Rain is necessary for growth. That is an undeniable fact. Not only in the plant and animal worlds, but in our spiritual lives as well.
It comes in many forms.
Maybe it's just a drizzle. A word taken the wrong way, a thoughtless, quick action, the realization that something has slipped by yet again. Enough to put a gray cloud over you, dampening your mood. Enough for the Holy Spirit to convict you, and lightly mist the surface. Wetting the leaves, washing off the dust. Just enough to offer the hint of growth.
Maybe it's a steady, soaking shower. A daily annoyance, a temptation resisted yet again. A nagging feeling that there's something you should do, and still you don't. God speaks to your soul, saying "Trust me." Finally you do. And the faith roots begin to grow deeper.
Maybe it's a storm. A temptation that got the best of you. A flood of emotions that dictate your actions. An unpleasantness from the past returns. A task that you avoid, hide from, because the thought of facing it scares you to death. The lightning flashes, exposing your hiding place. The thunder resounds, reverberating in your chest. The storm is a frightening place that calls you to find your courage. And when you do, you find a strength that wasn't there before. You realize that God is with you. The first signs of life emerge from the dark soil.
Maybe it's a hurricane. A terminal diagnosis, an unexpected death, a truth revealed that rocks you to your very core. The winds blow so hard against you, you often fall. The torrents beat relentlessly down on you, and you don't think you can get up. You're drowning in this maelstrom, and you cry out. And God hears. You may not hear His answer in the howling winds, but He is there.
James 4:8 promises that when you reach for Him in the rains, He reaches right back. When the rains are gone, the sun shines again. In the Light you may see devastation left by the storms. You may see fresh blooms emerging to beautify your path.
No matter what you see, He is there. And He will use every raindrop to grow you into exactly who He created you to be.
"And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm"
Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns
Wow, some deep thoughts today. Very interesting and a great parallel! I'll remember this (and you) the next time it rains...
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Becky
Wow, that is amazing. I came over from Karolee's blog, and this was so timely, I could relate to much of what you shared here and it's pretty much where I have been at these past few days.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written. It's neat to think of rain and how it arrives in so many different forms and how it changes and acts as a simile to more of our life experiences than one really realizes.
ReplyDeleteBeth, you are a beautiful writer, all the words put in the right places like the pieces to a puzzle. Thank-you for your insight!
ReplyDeleteI came over from Praying Karen's blog. She said to check out this post - excellent by the way. I am encouraged by what you've written. Thank you!
ReplyDelete~ Leanne