Providence and rain

Colorado has needed rain—anyone who lives here knows, and anyone who doesn't probably knows as well, because the fires raging across our state have been on national news for a while.
We've finally been getting rain, in some places, and sometimes, it's a lot of rain, which can cause problems in burn areas or just wash out the areas that are so dry. And I saw a post a friend of mine put on Facebook: "Couldn't we have this rain two weeks ago when the Waldo Canyon fire was burning homes?"
That would've been providence, wouldn't it? But is it any less so since God sent the rain now?
I'd say no. God sees the big picture. He knew Colorado needed the rain, but maybe He also was waiting for us to earnestly cry out to Him for help. Many people don't reach out to Him at all in times of trouble until we're desperate. Maybe he was waiting for that last holdout to say, "God, we need your help!"
Plus, I believe that God uses these situations to bring us closer to Him, and to remind us that through Him, nothing is impossible.
How often do we get to hear feel-good stories? Not often, unless they're attached to potential horror stories. Because it so often takes the worst in someone to bring out the best in someone else.
Take the Waldo Canyon fire: We don't know how it started yet, but authorities suspect foul play. There's your terrible human nature; someone was angry, jealous, insecure or maybe just foolish enough to deliberately start something that has devastating potential. This person's apparent misdeed, however, is bringing out the best in so many others. Like families opening their doors to complete strangers so they have a place to stay, or the donations and help that comes in all shapes and sizes that's needed so badly.
I do not think God whispered to that one person, "Go play with matches over there." He is not the reason we stumble. I do think the enemy told that person, "It won't hurt. What harm could possibly come of it? Go ahead, play with those matches." Satan is behind our sin, he loves it, revels in it.
But the great thing is that God takes whatever situation that Satan has created and turns it for better. People have lost their homes, possessions, pets, neighbors. But I bet God is there, carrying them just like that poem, "Footsteps in the Sand," suggests.
So now that we're getting rain, it's easy to look back and say, "But if..." or "But why..." Yet I say "Thank you!" because I can see God's hand working here in this state, and it humbles and encourages me.

Dear God,
Thank you for the rain. Let us remember that although we might never comprehend Your ways, You are always in control. Please bless those who have lost, and protect those who fight for our safety.
Amen


Waldo Canyon photos
Fire Ban