Rain from Heaven

by Melissa Henderson @mimionlife

The low country of South Carolina has been receiving “drought condition” alerts for a few weeks. Television and radio forecasters provide hourly, daily, and weekly predictions for weather. Each day, we watch and listen and check our phones with hopes of seeing a forecast of rain. Even a slight drizzle would be nice.

We are not watching for hurricanes this time. We are hoping for rain.

A few times during the day the blue skies have disappeared, and we thought maybe rain was on the way. Not yet. Just a few clouds passing by.

Palm trees which usually have green fronds now have brown tips. The grass is crunchy when we walk across the yard. The pond water is lower than usual. The flowers are thirsty. Water restrictions are in place in some areas.

Prayers are being said across the area, asking God to provide the needed moisture.

Today, my husband and I went to the grocery store. As we left our driveway, I noticed a drop of water on the windshield. I wondered and said out loud. “Is that rain? Could we be getting ready for a shower?”

The excitement of that possibility had us grinning. Maybe, just maybe, rain was coming.

But as we drove through the neighborhood and onto the main street, the rain drops stopped. Oh, well. Perhaps another day. Disappointment took away our smiles.

Rain would be a welcome sight. No floods or dangerous storms, of course. Just a nice slow, long-lasting day of rain would be welcome.

Arriving at the grocery store, my husband parked the car and went inside to make some purchases. I sat in the car and read a book.

Drop. Drop. Drop. Heavy drops of rain began to fall from the sky. I sat watching with eyes wide open, remembering my husband did not have the umbrella with him.

Other people were caught off guard by the rain, too. Men and women sprinted through the parking lot trying to find shelter. I watched as people tried to cover their heads with briefcases, empty grocery bags and their hands. Almost everyone was laughing at the surprise of rain. They were joyful even while being drenched in it.

My husband made his way back to our car. Yes, he was soaked by the rain. We laughed as he sat trying to dry off with one lonely napkin we found in the glove compartment. The rain poured down for another 15 minutes. What a glorious sight and sound!

That wonderful rainfall served as a reminder to us of God’s faithful presence and provision. James wrote that every good gift comes from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). Jeremiah the prophet understood the significance rain should have in his people’s understanding of God. “Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain? Or can the heavens grant showers? Is it not You, O Lord our God? Therefore we hope in You, for You are the one who has done all these things” (Jeremiah 14:22 NASB).

What a wonderful blessing to experience the rain shower that day and to be reminded of God’s power and faithfulness to us. There is no one like our God.

TWEETABLE
Rain from Heaven – living in God’s abundance from Melissa Henderson, @MimiOnLife on @AriseDailyDevo (Click to Tweet)

About the author: Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in coastal South Carolina. She was taught a love for reading and writing at an early age. Melissa continues to write Christian stories, articles, and devotionals. She also enjoys sharing inspirational messages on her blog at melissaghenderson.com.

Her first children’s book, Licky the Lizard, offers parents, grandparents, and educators a tale that teaches children a simple, yet important message: there is no need to fear any of God’s creatures because we are all created by Him—and He loves us all.

Join the conversation: What experiences have reminded you of God’s faithfulness?