Between the Rains

Wow, it certainly has been a while since I posted on here! It seems that the drought we are experiencing right now in the weather has also affected my ability/desire to write. At least that's what I'm going to blame it on. I find myself looking at the weather radar every morning to see if there is even a blip on it that could result in some rain. I find myself watching the sky and hoping to find a cloud that might possibly turn gray and wet. I anxiously listen to the weather report, praying there might be a break in this hot, dry spell.

I recently finished leading a Bible study on James by Beth Moore and she uses the phrase "between the rains" that has intrigued me, especially in light of our current lack of much needed moisture. Beth's discussion is based on James 5:7 that says, "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." She makes the point that in their area, rain mainly came in the fall and spring and in between, they had to wait and trust that God would send the necessary precipitation at just the right time.

Applying it to our own lives, she points out that there are times when we can most assuredly feel the blessings of God raining down on us in a tangible way. There seems to be no doubt about His love and promises. But then there are the times between the rains where He seems far away. It may be our own sinfulness causing the rift or He may just be testing our faith but for whatever reason, there just seems to be a drought in our spiritual life. So, the question is, "What do we do between the rains?"

We have several choices but the most popular one, for me anyway, is to whine about it. "Why are you doing this to me Lord?" "What have I done to deserve this?" "Why are other people receiving all the blessings and I'm not?" These questions will inevitably lead me into self-pity, depression, and ultimately to bitterness and anger, all emotions that carry me farther away from God's desires for me.

Of course, there are better questions to ask, even if they are not quite as comfortable. "What sin do I need to get rid of in my life?" "What lessons are You trying to teach me?" Or better yet, "Praise your name, Lord, because You are faithful even in the dry spells." "I will rejoice in all situations, Lord." "Teach me to wait on You, Lord."

If we ask these hard questions and believe these unfailing promises, we can watch the skies for that one tiny cloud and know our rain is coming. No matter what our situations, there is one thing we can count on; If we remain faithful, God's blessings will come. And that's more reliable than any weather report!