Are you the kind of person who sees the rain clouds moving in and thanks the Lord for a shower to give drink to the thirsty landscape around us or the one who dread immediately seeps in because your plans are ruined so you slink under the blanket and hide?
If you are the latter, this is for you! Speaking from experience, because I used to be a blanket hider too… There is nothing wrong with snuggling up under a warm, fuzzy blanket on a peaceful fall day with the rain drizzling down the gutter outside to rest and recharge. But, if you are there to pout and throw a pity party, it is time to throw open the curtains, crack the windows and embrace the crisp musky aroma of the world around you. Life, like rainy days, is all about perspective. Every day is a blessing from God, despite the weather.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul encouraged the early christians of Thessalonica when he said, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” He’s reminding them that despite the persecution and hardships they were facing at the time, this is the path that the Lord has chosen for them and he is reminding us too. Through the rain and shine we pray, we rejoice, and we always give thanks to the Lord.
The truth is, to some people our “rainy day” could be a downpour and to others it’s a light sprinkle. Some lives take a harder rocky path and others end up with an easy stroll in the soft green grass, but there are people in every walk that find the beauty because the only thing in their sights is Jesus. He is calling us all to come to him, ignore the storm and keep our eyes on him. Matthew retells a story in Matthew Chapter 14:22-33 of Jesus calling to Peter in the middle of the storm, telling him to “Take courage… do not be afraid…Come” Peter listened and began to walk towards Jesus upon the water, but got distracted by the storm raging around him, took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Through his own mistrust of our Lord, he fell short but called out to Jesus to save him anyways. Without hesitation, Jesus reached out his hand and saved him and when you fall short amidst the rain and stormy weather… he’ll save you too.
But remember to do your best and throw open the blinds, embrace the drizzle, inhale the petrichor and keep your eyes on Jesus. Storms will fade, the sun rises each morning, and Jesus is always ready to stretch out his hand and catch you. He has called you to this storm and you are exactly where God has planned for you. Use this moment to draw near, he’s calling you home.
