April Showers
I know...I know...it's not April. But today there is one of those all day rains...perhaps that is the reason for this particular word from the Lord. But maybe not. Maybe it's the season that I am in. Yesterday, I preached in South Bend , and Nannette Pachol was my driver/companion for the trip. On the way there we laughed and talked so much that we got lost. But that is another story for another time. On the way home, I shared that this has been a very difficult year for me...not bad...just difficult. My son's wedding, starting a third campus, launching a 15 million capital campaign, launching my ministry "Heart to Heart" globally, extra people living in my home, people leaving the ministry, people coming to the ministry, my mother's hip surgery and cancer scare, the life changing Turkey trip, my blood pressure going up to 210/120, my little Pedro being attacked and almost carried off by wolves or wild dogs last week...well...its been stressful and challenging, not bad...just life changing. And I realize this season is not over. But that's okay...I'm looking forward to seeing what all God is going to be doing in me and through me as a result. What has your season of life been like? Sound familiar?Picture…a soft soaking spring rain that has lasted for days with no end in sight.
Hear…the Lord say, “I know that you long for the beauty and warmth of the sun, this season of rain is necessary for the fruit that I want you to bear. Although it may seem like the rain will never end, remember that it is only a season, the season that come afterward will bring growth and harvest.”
Consider: A flash flood storm comes swiftly. The rain pummels the earth so hard that it runs off into the ditch, carrying with it good top soil. Torrential rain erodes the soil rather than getting it ready to produce. But the steady rain that comes day after day prepares the ground to bring forth fruit for the Kingdom of God. You may have been going through a very difficult time as of late. It hasn’t been one of those times where you feel like you have been hit on the side of the head with a baseball bat, and then its over so you can recover. It’s been one of those seasons where it just keeps coming. Day after day; it is just one thing after another. You may have even said to yourself, “I just wish that this would get over! I don’t know how much longer I can take this.” I want to remind you that God knows exactly what is going on in your life. He is aware of every painful and challenging circumstance that has been coming at you with no let up in sight. Not only is He aware, He is even now at work in your life. The amount of difficulties that you have been experiencing is in direct proportion to the victory God is preparing for you. He is working through this present season of difficulty to give you fruit, blessings, anointing and open doors. Remain faithful through this seemingly never-ending time of trouble, for there is an end in sight and a reward if you do not faint or give up. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, until God finishes this time of growth and brings to you a great harvest.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Rom 8:28 (NLT)
Prayer: “Lord, I admit that I am not a patient person. This season of “challenge” has seemed so long. I was starting to think that this is what life must be like for me now, and the thought brought me no joy, let me tell you. But you know that. You know my frame; you know how I was made…you made me. You know how much I can take. So I am going to do my best to trust you though this situation. I am going to do my best to bring you glory by the way that I live my life in these present distressing circumstances. But I must tell you, that I’m going to need a double portion of your grace in order to do so. I am going to need your wisdom and your strength. I cannot do this on my own. But I know that you never intended for me to this alone. So I will trust you to guide me, strengthen me and empower me to walk a life that is pleasing to you during this time of trouble. For I know that when I make it out of this long dark tunnel, there will be a great victory awaiting me. I love you. I trust you. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
posted by pastorc @ 10:13 AM
3 Comments:
Thank you for that Word. Life has been like a steady, never ending drizzle lately. There have been some really beautiful days and even moments in rainy days, but overall it has been overcast and wet. It has seemed like this will go on forever unless I make a change. I have been feeling like it was me. I was stuck in a rut, but this message gives me hope. It has brought me back to acknowledging that He knows what is best. He hasn't left me or forsaken me. He is with me in rain for this season. Thank you!
Thanks Pastor Chris. I have a feeling I'm going to be coming back to this post over and over again. I needed to hear this. The encouragement is so timely!
Bless you Pastor C, my husband & myself needed this , we just discussed this late last nite & brought our situation before the lord anxiously awaiting his miracles& faithfullness for what a testimony of our trails we will be able to tell of God's works!we thank him for his grace& mercy that we are newly married & our marriage is strengenthend in these trials.
Post a Comment
<< Home