(October 11, 2024) Carol Round encourages trusting in Jesus in these ongoing troubled times…

Right now, the aftermath of a devastating hurricane that hit the southeastern part of the United States dominates the news. Amid the hurricane’s destruction, the current presidential election season leaves us reeling with concern about the outcome.

Adding to the chaos, we hear constant updates of wars around the world — and the damage and fear war causes mentally, destruction, negativity.

Trouble fills our world. We can’t escape it!
Besides avoiding social media and the 24/7 news cycle, how can we find peace in a broken world?

Jesus is the answer!

His comforting words of John 16:33—  ‘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’— is a reminder of where we find peace in a trouble-filled world.

Another reminder from Jesus is John 14:27— ‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.’

Finding Peace in a Troubled World
In addition to spending time in God’s word, the Holy Bible, each morning, I connect with my heavenly Father throughout the day. When thoughts threaten to drown me in negativity, I reach out to God. Listening to His still, small voice and speaking to Him keeps me grounded in peace.

Spreading the good news on social media is part of my ministry. To avoid the negativity, I unfollow those whose posts leading to doubt and fear. Those individuals, if they choose, can still see my posts.

Recently, I have been left heartsick by the destructive path of Hurricane Helene, as depicted in the stories and photos in the media. Many have lost everything in the wake of this natural disaster, including the lives of loved ones. This morning, I took time to read several positive stories in the news feed as I scrolled through them in the aftermath.

Seeking the Positive During Heartbreak
I’ve read several heartwarming stories posted by those affected by this monster storm. One elderly farmer who has spent most of his life raising crops lost everything. Instead of complaining, he witnessed to others about the goodness of Jesus. What a testimony!

An older woman who lost everything in the storm moved in with her son and his family. To help out, the grandmother took her young grandson with her to shop for groceries. Her cart was overflowing. After overhearing the grandmother’s story about the loss of her home and everything else, she owned, the grocery checker began to share her losses. She, too, was homeless and staying with relatives.

While the grandmother was loading the bagged groceries into her cart, the woman in line behind her swiped her credit card to pay for the more than $400 worth of items purchased by the grandmother. The Good Samaritan then revealed she too had lost everything in the flood. Yet another great testimony!

Finding Hope in the Trouble
Recently, I finished reading a small book, Best Day Ever, written by teenager Nathan Glad. Born with a rare disease called osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bones, Nathan narrates the story. His bones are weak, the consistency of a pretzel. Born with 30 broken bones, he wasn’t expected to live. While he doesn’t know how long he’ll live, he’s already beaten the odds and refuses to let the disease define him.

Nathan is in constant pain and continues to experience more broken bones. He can’t walk and most of his life is spent in a wheelchair. But Nathan chooses gratitude and happiness. While he can’t control his body, he  chooses his attitude.

Nathan’s positive attitude attracts people when he’s out in public. ‘Everywhere I go, people want to meet me,’ he writes. He considers his positive attitude his superpower. And he doesn’t waste it. He uses it to raise money for the needy by selling hotdogs.

Our Troubles Can Benefit Others
Jesus has overcome the world. With His peace residing in us, we can overcome any obstacle in our path. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a job loss, a medical diagnosis, or other troubles, Jesus can use our pain to help us grow in our spiritual journey and to help others in the process.

By sharing our stories of overcoming tribulation, we share the hope and love found in a relationship with God through our Saviour. Our testimony can become someone’s best day ever.

How so? Our stories are evidence of a living God who loves us so much that He sacrificed His only begotten son so that we might have everlasting life (John 3:16).

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Carol Round is an author and inspirational speaker whose encouraging articles have appeared in many publications. Carol especially loves hearing from readers, saying ‘Feel free to share this post.’ For more inspiration, visit https://carolaround.com. Link: carol@carolaround.com.

Recommended: Journaling with Jesus and companion The 40 Day Challenge. These will help readers draw close to God— (See: http://bit.ly/2LGOvKN and Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/2pP5Yr6).
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