Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.” (James 1:11)
My friend’s grandmother had a great saying… “All sunshine makes a desert.” How very true. Here in the mid-west we don’t have too much to worry about in a literal sense since we get plenty of precipitation in the spring, fall and winter. In a spiritual sense however, we are all in danger of living in desert conditions. Especially when we attempt to run away from hardships or deny the lessons God may be trying to teach us through them. Difficult as it may be to accept, adversity is a fact of life. Trying times will come and when they do we are given wonderful opportunities to grow as individuals.
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)
We may not enjoy going through difficult life circumstances any more than we would enjoy being out in the elements during a powerful storm. But we must remember that the storms of life have a purpose, and the soaking rains of tribulation encourage rich new growth. The question we need to ask ourselves is will we grow bitter or better?
“Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.” (1 Kings 8:36)
The desert life can be brutal; most wouldn’t survive long with the scorching heat and extremely dry conditions. So the next time you are tempted to wish your life could be all sunshine remember Pearl Landrum’s gentle admonition: All sunshine makes a desert.
