LORD, SEND THE RAIN!

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."

- Isaiah 44:3

As I write this, we are experiencing a dry spell here in West Virginia.  Technically, we are not in a drought, but we have had an extended time without rain.  Such conditions make these mountains vulnerable to brush fires. 

I trust that this dry spell will end soon, but the greater concern is the spiritual condition of this area.  I believe that we are experiencing a spiritual drought here in these mountains ... and not just in these mountains, but also across our country. 

What about you?  Are you going through a spiritual drought?  How long has it been since you spent quality time in God's Word?  When was the last time you wept for lost souls?  Can you honestly say that you are walking close to God right now?

The people of Israel knew about spiritual droughts.  Often, they would face severe consequences for their sin.  Their droughts would often last many years.  God spoke to Israel and offered a glorious promise:  "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."  The promise of cool water was an exciting prospect for thirsty souls. 

If you are going through a spiritual drought, I think there are some things we can learn from Israel's experience.

1.  RECOGNIZE YOUR PLIGHT

First of all, recognize that you are going through a drought.  A person can go through a dry spell for a while without realizing it.  Eventually, the signs of a drought become obvious. 

Sadly, some seem oblivious to their situation while others try to pretend that all is well.  The best thing you can do is to be honest with yourself and God.  If you are going through a spiritual drought, admit it.  While we need to admit that we are going through a drought, it doesn't mean that we should resign ourselves into staying there.  We should never be content to live in a drought. 

2.  RELY ON GOD'S POWER

Secondly, we need to rely on God's power.  When God spoke to Israel, He made it very clear that He had the power to end a drought.  He is the One who controls the water faucets of heaven.  He can cause rain to fall on a desert.  Regardless of the duration of your drought, it is time for you to look to God for rain.  Showers may fall in your life at any time!

3.  REST ON GOD'S PROMISE

Finally, it is time to trust the Lord.  You don't have to stay in a drought.  Get back in God's Word and stand on His promises.  In our text, God promised rain for the dry land of Israel.  He's the One who sent the rain in Elijah's day after a three and a half year drought. He's the same One that promised showers of blessing in Ezekiel's time.  Also, remember that He brought spiritual rain on the day of Pentecost.  He can bring the rain in your life, too!

The only thing worse than being in a spiritual drought is remaining in a drought.  Right now you can look up to the One who can end your drought.

Perhaps you could be soaking wet by the end of today!