“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”                                                                          Hebrews 12:1

Another overcast morning – the local meteorologist officially proclaims today as “cloudy with a chance of thunder storms in the afternoon.” I slip into my raincoat and grab my umbrella before heading off to work.

At lunchtime, I peer out the window and see the sun beginning to break through the clouds. The forecast was wrong … again. I suppose the meteorologists would rather prepare us for the worst. It is a weather forecast, a prediction. I laugh thinking to myself that you never hear a weather person proclaim the day as “cloudy with a chance of sunshine. So, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses and take along some sunscreen just in case!” No, I don’t think we will ever hear that. Yet, we are always alerted to even the smallest chance of inclement weather. 

Reflecting on the scripture today, I realize that as Christians our life is meant to be cloudy with a chance. A chance for success, a chance for victory, a chance to overcome, a chance to persevere.

When we surround ourselves with other Christians, a cloud of witnesses, we are in the shadow of hope, and encouragement rains down on us. By choosing to walk along side other Christians on this journey through life and by choosing to persevere, to push through no matter what, we are preparing for the worst by choosing to seek the best. 

So as you head out to work or play each day, whether the sun is shining brightly or nowhere to be seen, remember each day as a Christian is truly cloudy with a chance!

You are surrounded by examples of love, prosperity, endurance, and hope. You are encouraged and supported to walk in the way of righteousness.

Keep this in mind so that the next time you hear the meteorologist say the day ahead is cloudy with a chance of showers, grab your sunglasses anyway! You just never know what the day might bring. Anything is possible with God. Smile knowing you always have a chance for something better. And when the storms do come, large drops falling heavy on your shoulders – literally or figuratively – dance in the rain. You can and will persevere!