God, rain and California

A lot can be known about about people by finding out who they turn to for help.

California faces a severe lack of water. Attempts at regulation and conservation have not helped. The one thing that would make a difference, more rain, is acknowledged, but the one who provides the rain is ignored. In the book of James, the author talks about the power of faith. He mentions Elijah and how God had withheld rain from a faithless Israel for three and a half years because of his prayers. Elijah understood how things work – God is in control of the rain and everything else that matters on planet earth.

It is an antiquated notion that dependence upon God is connected to the amount of rain that falls. Not everyone in Israel was righteous in Elijah’s day, just as not everyone in California is righteous today. But the rain still comes at God’s command.

Whether it is because of submission to political correctness or fear of offending people who do not believe the Bible, do not expect the leaders of California to ask God for rain. Nonetheless, rain will come when God determines that it will come. He may respond to the prayers of those already praying for relief. Perhaps a government leader may seek the path of repentance and ask God for rain. The Lord may choose to respond in mercy to people in need. But you can be sure of this – the rain will not come until God says that it will.

Tell your children and those whom you know this great truth. The water will come at a time of God’s own choosing and not a minute before. Be in awe of the Lord who controls the rain.

Who someone looks to for help tells you much about that person. The same is true for governments. May God grant humility so that rain and peace may come to people in need of the grace of Jesus Christ, Lord of heaven and earth.

Job 37:10-13
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He brings the clouds to punish people,
or to water his earth and show his love.