Let it Rain

I think rain is talked about amongst farmers and ranchers more than any other topic. On the ranch, we often mutter in disgust at how little rain we have received this spring and how dry things are already. It is almost a bit depressing when you hope and pray for rain and it just doesn’t come. Drought is described as a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. Just hearing the word drought seems scary and unsettling. I keep thinking if God could just “Let it Rain”, things would get better. We would have more grass to feed the cows, the dust would settle and we could stop worrying about the risk of wildfire.

In the Bible there are dozens of verses on rain. Whether it’s actually drops of water or references to rain, there are plenty of scriptures on how rain is a blessing. Hebrews 6:7 says it perfectly: For the Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

Early this spring, there was one day where there was an incredibly glorious and gentle rain that fell all day long. Tim and I were practically jumping with joy. It gave us hope that this spring would be filled with days of moisture that would restore our land after the fires last fall. Well, since that day, the ranch hasn’t received one day of rain and things are already tender dry. After praying for rain all spring, its easy to get discouraged and a little bit frustrated. It seems like we are definitely headed for a drought. But as with all things, we have a choice on how we react to scary and unsettling things.

I believe God challenges us to grow our trust in Him in all circumstances. I suppose that includes things like rain, safety from fires and the safety of those people we love. This last year has definitely given Tim and I opportunities to grow our trust in God. Let’s just admit that the 2020-21 covid year has been full of challenges in so many ways. The cool thing is that whenever Tim and I have given God the reins, literally and figuratively, He has been so good to guide us and give us peace even in the unsettling events we experienced.

I know our God’s plan is perfect, even if He doesn’t “Let it Rain”. Even in a drought God is challenging us to hold on and expect a deliverance from the scary and unsettling events in our life. I would suggest that rather than focusing on the circumstances that have put your life into a season of drought, try to find the positives and be grateful for the little things that God provides. Then let go of the things that are weighing you down, like bitterness and anger and see how God fills those empty places with love and joy. Perhaps you need to check your perspective and see if you need to change your viewpoint. We definitely cannot be right all of the time, so it’s important to see things from someone else’s standpoint in order to fully understand how other people feel. Plus, Satan loves to attack us when the chips are down and make us feel defeated. When we fail to see the meaning and purpose in what we are experiencing, we not only lose our perspective but we can lose our peace of mind.

Lastly, don’t forget to hope and dream. Tim and I continue to have hopes and dreams for our future together. The ranch has been such a blessing to us and has brought us together to work, play and dream toward a common goal. Who would have thought that 15 silly ole cows and a bull could bring us so much joy? Through it all, I will trust my God and be thankful for the simple things that give me hope including silly ole cows.