Let It Rain

I woke up to an odd sound this morning. As I shook the cobwebs of sleep out of my brain, I realized what I heard was the sound of rain. There was no crashing lightning or rumbling thunder, it was just the steady cadence of a heavy rain. It seems I’m always surprised when it rains here in Arizona. I just don’t expect it.

Initially, I questioned why it would be raining today, and then I thought, “why not?” This dry place, in the middle of the desert, can always use rain. I decided to put aside my list of errands for the day and embrace this unexpected blessing.

As I sat quietly in my living room, looking out the window at the drops falling from the sky, I thought about a passage in Isaiah that speaks of rain from heaven:

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, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Reading this passage, I realize each drop of rain has a purpose. It is sent here with a specific job to do. There are seeds to water, crops to grow, and a harvest to be sown. Rain from heaven gives us life. Without the rain everything shrivels and dies.

The same principle applies to God’s word. Each word He speaks to me has a purpose. His words of encouragement build my trust in Him. God’s words of instruction and correction teach me to obey and understand His ways are righteous. I become bold as I respond to the challenges He sets before me to follow Him, to become a fisher of men, and to love my enemies. All of these things impact my life and the lives of those around me. His direction and word are not void. They are accomplishing God’s purpose in my life and turn my heart to praise my Lord and Savior.

I welcome the rain and I welcome God’s word. Both bring refreshment and renewal as I continue to walk with my Lord.