I Need Good News!

Sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, the rain fell harder and harder. Cars passed, splashing dirty water everywhere; all over me. No one seemed to take notice of a small boy waiting. My tears mixed with the rain and my broken heart wanted to know why I had been forgotten. A car slowed down, it looked like my mom’s, but it wasn’t, and it sped up and drove by; splashing more water. I needed good news. 

Finally, the car slowed to a stop, my mom, reaching across the seat, pushed the door open, “get in,” she said. “What are you doing sitting in the rain? Why didn’t you stay inside?” No apology, no explanation, no hug for letting me feel abandoned. Just the same old thing, it must have been my fault. I needed good news.

Good News. We all need good news. 

“The word of the Lord remains forever.

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

That is good news, even in the rain. The rains of life, however, obscure the blessings. We sit drenched, holding on to the idea that God loves us and wants the best for us, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if he would manifest himself before us? Just once?

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8,9

Yes, it would be nice, but the good news is not dependent on it. We rejoice with inexpressible joy because the rain brings a rainbow, because death a resurrection, and our perseverance brings salvation through our blessed savior. Now that is good news! I’m just saying.