Monday, August 09, 2010
The Storm Eventually Ends!
When you are in the midst of a storm, it seems like the sun will never shine again. Especially when it has been raining for a very long time. Your countenance changes entirely...your eyes no longer look up because you know the sun is not radiating its warmth any longer. Your ears cease to hear the birds chirping, for the thunder crowds out their beautiful singing. A chilled heaviness drags you down. Yet, at times, you lift your head a few degrees, in search of a sign of promise. You scan the skies for a rainbow.
Out in the distance, you think you see some red...maybe some orange, and even a little ray of yellow. But, you don't. Nothing but darkness and shadows fill the skies. Another week goes by and then a month, and then even a year. Still darkness. Still raining. Thunder is all that you hear pounding on your heart and upon your circumstances. But hope remains. You still pine for some green, some blue, and a bit of purple out in the distance. You wonder where God is and why He has refused to end the storm that entangles you. Your faith begins to waiver.
But you remain faithful. You question. You doubt. You become angry. But, you remain faithful. You listen for His still, small voice. Even a whisper would do. You search for His wisdom. You continue to glance for signs of His promises...but the rainbow still hides itself behind the clouds. It is still dreary. It is still raining. The wind howls and the birds' chorus is still muted.
One morning, you drop to your knees, yet again. The tears intermix with raindrops. Your eyes close and your heart begins to seek once more... and then... it happens. The rainbow appears! Your prayers of power command the storm away. The clouds flee. The thunder and lightning disappear. The bright colors and blinding light flood your heart. You ARE healed. God's glory fills you and satan's lies sprint away in terror. The birds ARE singing again. You look up and smile! You dance! You believe!
*********************************************************************
When God flexes His power, we are changed. We are restored. We are healed and renewed. Why do we have to wait for His perfect timing for this to happen? Why is one day different than another and one prayer more authoritative than the previous one? I'm not really sure. But, I know this...that God healed my heart from an intense season of depression and that I felt His physical presence come upon me when it happened.
We can question the Lord's will and His timing, but we shouldn't stay there too long. Instead, we should turn our hearts into an attitude of praise and adoration, knowing that He is always good. Knowing that He is always loving. Knowing that He will step in when it is His will and timing to do so. Knowing that He has perfected us and transformed us along the way.
If you are fretting today dear believer, don't lose heart. God is still the same today as He was yesterday. He is the one who created the whole earth and the universe beyond. He is the one who parted the Red Sea. He is the one who raised Lazarus from the dead and then raised Himself from the dead when sin was defeated once and for all on the cross at Calvary.
When you do lose sight of His power, remind yourself of the God He has been throughout history. He was faithful to Abraham. He restored Joseph from his brothers' betrayal. He gave hope to Esther and her people. He transformed Saul into Paul. He empowered simple fishermen to become the leaders of our mighty faith. And He has shown His faithfulness in your own life hundreds and thousands of times as well.
After you remind yourself of these redeemed people, set your eyes upon the hope that the Lord offers today. He will never leave you. He always hears your prayers. He loves you no matter what you have done. He offers rest when you are weary. He gives abundant life in this lifetime. He extends forgiveness and eternal life!
The storm will end! The rainbow will come! And you will be able to proclaim His goodness to others as a result. Share how God has brought hope during a dark circumstance or season in your life. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Out in the distance, you think you see some red...maybe some orange, and even a little ray of yellow. But, you don't. Nothing but darkness and shadows fill the skies. Another week goes by and then a month, and then even a year. Still darkness. Still raining. Thunder is all that you hear pounding on your heart and upon your circumstances. But hope remains. You still pine for some green, some blue, and a bit of purple out in the distance. You wonder where God is and why He has refused to end the storm that entangles you. Your faith begins to waiver.
But you remain faithful. You question. You doubt. You become angry. But, you remain faithful. You listen for His still, small voice. Even a whisper would do. You search for His wisdom. You continue to glance for signs of His promises...but the rainbow still hides itself behind the clouds. It is still dreary. It is still raining. The wind howls and the birds' chorus is still muted.
One morning, you drop to your knees, yet again. The tears intermix with raindrops. Your eyes close and your heart begins to seek once more... and then... it happens. The rainbow appears! Your prayers of power command the storm away. The clouds flee. The thunder and lightning disappear. The bright colors and blinding light flood your heart. You ARE healed. God's glory fills you and satan's lies sprint away in terror. The birds ARE singing again. You look up and smile! You dance! You believe!
*********************************************************************
When God flexes His power, we are changed. We are restored. We are healed and renewed. Why do we have to wait for His perfect timing for this to happen? Why is one day different than another and one prayer more authoritative than the previous one? I'm not really sure. But, I know this...that God healed my heart from an intense season of depression and that I felt His physical presence come upon me when it happened.
We can question the Lord's will and His timing, but we shouldn't stay there too long. Instead, we should turn our hearts into an attitude of praise and adoration, knowing that He is always good. Knowing that He is always loving. Knowing that He will step in when it is His will and timing to do so. Knowing that He has perfected us and transformed us along the way.
If you are fretting today dear believer, don't lose heart. God is still the same today as He was yesterday. He is the one who created the whole earth and the universe beyond. He is the one who parted the Red Sea. He is the one who raised Lazarus from the dead and then raised Himself from the dead when sin was defeated once and for all on the cross at Calvary.
When you do lose sight of His power, remind yourself of the God He has been throughout history. He was faithful to Abraham. He restored Joseph from his brothers' betrayal. He gave hope to Esther and her people. He transformed Saul into Paul. He empowered simple fishermen to become the leaders of our mighty faith. And He has shown His faithfulness in your own life hundreds and thousands of times as well.
After you remind yourself of these redeemed people, set your eyes upon the hope that the Lord offers today. He will never leave you. He always hears your prayers. He loves you no matter what you have done. He offers rest when you are weary. He gives abundant life in this lifetime. He extends forgiveness and eternal life!
The storm will end! The rainbow will come! And you will be able to proclaim His goodness to others as a result. Share how God has brought hope during a dark circumstance or season in your life. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: faith, healing, rainbows, rainstorm
