Behind the Rain

Think about it. The first rain after the flood had to have been pretty terrifying. It had never rained before the flood, and when it did, it destroyed (just about) everything. So the next time it rained, as it's now been doing for centuries and centuries, how do you think that happening was received?

We know it was just God's new way of taking care of the earth, but they probably didn't know that. And even once it had rained a few times, I'm sure it was still scary, and also unfamiliar. They weren't used to this water falling on their heads, and they probably didn't like it a whole lot. At least not how a lot of us love the occasional rain shower, especially in the hot summertime.

Rain can easily be seen as a negative thing--ya know, don't rain on my parade, etc. Yet we know it's good, and a lot of us love it. And we love it now because we know it's good. We know God's not going to destroy the earth with it, that it's His way of watering His creation, and that He's really providing for us with it. It's part of His perfect plan.

We've learned that this amazing happening is a good thing--even if it ruins parades or cancels plans or, in my case, makes the pain go up a notch or two. And because we're convinced of its goodness, we're thankful for it and embrace it and can see the beauty in it.

So, what if the other unpleasant things that happen in our lives--anything, you name it--are actually God's way of providing in ways we don't even realize? In ways that we may never understand while here on earth, but just as surely regardless of our lack of understanding.

I think that we have every reason to trust that this is the case.

That maybe, just like the rain, every raindrop, every happening, every diagnosis, every pain is somehow, inconceivably beautiful. In ways we cannot understand but yet trust. Because we know and can trust the One in charge of the clouds.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Today I'm grateful for the rain and the promises behind it.

P.S. Linking up with Little Friday