Jesus, Bring the Rain

Somewhere in mid-October it comes out of my closet – that red hooded sweatshirt. Big, bulky, comfy, and warm. It is a fairly regular companion until it gets tucked neatly away in spring.  But even during the summer months, it brings an assurance – knowing it is there… Yes, it guards against the winter winds and wraps me, comforts me, during those cold, dark nights. But there’s something more – something it brings to mind, even during the months when I would not wear it.

You see, screen-printed on this sweatshirt are the lyrics of a song by Mercy Me, “Bring the Rain” an excerpt follows …

          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

Maybe you have a favorite piece of apparel, a favorite lyric, or a verse of scripture that helps you get through those tough times, those storms in life.  Whatever it is for you, know that my prayer is that God would use it to wrap your heart with His abiding and steadfast love, like a big red hoodie.

As storms blow by, know that Christ is greater than the pain, that by suffering His destiny, He has made a way for you. So, what’s a little rain, when you have eternity to praise Him?

While you experience showers, in April or other times, perhaps Isaiah 45:8 (NIV) might be a comfort to you:

          8 “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;
              let the clouds shower it down.
          Let the earth open wide,
              let salvation spring up,
          let righteousness flourish with it;
              I, the Lord, have created it.

Have a happy and blessed Easter Season!
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In Christ,
Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

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