As we lament the Manu loss in this year's World Cup this morning, their first in France, here is one of my favourite morning devotions from YouTube when I need some encouragement. There are many times when we go through hardships, even losses that make us think about whether we are being punished for past sins, or that karma is out to get us. I'm here to remind you, that is not always the case. Our storms are not always here to punish us but we are meant to ride out our storms. We aren't just here to survive but to thrive.

He calms the storms. Imagine you are standing at the foot of a towering mountain, in the midst of uncertainty. Now envision a gentle light at the top of the mountain, calling you forward, promising hope and warmth. This light my dear friends, represents our unshakeable faith and the ever-present embrace of God. No matter how steep or treacherous our journey is, every obstacle diminishes and hope shines brightest when we set our hopes in that guiding light.

Let us understand the nature of every storm. Storms brew in every life. It is not just the rain that dampens our clothes but trials that test our spirit and resolve. Count it all joy when we fall into various trials knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. Trials are not meant to break us but to mould us and prove our faith. Many of us yearn for a life without problems. I wish that problems would just vanish. This is a comforting illusion and continuous smooth sailing is not reality. Life isn't an endless parade of sunny days. The belief that it should be, is a refusal of the fact that challenges help us to grow and become stronger. Life is also about braving storms and emerging stronger.

It is high time to wake up from the slumber of complacency and face the reality of the connection between trials and triumphs. Storms, sometimes come to get rid of the trash, and distractions and help guide us towards our true purpose. We are reminded of our purpose. He is our refuge and we must strive to find purpose in our storm.

So as we journey through life. Instead of asking "Why is this happening to me", ask " What am I supposed to learn from this?". Maybe you're thinking, I don't want to learn anything, Well consider this. How can you claim victory if you've never had to overcome and how can you claim healing if you've never been sick? How can you appreciate the warmth of daylight if you've never endured the cold silent embrace of night?

Every challenge we face, and every obstacle we overcome adds depth and substance to our stories. These aren't just mere chapters, they are vital chapters enriching our story. I am not saying that we should seek hardships, not at all but it is about recognising that storms are a reality of life and using them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

Can you think of a trial that you have already overcome? Or one that made you stronger? We all certainly can, if we think long enough. Life's lessons have a hard way of teaching us things by facing them head-on and not running away. Manuia le Sāpati!