It's Raining, It's Pouring!

One of my favorite things to do is to go to a nearby island by boat. I love to be in the sunshine, cool water and look for shells! I love the fellowship with family and friends. This is usually what we do Friday night, Saturday and some Sunday afternoons. So when I see that it is raining I tend to be disappointed. Especially on a holiday weekend!

The benefits of rain is that it provides us with water to drink. It also provides water for animals to drink. It helps water all the plants and trees on earth. It adds water in rivers, lakes and streams where other animals live. It will make the grass green and vegetables grow. It is needed for farming.

According to Footfiles.com, there are healthy reasons why you should walk in the rain. The reasons are because there are less people so it is more peaceful. The air is scientifically proven to be cleaner and fresher. The smell of rain has a calming effect. The humidity is good for your skin and health. Walks in rainy weather burn more calories. Walks in rain help you see things with a different perspective. And walking in the rain feels rebellious!

I always thank God for the rain because I know it is important. I guess I just prefer not to be inconvenienced! I don't know why we sometimes get disappointed when it is going to rain. Maybe it is human nature because in a number of instances God sent destructive rain due to people’s actions. In the generation of the flood, God brought rainwater on the generation of Noah to punish them for going against God’s will. This rain was a scary and destroying rain!

1 King 18:1, " After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab." This was a rain that people wanted and had prayed for. It was a blessing! In verse 41, it says, "And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain." This rain was a blessing to be celebrated! This was a sweet rain that nourished a dry and thirsty ground!

There are two things the following verses have in common. Hosea 10: 12, "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you." Ezekiel 34: 26,

"I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing."

God uses the analogy of rain when talking about showers of abundance and righteousness! He tell us they are going to be abundant! It will be refreshing for our parched and thirsty lives! I will look at rain differently today! Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!

I am always amazed at how much more the plants grow and bloom after God waters them! He makes things so beautiful and lush!