The Weekly Encourager – May 24, 2013 – The Early and Late Rains

I have been rejoicing all week with my friend's family. Their son just graduated from a four-year college! This young man, diagnosed with learning disabilities, struggled with academics and other issues during his high school years. At the time, our Moms In Touch group met for an hour each week to pray for the students and staff of that high school. Many times we lifted up this young man to the Lord, asking God to give him motivation, good study skills, perseverance, understanding of academic subjects, and respect for authority. We prayed for wisdom for his parents to make good decisions in dealing with his particular situation. After he left that high school, we continued to pray.

The good news is that, again, God was faithful to answer the heart-felt prayers of His people. Despite the challenges, this child gained maturity and a better attitude. He chose a college at which he could play baseball, which he was far more passionate about than academic subjects. Every child needs to have success in something. Having that sport to play and to excel in probably helped his motivation to stay in school. By God's grace, he persevered and made it through all four years of college.

It gets better. After graduation, on his own initiative this young man went back to thank his coach and mentor for all his support. That coach arranged a paid coaching job for him! To those of us who knew him as a teenager, this is an amazing story. God has provided what we desire for all our children, that they would find something that they love to do and are good at, and get paid to do it! All the hard work has paid off. Even better, the son's desire to go back and thank the mentor shows a remarkable growth in character. Yes, we want our kids to find jobs in their field, but we want godliness even more. Gratefulness is a key trait often lacking in teenagers, and to see this young man putting into practice what he was taught growing up in a Christian home warms my heart and causes me to sing praises to our heavenly Father.

God is so good that He not only answers prayer, but pours out blessing upon blessing. Parents, do not grow weary! Continue to teach and to love and to encourage and above all, to pray for your child. If possible, find others to pray with you on a regular basis.

"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand....Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray....Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” - James 5:7-8, 13, 16 NASB

The story of my friend's son encourages me, as my own son starts back to college this term, after taking some time off to work. As parents, we plant the seeds of success in our children. They are our “precious produce.” Then we continue to work and to wait through each season of their growth. We try to plant them in good soil and make sure they get plenty of sunlight. Then we have to wait until they get the early and the late rains. Sometimes the late rains don't come until adulthood, after they have left our direct daily influence, so we pray for God to put good people in their lives who will continue the training in godliness. We never lose trust in the Lord's goodness, wisdom, and perfect timing. We pray for the early and late rains.

God is faithful,