There is a story I once heard about a farming community that had not had any rain in a very long time. Everyone was very concerned because the crops were drying up and dying in the fields. This was a horrible situation, because this was the primary way that they earned a living. One day, the local pastor decided to hold a special outdoor prayer service, so that the community could come together and agree in faith asking God to send the rain. Everyone was on board and eager to attend. They came out in great number!
There is a story I once heard about a farming community that had not had any rain in a very long time. Everyone was very concerned because the crops were drying up and dying in the fields. This was a horrible situation, because this was the primary way that they earned a living. One day, the local pastor decided to hold a special outdoor prayer service, so that the community could come together and agree in faith asking God to send the rain. Everyone was on board and eager to attend. They came out in great number!
As the service was about to begin, the pastor noticed a little girl in front of the crowd who was holding a large, open, and ready-to-use umbrella. She was smiling brightly in excitement and anticipation for what was about to take place. It was at this moment that the Pastor recognized the true faith that this child possessed.
Out of everyone who was in attendance, this young child was the only one who came prepared for rain. She came prepared to see God move. She had the greatest faith of all!
If you really believe that it’s gonna to rain, then you will be sure to keep your umbrella handy.
Here are 3 things to consider:
1. According to a UK Study 2/3 or 64% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions within a month. In fact, many people have decided to no longer set any goals at all.
Many of us talk a big game about what we’re gonna do. We like to talk about our dreams and aspirations. In fact, many of us have “so called” BIG plans! Unfortunately, these plans are not concrete, measurable, or specific. They are just vague, dreamy ideas in our minds. We haven’t researched anything, counted the cost, or looked into what it takes to see them through to completion. We haven’t even made room for the goal in our schedules and our lives. God help us!
You’ve heard it before. You’ve got to know your WHY! Why do you want to do this? Why is it SO important to you? Your goals and aspirations must have value and significance to YOU. They should not be easy to ignore or toss to the side by or before February 1st. Remember, anything that’s worth doing or having is worth working for.
Nothing is going to happen overnight…there are MANY things that can’t even be completed in 1 month! January is not a magical month. It is just a great time for intentional review, reflection, and projection.
You need a long-term plan, because you should be in it for the long haul. We can’t be so short-sighted, if we are going to reach our goals.
Patience, endurance, and commitment are required for real success.
If you’re praying for rain…where is your umbrella?
2. We think we have time to put things off for some arbitrary future date…like New Year’s Day! That is our first mistake! We take life for granted. We take one another for granted. We take opportunities for granted. We waste SO much time and put off things of importance when, truth be told, we don’t know what’s going to happen from one minute to the next.
Yet, we assume that we have time to do the important things LATER.
But have you ever considered the fact that TOMORROW never comes; because when it “comes,” it is called “TODAY!” Don’t put off for tomorrow, what can be done TODAY, because tomorrow is NOT promised!
If you are able, do what needs to be done TODAY! We should never delay goals and making improvements in our lives until a day that is off in the distant future. Start TODAY or do it NOW!
It doesn’t help to just KNOW that you need an umbrella…you need to have it ready and accessible!
3. You must prepare for the outcome that you say you expect. So, have you prayed about it? Have you asked God for direction and are you listening for his voice? Most importantly, are you obeying the steps that God has ALREADY revealed to you? If so, then it’s time to get in position and expectation of a downpour…the rain is coming!
It’s time to open your umbrella!