In the past few days much of Arizona received rain that was badly needed, and for which many have prayed. Recently, the National Weather Alert sounded warning us of possible flash floods in our area from Bullhead City to the Hualapai Mountains. In some areas there was even the warning of possible evacuation, and we were especially warned not to drive if possible.
There have been different reports as to how much the rain measured, but regardless of the amount it was greatly appreciated; that is, except for one clap of thunder that I am certain took a few years off of my life. I was in the kitchen assembling a child’s ride-on motorcycle. I was deep in thought as I read the instructions to assemble my project when, without notice, there was the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard. It scared me so bad I almost passed out. Then the rain began to fall in torrents.
When I recovered from the scare I was reminded of Elijah the prophet and his conversation with King Ahab, the wicked and idolatrous king who reigned over Israel for 21 years. His marriage to Jezebel, the daughter of a foreign king, brought idolatry and sexual immorality to the nation. Elijah told Ahab that because of his sin there would be a drought lasting three years, and it would not rain until he had spoken the word. After that time, when Elijah demonstrated the power of God by calling down fire which consumed the altar on Mount Carmel, Elijah told Ahab to “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain.”
Elijah then went to the top of Mount Carmel and began to pray. At first, there appeared only a small cloud about the size of a man’s hand; then the clouds began to form and turned black as rain began to fall and refresh the earth.
Without doubt, God is in control of all things. He causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike. But we also know that Satan is said to be “…the prince of the power of the air;” so, who controls the weather, especially when there are disastrous rains that result in flooding, loss of life, and excessive property damage?
To be certain, God creates and Satan destroys. However, when Satan casts forth his destructive hand, God must allow it and can use the harm Satan has caused for good when we allow Him to.
Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Not everything in itself is good. In fact, some things are harmful and cause great hurt. But the bad, along with the good, balance out and allow us to understand what God is doing or has allowed. In fact, none of us would truly appreciate the good God does if we were not allowed to experience the bad.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, 605 E. Oak St., Kingman.
