Where's God When It Rains?

From Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times

A few years ago, I read the book Captivating by Stasi Eldridge. In one part she challenges women to ask God how He’s showing them His love.

I was at the beginning of my storm during that time but still far enough into it to feel a bit abandoned. So I initially balked at the question.

Finally, with a sigh, I silently asked, “Lord, how in the world are You showing me You love me right now?”

In an instant the answer came. I gently sensed God say to my heart, “I’m walking through the rain with you and I’m giving you my umbrella.”

My mind flashed back to a day in college when an unexpected storm swept in while I was in class. I dreaded the long trek home. As I exited my classroom, I couldn’t believe what I saw. My boyfriend Mark (who is now my husband) stood waiting for me with a smile on his face and an umbrella in his hand. He had come to walk me through the rain. It’s still one of the sweetest and most loving things anyone has ever done for me.

Of course, the best part of the walk home that day was staying right beside Mark. Umbrellas aren’t very big and the closer you get, the drier you stay. It’s the same way with God.

I know what’s it’s like to want to run away into the rain as fast as you can. I’ve done exactly that many times. But the sweetest moments in my journey have come when I’ve chosen to stay under God’s umbrella and let Him wrap His loving arms around me. 

Being under God’s umbrella still isn’t like a walk in the park on a sunny day. But there’s an intimacy to it that we may look back on with longing one day. We’ve all heard people say, “I’m glad that time in my life is over…but I sometimes miss how close I felt to God.”

God is waiting outside the door of your heart to walk you through the rain. This may not be what you would have chosen but it will be a journey you’ll always remember.

Read

After a time of great difficulty, God tells His chosen people that He will bless them with His presence and, “It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” ISAIAH 4:6 NIV

Reflect

How is God showing you his love right now?

What do you think God is saying to your heart today?

Are you choosing to stay under God’s umbrella or running into the storm? Why?

 

Respond

Lord, thank You for Your love. Sometimes it’s hard to see in the midst of all this rain. I pray You will show me how You’re taking care of me today. I especially need You to___________________. Amen.

 

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Comments

[AUTUMN WHILE]

Sweet Holley~

I love this devotion from your book. I love them all so far but this one really spoke to me. Especially wtih the journey that I'm walking through right now. This was so sweet to me. To know that the Lord is there, walking with me & taking care of me. Thank you for your writings, encouraging words, love for the Lord and for us. You don't know how many lives you touch when you share your heart. I am one of them.

[jane]

Thank you for sharing this entry =)
Awww i love that scene of your boyfriend waiting for you with an umbrella...
No bf right now, but definately want to know more of God's love for me and the ways he's showing me his love.

[Dori]

I love this! In fact, I was just talking to my 2nd grade Sunday School class about umbrellas and how God's protection works just that way.

Can't wait to order this book! May have to make it two -- one for me and one to give away on my blog.

Thanks, friend!
Dori

[crystal theresa]

holley, i came to your blog from Monica (the writer chic), and i can see why this is one of her favorite posts. i need to draw closer to God and draw strength from His grace and comfort. thank you for this reminder through the image of your then-bf now-husband waiting to walk with you in the rain. i look forward to reading more of your writing.

[Sarah]

Dear Holley,
I recently got your book and am so thankful for your insights. This post from your devotional touches my heart and reminds me that God will walk with me during my seemingly difficult time. I know that my stumbling upon your blog and devotional is no coincidence. Thank you for your honesty!

[Marion]

dear holley...
it's July 31 and the Lord lead this to me.
I've been going back to alot of your writing since fining your blog about a month or so ago.
But today....I was needing God's umbrella so.

Having a new brain scan on Monday....
and it's been raining in my heart for these last few days dreading this test so.

His umbrella is His covering wings to me today.

thanks so much for this writing and so blessed and thankful that Father God lead me to you!

blessings...
marion

[Kasey]

My husband and I have weathered a storm together and our therapist kept telling us to stay under the umbrella together. I love that visual in my mind...me and him snuggled close together to stay dry. I have also read your book and loved the analogy with God. So, my husband and I have made room for God under our umbrella...with us all 3 snuggled close, we know the storm will pass in time and sunnier days are ahead...