Waiting for the Rain

A (recently pregnant with her third *hooray*) close friend of mine wrote this beautiful piece.....

I was exercising, running on the treadmill, looking through the window. I saw a tree without any leaves, so familiar, it’s bare, standing as the cold winter wind blows against it…. my soul relates to this picture, but Hope speaks: “it will have leaves again, it is rooted deep. Seasons change.”

What if a season of winter has been for six years or more? Maybe not our whole life is bare, but a relationship or a part of our lives is standing bare, fruitless. You start forgetting the promises, and constantly reminding yourself that God is kind and good all the time (Romans 8). Appreciating more and more the simple things in life. Celebrating them makes you foolish and dull in conversations, no success stories, no ”testimonies” to tell, but sensing deeply that my God is near.

It would be over the top and unnecessary dramatic to write chapters on what can bring on those winter seasons. What I do want to write about is the Person you and I turn to when we do not have an answer, when walls to run into would be more pleasant than our present. Jesus Christ is the One who brings the Rain. Even if, for now, his rain just washes our empty branches, it’s ok.

Jesus can, but He does not throw the stones, He forgives our sin. Oh this truth has comforted my soul so many days! It is Jesus who bends low, stretches His arm out to us, and pulls us up out of the sea when doubt fills our hearts. He speaks so gently, but with such conviction to us. The Bible is not full of riddles, but clear in its intention. The truth comes personally from His throat. He is bold, before the Father on our behalf, our mediator. (1 Tim 2:5-6)

God is our Father. He made us. (Psalm 139) He puts His arms around us, and holds us close to His face and heart. That is what I do with our children Ryan (6) and Chloe (3). I put their faces close against mine. I feel them breath. I love them so much. Honestly it hurts sometimes, for me and for them. See, we discipline our children. We love them. God loves us much, much more. He knows we are made from dust. He shapes and molds us. (Hebrews 12:5-8) One look at creation quiets my questions. I respect Him. There is so much more to discover from our Father… in heaven. (Job 38-41)

The ever-present Holy Spirit rescues us from self-indulgence and selfishness. He leads us. The Spirit reminds us what is important to God and what is good for you and me.  Our bodies are the temples of His Spirit. (Romans 12:1) When we are in a winter season, it is so important to look after ourselves and not let ourselves go. We are very valuable to God.

There is a song of Misty Edwards – Waiting for the rain. I can definitely say; “our lives are blessed by the Rain.” Jesus Christ, he rains on our souls every day. He comforts and refreshes you and me. When doubt rises. It quickly subsides when pondering on his love: love proven by his cross. Does it sound strange to say that I am ashamed that Jesus had to die on a cross for me? A cross my sins deserved. Jesus did not deserve that, but at the same time I cling with everything in me to that cross, my door to His love. Thank you God for your Rain! (Psalm 130)

Paul in prison asks for prayer. What does this man of God ask for in prison? To be rescued? To be taken out of chains, out of this winter season? No, he asks for boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, despite his chains. Wow, that spoke to me when someone shared that revelation at one of our pre-prayer meetings. I do sometimes disqualify myself from living every moment, making it count, speaking and loving boldly, because my “chains” hold me back. BUT no shame, no circumstances, no trouble or doubt, no disappointment or loss can really disqualify us because:   “….we have this treasure in jars of clay, (JUST CLAY) to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not us.” 2 Cor 4:7

(written by Mariette Waterston; posted on www.3ci.co.za. Picture created by www.3ci.co.za)