A few months ago (June newsletter) I commented on how lush and green everything looked in our area. We had timely rains this past spring that enabled most farmers to plant their crops in a timely fashion. The grass, trees and crops looked absolutely stunning. In my opinion, they had never looked any better! But then, it virtually stopped raining for over 2 months. Gradually the drought began to show. The grass quit growing and turned to a dull brown. Crops began to wilt and cracks appeared in the ground. It appeared we were facing the worst dearth of moisture in years, perhaps decades.

Then, almost miraculously, the rains began to fall again! Are we just "lucky" this summer, or is it a result of divine mercy, intervention and grace?

There's an interesting passage in the Old Testament that refers to this matter. Ezekiel 34:26 says, "I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing"! Note with me several thoughts from God's Word.

First, notice the Source of showers. God said, "I will cause showers to come down"...make no mistake about it. God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and He also sustains them. Scripture says in Jeremiah 51:16, ... "He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightnings for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries." That's why we should pray for the rain to start or stop, because He controls it all. See James 5: 16 – 18.

Secondly, notice the Seasons of showers. Verse 26 of Ezekiel 34 says, "I will cause showers to come down in their season"... It is God who determines the times and the seasons of rain. He schedules the amount and frequency of rain as it coincides with His plan to replenish the earth, feed the animals, bless mankind and glorify His name. Sometimes He is more glorified by a season of drought which reminds us of just how dependent we really are upon God's mercy and grace.

Thirdly, notice the Sequel of showers. Our text continues... "There shall be showers of blessing," then...I want to point out 3 things that follow those welcome rain showers.

• Attractiveness. What a blessing it has been to see the thirsty earth come back to life! After about 10 weeks of very little rain, we've received between 3 and 6 inches in the last couple of weeks! It's amazing how things have greened up!



• Abundance. Verse 27 says, "Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit and the earth shall yield her increase." Sometimes a farmer will say, "That was a million dollar rain", because the water literally gives life to the crops and provides for an abundant harvest.



• Assurance. There are a couple of things about rain that bring assurance to our hearts. First of all, that God is real..."they shall know that I am the Lord" (verse 27). Second, that God is near..."They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them"...(verse 30).

Here at Calvary Baptist Church, we have been praying for both the physical and spiritual showers of blessing. God has graciously sent physical rain to renew and replenish the earth. He has also blessed us recently with several professions of faith, and new people to meet and minister to. Let's continue to urgently pray for God to open the windows of Heaven and send an abundance of spiritual rain that will revive, renew and replenish our spiritually dry and thirsty land.

"There shall be showers of blessing,
this is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing,
showers of blessing we need.
Mercy drops round us are falling,
but for the showers we plead."

-Daniel Whittle