There is something powerfully symbolic about the first rains after an African dry season. It has been six months since precipitation has fallen from the skies over Chipata. The last few weeks in Chipata have been blistering hot temperatures well into the 90s and more. The sunshine is brutal, you can feel it roasting your skin the moment you step into it. Each has longed for the relief of the first rain.
The dry season has been difficult for the land, the animals, and the people. However, the longing for the real rain is nothing compared to the symbolic rain we crave; the need for God’s Holy Spirit to come and cleanse the land, renew it for growth, and bring forth fruit from the dry and barren ground. The thirst for rain can feel unbearable at times, as if it will never come. For Kyle and I the dry season marked one of the most difficult trials yet, since we arrived in Zambia. It has been a time for clinging to the HOPE that the cleansing rains from Heaven will come and heal us.
…the first rain…
At first it is a gentle sprinkle that attempts to prepare the land for the heavier shower. The air changes as a cool wind blows forth to bring the rain closer. The drop in temperature is soothing and comforting. The sound of the rain growing heavier creates HOPE. The sound of the future. The hope for the harvest. Anticipation for what the rain will bring in at the end of the season. Security that each family will have food to eat next year.
For me, the rain promises that God has not forgotten me. Although the legal side of our case is passed, there are still things that need healing that only comes from the one who LOVES me most. And today, the rain gives me hope in this moment that God will bring relief when it is time, when it is HIS time. Just as the rains come just in time in Africa, so also will the healing rains fall on my dry and weary spirit and I too will be renewed. The dry dead looking grass of my soul will be made green again. Even in this moment, I am feeling a new peace come with the falling rain.
...'HOPE is hearing the music of the future, FAITH is to dance to it'...
3 comments:
Interesting...the rain just finished here, and now we're into harmattan, with all the dust of the Sahara showing up in our living rooms and meals. :-) Thinking of and praying for you both.
I love the beauty of this post, how something as simple as rain can bring about thoughts of the great and awesome hope that God sends us.
Beautiful - you put such feeling in this writing! Just as the rain is cleansing and renewing, we pray with you for the Holy Spirit to bring the relief and healing you need. We hope your spirit and soul will be 'green' very soon. Love 'ya ~ MOM
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