Pray For Rain 2016.10.22

I felt today's topic of rain was appropriate, as our weekend seems like it will be a washout.


The Lord Will Care for Judah

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.


Zechariah 10:1


The Bible speaks of rain in three categories:
  1. Rain which brings about the flood, as seen with Noah in Genesis
and
  1. a sweet rain that nourishes a dry & thirsty ground, as seen in 1 Kings 18:1 & 41

Elijah and Obadiah

1After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: "Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land."





41And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain."


In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah the prophet had brought about a drought that had lasted 3.5 years through God. And now, in chapter 18, God tells Elijah to show himself to King Ahab - There is a time to hide & be alone with God, and there is a time to present ourselves to the world. (Some people wish to remain hidden when they should step up & present themselves). This is also a great example of obedience. In verse 41, the people were happy to see the rain finally come.

  1. And the last category that the Bible uses with rain isn't a literal one

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love,and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.


Hosea 10:12
and

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.


Ezekiel 34:26


These verse refer to things like righteousness and blessings are said to "shower" down. Why rain though? A strong guess would be that He wants us to know that righteousness & blessings are going to be abundant and refreshing, like rain is to a dry, parched land.

Difficult times may seem like a scorched earth, along with dark & loud storm clouds. Although intimidating or frightening, the rain brings blessings & refreshment. We just need to stand our ground in our faith in Him and He will remove our despair. Pray for rain, and see God's blessings pour down upon you.