“When it rains it pours.” I’m sure we are all familiar with that idiom. You’ve probably had a few runs of that in your life. I’ve sure had a run of pouring rain lately. First, our microwave blew up — kind of almost literally too. Next our kitchen sink drain started to leak, and of course, it was not a simple easy fix. One of our bathroom exhaust fans began to make a sound like a moose caught in the gears of a combine, and it finally passed on to that great steam room in the sky. On Monday, I had just finished mowing the lawn when I noticed the mower deck was all wet on top. “Wait… that’s not right…” Sure enough, I had blown a hydraulic line on my tractor. Ok, you’ve got to be kidding me! I’m scared to leave the house… and scared to stay in it!
I don’t know why we sometimes seem to have those chains of thunderstorms in our life that just follow one after the other, but I do know they can either be deeply frustrating or, perhaps, significant teaching moments. Maybe they can serve to provide perspective. Life in this fallen world can be difficult, and as we face challenges it is helpful to remember that God is in control — and we are not. And it is in times of difficulty that I am so grateful that God IS in control.
While it might be tempting to simply wish that God would take away the storms or wonder why he allows them in our lives at all (and I won’t pretend that I don’t pray that at times) that might temper the joy we find in the many blessings God desires to give us. You see, storms always lead to a greater appreciation of fairer skies.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ… that is a ton of blessing, folks. And every follower of Christ will literally have FOREVER to discover all of those blessings. What if when life becomes difficult we intentionally turn our thoughts toward the many blessings we have in Christ. The righteousness that he brings us. The assurance of his presence with us. The anticipation of things to come in a New Heaven and a New Earth. Just to name a few.
You see, one day, there will only be the blessings. “When it rains it pours” will take on a whole new meaning in Eternity, because the only pouring we will experience will the outpouring of God’s blessings. Blessings forever… that is the benevolent Father that we worship.
Now… I still have a couple of those projects to fix around the house, but for every challenge I face I am picturing a thousand blessings!
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