It's RAINING!!

Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Here in Arizona we know what it is like to live in the desert and as the grass dies off and the dust blows, what we could consider the 'wastelands' as well.  It is often hot and dry here.  But, this morning, I sat here and watched the dark clouds roll in, and now it it is pouring down rain!  It is sinking into the earth as it falls (although I am sure in some areas the ground is so hard it is just laying on top for awhile) and happily splashing about in the pool.

As I watch the rain fall, and read the above scripture in Isaiah, I am reminded how we are not to dwell on our mistakes of the past; not to dwell on past memories and live in them, but are to turn our eyes toward Him and the future He has for us.  As God waters the earth and brings forth newness of grass, flowers, trees - gives water supply to the many insects that crawl on the ground, He wants to bring refreshing waters to our souls and hearts and minds.

Sit back, close your eyes.  Turn your thoughts to today.  What is on the schedule for today.  Is God in it?  Have you sought Him to make your path straight?  Did you surrender your plans for today to whatever He has for you?  If you do, you may find you can get everything you want done accomplished.

I had tentative plans made today to take a drive down to my 'old' office and surprise a former coworker for her birthday.  We weren't personal friends outside of work, but I enjoyed her friendship and wise leadership in the office.  I thought I would take a drive down and surprise her.  Then the storm rolled in.  I've sent her a text for I wonder if there are board meetings today, which would prevent my getting to talk with her much.  I haven't heard back yet.  If it is, I may put off until Monday to go down for a visit.  It would be good to see other friends there as well.  I'm thinking Monday may be a better day.

So my thoughts turn to some empty flower pots I have setting on the front porch. I bought some MiracleGro a couple weeks ago and the bag is still in the same place it was put. Yeah, I think I will go to Lowes and pick up some flowers to plant. Do something productive today besides look at want ads. It will be refreshing to see fresh life spring up. 

Sometimes it is so easy to dwell in the past - my past job, past relationships, past 'life', the way things were.  It isn't healthy to dwell in it.  To remember it, yes, it is good especially if we learn from past mistakes.  I know I have made plenty - and I have learned from them!  But I don't want to live in them so I must let them go and look to the future.  I need to look to today and what I am going to do.  I need to think ahead of the possibilities that God has for me.

Will He answer my prayers?  Will He give me my dream job?  Will the 'circled' prayers I have prayed numerous times come true in my lifetime?  I don't know.  Well, He will answer, but I'm not sure how He will answer.

I remember in an Experiencing God book I read the statement - "one shouldn't pray to know God's will for them, but what is God's will."  (paraphrased for sure!!)    What is God's will?   Sometimes we just have to step out in faith and see.

May the rain that falls upon the earth not only water the ground, but send fresh rain into your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Be renewed, refreshed, in His Name.

Blessings!