Hidden Rainbows

So, this past Sunday was rainy for most of the day. Scattered showers ranged from heavy, torrential downpours to light mists. Thankfully, I was able to live stream service and stay in for the morning. The skies cleared just in time for me to leave for a family dinner. With my dog in the backseat, we made our way down the highway towards my parent’s house. Some scattered, dark clouds with the occasional sunlight peeking through filled the skies. There were even moments of brief rain showers. To myself I thought, “With this lighting and the scattered rainfall, there should be rainbows”. As I drove along, I scanned the horizon for the treasured sight. At first glance, there were none. Then off to the left, I saw one! As I followed the beams to see if it were a full bow or a half bow, I discovered that part of it was hidden in the clouds. This made it difficult to see at first glance! The storm clouds prevented me from seeing the rainbow.

It was like I got hit with a deep revelation. How many times do we let the storms of life cloud our vision? Do we forget God’s promises when things get rough? How often do we stop and look for the rainbows? As I continued along, I kept thinking on God’s promises. It's amazing that the rainbow is a symbol of His promise to Noah. Let’s just think for a second. Noah and his family had never experienced rain during their lifetime. It is believed that the earth was watered from the ground upwards with a mist like system. The first time it ever rained on the earth, a massive flood resulted, and the family was stuck on a boat for several months. I can imagine their anxiety with rain for the next few months after finally getting off the ark. “Will it flood again? Are we safe?” But God lovingly created a visible promise to remind them that He would NEVER flood the earth again. A reminder only visible during / after times of storm.

As I made my way down the highway, God gave me a visible picture of one of His promises to me. Traffic slowed to a complete stop. Up ahead on the highway was a four-car accident. One of the vehicles was in flames as its occupants sat in the grassy median. One guy was holding a rag to his forehead. Sirens were heard behind me as the ambulance and firetrucks sped pass. I had missed the accident by mere minutes. As I waited, I took a moment to pray for the people involved in the accident. I also took time to thank God for keeping His promise to protect me. I left the house five minutes later than I intended to. God knew what lay ahead. My lateness / timing was His divine intervention to keep me out of harm’s way.

So, my challenge to you today is to look for the rainbows hidden in the clouds. Remind yourself of the promises written in God’s word. If it gets hard to see, ask God to show you where He was in your storm. Then thank Him for His faithfulness. We can rest assured that God always keeps His promises, even if it takes a little longer than expected.

Be encouraged!! 😊

Photo Credit: Me!!!

Scripture References:

Genesis 9:16 (NLT) When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”

Psalm 18:30 (NLT) God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.