Hurricanes, Floods, and Earthquakes!

We all know that over this past month millions of people have had their lives left in shambles, to say the least.  Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Jose have swept through south Texas and the Caribbean, destroying homes, knocking out power, and taking lives.  Two earthquakes in Mexico, the greatest being close to Mexico City, left the city and surrounding towns in heaps of rubble. In Southern Asia, record monsoon rains passed through India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh killing at least 1200 people and leaving hundreds of thousands displaced.  And, let’s not forget about the, at least 400 people in the West African nation of Sierra Leon who were killed by mudslides triggered by unprecedented rains, as well as the thousands who lost their homes.  And, the list goes on!

Looking over the rubble of his home in Dominica. 

Jesus said, before the end comes,  “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”  (Luke 21:10-11 – NIV)  In other words, as history moves forward towards its intended end, there will be an escalation of these things.  Such seems to be the case in our time.  The question is: how ought we respond?

Jesus gives to us a few words of instruction:  do not be frightened (vs. 9); stand firm (vs. 19); watch and pray (vs. 36).  In other words, don’t allow these things to send you into worry and fear. Instead, continue to trust God with your life, live steadfastly in his ways, and pray. 

In Psalm 46, the Psalmist wrote to people who were facing very similar times—e.g. “though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea…nations are in uproar….” He wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear….” (Psalm 46:1-2 – NIV)  He concludes the psalm with these words: “‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Yes, it can be very overwhelming as we read of these things happening in our world—or, worse yet, as we experience these things for ourselves.  But let’s not give into worry and fear. Rather, let’s trust God with our lives, continue to live as his people, and do our part to bring hope and help to those who find themselves in need. 

Yes, “The Lord Almighty is with us.” 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris

Note:  If you’d like to donate to the relief efforts taking place in Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, please give to Convoy of Hope at:  www.convoyofhope.org