Because of the Rain

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield her fruit (Leviticus 26:4).

We all know that without the rain, plants would wilt and all life would eventually die. Although dark, gloomy, rainy days are not always pleasant when we have to be out and about, things would be much worse without them. It's the same in our spiritual lives. We would be shallow and weak without difficulties and problems.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 2:28).

Just as the rain serves a purpose, so do the hard times that come into our lives. They can bring about a number of important results, such as deepening our faith, teaching us important lessons, or causing us to depend on God. God promises to use everything for good to those who love Him and are called according to his purpose. This includes even the bad situations, but we must stay true to Him.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

This is the reason Paul could rejoice in all situations. It is how he managed to find joy when he had little as well as when he had plenty. He spent much of his time in prison, but he didn't let circumstances get him down. He still wrote letters to the churches, many of which are included in our Bibles today, and he served, witnessed, and converted when he could. We should have the same attitude.

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