A rainbow for every storm

We recently took a few days as a family and spent some time in the beautiful Tennessee Smoky Mountains. Two summers ago, we took the same trip. Having greatly enjoyed our visit the last time, we opted to stay in the same cabin again this year. It was nestled high in the mountains which gave us a spectacular view from our back balcony.

The forecast had called for significant rain almost daily that week. With two active young grandsons in tow, we knew that could present a problem. Much to our grateful delight, God answered our prayers to hold back the rain for most of the week. We did get a few showers but nothing to stand in the way of our scheduled activities.

One particular afternoon we were enjoying some down time at the cabin. The morning had been busy and it had gotten quite warm that day so we decided to cool off and relax a bit before venturing back out. It began to rain pretty hard but it was short lived. As the rain subsided, my daughter peeked out the back window and saw that there was a huge rainbow. As we stepped outside onto the balcony it was obvious that “huge” was actually an understatement! Sure enough there it was in all its glory. I tell you friends, a rainbow in the mountains is beyond words! The colors were vibrant and breathtaking. Because of our altitude, it seemed that you could almost reach out and touch it. The bonus was that there was actually a DOUBLE rainbow. Even though the second rainbow was less intense in color it was also very beautiful.

As I already mentioned, we had planned to go out later that evening but the forecast had changed and now there was a good chance for another strong thunderstorm to move in within a few hours. As a result, we opted to stay in for the night. Sure enough a couple of hours later we did, in fact, have quite a downpour. Gradually the rain began to cease. We were watching a family movie when our 9-year-old grandson excitedly announced the appearance of yet another double rainbow. Because the sun was close to setting, the sky was now a deep shade of pink. It was an amazing backdrop for yet another spectacular show of color coming from this second rainbow.

Later that night as I lay in bed pondering over the many blessings of my life, this thought came to mind. I have certainly been through my share of storms. I have experienced the pain of grief from the loss of a loved one. I know what it is to go through the fire of a cancer journey. I have lived my life in the past trying to do everything in my own strength and then found what it means to truly live, not just exist, through the power of God’s saving grace!

Through every storm, God has been faithful…so very faithful…to see me through. No matter how dark things seem to get at times, he always speaks my name, telling me to not lose hope. You see, even in the midst of the most chaotic storm, that still small voice can still reach the most troubled heart. There has never been an ocean too deep or a mountain too steep, that could keep me from his grace to keep pushing through those hard, difficult places. Yes, he is faithful!

Currently, in my life, I know several people, who are going through some horrific storms. They are in some very scary, uncertain, hard places. We bring food…send prayers…pour love…give encouragement. And we stand on hope. We stand with these precious souls as they wait for a miracle, however that would look.

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

My friends, as you read this today, can you relate? Are you in a storm? Maybe it is someone you know and love.

The waves are crashing…

the wind is howling…

the sky is growing darker…

Please, dear one. Hang on. Don’t lose hope. Find someone to link arms with you and say “I’m riding the storm out with you. You are not alone!”

If you don’t have anyone…I am here. My readers are here. We will pray for you and with you. Leave a comment with as much detail as you want or simply say, “Pray for me.”

Dear friends, times of testing will come. It is a given. Jesus clearly told his disciples in John 16:33 that in this life there would be troubles. As long as we are on this earth, there will always be another storm. But trust me on this. The storm will not last forever. The sun will shine again. And for every storm that rages, in the end, there is the promise of yet another rainbow.

¹³ I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴ Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Genesis 9:13-15

Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. If permission is granted to use this blog post outside of the Nuggets from the Heart website, full credit must be given by providing a link directing the post back to the Nuggets from the Heart website. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. Questions regarding the use of this blog post may be sent to Rosie Williams via her contact page by clicking here.