It’s Going to Rain

“I’ve been out in a cave for forty days, with only a spark to light my way…But I still believe…
For people like us in places like this, We need all the hope that we can get
I believe, I believe, Through the shame and the grief
Through the heartache, through the tears, Through the waiting and all the years.
I still believe.”
-Russ Taff lyrics, “I Still Believe”

She stood in the noonday sun, longing for even a drop of water. The heat just might do her in. How long can one stand, heart-broken and laid bare, sun beating down on the fresh wound?
Yet, she stood, in spite of the circumstance, resisting the questions, letting go of the shame, because she knew what was coming. And she determined in her heart that she wouldn’t just believe the truth, but she would trust the truth - the truth that it’s going to rain.

We all go through dry seasons, tough struggles and the times of wondering why God is choosing to work as He is. This year, God’s brought me many reminders of the coming rains. There are some Bible verses, quotes and blog posts, all with a reminder that we need to prepare because God will send the rain.

I’ve spent a lot of time reminding myself of the truth, preaching gospel to myself, that if God promised the rain, then indeed, it will rain.

It’s been a long, hard road, but I believe. I believe God’s going to send the rain.

Even so, I find myself asking, “How can you be so sure, with all that’s happened?”

If I’m being honest, my gut answer is sometimes, “I don’t know.“

What I do know, though, is that God has a plan. This has been my time of choosing whether I can trust God and the plan He has, no matter the size of the storm. God isn’t going to leave us alone and in need. Quite the opposite - He’s going to provide for our needs.

Not only that, I firmly believe that He will provide overflowing joy.

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5b

What I’ve learned from some of the things I’ve come across in my reading this year, is that it will rain.

We can wait for the rain, or we can prepare for the rain. There is a big difference.

The first, waiting for the rain, is reactive. Once it starts to rain, we’ll grab an umbrella, or our rain coat, we’ll cover our plants to protect from the rain, we’ll move things under a shelter.

The second, though, preparing for the rain, is proactive. We prepare our fields in advance, we carry our umbrella, we aren’t scrambling at the last minute.

I believe it’s already started to rain, in my life. It may be just a few drops, but it’s enough to sustain me until the drenching rains come.

And so I wanted to gather the reminders, for myself, but also for you, so that we can have them when we need them.

Friends, it’s going to rain. Are you ready?

(These reminders are in no particular order.)

Arabah Joy paints a beautiful picture of why we need to carry an umbrella when we leave home today. After all, if it’s going to rain, you’re going to need it.

Hosea 6:3- “Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

This image found on Pinterest, goes so beautifully with that verse:

I love this quote from Leslie Parrott about standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity:

“…someone had to be the first drop of rain….”

My family watched “Facing the Giants” a few nights ago. I’m always struck by this clip, reminding us to be faithful and diligent in our work. Let’s prepare our fields for the harvest that will come with the rains.

I hope these are an inspiration to you - a reminder to work as you trust. We want to be ready when the blessing comes, when God sends the rain.

Maybe you’re wondering what I mean when I say “preaching gospel to myself”. I think it can mean something different, depending on who you ask. For me, though, it comes at those times in my life when I need a strong reminder that, yes, I can do this. I can carry out what the Lord has asked. I can make it through another day. I dig deep for those fighter verses that encourage me to pursue God. I fall back on some of the verses that have meant so much to me.

What are some of those verses? Well, right now, Psalm 71:14, Ephesians 3:18-20, Jude 24-25, and Isaiah 41:10, just to name a few.

This clip, also from “Facing the Giants” reminds me that I’m capable of doing so much more than I think I can. God doesn’t call us to difficult circumstances without being right there with us each step of the way. He doesn’t ask us to stand firm without being the One who holds us up. He doesn’t ask us to walk through deep waters and then abandon us to the waves. He is right there beside us, every step of the way.

I’m going to leave you with this video clip. I pray this small collection of some of my favorite reminders is a blessing to you.

Friends, I believe. It’s going to rain. Are you preparing for it? Are you giving all you have?

Linking up with Grace & Truth

Original Photo Source, image 1