A moment in the sunshine...

Have you ever watched a big storm roll in off the ocean?

You can tell when it's coming. 

You can see the dark clouds in the distance. 

You can feel the cool air blowing in. 

You can see the slanting rain coming closer and closer.

You can't, however, always determine how long it will last, what it will bring, and what it will leave behind.

In Florida, storms can show up out of literally no where. In the summertime, the chance of rain is always 50%. It may come, it may not. I'm not even sure the weatherman knows some days...

Life is often like the days in the Florida summer. One moment the sun is shining, your hair is pulled up, and you're rocking some sweet shades....then out of no where the storm hits. You're drenched from head to toe, and your shades are too speckled with drops of water to see anything. Depending on how you react to the sudden dark clouds and rain is completely dependent on how your "day" will be. 

You could curse the skies and complain that your day is ruined. OR you could rejoice in the rain and the cool air it leaves behind and the life it brings to this world.

Your outlook on this storm can make you or break you.

This, my friends, is life. Every sunny day, and every dark sky that brings rain. You'll find yourself in situations where life is all sunshine and smiles, and other times when the wind and rain leaves you cold and wet.

As much as these storms in life seem to dampen our spirits and bring us down, I believe that God gives us these storms for a reason. 

Our God is Sovereign. 

Our God has a steadfast love for each of us. He knows what we want and what we need. 

One of my favorite songs, gives sweet words to remember....

"You're the reason for every good thing, every heartbeat. Every day we get to breathe. You're the reason for anything that lasts, every second chance

Every laugh, life is so sweet.

You're the reason for every good thing, every good thing!"

I believe that all good things come from Jesus. I believe we can laugh and smile and sing when things are good. 

But let me tell you this... Our God is still good. Even when things may not seem so good. 

I choose to rejoice in the storm and dance in the rain. My God will not forsake me. My God is jealous for me. I know nothing of this world will ever change that.

If the rain and wind brings my heart closer to my King, then let it pour.

If being drenched in rain gives me a better understanding of God's grace and love and mercy, then I never want to be dry. Ever.

I thank Jesus for the rain and the pain, and I thank Him for the Cross He took in my name. The Cross that bridges the gap from this world to the arms of an Almighty God.

I rejoice in the rain and in the moments of  sparkling sunshine, because our God is good and He deserves ALL the glory.

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

1. Joshua 1:9