Isaiah 55:10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

Growing up in the south, I experienced many seasons of rain. In fact, I was terribly afraid of it. My relationship with rain was a horrid one. As a child, I had no clue what good qualities the rain could bring. All I could think about was the fact it took away shooting hoops with my brother, carelessly running around the yard, and riding my bike until I’d fall off and not so gracefully tumble in the grass. In short, I felt the rain was taking my “fun” away. Not to mention, the possible flooding, thunder, overwhelming wind, and lightening that coupled with the unwanted showers that would scare me into a panic. Like a great father, my dad assured me that everything would be okay. It was in those moments that he would tell us to, “Turn off the television. God is at work.”

Even now, I can see him in our living room looking out the window with his Bible studying and taking in the mighty wonders The Lord was doing outside. I admired how confident my father was in what looked like to me, complete chaos outside. At first, turning off the television felt a bit dramatic. However, what my father was teaching my brother and I both was to learn to stay connected even in the rain without any outside or worldly stimulant. Acknowledge firstly, that God is at work and don’t let the rain separate you from what ties you together. Yes, we are blood relatives but even more so we are connected through the Blood of Jesus!

Fast forward to now, my brother and I have suffered some mighty rains together. From Hurricane Katrina to the Hurricane of 2017. Yes, the year we loss both of our parents. Well, they transitioned to glory. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until now that I was reminded that God still Reigns in the rain. He isn’t absent because the clouds are growing darker. God hasn’t left our side just because our parents may not physically be by ours anymore. Just as the rain provides water to nourish and flourish, so does the rain of life for us Christians. What may seem like a never ending, violent storm, could very well be God destroying idols, the rubbish we cling to that ultimately doesn’t matter, and the old mindsets that we had a hard time letting go.

The past few years has been much rain for me and my family. As I grow in The Lord, I am reminded not to be so terrified when showers arise. God is at work! He was even at work in my parents transitioning because saints don’t die; they Live!!! This doesn’t stop me from missing them, but it stops depression from keeping me hostage. Rain may bring floods that can very well look like a disaster or with the right outlook a new beginning. My life started over after my parents left. A deeper level of trust and understanding of Who God is and I find His Word is true! Nothing can separate me from His Love.

I pray these truths are just the same for you. In whatever season you may find yourself in right now, acknowledge God. Trust that He Reigns in the rain. Don’t focus on the storm, but more so focus on The God that is powerful enough to vehemently carry and guide you through it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of The Rain! You cause earths crops to flourish so that we are able to profit from it. You also cause the rain of life to develop us into a plentiful vineyard. Being connected to the greatest Vine, we humbly accept the rain that comes with it! Thank You, Lord for providing shelter from the rain and growth after it! We love You, Jesus! Glory be to Your Name, Amen.