The Florida Forest Service website shows
a map of burn bans throughout the state. Thirty-seven of Florida’s 67 counties currently have burn bans. Our land is thirsty – not for a few sprinkles but enough rain to replenish the parched ground.
The Bible shows us that rain is a blessing from God. In Acts 14:17, the Apostle Paul told the people that God
“sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” When not accompanied by a destructive storm (Mark 4:39), rain is a witness of God’s goodness. The lush growth we observe after a good rain proves that God’s watering is far superior to man’s.
In Amos 4:7-8, God used rain to call His people back to Him, giving rain in one city and withholding it in another to get their attention. Jeremiah 14:22 shows us that only God can bring forth rain: “Can any of the worthless foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, you are the one, O LORD our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us.”
Drought conditions should give us pause to look to God for His provision. Yet, we tend to complain about all the watering we need to do and how awful it is that we can’t burn our trimmings. Dwelling on the problem alone will never bring positive results. When we focus on the solution, however, the problem can be solved. Amidst the dilemma of burn bans, we can turn to the only Solution and seek God in prayer.
If we doubt that God alone can make it rain, the Scriptures can impart faith and give us confidence that He is the only solution.
“He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields.” (Job 5:10)
“For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.” (Job 37:6)
“… rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you—The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month.” (Joel 2:23)
We can turn our hearts to God, seek Him in His Word, and pray to Him for rain.
“Ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone.” (Zechariah 10:1)
God can use drought conditions to get the attention of His people, not unbelievers. He will heal the land for the sake of His people who turn to Him for the solution.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ and humbly seek your face. We ask your forgiveness for complaining instead of calling upon you. We thank you for your promise in 1 John 1:9, that you are faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask for your blessing of rain. Quench our parched land. We thank you and praise you for your faithfulness to your promises, dear Lord. You alone are the Most High God, from whom all blessings flow!
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