The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
I ran out to Walmart to get a few things for the week. It was about 7:30 pm, and the sky was heavy with threatening skies. Dark gray clouds bubbled. I hurried to get to the store before these boiling clouds released their load. I passed through the doorway, nodding to an attendant who checked me in her little tablet. Grocery list in hand, I got a cart and got to business.
Things have changed so much in a short amount of time. Everyone in masks, including children, standing six feet apart, plexiglass shields between you and the cashier and police in the stores and standing outside. I find it to be very oppressive and sad.
The intercom announced the closing of the store, and every five minutes reminded the shoppers that it was time for our little hamlet to shut the doors. I finished up and got in line, making sure I was observing the distance rule.
I checked out and left the store. At the doorway, an employee checked me off as leaving on her tablet as she kept count of people in the store. As I made my way to my car, I noticed a young woman dressed in black with green hair staring into the sky behind me. I glanced back and saw the reason for her pause. A brilliant rainbow shone across the sky. It was perhaps one of the largest rainbows I had seen. People began to stop in the parking lot, cars stopped, and even an officer walked from the entrance to see what was going on. Though it had never rained in our area, the rainbow had still appeared. I stood in the parking lot, staring at the rainbow, reminded that its beauty was much more than just a visual treat; it is a reminder that God’s Grace is enduring.
Despite everything you are experiencing, God is still very much in control and is extending his grace to all. God is very much on the throne and is working. It is not his desire to see any perish or suffer, but rather to give every opportunity for people to recognize and accept his forgiveness and grace. The rainbow is a reminder that God is still extending his grace to all.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 