Sanctified By the Storm

Grateful for the Storm

There was a time I prayed for the storm to pass.

Now I thank God for the storm itself.

Because every wind that shook us only revealed what could not be shaken.

“Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” — Hebrews 12:28

Time and time again we have walked through thunderclouds together — hand in hand, sometimes trembling, sometimes weary — but never alone.

Marriage is not strengthened in ease.

It is strengthened in endurance.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19

And He has delivered us. Again and again.

Partnership Forged in Rain

Storms have a way of stripping away illusion. They show you who stands when comfort disappears.

Nathan and I have come through fire and flood, discovering that partnership is not simply romance — it is covenant.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” — Matthew 19:6

When pressure rises, so does prayer.

When tension builds, so does surrender.

We learned that unity is intentional. It is daily. It is kneeling beside each other when words fail.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Every storm we survived became a stone of remembrance. Every hardship strengthened the roots of our family.

Our Family Grows in the Shelter of His Wings

Our children are watching.

They see how we respond to lack.

They see how we respond to abundance.

They see how we respond to each other.

So we choose gratitude — out loud.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

God has provided in ways we could not have orchestrated ourselves. Doors opened. Needs met. Opportunities placed gently into our hands.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

We do not take it lightly. Every provision feels sacred.

Because abundance is not always money — it is peace. It is unity. It is purpose.

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22

Blessed to Be a Blessing

We often say: We are blessed to be a blessing.

And it is over abundantly true.

“I will bless you… and you shall be a blessing.” — Genesis 12:2

God does not pour into us so we can hoard it.

He pours into us so it can overflow.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…” — Luke 6:38

We intentionally seek Him first — not as routine, but as necessity.

Before decisions.

Before ministry.

Before movement.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

We distribute His work not for recognition, but for honor. Not where we are applauded — but where we are assigned.

Not Where We’re Wanted — But Where We’re Needed

Our prayer has become simple:

Lord, lead us not where we are wanted — but where we are needed.

Because popularity is fleeting. Purpose is eternal.

“Here am I; send me.” — Isaiah 6:8

We follow the Shepherd.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

Even when the path feels uncertain. Even when the next step requires faith beyond comfort.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

We do not lead ourselves. We are led.

Remember God First

When you encounter someone — whether stranger, friend, or family — remember this:

God first.

Their relationship second.

Because we are not their savior.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

We can love deeply.

We can serve faithfully.

But only God transforms hearts.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” — Psalm 127:1

When we remember God first, we love without control. We serve without pride. We give without expectation.

The Beauty of Every Storm

I no longer ask why the storm came.

I ask what it built.

It built resilience.

It built humility.

It built gratitude.

It built us.

“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28

Every tear watered something eternal.

And now, when clouds gather again — as they always do — we stand steady.

Because we know who commands the wind.

“Even the winds and the sea obey him.” — Matthew 8:27

So we give thanks — not only for the sunshine, but for the rain.

We are blessed.

We are being refined.

We are being led.

And wherever He needs us — that is where we will go.

We are blessed to be a blessing, and God will lead us where he needs us.