The Sound of the Abundance of Rain - David Stearman

“… And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. …” 1Kings 18:45

There had been no rain in the land of Israel for three years. Can you even begin to imagine what that must have been like? Crops were non-existent. Everyone, the entire country, was in the clutches of extreme poverty. And it was in that dire setting that Elijah had the gall to believe God’s promise of provision and declare “I hear the sound of the abundance of rain.”

Ahab must have thought Elijah an idiot. But in reality, people of faith can see that which is invisible to the naked eye. Even when Elijah’s own servant brought back a negative report (seven times in a row, mind you), Elijah refused to believe anything but God’s promise of abundance.

And the rain did come—in buckets.

Can you be bold enough to believe God’s promise in the face of contradictory evidence? Are you able to stand on His abundant promises when all indicators point to a future of lack?

Yes, you may be in a drought, but the Lord is sending showers. You may be short on funds right now, but your harvest is on the way. I believe blessings are coming to you because God has promised to meet all our needs.

There’s a sound borne on the winds of the Spirit today. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of the abundance of rain.


David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.

The Flinch - David Stearman

“For God is not a man that He should lie, neither is He a son of man that he should change His mind. Has he spoken, and will He not do it, or has He promised and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

I grew up as a country boy, learning to shoot a rifle at an early age. Outdoor sports, when introduced appropriately and responsibly, have the potential of teaching important life-lessons to kids. One such lesson I‘d call “Avoiding the Flinch.”

A high-powered rifle makes a loud noise, accompanied by a sharp nudge to the shoulder referred to as a “kick.” This combination of crack and push tempt the marksman to flinch just before pulling the trigger, thus drawing him off target. If the marksman takes his focus off of his mark at just the wrong moment, the shot will go wild.

Many believers make the same mistake when facing financial problems. Their fear drives them to expect negative experiences. They apply for loans anticipating rejection. They live on the edge of angst, waiting for the next catastrophe to occur. This is the believer’s version of “The Flinch,” causing one to lose faith-focus when they need to stay on target.

The rifleman overcomes “The Flinch” by keeping his eyes open—by forcing his eyes to remain on his intended target. The Christian keeps himself in faith by focusing on the positive promises of God’s Word.

Expecting the worst won’t help you receive the best. Use your force of will to
train yourself to expect blessings instead of problems. For God is not a man that He should lie, neither is He a son of man that he should change His mind. Has he spoken, and will He not do it, or has He promised and will He not make it good?

When faced with financial challenges, don’t flinch. Expect the best and God’s promise to meet your needs.

David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.

A Change In Perspective - David Stearman

“Give, and it shall be given unto you.” Luke 6:38

A life-changing incident took place while I was in college. I found myself beset by problems. Financial shortages and other pressures had combined to create an unsolvable dilemma.

About this time, an evangelist friend asked that I provide music for one of his crusades. I did, and an amazing thing happened. While I was out sharing, focusing on the needs of others, my own problems virtually disappeared.

They were really still there, of course. But my attitude toward them had changed. The fact that I’d been around people with greater needs than my own had transformed my perspective toward my own problems.

With my cares in proper relief, I was able to relax and trust them completely to the Lord. As a result, the money came. My problems—completely resolved.

What I’m trying to say can be read between the lines of that familiar passage: give and it shall be given unto you. When you give to those in need, whether by way of finance or personal deed, good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over will be poured back into your bosom. Indeed, your perspective regarding your own life will change. You’ll be able to trust in the Lord, which, as the Bible promises, results in your needs being met.

I don’t know about you, but there are still times I get way too caught up in my own concerns. Yes, you and I do have needs, but there are those whose needs are greater than our own. Let’s all do our best to help them. Lord knows they need it; but maybe we need it, too.

David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.

He'll Lead You to the Other Side - David Stearman

"I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18, 19

The Children of Israel came out of Egypt full of hope. But their hope turned to despondency when they learned Pharaoh’s army was on their trail. Soon enough they found themselves hopelessly trapped between their violent pursuers and the mighty Red Sea. But the God who can make a way where there is no way, divided the waters and brought them safely to the other side.

Later, the Israelites became thirsty. There wasn’t a drop to drink within miles. But at God’s direction, Moses struck a rock, and a river broke forth—enough to satiate a million men, their children, and wives.

Before long, their food supplies tapped out, so the Lord rained down meat and manna from the skies. Yes, every step of the way through the wilderness, the Children of Israel found themselves challenged by enemies, barrenness, and lack. And yet somehow they never went without. God kept them safe, filled, and provided for, all the way through to their Promised Land.

And He’ll do the same for you. You see, God doesn’t listen to the evening news. He’s not intimidated by reports of lack. God is the Source of all supply and nothing’s too hard for Him. He’ll make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, and He’ll take good care of you until you reach the other side.


David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.

A Way in the Wilderness - David Stearman

“I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

The Children of Israel left Egypt’s lush Nile Valley to traverse one of the most inhospitable environments known to mankind. The Wilderness of Sinai is a desert that rivals the hostility of the Sahara, the Kalahari, or the Peruvian Sechura.

There was no shelter there, nor food—not even water. But the Children of Israel believed in their dream of a Promised Land, and they trusted in the words of The Lord their God.

And He did not disappoint. He brought enough water from a rock to meet the needs of a million men, their children, and their wives. He rained down food from the skies. He shaded them by a cloud and kept them in abundance until they arrived safely at their Promised Land on the other side.

No, God has never been intimidated by hostile climates—be they literal or financial, for He is the source of all supply. He has been there for me through every trial and tribulation. Despite the environment, He promises to provide for His children good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over.

That’s why I believe, regardless of the News Media’s negative drumbeating to the contrary, that God’s people will prosper this year. Trust in the Lord and the promises in His word, and you’ll experience one of the best years you’ve ever had. You can count on it: God will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.


David Stearman is a novelist, recording artist, and missionary to various European, Asian, and Latin American countries. His stories describe the remote corners of the world and the people who inhabit them as only a physical and cultural eyewitness can. He travels extensively within US borders as well, offering encouragement to the believers in numerous and diverse churches. When home, he and his wife Diane reside in Louisville, KY.