When the Rain Falls on Waiting Ground

I remember it rained hard in our part of Chula Vista at least twice last month. One rainfall I clearly recall was on November 15, when the ground was thoroughly soaked. Afterward, the dormant weed seeds around our house started to sprout. The side yard, which had been just bare dirt, was suddenly covered with little green shoots. I felt happy to see the new growth instead of dry, empty soil, but also a bit sad because I knew I would soon need to pull the weeds to keep the yard tidy. It’s a reminder that someone is caring for the ground.

Just as rain gets the ground ready for spring, the “former rain” is like the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life. It prepares our hearts to receive the “latter rain.” The latter rain helps spiritual fruit mature and gets God’s people ready for His kingdom. The Bible shows the Holy Spirit’s role in our salvation. Jesus said the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), gives new life (John 3:5–6), and, as Paul explains, seals and makes believers holy (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

There is still much for us to learn about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is part of what we are exploring in our current study, Steps to Personal Revival. The Ten Days of Prayer for 2026 will focus on how the Holy Spirit can change our lives and our world through God’s Word.

Ellen White writes: “If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 50). She then asks, “Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it?” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 50).

We saw wonderful results from our united efforts led by the Holy Spirit in 2025. As we begin a new season in 2026, let’s commit to seeking the Holy Spirit in our lives so God can keep preparing our hearts and transforming His people for His kingdom.

-Pastor Lim