Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Even in the Rain

Suggested Bible Reading
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
-2 Peter 1:19-21 (NRSV)

 

Today's Scripture

On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
-Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

 

IN Missouri, warm summer evenings offer a special treat. As darkness falls, lawns are covered by the soft, twinkling lights of fireflies. Children love to catch the fireflies and put them into jars to create their own special lanterns.

 

 

While I walked home at dusk one hot summer evening with my five-year-old grandson, Zach, a gentle rain began to fall. He questioned, "Grandpa, can fireflies shine in the rain?" I started to say that fireflies don't come out in the rain when suddenly all around us little lights started twinkling. To my amazement, the fireflies were out in large number, rising up from the lawn. Fireflies can shine in the rain!

 

 

In a similar way, God's light is stronger than problems that rain upon us. If we follow the light of Christ as God reveals it in the Bible, we can find hope even as we walk in the rain. Like many others, I have endured problems such as divorce, illness, unemployment, and family conflict. In these disappointments, we need not stumble into self-pity, anger, or pessimism. God will bless us with light as we follow Christ; we can shine even in the rain.

Cliff Rawley (Missouri, U.S.A.)

Prayer
Great Morning Star, in difficult times, may we trust you to bring us light and new hope. Amen.
Thought for the Day
No amount of rain can extinguish the light of Christ.

 

Prayer Focus

Those looking for light and hope