Sometimes, like now, it rains outside. Puddles of water form on the thick pavers of our backyard patio. Pavers thick enough to support a 3-ton truck.
Sometimes, like now, it rains inside. And I am the puddle. Because the water is falling from my eyes, in tears drawn out of a well of Gratitude and Joy.
Tears of Living Water. Falling not on mere pavers, but on You, Lord — The Rock who supports me through any burden of any weight.
Was it just yesterday that You spoke to me in a dream, Lord? And woke me up out of a dead sleep? So I would realize my “sleep” had invaded my wakefulness and I was in grave danger?
Sometimes the rain reminds me of Life’s daily struggles. When the Adversary and even my own flesh seem to oppose me at every turn.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“… each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15)
But then — as always — You show up, Lord. In ways that are Unmistakable and Irresistible.
Like yesterday.
I had just finished uploading the draft of my latest blog post.
Pouring out my heart to You. Confessing my need. Owning my failure. Calling for Help.
“Oh, Lord… Help me speak the words — Your Words — that will build me up according to my need! And help me listen! So I may then do so for others You have entrusted to my influence.”
I had just finished typing my draft when I turned to review my unread emails. One name jumped out at me — the name of a beloved sister-in-Christ. A sister with whom You had reunited me just two years ago, Lord… after decades of separation.
I opened her email… and I gasped.
It was full of the very words I needed to hear!
Words from Your heart to my heart, Lord… through the heart of this beautiful servant.
Words from Your heart that specifically answered the prayer I had just spoken to You!!! Building me up according to my need!!!
“When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
I looked at the time she had sent her email… and I gasped again.
It had all happened “real time.” She must have been typing her email at the very moment I was typing out the cry of my heart to You, Lord!
My Plea and Your Answer — united, in the blink of an eye.
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
Is it any wonder I am a puddle, Lord?
Is it any wonder the “inside rain” began to fall yesterday and continued today? Is it any wonder the source of these particular tears — my well of Gratitude and Joy — is so deep?
Could anyone really dismiss such Divine orchestration as mere coincidence? Of course they could. I did the same for more than half of my life. Until, in 1987, You gave me eyes to see.
Eyes to see You, Lord. In ways that were Unmistakable and Irresistible.
Changing my life forever… back then.
Changing my life forever… even now.
In the blink of an eye.
Oh, Abba… What will You do next?!
Gratefully…
Expectantly…
Abba’s Girl