Pray For Rain

As summer approaches, so do the afternoon storm clouds that descend from the Rocky Mountains. Every day I expect to see these clouds creep out of the foothills and into the Colorado plains. Considering how dry our winter and spring have been, seasonal precipitation should be welcome...but it’s not.

Some days, dark traces of rain escape the storm clouds, but fail to produce what they promise. This phenomena—called virga—happens when rain falls, but evaporates before it hits the ground. Even though the conditions, appearance, and atmosphere seem ripe for a storm, the much­ needed rain does not materialize.

In the book of Jude we read a stern warning about false teachers that exhibited similar behavior and had gained influence in the church.

Just as Denver’s parched ground begs summertime clouds for nourishment, but gets nothing, so false teachers only deliver the appearance of good news. In reality, the refreshment they seem to offer evaporates before it hits our thirsty souls. It’s fluff—personality ­driven rather than biblically rooted. False teachers never execute the plans they draw up. They promise much but produce nothing.

Your thirst will never be quenched by rain from a Virga cloud, so pray for rain....real rain. The kind of rain whose substantial, drenching drops can soak the soil of your soul.

Everything else evaporates. So stay thirsty and pray for rain to the God who delivers on the promises He makes.