How is the Weather?

How has the weather been treating you this year?

From a record warm, dry winter to soaring temperatures in early spring to the teaser of a lovely early summer, it has been a wild year weather wise around here. The United States has experienced severe storms in the south and east, raging wildfires  in Colorado, and record-breaking rains and flooding in Minnesota and Florida.

Here in Iowa and other parts of the Midwest, we’ve been experiencing excessive heat and extremely dry conditions.

Have you looked at the corn crop lately?

It is getting desperate. The farmers in this region of the country are praying for even a sprinkle to reach the parched earth. For some, their livelihood is at stake.

The corn in more sandy soils look like pineapple tops. My sister-in-law commented that it looks like it is raising its leaves heavenward. Perhaps acknowledging the One who gives and takes away?

I can almost visualize their tongues hanging out from their dry, cracked lips. Okay, my imagination may be a little wild;  nevertheless, you get the picture: we are at a critical juncture for rain.

Sadly, not one drop is forecast for the next 10 days.

As Christians, who believe God is in control and trust Him for our best, what are we to do with this drought?

To be sure, prayers for rain have been flying heavenward—from pulpits and houses across the region, on bended knees with hands held high. But for many areas, these prayers seem to go unanswered. The land remains dry, the corn continues to wither.

In the Bible, drought and famine accompanied times of waywardness by God’s people—times when many turned away from Him. God seemed to use the desperation of drought and famine to get His peoples’ attention.

So is that what this drought is—a warning?

I won’t pretend to know God’s intentions, but at a time when our nation is becoming indifferent if not downright hostile to even the mention of His name, it does look suspect.

But no matter what the purpose of the drought, we can be sure there is one, and in the end it is for our good. We aren’t just floating through life at the whim of whichever way the wind blows (or rain falls).

God has His holy fingerprints on all creation. 

We can trust God will use this hardship like He does all suffering. He will redeem it. Christians will be better for it.

It may not look like anything good can come out of such pain and distress at this point, but that’s the mystery of the One we serve. He sees all, we only see tiny pieces. His ways are not our ways.

No matter what the weather is like in your corner of the world, know that He does have a plan, and it is one to prosper and not harm you.

So let’s take a cue from the corn, and during whatever difficulty you are now facing, turn your face heavenward.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. “ (Psalm 19:1-4)

Share in the Discussion: What is the worst drought you remember? Is there a time when God redeemed a seemingly hopeless situation in your life? Would you like to share?

Linking with A Holy Experience community to share one thousand gifts and more (#781–802, click here to view all my one thousand gifts posts).

• God’s holy fingerprints on the totality of my life.
• Relatively unchanged cardiologist report for 16 yr old; Spending day w/ Mom & Zach; Tortured for Christ book; Martyrs ‪
• Hosted church ladies’ meeting today=God-filled & encouraging; Fans in bldg w/o air conditioner in 90+temps; Weeds & hoes ‪
• Living in the United States, a country founded on freedom to worship; Creek stomping; Crawdads/crayfish–so unique ‪
• Slowest 4th of July ever for hubby at work; Fireflies—God’s answer to twinkling lights; Freedom to eucharisteo ‪
• Berry/yogurt parfait in cute little stemware; Just enough provisions exactly when needed; Power of body to heal
• Heat wave has ended; Peach smoothies—double yum; Garden weeded and watered
• Complimented w/ “Amazing food!” from teenage boy; Special bike for special girl; Edifying affect of corporate worship ‪

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