Genesis 9:13 (NLT) “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”

The rainbow was appointed as a witness of the divine faithfulness of Gods covenant with us.  I want you to know today that God will remind you of His promises in the midst of the storms.  It may not be a rainbow in the sky but it will be something personal between you and God that will serve as a confirmation, a witness of the divine promises God has made to you.

As I out walking this morning, the skies darkened and it began to rain, in a short time I found myself in the midst of a storm.  I began to think on the many days we’ve been experiencing powerful storms almost daily in the Chicagoland area.  I began to think about how weary I had become of these storms and was ready to experience the fullness of summer.

How similar is this in regards to the emotions we face in spiritual storms.  Especially when they seem to form everyday, with no break of sunshine.  We begin to feel weary and gloomy.  We may become aggravated because we tire from these storms.  But how often do we take time to think about the after effects of the storms?  The beauty that unveils once the clouds have parted, the clarity of the skies, the crispness of the foliage, everything seems to be more alive, refreshed!  And sometimes we may get the treat of capturing a rainbow or two in our sights.  How wonderful!  We then ever so quickly tend to forget about the days or weeks of solemness we dealt with while in the storms.  Now the only thing we can focus on is the radiant beauty of the earth before us, we breathe in the fresh air and say God what a marvelous world you’ve created!  We reflect and say it was all worth it to see the natural landscape of our world after a storm.  It was worth the inconveniences because we realize that what affects us in the grand plan of God is so small in comparison to the greatness of creation as a whole.  Do we like the storms?  No.  Are they necessary?  Yes, in so many ways.

Romans 5:3-5 (MSG) tells us, “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!”

Yes, we can be joyful in the midst of these trying seasons.  Why?  Because what comes after is so much greater!  

James 1:2-4 (MSG) tells us, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

My test is a gift?  Absolutely yes!  How can we grow if not tested?  How can we learn if not tested?  Even in the natural world system, you cant obtain a diploma or degree without going through several years of testing. 

What promises has God spoken to you?  You are the heir of generational blessings as an adopted child of Abraham.  You are part of the covenant and therefore a partaker of the over 7000 blessings noted in Holy Scripture.  Its yours if you want it but we must go through the tests to receive it.

Rainbows consist of various beautiful colors that are made visible by the suns rays hitting the water molecules in the air that linger following a heavy rainfall.  You cant touch a rainbow, you cant find where the rainbow begins or where it ends.  What we can do is feast our eyes on its beauty and reflect on Gods awesomeness!  Knowing that we are so loved by God, He will allow the storms but the purpose of the storm is to clean up, and refresh natures landscape.  The purpose of the storm was never intended to destroy the earth but to bring it back to its intended beauty.

What is the purpose of your storm?  I can tell you that its not intended to destroy you!  But to bring you back to your intended beauty in God!  Glory To God!!!

So yes, we endure with joy and gladness in our hearts because we know we have our Father who is keeping watch over us in the midst,  And He has promised that more wont come on us than we are able to bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13.  God is faithful family!  Keep your eyes on the one who made the promises!  Latch on to Him and never let Him go!  He will bring to your remembrance the bounty of your harvest that is to come as a reward for your endurance.

Romans 5:3 (ESV) tells us, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (TLB) says, “Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”

Sometimes we may suffer in the storms, it may even appear at times everything has been lost.  Know that God is your strength and He will carry you through in safety!  

Meditation verse – Psalm 94:18-19 (ESV) “When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

Blessings!!

Keishana