Let it rain

Let it rain

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain! Let torrents come and creeks overflow, let rivers swell and ocean currents roll.  I may get drenched, slip, even slide a bit, but I will not be washed away. My confidence comes from holding on to promises more enduring and precious than diamonds. Let it rain. I pray only for eyes to see the rainbow in the midst of every storm.

Like me, many of my relatives and friends are experiencing a season of torrential challenges, misfortunes, hardships - call them whatever you will. It's raincoat and umbrella season in our lives. What about you? Even if you are not wearing a raincoat right now, you might know someone who is, so read on.

Too many trials have slapped or teased the smiles from our faces. For some, childhood friends and loving spouses have suddenly departed this life. For others, there is conflict at home and at work. I have friends for whom the meagre hopes of reconnecting severed marital ties have been fully and finally dashed. Bills have piled up, jobs have been lost, and the weight of wayward children have brought parents crashing to their knees. Over the last few months, many have recoiled from the slime of deceit and felt the sting of envy, Some formed disappointing alliances, or have had deep  desires crushed. Several are grappling with ill-health and broken trusts. Yes, it has been raining heavily since the year began.

In contrast, the earth is cracked and crisp brown leaves hang resignedly in the wind. Ponds lie drained of moisture. People in my territory are praying for physical rain and every now and then we are taunted by a little drizzle or a brief shower, but not enough. So, Lord, let the heavens open and send down showers on this land. We need it.

Yet, there is much rain - the kind that is spelt t-r-o-u-b-l-e.

I do not know who first got the idea, but rain is an ideal symbol for misfortune or trouble. Just as rain can occur with varying intensity and last for unpredictable periods, so 'trouble' is the word used for a kaleidoscope of situations. A little 'trouble' with a sore thumb is certainly not the same as 'trouble' with the car, 'trouble' in a marriage or the kind of 'trouble' that comes when you have broken a law. No sensible person would call a drizzle, a downpour and keep a straight face; but, it's still rain. 

Both rainfall and trouble prompt a variety of reactions. Some people hate the rain while others delight in it. Those who hate rain dread the rainy season and hurl words of rebuke at God and nature until it ceases. I am certain, though, that the rain never ceases in response to man's rebuke, as violently uttered as it may be. If it's going to rain, it will rain, so we might as well use our voices for something more effective.

In the midst of my own torrents, I gave myself a lecture. It went like this:

Surely, you're not going to lose your faith or question God's providence over this season of rain? Relax, let it rain. These hardships refresh your christian experience. Just as the rain washes away impurities and brightens the world, so will these experiences cleanse you of self and bring spiritual growth. Let it rain; the God of the sunshine is the God of the rain. If your life was just bare sunshine you'd wither and die. God knows what proportion of rain to pour into your life so that you can flourish and grow. Let it rain. On the authority of God's immutable word, an ark has been prepared for every spell of rain. Just search the scriptures and fall to your knees, not in despair but to gather strength like Jesus did in Gethsemane just before his crucifixion. 

If it is your season of torrents, accept it. Settle into the ark of Isaiah 41:10 which says, "Fear thou not for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Whatever, your situation, God will see you through. Your ark may come in the form of reassuring promises in his word or a supportive friend. It may be a child, a neighbour or a colleague at work. Be assured that it is ready before the storm begins and you will not be washed away if you enter into your ark.

When your days and nights of drenching are over, God will give you rest. You will be refreshed by grace. You will bring forth abundant fruit. Whatever you do, remember, the God of the sunshine is the God of the rain. He provides shelter again and again. Find shelter in him. Soon, it will cease to rain.