Chuck Bridges Blog

We got some much needed rain last night here at our house. I know the storms were scatterred so I’m sure many people never saw a drop of rain. Each time the lightning appeared I could see the grass, trees and plants — it looked like they were drinking as fast as they could. I’m not sure how much rain actually fell but, in our present drought, anything we get is appreciated.

As I was getting awake this morning I saw that the ground was still pretty wet and the grass just looked refreshed. Then I listened to the weather and it is going to be 95 and clear skies today. Even though the rains refreshed the plants last night they are in for another day of intense, life draining heat today. I know the rain helped but, it is only the depth of their root base that will sustain them through another segment of dry, hot weather.

Once again God spoke to my heart today about the similarities of droughts and times of refreshment in our spiritual realities. I recently experienced a season of drought. While everything looked good on the outside, inside I was drying up. Even though I was studying and reading God’s Word daily, praying, and trying to help others I still found myself drifting further into the drought’s control. It is scary how far we can drift from the “Abundant” life while doing the things God has said bring about His Abundancy. Of course, it also reminds us that our Abundancy does not come through “DOING” but only through “BEING!”

Last week God sent some refreshing “RAIN” for my drought. He brought me back to a place where I wanted to spend time in His Word for my own nourishment and not just because I had sermons to prepare. He also reminded me of my value to Him, not because of what I do for Him but because of WHO I AM IN HIM! He loves me and accepts me unconditionally no matter how well I “perform” for Him. This was like a refreshing “RAIN” that I desperately needed. It has helped me refocus my energy on the areas of my life where God has blessed me. My faith, my family, and then my ministry are back in their proper order.

One more thing occurred to me this morning. Just like the grass, trees, flowers, vegetables, etc. will have to endure another hot, dry day, there are no doubt some “drought-like” conditions awaiting me today, tomorrow, and so on… No matter how close we strive to be to God we are going to experience “dry” times when our prayers seem shallow, the Word of God gives up very little new Truth, our relationships seem distant, and our value is questioned. I think God often tests us to see IF we still believe Him and will continue to be faithful no matter how “dry” things get! This is when Genuine Faith is tested — when we speak truths by faith that are not a part of our reality.

Each time God teaches me new truths through painful circumstances I realize once again how much I have to learn. Today I prayed for humility to handle the “droughts” this day has waiting for me. I will stay on board God’s Gospel ship no matter how long it takes for the refreshing rains to come. Jesus told us to remember His death so we could make it through these tough times, knowing that His death initiated our Eternal Life. Folks, we have a home on the other side that makes every trial of this life pale into insignificance.

I think I’ll go listen to the song by Mercy Me called: “Bring the Rain”