In my time alone with God (my Quiet Time) I came across an interesting verse this morning that relates to a conversation Janet and I had yesterday about the WEATHER. Paul was speaking about God to unbelievers in Lystra and said: “and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17 NASB)

Some parts of our nation have had too much rain in recent months and many parts of our nation are dying for rain; especially West Texas.

I believe God is sovereign (in control) and know that nature has been corrupted ever since the Fall (Genesis). I also know the Bible is clear that every day we are moving closer and closer to the birth pangs of judgment that begin prior to the end times. With the state of the world, the financial disaster that seems to be looming in our government, and the natural disasters that are taking place more consistently – we are poised for a very difficult time in the coming months if things don’t change. It would seem that we’re ever closer to the terrible times told about in the Scripture that accompany the judgments that take place near the end of time (famines, natural disasters, wars etc). I’m not a chart-keeper and scripture is clear that no one knows the time of Jesus 2nd coming and the end times, but these things could be signs of the time.

SO WHY NO RAIN?

I know in some situations, rain was a witness to unbelievers as seen in Acts 14:17. I also know God withheld rain for 3 1/2 years as Elijah prayed (James 5:17-18) and then gave rain as Elijah prayed for it…..so it could be related to an issue of judgment. Too much rain was definitely a sign of judgment in the times of Noah!

In Matthew 5:45 Jesus said that God causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the good & evil alike.

Regardless of the reasons, 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV) is clear: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This is a time when those of us who are followers of Jesus need to especially heed the words of 2 Chron. 7:14. No one knows what the future holds, but believers know the One who holds the future and the posture we need to take before Him is one of humility, repentance, seeking, dependence, confession and prayer.

I’m praying for rain consistently, but before any of us pray for rain maybe we ought to consider carefully the words of 2 Chron. 7:14.