Rain Down

It was a PERFECT plan. A minor league baseball game, and afterwards....fireworks, and since we were with the "Grands" there was certain to be all the peanuts and "Cracker Jack" that our hearts desired.

We arrived for the "perfect Fourth of July" evening and sat down in our seats. Overhead a dark cloud loomed, but since the state of South Carolina has been BONE dry for sometime now, we had no thoughts of concern. The welcome thundershower sent us to the bleachers above where the overhang protected us.

THUNDERSHOWER over, and we returned to our seats.

The next cloud blew in and again we sought refuge under the cover....again.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

This time however there was a SHIFT in the wind current and the rain began to come into the bleachers from the SIDES and no one under the cover was safe from the storm......We huddled together, and did the only thing we could do...laugh, but by the time that 10 minute storm had passed over the stadium, we looked as if we'd spent the time under the shower head....

Top to bottom, inside~ out, we were SOAKED! Completely drenched!











We regularly sing a song during worship at church, and my mind IMMEDIATELY went to the words of that song....

Rain down, rain down,
rain down your love on your people.
Rain down, rain down,
rain down your love, God of life.

Faithful and true is the word of our God;
all of God's works are so worthy of trust.
God's mercy falls on the just and the right;
full of God's love is the earth.

God POURS out His love....that night He literally "rained down" His love.

Into each life we are certain that "showers" and "storms" will unexpectedly "pop~up," even when the sky ahead looks clear, as it did that night. I was reminded as I stood there literally dripping, of the words of Peter.

"Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure."
1 Peter 1:6 (nlt)

What I perceived as the "perfect" plan for that night, was Not HIS plan for our family! We laughed, and tried to drip dry. We literally "wrung out" our clothes in order to sit down and watch some of the game....I have to tell you, it was a bit uncomfortable...much like our Faith Walks at times...a little messy and uncomfortable.

Was all that "uncomfortableness" worth it....Ask any of my family members and I can with certainty guarantee they would say "YES!" How in the world could standing in the midst of a storm and then having to wring out your clothing constitute a "worthwhile" time at the ball park? WE MADE MEMORIES; we laughed and laughed until tears ran down our faces! We will talk about that night long after my parents are gone....It's one of those childhood stories that my kids will fondly tell their kids. You see, God's plans for that evening were much further reaching than my own "perfect plan."

God works the same way in each of our lives. The parallels were just so amazing to me. God allows the storms and interruptions to the "perfect" plans that we have concocted, and in His infinite wisdom He gives us so much more than we ever could have planned on our own.

I'd have never dreamed that a "soaking storm" could allow us to have a fabulously memorable night....but then again, "I'm not GOD!"

The next time one of those unexpected pop~up thunderstorms blows into my life, I pray that I recall this real life 'storm' and rest in the peace that God has it all under control....ready to reveal the "perfect plan," in His time.

Questions for Reflection;

Storms in life are inevitable. What storms are you in the middle of today?

Are you at peace that God's perfect plan is at work in the middle of these storm?

How can we "prepare" our heart for those unexpected "pop~up" showers?

Father,
As I stand here today, I know that storms can blow into my life at anytime, often without warning. Help me to always seek you in the storm. As the storm winds blow help me to know that You have plans for my life that are for good, and not to destroy. Help me to patiently ride out the storm with you at my side. Father, the storm is never comfortable but I know at times it is necessary, gently remind me of that when I find myself facing the rain.
Jesus bring the rain as it is necessary to renew and refine me.

Amen






join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she welcomes the rain....