[191 words]
“Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain” (Proverbs 25:14). Over the past few weeks, the afternoon clouds have gathered with pregnant possibility. The smell of rain has come and the cool wind has blown promising my scorched yard some relief. Yet, for weeks, the clouds with such promise have split at my neighborhood and dissipated without a drop of rain. I cannot help but feel cheated, feel discouraged, and feel like throwing up my hands at this buildup and disappointment. Yet, invariably, I always remember this verse and begin to think of the principle God through Solomon is teaching: be a person who makes good on your promises to refresh and bless others. Isn’t that a promise that we made when we became Christians (John 13:13-15; Acts 20:35)? Isn’t that something that when people see us coming, they will know us as people who bring the promise of refreshing and blessing but also the follow-through of refreshing and blessing! Even if the clouds and rains promise but don’t come this week, I still want to be someone who helps others grow!
Andy Baker
Graeber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX