As spring proceeds in full effect, I notice dormant tree branches sprouting healthy leaves, while grass and flowers bloom in places that were once barren. I love the springtime (despite disgusting allergies!) and the fresh beginnings. Rain is peaceful, often solemn, yet we need it to thrive. It grows our crops, provides fresh water for rivers to flow, and many other benefits. There has to be a downpour before there is an overflow of harvests, figuratively. (Of course if there's too much, the crops will be ruined, but you get my drift! (I'm no farmer.)
We are such a fast-paced society in America that we hardly take the time to enjoy nature's wonders and ponder God's goodness. When you think about it, most people don't like rain unless they can stay indoors and read a book, sleep, just relax- so do they really like the rain? No one wants to walk around in drenched clothes and muddy shoes, but as soon as the rain is over and the sun shines- we all dry our clothes, wipe off our shoes, and cherish the beautiful sky.
Life trials and triumphs are very similar to this phenomenon. Imagine your ideal life is a picnic to which you invited friends. You all have planned what you're going to bring, the menu and venue are perfect, and the weather report expects sunshine. However, when you and your friends finally get together, the weather is torrential rainfall. The continuous rain ruins your tablecloth, hair, and entire plan. Instead of canceling, you have to roll with the punches because you're already out with your friends having a good time, and the food is already prepared. You all decide to move under a covering. Once the rain finally lets up, you and your friends notice a rainbow over the pavilion you took shelter under, so you get a beautiful photo of the group to keep as a reminder of your pleasurable time.
Sometimes, God throws us many obstacles to see our reactions when things don't go our way. A negative person would easily give up on the picnic at the sight of rain, and therefore miss out on the memories with beloved people. On the contrary, a positive person takes what he has and edifies God by using it to his advantage (not letting it go to waste). Going under the pavilion was unplanned, yet God set it there because He knew it would rain and that you would not want to be caught in the rain. You also did not have to sit on the dirty, uncovered picnic tables- for the win! God provides us an escape for our troubles because He is still our comforter. So when plans go awry, don't blame God- ask Him what greater plan He has in store for you instead!
God doesn't enjoy seeing us struggle; He just wants us to understand that He's in charge and we need to subject our plans to His. We may plan for sunshine, but if we only have rain- we have to be content with that and continue living because really there's nothing we can do about it. God does as He pleases.
Proverbs 20:24 "A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?"
Enjoy the rain because you know that it is giving way to something you didn't even expect. Be encouraged in your struggles and be content with God's way. After all, He created us so He knows what He's doing!
Love ya and be blessed!
