We recently celebrated Independence Day of 2023 this past July 4th. In recent years, our family typically gathers outside on the driveway in the late evening and awaits the barrage of fireworks that will light up the night sky. This year's neighborhood firework display was no exception to greatness, as we witnessed an array of colorful, booming combinations that could even rival the firework productions that are launched after local baseball games played downtown. It was difficult for me to engage in all of the festivities of the evening. I had worked that day at a feverish pace and was both physically and mentally drained from the tasks of the day. I knew that I was in store for another demanding day, so I was eager for the exaggerated light show to die down and find my way to get some rest. Perhaps my tolerance for the noise of loud festivities is diminishing as I get older?
As I laid down to sleep around 11pm, I felt as if I was being transferred into another realm. I was awakened by the rumbling of thunder that was coupled by a gentle breeze that flowed through the trees. We were entering into the beginning of a rain storm that persisted throughout the morning. I anticipated the rain storm passing through and the blazing sun piercing through the sky, followed by a traditional Midwest heat surge that would zap all of our energy. To my surprise, it rained continuously for the next several days and the temperature remained around the mid-seventies, which is extremely rare this time of year in the lower Midwest region. All of my outdoor work obviously had to be placed on hold due to the wet conditions; it seemed as though everything was slowly coming to a standstill. The Lord began to speak to my spirit as a reminder of things to come.
In Joel 2:23-27, we see the mention of the former and latter rain as part of the restoration process. Many of us have endured years of unending trials and tribulations that have eroded the foundations of our lives and we are trying to stand on rotted surfaces. As I pursued the start of last week, I didn't realize how depleted I was. I was operating on the reserves of whatever strength I had left, but the Lord allowed this unusual pattern of rain to limit my activity level and focus on recovery. The Lord in His infinite wisdom will allow a shift in the atmosphere to alter the course of our direction. We often attempt to operate at the speed of light, trying to accomplish everything in a moment's time, but it may lead to our destruction. Allow the spirit of the Lord to sweep across your path today and interrupt the pace of your life with flow of His grace and mercy. May the latter rain of His Spirit saturate every corner of your world and help you enter into a divine rest, in Jesus name!
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