Can You Stand the Rain?

“and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 NKJV

As I type this, it is raining and has rained all day. In order that we may receive the harvest and the bounty the rains make possible, we must first be able to withstand it. Everyone loves a sunny day. I am no exception. However, rain serves a purpose. Though often wet, cold and inconvenient, it is necessary.

There is no way we can withstand the storms of life and come out better than before without the Word of God. The above passage is from the parable Jesus taught in regard to those people who hear His truths and “do them.” It is not enough that we hear, we must carry out His teachings.

God’s directives give us what is necessary to stand the storm. His teachings are often in direct contrast to our own tendencies. God teaches us to have faith, trust and even love one another as we go through storms in life not just when we enjoy the good times. Without faith in God instead of our own abilities, most of us would undoubtedly wilt under the pressure of the storm.

When the disciples faced a storm in the very presence of Jesus they were afraid and panicked. Jesus was with them and still they were afraid. Jesus silenced their storm. Yet before he silenced it, He allowed it.  DSC_4401

The storm was an opportunity for the disciples to see the power of God at work before them.  I’ve seen the greatest miracles in my darkest hours, when my personal storms raged with no relief in sight.

Our rainy days and storms will pass eventually. When we allow His presence into our lives and have faith enough to hear and obey, His Word makes our storms are bearable. We can stand the rain!

If you find yourself rained on now or even feel like you’re drowning, what are you relying on? Is it other people? Your own abilities? If you haven’t already, try God.

God puts the rain in perspective. Some people focus so intently on their storm they never get past it. Even after the rains pass,  fear of another storm paralyzes them and leaves them feeling helpless,  afraid and unable to move.

Yet, when we focus on our Savior instead of temporary rains, we can endure. I challenge you to turn to God and give Him whatever storms  might be weighing you down. Don’t view your rainy days as if they are here to stay. Instead, view them as temporary and essential for growth and possibly a new harvest of better things to come.  DSC_4107

The Son/sun will shine and break through the rains.

“then I will give [you] rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.” Deuteronomy 11:14 NKJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

22 comments

    1. Thanks so much for the kind words! I must admit I am enjoying my photo-therapy more than I ever imagined. Funny how God opens us up to new things when we aren’t even looking.

      I agree that if not for some of the storms in my life, I’d not have the relationship I have with God. My storms obscured the trivial things and brought Him into focus.

      One another note, thanks so much for continually supporting my blog! We really are to encourage one another and you have most definitely done that for me. I’ll be recognizing the award you graced me with and a few others after Holy Week.

      B Blessed and Enjoy a wonderful Easter. Peace and Love!

      Lilka

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    1. Thank you VERY much! I did a double take when I saw your message, again a very pleasant surprise after a long day at work. You are very generous and your kindness is greatly appreciated. I will be able to properly “accept” on my next “off” day from my “real” job 😉

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  5. What a beautiful way to “share a rainy day!” The Son/sun will always shine through in our lives, and He will always light the heavens where there is one continuous, bright day!

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful post, Lilka. It’s great, as usual…

    Steve Pejay

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      1. Always love your posts, Lilka! Thank you for sharing your gift in Christ with us…

        Have a super weekend,
        Steve 🙂

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  9. Your posts bring a soothing balm to my day Lilka. It really is so true that in our darkest hour we grow nearer to Jesus and remember His promises of, as you say, ‘better days to come’. Your beautiful photos illustrate your wonderfully written and encouraging posts. As I commented on your ‘Hosta’ post, it is a gift indeed to be able to see God at work in all that is around us, whether sun, rain, storms or those Hostas doing their all to break through, which they surely will, as shall we! Blessings to you dear sister 🙂

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