Signs from God

Rain and a Rainbow...

ID 358220721 | Rain © Dzmitry Auramchik | Dreamstime.com

Last week’s post: Wisdom and Discernment

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Genesis 9:16 ESV

When the rainbow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.

I’m on a far away island for a few more days. When at home, I usually go to bed around 12:30 a.m. and get up around 8 a.m. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been going to sleep around 8 p.m. and up around 4 a.m., a huge change, but I’ve found that I like getting up in the dark. The serenity and the quiet moments feel like a hug. I’m not sure this will become a new habit when I return home, but it’s been a lovely change for this vacation.

This morning, shortly before sunrise, it began to rain. Not a deluge, but the rain was steady. With no wind, the heavy drops found their way straight down to the earth 20 stories below. After a while, the rain stopped and the sky started to clear. I looked up from my little desk and saw the most beautiful rainbow. I jumped up and took this short end-to-end video, God’s Sunday morning message. Not only was it unique to see the full arch, but it was literally RIGHT OUTSIDE my balcony, almost touchable.

I immediately thought of God’s promise to Noah.

But then I expanded to other promises the Father has made to those who believe in Him and the everlasting promises to all of us through the death of His son on the Cross:

• Forgiveness of Sins – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 – ESV)

• Unbreakable Love – Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39 – ESV)

• Answered Prayers – And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 – ESV)

• God Works All Things for Good – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 – ESV)

And.....

• I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5 – ESV)

No matter what happens, God always is and always has been with us, even if we don’t see, feel, or hear Him. He’s with us.

It has been a long, difficult, and at times, discouraging 18 months for me and for many of you too. Today, I felt in my spirit that God’s message, right at my doorstep,

“Everything is going to be ok.”

I’ve watched that little 7-second video countless times today, a captured moment of peace. A deep breath.

We know we are to trust. We know trials are meant to exercise our faith. We believe He is with us. But sometimes, seeing something tangible is a human confirmation; it makes our faith real.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for understanding our “human-ness” and hearing our prayers for help and healing, for comfort in our despair. Forgive us when we waver in our belief. Thank you for Your encouragement. Thank you for sending confirmations from Your creation - nature - whether it is a bird that persistently hangs out on our window ledge, a butterfly that lands on our shoe, or a display in the heavens, such as an up-close rainbow. You are everywhere, Father God. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.