“I have placed My rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth.” (Genesis 9:13, NLT)
Rainbows have always meant a lot to our family. On the day that my sweet father went to heaven, we left the rehabilitation center where Daddy had died, and as we headed home, a double rainbow stretched over the highway between Decatur and Fort Worth, Texas.
It was as if God was saying, “I’ve got your Daddy, and this is your promise that you’ll see him again someday.”
Just as I was processing the beautiful display of God’s promise to me, Allyson, who was only 9 at the time, said, “God put two rainbows in the sky just for us–one for me and one for Abby because He knew how much we would miss Papaw.”
Precious.
Both girls had also grabbed onto that promise, giving them the same comfort I was experiencing from gazing at the wash of color across the morning sky.
Since then, it seems that any time I have a big decision to make or a situation where I really need the love of my Heavenly Father, a rainbow will appear out of nowhere. And each time, I feel that same comfort.
As I prepare to travel to Los Angeles next month to celebrate Allyson’s completion of her degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I can’t help but remember another rainbow moment–on the day we first moved Ally to LA several years ago.
I was one distressed mama.
While I was thrilled that Ally was following her dream and pursuing a career in fashion, I couldn’t believe I was going to have to leave my baby girl in Los Angeles all by herself–2,000 miles from home.
We had prayed over her move, and God had shown us great favor at every turn; still, I was nervous and upset.
She is only 18! I thought. How is she going to survive in this huge city?
And what if we’ve chosen the wrong apartment complex for her…What if it’s unsafe? Maybe we should move her closer to school…And, will she be able to navigate the public transportation system? It’s so confusing…
The LA weather seemed to match my mood that afternoon–rainy and dreary. I was lost in worry when all of sudden, my eyes focused on the sky directly above Allyson and her boyfriend, Wesley, who had accompanied us to help with the move.
Painted across the grey sky was an absolutely beautiful rainbow.
Overcome with emotion, I couldn’t speak so I just pointed. We all took a moment to gaze at God’s goodness, His promise that everything was going to be OK.
Ally and I locked eyes and exchanged knowing smiles.
It was a rainbow of reassurance, and exactly what I needed before I could leave my baby girl and head back home.
Time after time, God has shown me His love in such a personal way. Sometimes it’s by way of rainbows in the sky; other times, through a scripture that jumps off the page; still other times through a kind word from a stranger. He is so faithful! God knows just what we need, exactly when we need it.
All we have to do is trust in Him, and look up.
Pray this with me today:
Father, thank You for loving me the way You do and for comforting me when I need it most. I trust You, God, with every part of my life. And, I am so grateful for the rainbows of reassurance You send my way, reminding me of Your faithfulness. You are a good God. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
