THE LONG HOT SUMMER
The soul of a person can feel as though it has been left beneath a blazing sun. The earth is dry beneath our feet. The wind carries no refreshing rain. Our prayers seem to rise into a cloudless sky, and our hearts long for the cool breath of God’s presence.
The Lord has not forgotten His children when this happens. The same God who appoints the gentle spring also ordains the long, hot summer (Psalms 84:11; Isaiah 45:7).
The scorching season has its purpose. Fruit does not ripen in perpetual rain. Wheat is not gathered while it is still green. The wise Farmer knows precisely how much sunshine is needed before the harvest is ready.
So our heavenly Father allows trials to mature our faith. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” for the testing of faith produces steadfastness (James 1:2-4). “We also glory in tribulations,” because suffering develops perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5).
What appears to be a season of hardship is often the workshop of God’s grace.
Many of God’s servants walked through such summers. Joseph endured years of waiting before the palace doors opened (Genesis 39:20–23; Genesis 41:39-44).
David fled through wilderness after wilderness before he wore the crown (1 Samuel 23:14; 2 Samuel 5:1–4).
Elijah sat beneath the broom tree in weariness, only to discover that God still had work for him (1 Kings 19:4–8, 15–18).
Their circumstances changed in God’s time, but His faithfulness never changed.
Our Savior Himself knew the heat of suffering. He was “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).
In the garden He prayed with deep anguish, and at Calvary He bore the burden of our sins (Matthew 26:36-44; 1 Peter 2:24).
Because He has walked the hardest road, He is able to strengthen those who trust Him. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Perhaps you are living through a long, hot summer today. Do not mistake the silence of heaven for the absence of God.
The Shepherd has not abandoned His sheep. Even when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with you (Psalms 23:4). He has promised, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you—when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2).
His promises are as certain beneath the blazing sun as they are beneath gentle rain.
Then lift your eyes to the horizon. Summer does not last forever. The clouds will gather. The rain will fall. The fields will rejoice with abundance.
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalms 126:5–6). “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
The God who keeps every promise will not fail you now. Hold fast to Christ. Trust His word.
Wait patiently upon the Lord, for every long, hot summer in the hands of God is preparing an eternal harvest.
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Father, thank You that You remain faithful through every season of life. When the days are long and the heat of trial seems unbearable, remind us that You are near and that Your purposes are always good. In His name, Amen.
BDD
