Standing through the Storm E-Book

Chad Robertson

• Herausgeber: Spines
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Embark on a transformative voyage through a tapestry of trials and triumphs in this poignant narrative. With a poetic soul and a philosopher's wisdom, the author entwines life's adversities with a perennial thread of divine guidance and personal evolution. Mingling the profound with the practical, these pages lead readers on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Within each chapter lies a beacon of resilience, an anthem of praise, and a heartfelt ode to the might of the human spirit touched by celestial benevolence. Herein is an invitation to soar above life's tempests, to find solace in prayer, and to be steadfast in a blossoming relationship with the Creator. Embrace the odyssey that refines the rough-hewn shards of experience into the polished gems of wisdom and fulfillment.
Embark on a transformative journey of faith and self-discovery with this heartfelt narrative that serves as an ode to the Almighty's boundless love and grace. Through a tapestry of personal anecdotes, revelatory insights, and uplifting prose, the author invites you to traverse the undulating path of life with a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and devotion. Delve into an intimate exploration of spiritual wisdom, where the trials and triumphs of human experience converge with divine guidance, reminding us that we are each marvelously crafted and cherished within the embrace of a higher power. Herein lies a testament to the strength that blossoms through unwavering belief, the solace found in celestial melodies, and the redemptive power of continued praise and surrender to a heavenly will that gently shapes our destiny.

Chad Robertson A. is a devoted man of God, serving his church and community with love and wisdom. Overcoming life's challenges, he inspires spiritual growth and guides others towards their divine destiny. As a minister of the word, he impacts lives through faith and generosity.

Leseprobe

Chad Robertson

Standing Through the Storm

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2025 by Chad Robertson

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

Published by Spines

ISBN: 979-8-89691-130-2

STANDING THROUGH THE STORM

CHAD ROBERTSON

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Prologue

1. Unyielding Spirit

2. From Convenient to Covenant

3. Always Remember to Rejoice

4. Get Your Praise On

5. Embracing the Journey

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mother and father for their unwavering support in my upbringing.

To my beloved current wife, Myrtle Robertson, my heart brims with love beyond what mere words can convey.

Irieonna, my precious daughter, you are the most beautiful blessing life has bestowed upon me.

A special mention to my grandmother, whose lessons in discipline have shaped my character.

I am also thankful to Pastor Chris Williams and his family for their kindness and the Pentecostals of Youngsville Church for the immense love they have shown my own family.

A nod of appreciation goes to Elder Edward Charles for his invaluable mentorship.

Finally, to all my wonderful family and friends who enrich my life, thank you from the depths of my heart. Remember, Jesus loves you all.

PROLOGUE

Why do you persist in your heedless chatter near me as if the weight of your words carried no consequence? I stand as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the embodiment of the divine plan that weaves through the tapestry of existence. I am acutely aware of your journey and your testimony—a narrative that is not meant for the masses but rather for the chosen nations, selected with purpose and profound intent. Your mission is a sacred whisper meant to resonate in the hearts of a few, igniting a flame that will ripen into a transformative force. Remember the wisdom of Matthew 4:19, spoken from ages past:

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Embrace this calling, for it is through your unique path that the spirit communes with the world.

It was noon, and I found myself wrestling once more with Leviathan, that malevolent serpent nestled deep within the ancient texts, a creature who, for far too long, had coiled around my spirit, suffocating my joy. This day, it constricted tighter, casting me down to the ground, a battle that felt both eternal and crushing. "Dad, where are you?" I whispered hopelessly, the void of his absence echoing louder than the serpent’s taunts. The question hung heavily in the air, and I pondered, “Is this truly the day that the Lord has made?” If so, why did I feel so diminished, fading as if my very essence was seeping away like water through fingers in my early twenties?

“End it all,” Leviathan hissed, its voice a slithering vine around my thoughts. But deep within, a stubborn ember flickered alive, urging me to rise, to step outside. “In the name of Jesus!” I roared, channeling the raw strength of a lion prowling through the vast and untamed African jungle. “Hear me, you seductive spirit! Depart from my life!” I commanded, defiance igniting my voice against the suffocating cloak of despair. At that moment, the world erupted in brilliance; colors exploded around me as if I were seeing the vibrant hues of life for the first time since I was fifteen. This day would be etched into my memory forever.

Compelled by a newfound resolve, I stepped into the sunlight and knelt in prayer, surrendering everything for the first time. It was an act of faith, a call into the profound silence of the universe, and then as if the heavens leaned down to listen—He answered. I could feel His presence enveloping me, a comforting strength seeping into my bones, promising to reveal to me what it truly meant to stand firm against the raging storms of life. It was a promise, unwavering and profound that this battle was not mine to fight alone.

CHAPTERONE

UNYIELDING SPIRIT

Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

JEREMIAH 1:5

To me, Mom was a precious gem, her life a testimony to resilience. It was during the dawn of my existence that she received a divine message: “You are nurturing a prophet in your womb.” Judy Robertson was the epitome of grace and tidiness, a radiant soul whose presence brought joy to all. I can only imagine the moments she battled doubt, yet she held firm to the truth that “with God, all things are possible.”

“With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”

MATTHEW 19:26

The day I grasped the significance of being called a king, she knelt beside me, her cheeks aglow, and said, “Chaddy, you’re a king.” Each morning, I eagerly awaited her voice—it was my anchor. Her culinary magic turned ordinary meals into feasts, fulfilling her dream of one day owning a daycare. In 1993, she opened Kids World Christian Child Care Center, a sanctuary where childhood thrived. “Mrs. Judy! Mrs. Judy!” the little ones called, their faces lighting up as they rushed to embrace her. She enveloped each child in a warm embrace of love, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Mom breathed life into her children every single day, and her sister, Mrs. Joann, radiated beauty like a basket brimming with roses. "Her dazzling smile, like the sun's warm rays, lit up the entire property." I was a spirited and perceptive child with an unusual depth from the start. Everything intrigued me, and when Ryan arrived, I became a little scientist, examining him closely—from his oversized head to those tiny duck-like feet. Born in 1993, my little brother was utterly adorable. I cradled him on my lap, whispering comfort in the wake of schoolyard skirmishes, assuring him that all would be well. Brothers must be each other's protectors, especially when life throws its challenges.

As Proverbs 17:17 wisely says:

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

It’s in those tough moments that a brother's true love shines through. If you have a brother, cherish him at every opportunity, not just during trials, for adversities will come—and when desperation knocks, who will be your beacon? I often reached out to friends in times of need, but it was my brother who always had my back. I’m not claiming that the bond of brotherhood can’t exist among friends, but if it doesn’t fit, don’t force it. You shouldn’t feel obligated to socialize with everyone for validation.

I write to express that God’s love is eternal, unfaltering through every trial, obstacle, or mountain we face. Many of my friends battled various struggles—heart issues, seizures—and I wrestled with anxiety and depression, my own ongoing battle. Anxiety creeps in, born of being overwhelmed by the world's chaos and the worry of what tomorrow might bring. I recall as vividly as yesterday—Dad returning home every fortnight in his worn brown blazer, crisp white shirt, and tailored black pants, topped with a felt hat that screamed sophistication. Whenever I stepped out of line, that belt spoke louder than words. It wasn’t the harshest of reprimands, but it left its mark. A simple “that’s enough” from Mom would diffuse the situation, and he’d move on.

In my younger years, I wasn’t a handful, but as I gained more freedom, life became a bit chaotic. I had a dear friend who lived in a cheerful yellow house with a white garage, his dad driving trucks while his mom had a magical touch, twisting my mother’s hair into mesmerizing locks. We’d sneak into his room, eagerly watching music videos on BET, reveling in our innocence and longing for joy. His house rules were much looser than mine, explaining my frequent visits. In the early '90s, hip-hop culture was all about baggy pants, flashy chains, and golden smiles, but we had none of that. My circle of friends was raised in devotion, adhering to the teachings of God’s kingdom, and so we understood that our parents would never allow us to indulge in just any entertainment.

Here I was, ensnared in a haze, feigning a version of myself that simply wasn’t true, jeopardizing my liberty for a flurry of expletives and a dash of rhythmic movement. To my friends and family, let this serve as a reminder: never allow the pursuit of personal freedoms to lead you into the snares of sin. What then? Are we to sin just because we stand under grace and not the law? God forbid it. Do you not realize that whoever you choose to serve, that’s who you truly belong to?

Whether you embrace the path of sin leading to death or choose obedience that drives you toward righteousness. Look closely—bit by bit, I found myself shackled by sin’s grip because I craved the life I witnessed on glowing screens. Some parents shrugged off my obsessions with, “It's just a fad, it will fade,” yet slowly, inevitably, I morphed into the image reflected back at me—a mere thug in the grand performance. This is not a critique of those who revel in hip hop or R&B, but heed this truth: don’t wear a shoe if it doesn’t fit!

How is it conceivable that God could mingle His angels with the devils of hell? It is not, for Satan himself, prideful and rebellious, stood against the Creator's design. Revelation tells us of the great dragon, that ancient serpent, known as the Devil, who deceives the entire world, cast down to earth along with his infernal followers. It isn’t within God's desire that any should perish; rather, He yearns for us all to turn from our sins and seek Jesus.

Understand this, dear sons and daughters: you may succeed in deceiving your parents, but divine eyes see you fully; there is no evading Him. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promises, but is endlessly patient, not wishing for any soul to be lost, urging us toward repentance. The Lord had laden my life with promises, yet I stood unprepared to receive His abundant gifts. Beloved, I hope above all else that you thrive and find health, just as your soul flourishes. God’s will is for His saints to prosper, but first, we must align ourselves—prepared to confront our challenges with resolve. Trials surfaced relentlessly.

Everything my mother warned of became my reality—I turned to theft, and in a dark twist, my own possessions were pilfered. I sought approval through conflict, yet God’s voice echoed, “What you truly need is My acceptance.” Too many of us scramble for validation in the fleeting and the tangible, reaching for material comforts devoid of meaning. Yet God beckons us to rest in His unfailing love during our hardest times. I recall the sting of taking what wasn’t mine, only to find my own wallet missing days later, stripped of over three hundred dollars. My boss confronted me, saying, “I know it was you; return it, and I’ll spare you legal trouble.” Even then, God was watching over me, orchestrating my path toward redemption.

When I was about twenty, I found myself unwittingly swept into a chaotic gang brawl where over eleven guys pounced on me like feral beasts. The memory clings to my mind, as vivid as a scene from yesterday. It was a gloomy and isolating day; my friends and I sported twisted smirks, aware that trouble was brewing. We ventured into one of Louisiana's roughest neighborhoods, adrenaline surging through our veins. In a reckless moment, one of my pals swung a bat, shattering the teeth of a man lingering outside. It was a bold gamble, but ultimately foolish. Soon, the air thickened with tension as locals emerged to counter our provocation; after all, we had trespassed into their territory, and we were unmistakably looking for trouble.

I recall leaping from the car, weighing just a hundred and thirty pounds, knowing full well that I couldn’t harm even the smallest insect, yet feeling audacious enough to dive headlong into the frenzy. A flurry of punches rained down on me, and I plummeted to the ground, experiencing the sickening impact of fists, boots, and makeshift weapons colliding with my face. Overwhelmed, I was trampled mercilessly, losing count after fifty violent stomps until darkness enveloped me. My cousin, the embodiment of loyalty, yanked me towards the car, bloodied and bewildered, adrift in confusion and barely clinging to life. I managed to croak out, “What happened?” as he sped towards the hospital, where I lay on the stark emergency room table.

The brain, I learned, is a delicate construct of blood vessels and nerves, cradled by cerebrospinal fluid meant to shield it from the infamous blow of the skull. But when that impact strikes, brain cells begin to perish in its wake, yielding a cascade of neurotransmitters erupting chaotically, leading to an agonizing overload—akin to a system crash inducing temporary paralysis. Yet, hear me when I say, despite being battered with a metal rod, and kicked senselessly, I stood here unbroken—no concussions, no lasting brain damage. A mere six months later, I emerged whole.

I am here to share that when a divine calling envelops your spirit, no weapon forged against you shall prevail. (Isaiah 54:17) People conspired against me and whispered behind my back, yet when the Lord is at your side, who can stand against you? Prayer reigns as a formidable shield in the life of a believer, striking down the foes even before they dare to advance. Truly, it was the miracle-working power of God that pulled me back from the brink of death. The Scriptures affirm that the angel of the Lord stands guard, encamping around those who revere Him, delivering them from peril. (Psalm 34:7)

My mother’s prayers were sent out to me that fateful day, and I am forever grateful to God for granting me survival. I want to remind you that your very survival is a testament to the divine purpose resting upon your life; He led you through the flames with intention and grace.

As it’s written in Daniel 3:1, King Nebuchadnezzar forged a towering image of gold, measuring sixty cubits in height and six in breadth, erecting it in the plains of Dura, within Babylon's vast province. He then summoned the princes, governors, captains, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces to come forth for the grand dedication of this golden idol he had set before the people. The great assembly gathered to pay homage, standing solemnly before the image Nebuchadnezzar so proudly claimed as his own.

Then a herald proclaimed loudly, "To you, O peoples, nations, and languages, it is hereby commanded that when you hear the sound of musical instruments—cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and every kind of music—you must fall down and worship the golden image the king has erected. And whosoever does not comply shall, at that very hour, be thrown into the heart of a blazing furnace." Among those defying the decree were three faithful Jews: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Introduced in verse twelve, they stood firm, disregarding the king's order. Enraged to discover their rebellion, King Nebuchadnezzar demanded they be cast into the fire. “What god can save you from my furnace?” he thundered.

But the three answered with valor, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we need not defend ourselves before you. Our God, whom we honor, is capable of rescuing us from the flames, and He will save us from your hands, O king.” In his fury, the king ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter. The flames were so fierce that they consumed the soldiers who cast them in. Yet, when Nebuchadnezzar peered into the inferno, he beheld four figures walking unscathed, one resembling the Son of God. Astonished, he leaped up and called to his advisers, “Did we not cast in three men bound into the flames?” They affirmed it was so. “Look! I see four men walking freely in the fire, unharmed, and the fourth is like a divine being.”