Smile, It's Only Rain...

If you have ever visited Ohio or lived in Ohio then you know that our weather can be a bit spastic at times. The sun can be out one moment and it can be raining the next. It can even be raining on one end of town and be bright and sunny on the other end. And this past weekend was definitely like that. There were a few events planned over the weekend that could have been completely ruined by the rain, the people pushed through and made it a great time. And as I was thinking back over the weekend I felt like God was once again showing me a very valuable lesson through all of that.

The enemy would love nothing more than to bring a storm into your live that will take your feet right out from under you. And I feel so strong about that, that I have written several blogs about storms and how to stand strong in them, overcome them and heal from them. However, what about "the rain"? What about the things that enemy likes to bring your way that aren't quite a storm, but are just a little bit of rain on your day. The things he likes to catch us off guard with and just ruin our day, week or even month with. What do we do when the "rain" comes?

Like I said, I was a part of some events this weekend that the rain could have completely ruined, and one of those was a youth group car was to raise funds for their youth group. And as we set things up it looked like rain was coming. The radar showed a low chance, but the clouds said something different. And after we got completely set up, signs made and started to flag down the drivers who were passing by.....the rain began. And not just a little rain, like a down pour. And I watched a group of kids who could have been completely discouraged about the rain, smile, laugh and have fun in it. I watched them continue to ask people if they wanted their cars washed as we were getting poured on...and have fun doing it. And I watched God pour out on them as they raised over $100 by pushing through, and yet only washed one car. Person after person donated money because these kids stuck it out in the rain. The people laughed at the kids for standing out there and even though a lot of cars didn't get washed, a lot of smile and laughs were passed out that day. And it was a blessing to be a part of it. And another event was a grad party for a great kid from out church. The family planned this huge gathering and celebration and they were not going to let bad weather stand in the way....and neither were the people that were their to celebrate his accomplishment. The rains came and people stayed, and smiled, laughed and fellowshipped their way through it!

Rain could have easily ruined these two events if the people involved would have let it. But they pushed through. And that is exactly what we have to do when the enemy tries to ruin a good day, week or even month for us. I know we've all been there. From a time when there were more days than dollars in a months and it was financially stressful. Or just a bad start to a day where you woke up late, hit every red light on the way to work, and got stuck in traffic. When these times happen, stop and think about what he enemy feels so threatened by that could happen if you have a great day, week or month? Who will you witness to as you smile today? Who will you show Jesus too as you let small things roll off your back? Who will be surprised by your response if they have to give you bad news and you show them the love of Christ by not letting it be a big deal? 

Small things don't affect everyone, but for some the enemy knows exactly how to push your buttons. But by your own choice and strength through Christ, today could be the last day you allow him to "rain" on your day. Romans 5:3-5 says "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love". So the next time the rain comes, smile your way through it and give God the glory for the fact that you can!

God, Thank You that you can ALWAYS give us a reason to smile. Even on the worst of days, when the storm clouds over our life look dark, You still bring a light in that overcomes all darkness. You are THE reason to smile each and every day of our lives. Holy Spirit, keep the peace and joy alive in us that comes from knowing Jesus and let the world see something different in us. Help us to be truly set apart and smile through the rainy days of life. In Jesus name, Amen