Oh this rain! I know that I am supposed to be thankful for everything but if I am honest, I am am very extra tired of the rain. I do not recall a rainier summer season – ever. We are moving into Fall now with the same marvelous abundance of precipitation that we have experienced the past several months – and now there is a monster hurricane aiming for the South East coast that is sure to bring all of our summer storms to their knees by comparison.
Since much of my farm work and daily chores have to be done outside, the weather is part of my day. Caring for the animals, cleaning out gutters and digging swales to divert the deluge has to be done in the rain, because of the rain, or regardless of the rain.
Our God is All-Mighty. He is All-Powerful and He can stop the storms (Matt. 8:23-27) with a single command. Yet, more often than not, He allows them. So we face storms and challenges of all sizes. The persistent, annoying drizzle or the category 5 hurricane – leave fingerprints on our hearts and souls and character as God holds us securely through it all.
He uses obstacles and difficulties and even heart breaking situations to remind us that HE is our source of Hope, Comfort and Grace. Each and every challenge is another opportunity to lean on Him, to build our trust and deepen our faith. When we fix our eyes on Him instead of the problem and instead of the pain, His Spirit overwhelms us with peace and understanding that He is all that we need. He is our ALL.
ALL. “You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.” (Psalm 16:5, GNT)
IN. In the storm: He is there. When the winds are whipping at our faith and the rain threatens to wash away our foundation, we can stand firm in our God who promises to carry us through. And when we are too broken to stand, we can collapse in His arms knowing that He grieves for our own grieving heart. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
OUT. There is always something good that comes out of the storm. Don’t waste the pain, don’t linger in the hurt. Ask God to show you His goodness and grace as He meets you in – and then pulls you out of the pit. Look for the good, and you will find it. Carry compassion out of the catastrophe. Take truth and tenderness out of the turmoil. “You are good and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:68) “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalm 145:9)
UP: The goal is always His glory. We honor Him when we come out of the storms with hearts and hands pointing “up”. Whether in thanksgiving for His protection, or in acceptance for an answered prayer that was His will, but not our desire – we give Him praise. It is His glory that shines for generations as a testimony to His power, perfection and love. “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:7-8)
Praying for you today. May you find peace and encouragement in His presence.
