How To Survive A Disaster Or Two

“I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” —John 16:33

So just when you thought 2020 was over and there might be light at the end of the COVID tunnel and it was not a train – you discover it is a train – called URI.  There was no diverting it to some other path.  All we could do was watch and wait.  Some people prepared – some did not.  Some people left – some people stayed.  It didn’t matter what anyone did, really – the winter storm was following its course and there was no stopping it.  Leaving destruction in its wake, the storm has moved on – like so many natural disasters – we would like it to be a memory – but the aftermath is still fresh – painful for many.  And the thing is – there are more storms coming – maybe not this winter, but they are coming – of that you can be certain. I told someone the other day that Martie and I have traveled to places that have suffered from Mother Nature’s wrath, but now that we are in Texas, the storms come to us.

Jesus is the source of peace in the midst of trouble.  Not FEMA. Not a Red Cross shelter. Not even a hotel far from the path of the storm.  Not alcohol. Not Denial. Not medication. Only Jesus.  That, my friend, is a spiritual truth.  The world will offer everything but Jesus.  I am currently running a warehouse that is supplying emergency food, water and plumbing supplies to the survivors – we don’t call them victims any more – not sure why.  The house will be comfortable when we are done, but it’s just a house.  Helping with the homes is a concern – restoring water, but the main concern is the hearts of the people who will live in the home.  When Peter and John were stopped by the lame man at the gate of the temple .. he was asking for money – a material solution to his plight – and certainly he needed food and money to buy it.  But Peter said (Acts 3:6) “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” The man had a physical problem – but underlying that was a spiritual problem that needed a spiritual solution.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” – James 1:2-4

Your faith will be tested if you have a faith to be tested.  We may offer help with rebuilding to those who have no means to change their circumstance, but more importantly we offer Hope through faith in the One who is the source of all Hope. 

We are all going to face problems in this life – COVID – URI – the next Hurricane – or some other malady.  The question is, “Where will we turn in those times of need and uncertainty?”  Here is a thought ….

(Psalm 121)

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel; Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in; From this time forth, and even forevermore”

Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone