It’s been raining on the farm. One can learn a lot about people when it rains. You may see farmers frustrated that they can’t work, or mechanics frustrated because they are working in cold, damp conditions. Some people cuddle up with a hot mug and a good book, their phone, or the TV remote. Others simply shift to indoor work, while perhaps most people already working indoors aren’t phased by the weather. Some thank God for the rain, while others find it a convenient complaint.
Yesterday, Jake and I jumped in the Jeep with Eric Church, and played for a couple of hours. Our playgrounds were red clay roads, black dirt paths around fields, narrow trails across pond dams, and straw covered logging roads. Some people think Jeeps are made for hot weather and beach trips. I think Jeeps are most fun when it’s wet and cold. There’s something about the uncertainty of creek fjords, mud holes, and soft dirt that calls my name. Full disclaimer: I’m not doing anything destructive or dangerous. I’m not tearing up roads. It’s an old Jeep. I have a phone, and friends and family with more than enough equipment and horsepower to pull me out of anything I might discover impassable. Jake and I know we’ll be home soon enough.
Today, I’ve found myself comparing rainy days to life. Life, like the backwoods after a good rain, is full of uncertainties. One friend is burying the love of his life today. Another is in bed with a fever. Another is sharing her mother’s last few hours in a hospital room with her sisters. Another has shingles in his ear. A family is grieving a recent loss. A family member is having a birthday. A friend is having the hunt of his life, while most people are experiencing just another day. For some, the struggles are up close, personal, and life changing. Others are blissfully unaware.
When we publicly attribute every success and healing to God, we may unintentionally give new believers the message that God removes the obstacles from the lives of those who believe enough. That belief may leave them crushed when they encounter their own rainy day. I’ve talked to several new believers who then went one of two directions – I can’t believe enough, or God is unfaithful to me. We should thank God for every blessing, while being mindful of the message we may send to others. Perhaps, we should honestly assess whether we’re authentically thanking God or letting others know that we have been favored by God. No one else should judge that, but self-awareness is a vital part of growing in Christ.
In John 16:33, Jesus told us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus never tells us that enough faith will eliminate the troubles of this world. In fact, he says, “you will have trouble.” When Mary and Martha lost their brother, Jesus did not tell them that they should have had more faith. He wept with them. Mature believers understand and expect to have challenges in this world. In fact, my friends mentioned earlier are mature believers. Some are in deep pain and suffering great loss. But they also know that their peace, amid trials and tragedy, comes through Christ. Their hearts are spiritually healthy enough to hold joy, pain, peace, and grief simultaneously. They have trusted Jesus. When they think their path is impassable, they remember that Jesus has the horsepower to pull them through. They know this will not last forever, and they will be home soon enough. It’s our confidence in Christ that makes our bad days livable and brings hope to our despair.