April Showers

Today is April 26, 2017 and I am reminded of the old saying, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” After the harsh winter when everything has died, and after enduring the relentless spring rain, suddenly new life emerges and hope of summer is here at last! I’m thinking God must have designed the seasons to give us hope. Changes in life seem to correlate with the change of seasons. Praise God for His promise in Genesis 8:22 that says, “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night (NLT).” Throughout the changes in our lives, God’s Word tells us that Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8). 

I heard an old hymn today that inspired me to write this post. It’s called “He Giveth More Grace” by Annie J. Flint. 

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; to added afflictions He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources- our Father’s full giving has only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, our God ever yearns His resources to share; lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; the Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; for out of His infinite riches in Jesus- He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

God has used this hymn to encourage my heart so many times! Today we celebrated the birth of my nephew, Benjamin Wayne Barber, named after my father. What a day of rejoicing in new life, mixed with sadness as we feel the void of my father’s presence with us. But God keeps pouring out His grace on us! Our need does not exceed His provision! I can’t tell you how grateful I am for His grace in my life and His unchanging love in the midst of life’s changes. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven (NLT).”

What season of life do you find yourself in? Maybe you’re like me, finally emerging out of the dreary winter and experiencing the fresh rain of spring. Whatever season you’re in, remember that God’s “love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; for out of His infinite riches in Jesus- He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”

“So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth” (Hosea‬ ‭6:3‬ ‭NASB‬‬).