobs, their homes, their children, their spouses; losing track of their finances, and with all of that, people are losing hope and losing their faith. This book is for everyone who is facing something bigger than themselves; the giants in the dark valleys; the wilderness we call life.
These pages hold the deepest empathy for whatever you might be facing right now. As I write this book, I am facing my own challenges with family, jobs, and housing, and I share my own experiences; my tragedies and triumphs during this time. During the past few years, I have seen the frustrations of others going through something they could not see an end to, wondering why God seems so far away, and I have wondered the same things myself. I have seen the damaging effects of anxiety, worry, and depression first hand. I have seen people gracefully walk through tragedy, and I have seen people stumble, fall, and give up in the face of adversity. Both have inspired me, to encourage you to press through.
As I experience life at its toughest moments, I understand that each challenge is specifically designed for each of us, which is part of God’s greater purpose for our lives. God is waiting to unfold his plans for us and through us, even during our weakest moments and most uncertain times. Through it all, God is looking for us to achieve a heightened sensitivity to him and all that he is. It is difficult to see things as they really are when we struggle, but the good news is that God sees us, he hears us, and knows exactly what is coming next. He is certain to have something great for us, if only we would trust and obey him through our circumstances.
I hope that you find comfort in these pages, and understand that nothing you encounter is uncommon to this life. Someone, somewhere, has been in your shoes, experienced your hurt, your worry, and your pain. It is my prayer that you read each word, and draw strength from each scripture to propel you to the better side of your present circumstance. At the other side of this dark valley, there is someone about to cross through, who will need your encouragement and prayers to successfully accomplish their time in the valley.
As you struggle with whatever life brought you this season, you must keep going through. Perhaps you are feeling there is no hope for change in your situation, but before you write God off completely, give him a chance to prove himself to be your sufficiency. Do not give up, and do not stop and set up camp in this valley thinking God will not bring you through. He is walking beside you even now, and is he is looking for you to keep your eyes fixed on him, to be firm in what you believe you will receive at the end of this, and to have an immovable faith that says no matter what the enemy throws at me, I will not be moved!
May the peace of the Lord be upon you as you read these words. May the power of the Holy Spirit touch you with his mighty power, move in an incredible way, and raise you up to immeasurable heights. By the glorious grace of God, may your hearts and minds be affected by the revelation that God is God, and he is God alone. By the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work in me, I pray blessings of peace, hope, prosperity, and victorious living into your life. And by the immovable faith you choose to exercise, may God show up to open the windows of heaven, and pour his oil of anointing on your life and the lives of those you love.
Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen.
Shaunna
