“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
– Hebrews 12:1-2

The forecast for Friday night’s game was rain! For a head football coach, that means making some major adjustments to the week’s practice schedule. There’s something about the threat of wet weather that makes a coach a little nervous in his preparation. In my experience, the threat of potential rain forces me to think less about game planning for the opponent and more about the execution of my own team. Being fundamentally sound in our blocking and  tackling or simply holding on to the football takes on a greater importance when playing on a soggy field. Even though this shift of thinking can take extra preparation, it can also be quite beneficial. Isn’t it interesting how a little rain can force us to shift our focus back to where it should have been all along?

I have experienced this same principle in my spiritual walk. Too often I become consumed with everything happening around me. I’m trying to be a good husband and parent. I’m working hard to have good, quality time with the Lord in addition to getting the bills paid. Sometimes it’s just more than I can handle, and the weight of doing life is slowing me down. In times like these, God always seems to send a little rain to help readjust my focus. The soggy field God sends my way usually forces me to think less about what’s going on around me and more about the things I need to do to grow in my personal relationship with Him. To put it in simple terms, it might take a little rain to help us get our eyes back on Jesus. If that’s what it takes, I say, “Bring it on!”

Heavenly Father, forgive me for losing focus of the things that are truly important. Thank You for the rain in my life that forces me to turn my eyes back to You. Amen.