Showers of Blessing

Serving in the Northern army during the American Civil War, Daniel Whittle lost his right arm in battle and then became a prisoner of war. But God used those events to change his life.

While in prison, another captured soldier noticed that Whittle was reading a New Testament. When the man asked Whittle to pray with him, he was reluctant. Whittle knew he had not committed his own life to Christ. Finally, he agreed. Confessing his sins, he “asked Christ to forgive” him.

Soon after praying with Whittle, the man died. But God used the dying soldier to bring Whittle to salvation. He often reflected on that transformation in the hymns he wrote. He also hungered after a greater move of God.

In 1883, he published a hymn, “Showers of Blessing,” that described his hope that God would send a “precious revival.” They needed refreshing that only He could bring.

Whittle was confident that God would send “abundance of rain” and He would honor His Word. As Whittle knew from experience, it’s always time to call on Jesus. He believed that “if we but trust and obey; there shall be seasons refreshing, if we let God have His way.”

Do you sense the need for a personal revival? For a season of refreshing? For God to change you in more powerful ways? Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the world.