"I will send down
showers in season;
there will be
showers of blessing."
(Ezekiel 34:26)
A farmer’s life has its definite challenges. As August nears, there’s still
mowing around fields to be done, repairs to make, a combine to ready, and harvest is fast
approaching. Generous amounts of rain this summer have forced us from the
fields periodically. And yet, we count ourselves blessed, considering the drought
out west and the floods in other areas of the country.
As
farmers, we continually watch the sky and keep tabs on chances of rain
and rainfall amounts. Too little moisture in the soil causes young plants
to shrivel and die. But too much rain will stunt the crops and turn them
yellow.
It
seems rain can come as both a blessing and a curse. If it falls gently and at
the right time, it nurtures growth and vitality. Yet, if it pours down heavy
and harsh when it isn't needed, it brings destruction and ruin.
We
all have rain that pours into our lives in the form of trials and troubles. At
times these difficulties spur growth in our lives and cause us to deepen our
relationship with Christ. Other times, adverse circumstances threaten to pull
us away from God. It’s up to us how we respond.
Our
troubles vary. Some struggle with relationships, others finances, illness, or
tragedy. But we all have them. The important thing is what we do with them. Do
we allow them to get the better of us, or do we rise above them by depending on
the Lord to help us through?
Scripture says our lives are like a mist or vapor, here today, gone tomorrow. (James 4:14) That being the case, we need to make each day count for Christ by letting the rain that falls produce blessing in our lives. When the storms of life blow harsh, call out to Jesus, the anchor of our souls. He’ll always be there to lift us up and pull us through.
What
struggles have drawn you closer to the Lord? I'd love to hear your story.
Read more of Cynthia’s writing at: http://puttingonthenew.com/author/cynthiaroemer/
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