RAINY DAYS


Here in north central Texas, there’s little doubt that winter is rarely distinguishable from the fall. We typically expect the weather to be dry having moderate temperatures blanketed by brown grass with few leaves on the trees. This part of the country has a saying; “If you don’t like the weather stick around it will change.” That phrase certainly rings true this season. Winter has been…well, winter-fall-like! There have been cold days followed by rain followed by sleet/snow followed by temperatures in the seventies. In fact, Sunday (today) through Tuesday it’s to be raining again. I’m sure the birds and fish are enjoying this. Me not so much! My mood is beginning to match the damp weather. I find myself longing for a few back-to-back bright sunny days than cloudy dark days.

I just feel like it’s time to repeat the well know refrain; “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down!” There are people at any given time, somewhere, experiencing rainy seasons, not climatically produced by weather, but of life’s climate change soaking and drenching them to the depths of their 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. “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” — Matthew 7:25. 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.

Christ 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.

So, even if we aren’t experiencing a rainy season in our own life, we can and should 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 have to face hardships alone.

Therefore, wherever you find yourself, remember that somewhere it’s raining again and someone’s pleading from the debts for their soul— “rain, rain go away.” Your response through Christ to others can bring a ray of sunshine into the face of their storm.

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