Rainy Days

An encouragement from Pastor Alvin

            After the long, dry summer, I found myself anticipating the rainy days of fall. As adults, we often speak of the rain as an expression of trials and hardships. You remember the old saying, “When it rains it pours!”

            The Apostle Paul was definitely accustomed to rainy days in his mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. In fact, Paul tells the Thessalonians that they should not be unsettled by trials because we are destined for them (1 Thessalonians 3:3). Paul encourages the Corinthians in his second letter by humbly conveying that he’s had rainy days--trials filled with conflicts on the outside, and fears within (2 Corinthians 7:5). How do we consider it pure joy even when it's pouring down discouragement?

            1) We are not called to deny our difficulties. As trials come, we must cast our cares on the Lord. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

            2) Don’t resent the rainy days when they come, seeds of difficulty are being planted by the Lord, and the end result is maturity and completion (James 1:4). Resentment and bitterness will only stunt our growth!

            3) Look for lessons to be learned. The Lord will never give you more than you can take, and His escape route is graciously coming your way. 

            4) Stop looking back, you have already been there, and start looking toward heaven because that's where you're heading. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)”