In the midst

Here in Zimbabwe, the rains have arrived. For the past week or so, each day has had some type of rainfall (mostly in the afternoons or early evening). I know my wife and I and many others have prayed that the rains would come this year so it is certainly an answer to our prayers. Many people don’t realize just how important the rainy season is to many African countries or countries with dry, desert like climates. Other than the obvious benefits of cooler temperatures and replenishing the city’s water supply, it also helps with the farming / cattle industry. With more rain, comes more grass, which allows the animals to eat more thus producing healthier livestock. Within this region, farmers tend to sow their seed during the month of November and there is likely to be a better harvest than if there were little or no rains. Significant rainfall is very important to the nation’s economy and the lives of millions of people are greatly affected by the amount of rain that falls each year.

I believe that many of us view rainy days, clouds and thunderstorms as an excuse to stay inside and complain about the weather conditions. I would even go as far to say that most people prefer sunny days. Days that don’t show any sign of rain, no clouds in the sky, no need to carry your umbrella, no raincoat, just blue skies and sunshine. I’m here to tell you though, that’s not how God created this world. In nature, there is a need for rain and in our lives also, we need to be saturated in order to become more productive. As Christians, we often refer to difficult or troubling times as the “storms of life” as the disciples did in Mark 4:35-41. The difference between our storms and the disciples is the fact that theirs was an actual storm that threatened to end their life if it did not cease. Our storms are often represented by a loss of a loved one, financial hardships, sickness, disease, medical conditions, and many other unexpected events. We often look at these trials, adversities, sufferings or “storms” as things that are brought about by the enemy (satan). We attempt to place ourselves in Job’s sandals. You see, Job was a righteous man who was found to be blameless in the eyes of God. The sufferings that Job experienced were brought about by satan but only with the divine permission given by God. I believe that many times, as Christians, we attribute the “storms of life” as being attacks from the enemy. I would like to propose to you a new way of thinking though. As in the example of the storm found in Mark 4 (also found in Matthew 8:23-27), Jesus led His disciples directly into the storm. He had instructed His disciples to get into the boat and cross on to the other side. Jesus, in the flesh, was susceptible to human weaknesses such as fatigue, pain, etc. but we know that our heavenly Father neither sleeps nor slumbers. It is safe to say that God was aware of the storm that lied ahead yet He allowed it to take place. I would have to say that is exactly what our Abba Father does to us most of the time. He allows us to suffer (for a moment or a season) in order to teach us or to show us something. I’m not saying that the enemy does not attack us from time to time but I do believe that most of our “storms” are brought about by the hand of God.

(1 Peter 1:7, James 1:3-4, Romans 5:1-5)

Just as the land needs rain for growth to take place, we also need to encounter storms so that our lives can produce what God desires from us. Romans 5:3-4 is a great example of that and illustrates the growing process that is necessary for a saint.

Suffering –> Perseverance –> Character –> Hope

(Isaiah 55:10-11, Hebrews 6:7)

I would also encourage you to read the book of 1 Peter and the first chapter in James. The apostle Paul shares some powerful truths in Romans 8 but one of the most applicable comes from verse 37. It says IN all these things (trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword) we are more than conquerors. That tells me that even in the midst of our storms, we are victorious. Our victory is not dependent upon our circumstances. Our God and Savior Jesus Christ defeated the enemy once and for all on Calvary and until the Lord comes back, we also can walk in that same victory.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11

Blessings,

Jesse

PRAISE REPORTS
– Fruitful outreaches and revival services throughout the Cornerstone Fellowship International churches in the Matabeleland region
– His faithfulness to Sista and I with our finances
– The pastors, teachers, and leaders that continue to pour into us and the countless people that faithfully pray for us
PRAYER REQUESTS
– Strength and patience as we await a court hearing for my Residence Permit
– Health and safety
– Healing for Sista’s father’s leg (fractured in September)
– Resources for a trip in March to South Africa for the annual Reconciliation Ministries International conference