When you pray for rain... expect a little mud

I know that I have talked about it before, but what do people do without God's mercy, grace, and hope? All of us go through trials big and small on a daily basis. Often we look around and wonder, where is God in this trial? I think that God is best seen in His creation. Just look at the sky. It is vast, provides rain, gives sun, sends the winds... we can't touch it but we see a small portion of it each day and night.

I can remember being at the dinner table as a little girl and hearing my Dad pray for rain. We always had a huge garden in the summer. There were times when I wondered why he and Mom bothered with this huge garden when the weather was so unpredictable. I have seen him toil and labor over a tomato crop that drowned in too much rain and watched him stand out for hours watering a bean crop. I spent my share of days picking peas in the hot sun-enough to know that I never wanted a big garden like that. I guess my point is that my parents saw the fruits of their labor. Sometimes they were surprised at the fruitfulness of their garden and were willing to share with other families who needed the food. Other times they were disappointed, yet they never gave up.

Isn't that the way God is with us? He puts lots of work in trying to make us in his image. There are times when we really glorify Him in our actions and words. Other times, He is disappointed in the fruits of His labor.

I thank God for His grace. He never gives up on me. He also provides solace in the storms and makes me see the good in situations. Praise God today for his creation- including the sun, rain, storms, winds, and changing leaves. God never disappoints me. I seek to do the same for Him.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You and raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes unto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth