Showers of Blessing

I spent some time this morning reading James. I treasure my 30 minutes to an hour of quiet in the morning where I drink my coffee and read my bible. Worship music plays in the background and it is a truly serene time in my day.

James 1:2-8 “² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” I should probably hang out in these verses daily. The test often get overwhelming, because we rely on ourselves and not God. When we ask God for help, he gives us help. It is not always the way we imagine it, in fact it is rarely the way I imagine it.

Chaos

To say this week has been chaos is a gross understatement and it is only Tuesday. Things have not been bad, just chaotic and exhausting. We are fast approaching Devon’s graduation on Thursday. Little did we know all the other stuff going on in this week: awards presentations, Baccalaureate, Graduation, Graduation party and oh yeah we still have work and home to take care of. Whew…I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

Since swearing off sugar (for the most part), Starbucks has become a rare event. I was craving Starbucks this morning and needed the caffeine kick that comes with a Venti Hazelnut Latte. I went to get my coffee fix on the way to work. The place was practically deserted, save one vehicle in front of me. (God is good, I had no time for a line.) When I approached the window to pay for my overpriced indulgence the girl smiled and told me the person ahead of me had paid for my coffee. I teared up. This pay it forward always gets to me. I have enjoyed doing this same thing for others. Random people, usually strangers showing kindness and love to one another. What a great way to start your day.

About 2 hours a later I receive a text, “With God’s help we will do mighty things (Psalm 60:12a) Love you & excited to see all that God’s going to do through us as a church fam!” Once again, I was refreshed by God’s mercy and grace. It is not unusual for our church staff and congregation to share quick scriptures or words of encouragement. Kind of like a note in your lunchbox from your parent when you are a kid. It brightens your day. It is a blessing.

Blessings upon Blessings

This week my parents are visiting from North Carolina. I have the pleasure of fellowshipping, worshipping, and loving on my parents. It is a time of renewal and refreshment for them. My parents have blessed us with several kindnesses while they have been here, including contributing to my Cambodia Mission trip. This week, despite its chaos, has already been showers of blessing.

I can’t help but think of the old Hymn “Showers of Blessing”. I am positive I sang it in church at some point, but my only recollection of singing this was at Sunday school at the Fayetteville Central Fire Department. I honestly only remember the refrain and verse 4. As the rain falls outside the window, these words reverberate in my soul.

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

Verse 4

There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

By Daniel Whittle

Nothing has been going according to plan…not even what I plan for dinner. I mean really? Yet blessings abound. In every moment of chaos and aggravation, there has been a greater moment of blessing. I am more than guilty of doubting when I should be trusting in God. Today God’s mercy is new and I will praise God for all He is, has, and will do. Bring on the reign of God in my life and the showers of blessing only he can orchestrate.