Bring It On

It often is amazing what God uses to speak to me. My family has been going through a difficult time with a lot of things. Our church situation isn't getting any better; it seems to be getting worse. So, there is that and a few other problems....I feel like life is on another roller coaster. (Dad says that is basically the case with our existence :-) Yesterday, I was brought to the breaking point, and before I had a crying session, I turned on the radio. I am not usually a MercyMe fan, but their newest single, Bring the Rain, spoke volumes to me.

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise you with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life has changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything the brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

This song brought tears to my eyes. I was so convicted of my feelings and thoughts I had been having. I want to be like Christ and to bring Him glory. However, pain is often a big way for that to happen. Thus, even though I would rather have things easy and a cake walk, I care about developing my character more. So, Lord, bring on the pain; You promised to give me the strength and grace to handle it.

I would appreciate your prayers for my family and myself. Please pray that God would guide my parents to the decisions that need to be made. Also, pray that the Lord would be glorified in what is going on. I want Him to grow me more and more into the likeness of Himself!