Why Does It Feel Like It Rains in Every Season of Life?

Big Idea: God's Presence and Purpose in Every Season

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Introduction:

I love going to the beach and just simply just love going on vacations. What I do everytime I go on vacation I look at the weather. I the sun is shining, and you're ready for a week of relaxation. But just as you set up your beach chair and umbrella, the sky darkens, and a sudden storm rolls in, washing away your plans. Sounds familiar, right? Just like unexpected rain spoils a perfect beach day, life often throws us into seasons of unanticipated storms. Today, we're diving into why it feels like it rains in every season of life and how these moments are far more than just disruptions.

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Point 1: Rain Reminds Us of God's Presence

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2 (CSB) - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you."

Start with Personal Engagement: "Have any of you ever found yourself caught unexpectedly in a downpour, maybe without an umbrella, just rushing from one shelter to another, hoping not to get completely soaked? It's uncomfortable, isn't it? Now, imagine facing not just a literal storm, but a storm of life — those moments that test us to our core."

Introduce the Scripture with Relevance: "In these times, God speaks to us through His word. Let’s listen to what He says in Isaiah 43:2, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"

Pause and Reflect: "Take a moment to let these words sink in. This isn’t just poetry; it's a promise. A promise from God to each of us."

Make It Relatable: "Think about what these 'waters' and 'fire' could mean in your life. Maybe it's a difficult diagnosis, a loss of a job, or a broken relationship. These are the waters and the fires we face. And God promises that these will not overwhelm us or consume us."

Reassure with the Scripture’s Promise: "God's presence is promised in our toughest times. He says, 'I will be with you.'Not 'I might be there' or 'I’ll think about it,' but a firm, unwavering 'I will be with you.' No matter how high the waters rise, or how fierce the flames get, we are not alone. This is God's unbreakable promise to us."

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Point 2: Rain Grows Our Faith and Character

Scripture: James 1:2-4 (CSB) - "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

I believe that sometime it rains hard on us because God wants up to blossom. Trials and difficulties, like rain, help us grow. James encourages us to see these challenges as opportunities for growth. They build our faith and character, making us more mature and complete. Every drop of rain has a purpose in God's plan to shape us into who He wants us to be.

Consider a garden after a relentless downpour. Initially, it appears that the flowers might succumb to the weight of the rain. But when the sun shines again, these plants not only survive; they thrive, standing taller and stronger. This resilience is not by chance; it's by design—the rain nourishes and strengthens them at their very roots."

Connect with the Scripture:

"In much the same way, God speaks to us through the words of James 1:2-4, 'Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.'"

Reflect on the Assurance Offered:

"These words from James aren’t merely poetic; they're a profound promise from God. They tell us that trials are not to be feared but embraced as vital to our spiritual growth and maturity."

Relate Directly to the Congregation’s Experiences:

"Each one of us faces trials—health challenges, relationship issues, or professional setbacks. These aren't just obstacles; they're opportunities. They are divine tools used to strengthen our faith and fortify our endurance."

Reaffirm God’s Purpose:

"Every trial carries a divine purpose. These moments aren't random; they are precisely designed by God to refine us, to help us grow into the individuals He intends for us to be. They are not meant to break us but to mold us."

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Point 3: Rain Prepares Us for Greater Blessings

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (CSB) - "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

Even when it seems like it's raining all the time, God is working everything together for our good. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God has a purpose for every season. The rain we experience now is preparing us for the greater blessings and purposes He has for us. Trusting in His plan brings hope and peace, even in the storm.

Introduction to God’s Sovereign Plan:

"As we consider the trials and 'rain' in our lives, it's crucial to recognize that none of it is wasted. Every single challenge has a purpose, intricately woven into God's sovereign plan for us."

Connect with the Scripture:

"Romans 8:28 gives us a powerful assurance, 'We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.' This isn’t just a comforting thought; it’s a cornerstone of our faith."

Emphasize the Promise:

"This promise tells us that no matter how chaotic or difficult things may seem, there is an order to the seeming chaos. God is at work. He orchestrates even the most challenging moments of our lives to bring about a greater good that we might not yet see."

Relate Directly to the Congregation’s Life:

"Think about the toughest times you've endured. The moments you felt overwhelmed by the 'rain.' These weren't just random storms passing through your life. They were part of a bigger picture, a divine plan designed to prepare you for future blessings."

Reassure with Purpose:

"Each drop of rain, each trial, serves to strengthen us, to shape us into the people God wants us to be. Just as a gardener knows that rain is essential for growth, God knows that our trials are necessary for developing our character, deepening our faith, and preparing us for what's next."

Encourage Trust and Hope:

"So, when you find yourself wondering why it feels like it's always raining, remember Romans 8:28. Trust that God is using every situation for your good. This trust isn't passive; it's a dynamic faith that looks for God's hand in every circumstance and finds peace in His purpose."

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Conclusion:

So, why does it feel like it rains in every season of life? Because God is with us, growing us, and preparing us for something greater. Let's hold on to these truths and trust in God's presence and purpose through every storm. Remember, the rain isn't meant to drown us but to help us grow and flourish in His love.

Let's pray together.