In my last blog I said it was the end of the rainy season, which means there shouldn’t be any rain, right? Monday a few of us were visiting a friend in her shop on Bangla Road while prayer walking when it started pouring rain. Our friend was so surprised, “Rainy season is over. I don’t know why it is raining.” But we know why it was raining. We asked for it. When it rains on Bangla Road the streets clear, and fewer people come to the bars from their hotels…
We, mostly Gloriel, have been praying that it would start raining before we leave for bar ministry and rain all night. Thursday night, it poured all night while we were out on Bangla! Why, because we asked Jesus for rain. We walked onto Bangla and it started, so we ran for cover at Tiger Live (a huge building with a few dozen open bars). We stood on the steps looking out to the street as it cleared. Next thing I know Gloriel was out in the street dancing and slpashing in the puddles inviting whoever she could to join her.
As Radha and I stood watching as Gloriel did her thing, I wished I could go out, but couldn’t… “Worst night to wear a white shirt. Now I can’t go out in the rain.” I thought.
I heard Jesus ask me, “Why does it matter?”
“’Cause my shirt will go see through if I join her.”
“It doesn’t matter. Just go out there.”
“I can’t. People will see through my shirt.”
“Jalin Irene, I want to you be free and just dance in the rain. So what you have a white shirt on.”
The whole time I argued with God about going out in the rain, Gloriel invited me multiple times and told me so what about my white shirt‘cause she also had a white shirt. Then the dude next to me asked me if I’d ever danced in the rain…
“Are you going out?” God asked me, once again. I thought a minute, before agreeing, took my shoes off and ran out to the middle of the road with Gloriel. I splashed in the puddles and danced in the rain. It was so much fun!
While in the rain I realized that I’ve come to a place in my relationship with Jesus that I can’t say “no” to Him. I have the choice to turn God down, and I typically argue with Him but in the end He persuades me to do what He wants… I can’t tell God “no,” I just can’t… and you know what I love it. I love Jesus, and it’s my love for Him that makes me say, “yes” and/or “okay.”
Gloriel dancing. |
Inviting poeple to join. |
Us dancing in the rain. |
Oh, by the way… it's pouring now…