Bring the Rain

I'm finally back to blogging again!  Its crazy how busy I have been lately, but now I'm forcing myself to sit down and write what's going through my mind right now...I forgot how much better I feel after blogging. Here it goes...

For the past few weeks, the church that I am a member of has been having a revival that I have managed to make it to every night.  Walking into this I was wary because I wasn't quite sure what would be said and how this would go, but I decided that I should open my heart to what God might have to say to me.  All I can say is, what a transformation I have felt and seen in my own heart.  Throughout the past few weeks many topics were discussed and there was one that really hit home for me.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which god has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12

Suffering.

It is literally everywhere in the Bible. Of course this makes sense because we all suffer in our own ways on a daily basis and Christ suffered to the point of a death on a cross.  There is a verse in 1 Peter that says, 

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 

1 Peter 1:6,7

In other words, our suffering is more precious than gold...one of the most prized material things in our world.  Wait what? Suffering? Precious? I know, I thought it was crazy for a second too.  But then I really got to studying and here are some of the verses that really stuck with me.

"..that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Philippians 3:10

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9,10

On that note, how great is our God?! Even in the most terrible times...he loves us and has the most perfect and beautiful plan that comes FROM that pain.  So instead of grumbling and complaining about every little thing (Philippians 2:14,15) why don't we praise Him REGARDLESS.  He died one of the most torturous deaths so that we can be forgiven, blameless, holy, eternal beings...what could happen to us that could possible match up to His ultimate sacrifice.  So let us find joy in EVERY situation because he has us where we are for a reason.  Praise him and thank him for every pain, every hurt, every illness...because through all of that HE IS GOOD.

I think it terms of song, so here is a song that really painted this picture for me...listen to it and read these lyrics...really think about what they are saying...I'm very glad that I did.

Bring the Rain - Mercy Me

(Click here to listen)

"I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty"