Do you like the rain?
On a sticky summer day, rain can be a welcomed break from the heat. Rain will water your backyard garden while it gives life to vital crops after a long drought. Rain will give your car a free wash, and it may even cancel your child's sporting event that you didn't want to go to!
But let's be honest: for most normal people, we like to be inside when it rains.
Rain gets in the way of our comfort. It soaks our clothes and messes up our hair and gives us chills. I live in the heart of Philadelphia and walk most places - I've been surprised by rain too many times, and I rarely celebrate God's goodness when I feel the puddle forming around my toes!
Today I want you to consider the spiritual metaphor of rain. There are many references in Scripture, and most often, they represent God's blessing. For example: "I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit" (Leviticus 26:4).
On the other hand, when there is no rain, blessings seem few and far between: "The anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit" (Deuteronomy 11:17).
God's rain will always yield fruit, but sometimes, he'll send a cold and uncomfortable rain that you won't want to dance in. He may send the rain of physical pain, to help you mature under trial. He may send the rain of an honest friend, to confront your sin. He may send the rain of situational difficulty, so you learn to rely on him alone for comfort.
God may also bless us with drought - yes, I said bless. He may withhold success from us, so that we find identity in him alone. He may allow our dream to die, to help us discover a vision for his kingdom instead. He may allow us to experience spiritual dehydration, only to produce a deeper thirst for relationship with him.
So the next time God showers you with a cold and uncomfortable rain, don't run in anger for your umbrella. Consider the blessings that he has in store.
And the next time God allows you to experience drought, don't question his love and faithfulness. His purpose is always to restore, and yield a harvest more bountiful than before.
God bless
Paul David Tripp
Reflection Questions
- In what ways are you currently experiencing a cold and uncomfortable rain? How are you responding?
- In what ways are you currently experiencing spiritual drought? How are you responding?
- How can you encourage others to respond biblically in times of uncomfortable rain and drought?