We pray, "God, thank you for our blessings.” I wonder what we really consider as
blessings when we say those words.
Sometimes
we see them as “blessings” only if they are wrapped in pretty paper, or resulting in things we've wished for, or maybe only if they are clear and definite "yes" answers to our
wants.
The word “Raindrops” sound beautiful, soft and
lovely. But when we use the word “Rain” it has a different sound to us. Like
something a little harsh, like a trial. Let’s explore that a little.
Do you remember reading the book of Job? Job was a good guy. He did what God
wanted him to do. He lived a pretty blameless life. But there was more to the story. Blessings?
Job lost everything. His children and servants were killed, and he lost all his
riches. Soon he was afflicted with sores over his whole body.
Job laid out his complaints to God. But he also asked God to show him where he
had fallen short. He spoke of God’s
goodness, and yet complained about the state he was in. He felt that God wasn’t
listening to him - sometimes we feel the same way. Job just didn’t understand – and that’s the
crux of the matter.
God’s answer set Job back a bit. In Job 38, we read.” Then the LORD spoke to
Job out of the storm. . . In the storm He showed Job that God was God, and Job
was not.
God was laying out for Job a picture of just who he was complaining to,
and then God asked Job to answer Him.
Job didn’t know that God was so
sure of Job’s love that He would allow him to go through these troubles for
another reason. Job didn’t know what blessing was going to be
his. He didn’t know that God was showing Job how to trust Him.The storm helped him grow, and because of it, Job learned more and more about
God and learned that no matter where Job found himself, in the sunshine or the
rain, God can be trusted.
Job's blessings
came through raindrops. This time the rain was a real gully washer, tearing
through Job’s life was a real storm. The rain in Job’s life was a blessing,
even though at the it didn’t feel like it.
A little aside -- Job’s “blessing” is really a blessing
to us. It helps us to know God better. It speaks of an almighty God, a God we
don’t always understand. It also shows that man can have a conversation with God – not a “formal” talk, but a real
conversation. For although God basically
scolded Job for his attitude, He continued to talk with him. He didn’t shut Job out. And in the end, God demonstrated His love for
Job in a very tangible way. We may, in our rainstorm, hear a gentle word from
our Savior saying, may this trial be a way for you to understand Me more.
Oh yes, sometimes in our storms we wonder if He’s
listening - but the Bible tells us that God always hears His children. Yes, sometimes our blessings come through raindrops.
These were just my thoughts after I listened to this beautiful song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKPeoPiK9XE