Sometimes the rain we need comes through a severe storm.

I usually don't like strong storms and in many ways actually fear them. However, we've been going through a drought and need rain. I'm finding as I sit before a strong storm coming in that my desire for the rain it contains is outweighing my usual fear. I don't mind it coming through if it contains the rain we need.

Are we like that in our spiritual lives? If we find ourselves dry and stagnant and in need of refreshing, do we welcome the way in which the refreshing comes? Do we welcome it coming in a storm of life even if it's not what we would have chosen? Do we welcome and allow God to choose His way in this?

I want to be open to whatever God allows, and whatever way He chooses to perform the actions He deems necessary in my life to grow me in Him. I want to praise Him if that growth comes through regular seasons of rain, or if it comes after a dry spell through a strong storm. Both ways are His doing, both contain His work for my life. Will I welcome them both just the same?