And yet we still haven't turned the corner in terms of the drought, because we are still 5 months behind on rainfall. Like the nation's finances, it takes a long time to recover from severe drought or severe debt!
Because of the hosepipe ban, 2 weeks ago I used some Christmas present gifts to help buy another water butt for our garden, so that the vegetables that I am planning on growing may be well watered, in spite of water shortages.
Water storage is a key feature of many development programmes that St. Andrew's supports, particularly through our links with the Tearfund project in Kenya, run by the Diocese of Mount Kenya East.
The prophet Isaiah has a brilliant illustration about the effects of rain.
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' (Isaiah 55.10,11)
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' (Isaiah 55.10,11)
This prompts me to ask three questions of myself and others. Am I regularly opening up God's word, so that it can do its work in my? And do I have a 'water storage' system in my life, so that I remember what it is that God has been saying to me in recent days? And have I noticed the fruit that his word produces in my life?
In the meantime, let us thank the Lord for the rain AND his word to us.
Best wishes,
Richard
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