Today I received a lovely card from Jim’s great aunt, in which she shared some verses that had brought her hope and comfort during her difficult pregnancy years ago (let me take this opportunity to also thank all of you who have shared verses with me – the Lord uses every one!). The front of the card displayed a beautiful rainbow and the words, “As for God, His way is perfect.” This truth is illustrated not only in the salvation He has provided for us, and the daily comfort He supplies, but also in the beauty of His creation. I think about the miracle within me and I can hardly believe that there are two human beings inside that the Lord has carefully crafted for His Glory. And I think about rainbows, a symbol of the Lord’s goodness, mercy and faithfulness. On Jim’s ride from home to the hospital yesterday evening, he encountered more rainbows than he had ever seen before. He sent me this picture of a double rainbow, although the outer bow is barely visible. I never get tired of viewing the splendor of God’s creation!
I was recently informed that a dear family friend is once again battling a serious form of cancer, and I can’t imagine the shock, anger and fear that must be gripping the hearts of this woman and her family. But over the years, I have had the honor of witnessing the profound faith that she and her family have displayed – faith in the Lord’s goodness, mercy and faithfulness, the same characteristics the rainbow brings to mind. For His perfect character is not diminished by heartache and suffering. He is no less Good when He allows sickness than when He heals. He is no less Merciful when He takes a saint home than when He gives life. He is no less Faithful when He brings the rain than when He brings the rainbow. Much of my musings are cliché, I admit, but fortunately, the Lord desires simple faith, not profound philosophizing!
Here are some of the verses that Jim’s great Aunt mentioned:
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” (Psalm 18:30-31).
His way is perfect. Some days I can trust that verse more than others, but the depth of my faith has nothing to do with the depth of His Strength.
Emily, We had the double rainbow in Ohio yesterday as well, and the second rainbow was not as visible as the first one. This was on the news in Steubenville with pictures this AM. God truly is magnificiant. Give my love to Jim and I can’t wait to see the Batterton Babies slide show each month. I have watched their cousins grow each month from Arizona. Love Becky