The Rain is Necessary

During a vacation summer, Curtis, my beloved son, and I had a very interesting conversation.  On the previous day, we went to the beach.  It was a perfect day!  It was nice and warm without humidity.  The water temperature was ideal.  Actually, we did not want to leave.  Since we had so much fun, we discarded all plans in order to return to the beach the next day.  As Mother Nature would have it, pouring rains made us rethink the day’s activities.  As we retrieved those previously cancelled plans and piled into the car, we lamented the rain.  Curtis said, “Daddy, I want to go back to the beach today.  Why did it have to rain today?”  I answered, “Curtis, the rain is necessary.  It causes things to grow.”

As I continually reflect upon my reply to my son, I recall the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Almighty God sends “the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45)  Just as natural rain falls upon all persons, emotional, physical, financial, and psychological challenges occur in everyone’s life.  Additionally, just as physical rain causes the growth of flowers, trees, and plants, spiritual rain produces personal development and spiritual progress.  Rain of either type is necessary for growth.

Accordingly, I suggest that we embrace seasons of spiritual rain.  Accepting various trials is easier said than done.  Usually, we resist the necessity of pain and tribulation.  We wonder why God allows it.  We look for easier and softer alternatives.  We would like to read a book; take a class; attend a seminar; to simply avoid the latest test.  Yet, these trials are absolutely necessary in order for Almighty God to conform us into the character of Christ.  Just as we may enjoy the thrill and freedom of playing in mid-afternoon summer showers, we can find joy in the midst of spiritual rain.

Another author offers two incredible insights on the matter of redemptive suffering.  First, he says, “Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual progress.”  You recall the athletic encouragement, “No pain then no gain.”  Those sayings hold true for the spiritual life as well.  Pain is the catalyst for the rain, which in turn helps us grow.  Second, he reminds us that “the spiritual life is not a theory.”  It really would be nice if reading, classrooms, seminars and weekly church attendance directly yield spiritual maturity and character development.  Instead, we gain spiritually as we experience spiritual rain.  We live through the seasons of adversity in order to acquire patience, endurance, character and hope. (Romans 5:1-5)

Asking “Why?” when rain comes rarely helps.  God allows the rain, in nature and in our lives.  Life could not exist and continue without it.  Nothing grows flourishes or endures without it.  We have no chance of actualizing God-given talents and abilities without periodic rains of challenge and suffering.  Farmers thank God for the rain.  Gardeners and florists are grateful for the rain.  Similarly, disciples of our Lord thank God for rain that aids us in becoming more like Him.  

When natural rains fall, we immediately run for cover.  In the spiritual realm, fleeing does not work.  God desires that we live through the rain.  In fact, He promises that the waters will not overtake us.  The rising waters will not burst the dam of God’s protection and guidance.  The hymn writer in “How Firm a Foundation” speaks of God’s faithful promise of His presence at cresting rivers of life.  God permits these tough circumstances in order to “sanctify our deepest distress.”  Summarily, the rain is necessary for types of growth.  Just as natural life needs water to grow, spiritual life requires episodic torrential downpours of adversity to experience increasing assurance of the Lord’s unfailing love and enduring faithful provision.