What To Do When You Need Rain

Southern Iowa is in desperate need of rain. More important than the brown spots in our yards, the farmers have crops to think about. When you're at the mercy of the weather, having rain in its season is of vital importance.

The Israelites of the Old Testament understood this as well as anyone, especially as they were settling into their new land. In the book of Deuteronomy, they are given instructions for how to use the land that God had cared for, and the directions were incredibly specific.

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14

The much-needed rain for the land was tied directly to the love and obedience of God's people. It was one of those "If... then..." promises God frequently gave them. He had the rain ready and waiting, all He needed was for them to listen, act and love as He told them to.

We may not all be farmers, but we know much about the rain of love and blessings God gives us in abundance. We've been showered with answered prayer, felt the raindrops of compassion from heaven and known the drenching of the Holy Spirit. No umbrella necessary in this downpour - prepare to get soaked through!

So what do you do when it seems like the rain gutter is stopped up when it comes to blessings and answered prayer?

1. Pray for the rain. Tell God everything that you're thinking (and possibly worrying) about. He knows what you have need of, but He delights in having conversations with you and hearing directly from His loving child about your wants and needs. Don't leave anything out, but leave it all at His feet.

2. Prepare for the rain. Be diligent in your Bible study so you know what God expects of you. Put feet to your prayers and do the groundwork. Don't sit idle and expect things to be handed to you on a silver platter. If there's something you need to be doing in the meantime, while you're waiting with faith and hope, do it in anticipation of the coming rain.

3. Play in the rain. When the blessings start to fall, soak them all up. Splash in the puddles. Find true joy in everything God sends your way. This is what you prayed for - and maybe even better - so enjoy it!

4. Praise for the rain. Shout your thanks. Whisper your thanks. Cry while you give thanks. Smile and laugh while you give thanks. It doesn't matter how you show your thankfulness. All that matters is that you thank the Lord for this rain as much as you prayed for it.

5. Proclaim the rain. Tell everyone you possibly can how much rain you've received. Whether it was a little drop here and there or a gully-washer, share with other people how you've been blessed. God deserves all the glory and honor for that rain, so proclaim it far and wide.

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