By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
It seems that no matter how brown the grass on our lawn becomes during the hot summer months, it greens up instantly after a storm.
Why is that?
The obvious answer would appear to be rain—plants need water to survive.
While it’s true that water is a necessary component for developing strong and healthy plants. It is not the only factor.
Through a bit of research on the Internet, I’ve learned that there are several elements needed for grass to grow and flourish. The most important element is nitrogen. When lightning strikes during an intense thunderstorm, a chain reaction takes place that converts nitrogen in the atmosphere to dissolvable nitrates that are then more easily absorbed into the soil. Nitrates are essential factors for growing greener grass.
I’m always amazed at the vivid illustrations God provides through science and nature.
As I drink-in my daily dose of life-giving water (reading my Bible and spending time in prayer and worship), I grow a little more each day. However, it seems the most intense seasons of growth in my life always take place after I’ve encounter an intense “storm”.
Trials, challenges, and heartaches seem to accelerate the spiritual growth process, much like the transformation of greener grass after a rainstorm.
“…rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful.” (Joel 2:23)
It is a fact of life that some lessons are more readily absorbed into the fabric of our being through pain, struggle, and strife.
Navigating challenging relationships, executing and growing a ministry, as well as shouldering the many heartaches resulting from living in a broken world are just a few of the tempests God has been using to mold and shape me into the woman He desires me to be. Although I do not especially enjoy going through the tough times, I have found they are absolutely necessary. One of the greatest benefits is growing stronger and being able to better handle future seasons of life.
The same is true for you.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
So the next time you see clouds roll-in or hear the faint sound of thunder in the distance, remember. Not only will God bring you safely through the storm, but He will give you greener grass on the other side.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25)
