April 2008 Newsletter


“Flowers Will Come”

By: Brian Buehrlen

As I sit here, writing to you, it rains. How Appropriate that this article pertain to such an Affair. If the old adage is true, then more is on The way. But flowers will come!

It is often cursed " the rain". I have wondered what it is About those particular days that we, as a people, loathe. One might take issue with the fact that rain, without first Begging our permission, comes as it will. At times, we Are forced to plan for it. Perhaps it is the special Attention that must be paid to each step while in travel. Maybe it's the dollars and cents of it all that perturbs You so. Could it be the sheer ugliness of such days; the Gray skies and the muck? Worst of all, is the ruin of a Good permanent. Whatever your issue with rain, (and I Do presume that you have one), it is nonetheless!

Now, I grant you, rain is no profound, theological issue That needs addressed. But I wish to prepare you for Those days, so they do not pass in waste. If we look at The issue, we might find our disgust summed in a single Word- isolation. As a young boy, this was particularly True for me. As it was for others, I am sure.

Think about Noah for a moment. How precious he must Have felt,( along with his family), to have been spared From the destruction brought about by those infamous Rains long ago. Surely, being a man no less than you or I, he harbored feelings of isolation as well. In that Vessel, he knew what was taking place outside. I would Imagine he felt abandoned at times, not by God, but by His fellow man. Certainly, future rains brought about Memories of those he had lost to the storms. Maybe at Night Noah was haunted by those last faces seen past the Closing doors of the ark. Whatever the case, Noah was Isolated, and it was a good thing.

Rain has often been used figuratively in reference to Tough and trying times. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Once wrote these words,

"Be still, sad heart! And cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary."

The message above is clear- hard times are as unwanted As the rain on occasion. But the fact is "some days must Be dark and dreary."

It might do us some good to conclude here. I could Ramble on about the rain until the next good one comes. Physically, rain is coming! Many times, that means we Isolate ourselves indoors, staring out windows, Wondering what might have been. Think of the rain as A God- ordained appointment! There isn't much that Slows a man down, but the rain always has. In a culture Full of busy people, God just may be trying to isolate You, as He did with Noah. This spring, on those rainy Days, reflect upon God's Words. Figuratively, the rains Of life may bring about hurt and sorrow. But receive Those rains with joy, for it means the Almighty is calling For your trust. So, as the adage goes, "April showers Bring May flowers." remember, sunny days are ahead And the flowers will come. With that ,I leave you with These most important words:

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face Trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing Of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must Finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, Not lacking anything.