BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER
Pastor Mark Hopper
Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to go back to Hawaii. We love Hawaii and find it relaxing and enjoyable. However, this time we had some of the worst weather we have ever experienced there. We used to go to Maui during summer vacation. But, now that my wife has retired, we are able to go at other times of the year. The fall is nice, because the crowds are smaller and air fares are lower. But this time, at the last minute, we went at the end of the winter season.
We were surprised at the weather. Strong winds blew all day long during the first three days we were there. These weren’t the usual afternoon trade winds. These were strong, steady winds that blew day and night. Even the locals were expressing their dismay with the unusually strong winds. Along the side of the road, we saw a large, established tree that was blown over by the wind. Apparently there was a low pressure system over most of the islands that was drawing in these 50, 60, and 70 mph winds.
Along with the wind there was rain. Sometimes the rain was in the form of tropical downpours. Other times it was more gentle and steady.
One morning we decided to brave the winds and take a walk on the beach. The wind continued to blow but the rain came in gentle waves. As we looked out over the ocean we saw a beautiful rainbow; it was amazing. It stretched over the water – a complete rainbow! During the remainder of that day we saw at least five more beautiful rainbows as we drove from the southern to the northern end of the island.
The first rainbow mentioned in the Bible was during the time of Noah and the Ark. The Bible says that God gave the rainbow to serve as a reminder of His promise to never flood the earth again. We don’t see rainbows on sunny days. We see them on rainy days. In the midst of adversity, we can still find reasons for hope.
You may be going through a rainy season in your life right now. But, with God’s help, you can find hope and encouragement. He can provide a few rainbows to remind you of His love and concern for you. He can give you the strength to stand against the strong winds and endure the tough times in life.
