It's Raining Again
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt The rains came down, the streams rose, the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. —Matthew 7:25
Where I live in western Washington, there's no doubt that winter is my least favorite season. This part of the country has earned its reputation for the winter being overwhelmingly rainy and gray. Ducks and fish are happy. I am not. My mood often matches the damp weather. I find myself longing for those few-and-far-between sunny days. And, it seems that my prayers for an extended dry spell have gone unheeded.
It's raining again. And I am reminded that somewhere, everywhere, people are experiencing rainy seasons, not made of weather, but of life and soul. Life isn't working out the way they had hoped. The storms of life have poured pain and despair, and the forecast isn't changing. Their prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, unheeded.
Jesus implies that the storms of life are inevitable. We all experience these seasons. Yet, while we can't change the "weather,", we can be prepared to handle the rainy seasons of the heart that come our way.
Jesus said that we weather the storms of life by listening to what He commands and by obeying Him. He likened this to a house being built on a rock instead of on sand. He said that those who follow Him in this way are wise. By contrast, those who do not, Jesus calls foolish. This is simple but profound. It is Christ-following 101.
Further, even if we aren't experiencing a rainy season of life or soul, we can come alongside those who are by our prayer, encouragement and support. We can make a difference in their lives through our involvement. It may not seem like much, but to those who are struggling, it's a big deal to know that they do not face hardships alone.
Today, wherever your find yourself, remember that somewhere it's raining again. Your response to Christ and to others can bring a ray of sunshine into the face of the storm.
GOING DEEPER:
- How does following Christ help you when you find yourself facing the storms of life?
- What can you do today to help someone you know who is in the midst of life's storms?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 7:24-27; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Galatians 6:2
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