We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NRSVA)

As we see the passing of winter and its ills and the arrival of spring here in New Zealand I want us to remember how much God loves us. The verse above is one of my favourite verses, and it has kept me going through many life situations and moods. So often it doesn’t feel as if God works for our good when things are going wrong in our lives. However as we love God, we learn to trust in Him, that He will get us through whatever we face, and if we are aware that we are called according to his purpose, more and more of our decisions and choices will be in line with His will, so hopefully, we go off track less often. When we do, God is still loving and forgiving and full of grace to us, and we can continue our lives without getting bogged in guilt and shame.

When other people or life hurts us, we can lean into God, and pray about the situation and our feelings, and ask for His peace. We learn to respond to situations in healing and healthy ways rather than in anger and violence or withdrawing. As time goes on, we know that we get through things and come out the other side. One of my personal favorite sayings is from a phrase repeated in the King James Bible hundreds of times, "And it came to pass..." I add, "Thank God it didn't stay!"

As you move through navigating the storms of life, prayerfully looking to Jesus to guide and help you, there will come a time where you can look back and realise, how far you have come and see the spiritual growth in your life. Through Him, we are richer in character, through pain and suffering, we gain empathy, and compassion for others, we are less selfish and more able to support others through their struggles. I think this is why, sometimes Jesus calms the storm, but at other times he instead walks through the storm with us. Jesus warned us that we would all have troubles, it doesn't mean that he doesn't love us. Let us all lean into God and reassure ourselves of His great love for us, that supports us in everything we do. God only wants the best for us.