Because a Storm Was Passing By

Darkness slung an ebony shawl over the entire area. All would have remained pitch black if not for the sudden strikes of lightning ripping through the atmosphere.

From torn spider webs to fallen limbs, nothing escaped the ravaging of the torrential rain as it wreaked its havoc. 

Two people, on the same street, each standing inside their own home, looked out their window, watching a summer storm release its sluice gate of showers.

They watched as streams quickly filled up and overflowed their banks and the inundated storm drains backed up with a deluge of water, covering the streets.

The first man saw the harsh reality of the fierce downpour as it beat its force upon the plants and the ground.

As he stood there watching, he thought of his life, how the storm reminded him of the trials beating their fierce force upon him, how the strikes of lightning felt like stabs of discontent in his soul, and how the rising water overwhelmed the banks of his heart with negative thoughts and feelings of drowning in his problems.

And so, he grumbled, complaining to God. Because a storm was passing by.

Yet, across the street stood another man at his window. Though he saw the same storm, his view was quite different; he saw beyond the downpour.

He imagined the rain dispersing the nourishing energy to create a multitude of flowers from the seeds he planted a few days ago. He could see them bursting forth from the earth with beauty untold and a fragrance to rival the most expensive Paris perfumes.

He, too, had a downpour of trials buffeting him. A devastating strike of afflictions. Yet, he chose to see the blessings in the storm, and as he stood and watched, he began to sing. He sang praises to the Lord for what He would bring as a result of the rain and for what God’s outpouring would be in his life.

He knew that, in time, his trials and heartache would disappear, his positive attitude would carry him through, and the Lord would bring an end to his troubles in His own time, for God works all things together for those who love Him.

Is a storm passing by you?

Maybe it’s raining a downpour of suffering in your life right now, coming fast and furious and dealing you a devastating blow. But I’m here to tell you, my friend, that the rain of affliction beating upon your life will yield forth the blessings of those seeds the Lord has planted in your soul.

The suffering and pain will be alleviated by your praise and thanksgiving to the Lord as He works in your life and creates the beauty and the fragrance of restoration out of it all, for “In Him you have been blessed in every way.” (1 Cor. 1:5a ERV)

---

Want to read more from Lynn? Check out: Letters from the Couch