Let the Autumn Rains Fall
Hello, my friends,
The long, bright, warm days of summer are transitioning into fall’s harvest season. This summer was milder than many in recent Texas history, and we can gratefully attribute that to the abundance of rainfall we’ve experienced. Rain is often used as a symbol, from cleansing to refreshing to revival, and I want us to consider this–it’s time again to let the rain fall.
In my life, rain has been a significant blessing. Years ago, I was honored to co-write a book called “When Women Reign1.” Attached to today’s blog is an excerpt, “Reign Change2,” from that book. It’s a story that’s been blessing in my life since all the way back in 2006. It’s good to remember our past victories. I hope my story will remind you of at least one of yours.
Rain arrives under clouds of hope and expectation. Those fragrant, refreshing autumn rains unlock the nourishment in the soil. The pelting of the precipitation from open skies softens the ground hardened by summer’s harsh heat. Summer’s sun dries things out. When you think about it, we have to cover and water our bodies more carefully during those months.
But the ground has little protection. On top of that, HOAs or city ordinances may limit how much water we give our lawns in the case of drought. Under summer’s sun, the ground shrinks and cracks as it dries. It’s not an ideal environment for growth.
But then the late summer/early fall transition arrives and with it the autumn rains. What needs to be washed away will be gone, and the deeply-planted seeds remaining will sprout soon enough; buds of new growth appear, poking through, pointing toward the autumn sun to produce a super bloom harvest unlike any we’ve ever seen. (Joel 2:21-24 NRSV)
Over the last few years, I believe many of us have lowered our expectations. The toil of life dried the soil of our hearts and minds. Life’s setbacks and disappointments hardened us, so we adjusted our beliefs, allowing ourselves not to expect too much. But today, I want to ask you to make a decision–allow Holy Spirit to reawaken your expectations.
Expect the rain to fall. Expect to go further than you have before, no matter what has been. Expect refining, refreshing waves to come from the Spirit and soften us once again. Expect the tide of revival to wash over us, personally and corporately, until we rise together and see Jesus Reign over all the earth. Jesus is coming for us, His bride. Tell everyone you know to expect the Reign.
Receive and Release. Receive The LORD’s rain of refreshing today. Ask King Jesus to reign over the impossible in your life; tell Him you’re ready for the rain to fall. Release disappointments. Let the rain of forgiveness minister within your heart continually. Forgiveness is an act of love that works to soften your heart. Over and over again, make forgiveness and gratitude a daily practice, forgiving yourself and others. It is a game-changing and groundbreaking practice.
Allow the Holy Spirit’s grace to empower you this harvest season. A brand new you is emerging full of joy, hope, and lasting peace. Accept the unmerited favor of God; joyfully receiving the gift He is raining on you.
It’s Time to Move. If prior seasons left you stuck: stuck on the couch, stuck in complacency, stuck in confusion, it’s time to get up and move forward in faith. In Him, you cannot make a wrong turn! Add a physical component to this. Move according to your ability: walk, roll, dance, skip, slide, stretch, breathe, meditate; and may your health prosper as your soul prospers. (3 John 2 NRSV)
Now Prepare to do what you have not done before. God is calling you higher. Your voice has been trained in lower mediations and pursuits. Now it’s time to bring God’s words down from the mountain. It’s time for you to be an encouragement to His people. Let the Spirit guide, refine, and fully prepare you.
Start and Serve. Get started! It’s tempting to let any and everything stop you, especially if you feel you’re moving slowly or behind schedule. But just as the autumn blooms are about to appear, so will you, right on time. As you make progress, your pace will increase rapidly. Remember to accept grace, your breakthrough is here. Serve with sincerity. It’s time to take those crazy dreams off the shelf; dust them off! Serve without fear, our loving God will cover you when you fall and make mistakes. Perfection is not needed; only your testimony.
I hope you have the most joyful, jubilant, productive time of your life this fall! I don’t mean productive in a toxic “hustle-culture” way. I pray your rain-softened heart, overflowing with love and expectation, produces a bountiful harvest. May you experience a revival of true joy. It’s time to reap. Here comes the autumn rains and blessings of a new season–let’s watch together to see what Jesus is going to do!!
We are rainmakers. We are reign changers. Let’s go make some Reign!
James 5:7 (NIV) - Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
Citations:
Hayes Dockery, Amie, and Jill Hellwig. When Women Reign: Embracing the Process That Releases You to Reign. 1 ed., Amie Hayes Dockery, 2011.
Hellwig, Jill. “Reign Change.” When Women Reign: Embracing the Process That Releases You to Reign, 1 ed., Amie Hayes Dockery, 2011, pp. 105-112.
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