What Does Grace Like Rain Mean?

One of my best friends lives on a farm out in Kansas. She, her husband, and their kids have to rely on the Lord in a way in which many of us today do not even think about. They are dependent upon Him to send the rain so that they are well provided for as a family. If the rains do not come, the crops die, and the harvest will be weak. Their livelihood causes them to be very aware that the Lord is the One who provides for them. Most of us do not have this blatant observation of God’s provision in our lives, however, we can learn from their lives and ponder how the Lord takes care of our needs as well.

Jesus is the ultimate act of grace. Ephesians 4:7 says, “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Jesus died on the cross for each of our sins. We did not earn this, we did not deserve to be saved, it was a free gift given by our Savior. (Ephesians 2:8)

Why Rain?

So why does this well-known worship song compare grace to rain? When we think about rain, it does three things: it gives life, it refreshes, and it takes care of dryness. 

1. Life-giving: Grace gives life like the rain. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Jesus has made each person who places faith in Him alive. Just like the rain renews a dying plant or gives brand new life to seeds in the ground, the grace of God covers our sins and brings forth new life in Christ.
2. Refreshes: Grace refreshes us. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” Sometimes, we need to be reminded that God’s grace is sufficient for us. The Word of God, the message of His grace, renews our souls so that we might be free from spiritual stagnation and refreshes us so that we can not only receive His grace but by His Spirit extend His grace to others.
3. Takes Care of Dryness: Have you ever felt like your spiritual life was a wasteland or a desert? Being reminded of the grace of God is like a stunning oasis found in a desert. It is the help that a person needs in terrain with little to no water. We can be spiritually dry in a sense. We can be in places and seasons where we seem to lack the spiritual waters from the Living Water Himself. However, we can continually go to Him for help. Just like the rain pours out and resorts the dry land to a place of abundance, so our God pours out His grace upon grace to us.

Have you ever been caught in a rainstorm? The large droplets of water come pouring out of the fluffy clouds. It truly is a wonderful sight and experience. One of the most incredible stories I ever heard was about a group of missionaries who went to a tribe in Africa. They went during a time when there was a drought. The people and leaders had sought help from every religion possible, and nothing was bringing the rain. However, when the Christians arrived, they told the people that they had a film they wanted to show. The locals shared about their drought problem and ask the believers to pray to their God. The tribe was amazed that it began to pour down rain. They were so overwhelmed by God’s kindness in bringing the rain that the entire village showed up for the movie night with the gospel message, and the entire village was saved. The thing about people in need of rain is that they are desperate. They are often thirsty and hungry based on their circumstances. They are unable to control and manipulate the weather. All that they can do is trust the Lord. 

People can easily abuse grace if they are not careful. Knowing that we have been forgiven can cause us to be tempted to live in our sinful ways, knowing that Jesus’ blood covers all of our sins. However, when we truly understand what grace is, we will have a desire to live lives out of gratitude for the grace upon grace that we have been given. We will not want to abuse the grace of God but receive it in all of its fullness.

Why Grace Like Rain? 

The next time you hear the song “Grace Like Rain” or listen to a rain storm, may it serve as a reminder to you as a beautiful gift from God. He has given us grace after grace, time and time again. He is the Perfect Savior who loves us and gave Himself for us. This is an act of God that only He could do. Just like we depend on the Lord to send the rain on us and our lands, we lean on Him in His abundant grace.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Julia_Sudnitskaya

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.