After the rain...

As I write this, I hear the steady beat of rain outside.

I know this sound well.

I've walked through the rain for almost six years because of a personal storm. All through that time, God promised me His umbrella. And He has been faithful to give it.

My circumstances haven't changed yet but I have. And suddenly, this season has too.

God has been whispering to my heart about what comes after the rain. I hadn't even thought about it, really. But it's good, girl, so good.

Will you read the rest with me on (in)courage?

Comments

[Loving mom & wife]

I cry as I read this. My personal storm just past the 5 year mark. My husband left July 10, 2005. I pray for him every day. I took a break to work on me. He sees I am a better person. I am a Christian now. He is not. My faith is what keeps me going. My HOPE is that he will be saved. My love now is for Jesus and my children. Please pray for my "husband". My mom says all of my tears & prayers will move mountains. I wait patiently for that day.

[Ana]

I pray Holley for you that whatever circumstances are hindering you physically that God will restore completely for you. He has a purpose and although we don't necessarily all know why it's taking so long or when it will happen, be still, be patient and listen to Him.

I have had my own circumstances as I battle my disease daily but I know if it were not for his love and guidance to give me patience and hope for joy from all of this, I just don't know where I'd be right now without my Lord.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:36

Blessings always,

[Rebecca Booth]

I'm living these words. Living the dreams blossoming. Living the hope turned to beauty. Rediscovering the joy. After nine years when my husband died, I have had so many different emotions, pain, grief, sorrow, anger, and to mant to name. Now with God'd help, I am living each day as if it's my last on earth, and I am savoring every minute with my family and friends.
Holly, God Bless You! I am thinking about and praying for you!

[aimee]

Holley, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and witnessing to us how God is still faithful in the mist of pain & waiting. You are a strong and matured daughter of God. Thank you for being a part of my life going on this journey together despite I haven't met you. But you've been in my prayers and I pray God will con't to bless you abundantly. love, aimee

[Stacey Dawn]

So glad I read your post today on Incourage...so glad I found your site. I have my own personal storm - one that rages off and on - one that downpours and then softly falls.... thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. I'll be back.

[Mary Catherine]

2Corinthians 4:16-18
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

For every trial, every disappointment I've faced, I have found his grace is sufficient. The flesh of me has cried out "NO, you can't fix THIS one God. This time it's bigger than you!" but my spirit, acknowledges the same spirit (breath) that gave me life and hushes me to a calm rest. His tender touch soothes, reaches out as I lean back, trusting he will catch me, as I fall into his arms. How can God love me when I still have moments of doubt after so many years of him proving himself true? Still he does.

When I lost the love of my life, my husband of 30 years, in a blink, suddenly, overnight, becoming a widow at 52, I felt my world had crashed. How would I survive the loss? How would I breath or live? Days were hours of agony. My tears could fill the ocean. Yet, in the 2+ years that I've lost my darling, my best friend, God has shown me the wounds of others. We all hurt in some way. We need each other. Time does not heal our wounds. But God alone heals them. Day by day his mercies are new, his grace is sufficient. All that' required of us is to let go and fall back into his arms. He is always there to catch us. I love and pray for my sisters. Let the rain come girls. God has provided his unseen umbrella in the form of sufficient grace. Soon the sun will shine again for us all. God bless you Holley.