September 8, 2022
Bring on the rain! Is it really true? Will rain visit Southern California this weekend? Time will tell. Rain is often referenced as an unpleasant event. Sadness, troubles, trials, depression, and more can be associated with rain. However, this weekend, I would say most of us are looking forward to the much-needed moisture and reprieve from the heat. A cleansing for our community.
The coming rain made me start to think about sadness, troubles, and trials in general. In the Bible, James tells us to “Count it all joy,” when trials come our way. Joy is not my first reaction to trials but how many times have my trials given me a new perspective and cleansed me from self-reliance, self-pity, and a lack of interest in God’s plan for my life. Crazy to think I need trials, but I need trials. And as much as I don’t like or appreciate them in the moment, there is always something I can ultimately learn and grow from to improve my character. Bring on the rain!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV