CrossReads Weekly Devotional: Finding Praise in the Storm 11/23/2020

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by Ruth O’Neil

I’m not sure another girl was so totally blessed as I was. God blessed me with parents that walked out excellent examples for me to emulate. My dad never met a stranger. There were times we would be out in public together and next thing I knew, he was missing. That’s because he had stopped talk to someone and make a new friend. 

He was always just as eager to share his testimony. I could tell so many stories about my dad, but his patience and strength in difficult times are what stand out to me the most. The first time he had cancer the doctor found it only because of an ultrasound scanning for kidney stones. After treatments and minus one kidney, when he was able to be out in public again, I heard him start countless conversations with, “Thank God for kidney stones?” He didn’t care who he was talking to. And he meant every word. 

Where most people would have seen cancer on top of kidney stones and as only another negative, Dad looked at it a little differently. He saw that the kidney stones that caused him pain alerted doctors to a much more serious problem that only would have caused pain when it was too late for treatment. That was typical for my dad, finding praise in the midst of a storm. And believe me when I tell you, this is not the only storm he ever faced, but this is how he treated them all. 

Maybe that’s how we should view difficult times; open our eyes and look for the positives. Do we turn those difficulties around and give glory to God? Some people talk a lot about what God has done for them and how amazing He is, but then their actions show something completely contrary to the words that are coming out of their mouths.  We can say anything we want to people around us, but it is what we do that they truly take note of.  Which would you rather be: someone who talks the talk or someone who actually walks the walk?   

No matter how many tears you may cry over your difficulty, know that God is there beside you even when you may not be able to feel Him. I promise you, He’s there, weeping every tear you shed.

About the Author:

Ruth OneilRuth O’Neil has been writing for over 20 years. She has published hundreds of articles in numerous publications. She loves to touch the emotions when she writes. “If I can make one person laugh or cry, I’ll consider myself successful.” Her first novel “Come Eat at My Table” has just come out in ebook form and can be purchased on her website. She homeschools her three children (well, one now, as two have graduated). She and her husband have been married for 20-plus years. In her spare time she enjoys quilting, crafting, and reading. You can visit her on her blog at ruths-real-life (dot)blogspot.com or her website at ruthoneil (dot)weebly.com

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1 Comment

  1. Praise and worship to the Lord! I always pray and offer all to Him not only in times of trouble but also during joyful moments.

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