“For the land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to be cursed, and its end is to be burned.” (Hebrews 6:7-8)
As I read this verse, I see it talking about God providing blessings for us so that we in turn produce good works for His Kingdom. For some, however, the blessings will produce things not worth having.
Simple enough lesson: God gives us good stuff and we are supposed to use that blessing to grow fruit. But then I got to thinking…what is the rain that produces growth? Usually, we think of blessings as more money, better health, promotion, etc. But the blessings from God are not necessarily designed to make us comfortable and happy, but to draw us closer to Himself. Rain is a blessing, but it’s also a part of a storm.
I’m reminded of the song Blessings by Laura Story. The chorus says:
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?What if Your healing comes through tears?What if a thousand sleepless nightsAre what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
Hard times befall everyone. Some people go through much hard things than others. And I’m not saying that God brings about those situations. But even among the hard times, especially among the hard times, those who seek to be closer to the Lord can experience real blessings of His love and comfort, a stronger and more intimate faith, and a deeper reliance on Him who will never fail. Those are the blessings that grow love, joy, peace, patience, and so on. That is the rain from the storm that grows the crop.
Storms and rain are a part of life. I pray that you build your house upon the rock so that you can withstand the storm and cultivate your fields to receive the rain.