Conflict in rain

​Some view it as a messy, dreary, discomforting spoiler of plans, adding extra hassle to
an already busy day. Wet shoes, frizzy hair, foggy windshields, umbrellas blowing in the
wind are all inconveniences of cold, rainy days. Such a bother! Makes some want to
just stay all day in a warm, cozy bed . Others, however, see the rain as a challenge and
welcome this change in the ordinary. They look forward to things like testing out the
new wiper blades watching water fly off the glass without that annoying squeaking
noise! What a victory! Such a small yet very real sense of accomplishment. Just as
gratifying is the thought of nature cleaning itself. A good downpour washes streets,
rooftops, trees, grass to the point even the air seems cleaner. So, here is the conflict. A
rainy day does make for extra work and forces plans to be changed, yet at the same
time soothes and cleanses while delivering that basic necessity of all life, simple water.
So, are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is the glass half full or half empty? Is the life
situation you currently face an opportunity or a burden? James 1:2 says, “Consider it
all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” What? For real? How can one
find joy in pain, in suffering, in conflict, in rainy days? What is there to be joyous
about? Well, the Bible teaches that trials produce endurance which then lead to
maturity and wisdom, traits to be treasured. James goes on to say the one “who
perseveres under trial ,...once he has been approved, will receive the crown of
life...” (James 1:12) Finding joy in all situations is not easy but it is doable. It begins
with a conscious decision and desire to live as “those who love Him.” (:12) This was
the attitude of a young girl named Mary. The angel Gabriel told her she was favored by
God and that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her and she would have a child. This
shocking news must have caused great conflict in her soul given the ramifications. Yet,
her clarion reply rings out across the ages, “...be it done to me according to your
word.” (Luke 1:38) Amid almost certain rejection, Mary chooses to “find it all joy.” The
apostle Paul gives us another example of conflict with regard to sin. In Romans 7:19
“For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.”
The battle field is our brain and the fight is against the forces of wickedness. We who
love the Lord want to live life for Him, but temptations conflict against the will of our
mind. Although this war began in the beginning, we are not without the greatest of
allies. We have the one who has set us free from the “body of this death.” Romans 7:25
“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! ....There is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ...!” We can choose joy on all situations because Jesus is
victorious! He alone has conquered all and now, as children of God we reign with Him!
Find joy in the conflict. Love one another. Be devoted to the Lord and His will. Long
for eternity. Enjoy the rain.