Genesis 9 : 13-15

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud. And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

The weather here in the East this winter has been wet to say the least. We are well over four inches above normal for the year. Ironically, the opening round of the Genesis Open in Los Angeles was delayed over six hours yesterday because of a deluge. Nothing “dampens” the excitement of a planned day of golf like a down pouring of rain. We feel the rain prevents us both physically and mentally to perform to the same level allowed as on a sunny 85 degree day. God’s people are granted a promise in Genesis that he will not destroy the Earth again by means of a flood. Sometimes in life, we feel the waters start as a puddle barely affecting our lives, but then we find ourselves desperately wading through rising rough waters. We feel our sickness, finances, or the family issues we face are going to drown us with no hopes of survival. However, God has promised a “rainbow” for all of his believers. When we find ourselves feeling as if the waters of life are rising to neck level, we must call upon our Lord for guidance and protection. By claiming God’s promises, we will not only survive the rough waters, but we will ultimately thrive. “On the solid rock” we will stand high and secure realizing his blessings and a renewal of spirit. It is during our climbing out of these valleys of life we fully appreciate the journey and the strength gained by seeing that “rainbow” formed near us while we approach the mountain top. Some of us are feeling mere sprinkles while others are in the midst of filling sand bags. Our prayer for today is for God’s strength, guidance and protection in the midst of the waters of life.