Disaster and Catastrophe
During the recent Spokane fires, I found out just how hard it can be to concentrate on just about anything. With homes burnt, scorched or abandoned for a time, life was anything but normal. Not even a usual summer fire season. No, it was far beyond that. Routine dissipates with the smoke.
But God stays.
He has not left, no matter the disaster. He is the same always and through all catastrophes. His love and care are constant. I am so grateful it is He who holds us and not our own efforts.
Comfort
It’s a little harder to pursue Him and His Word when the disruptions come. But I found some comfort and even some direction forward in 1 Peter, chapter 5, in the Bible.
In difficult times, we desperately need something steadfast to hold on to. Maybe more stubbornly than usual. The devil prowls around to devour not just our houses and belongings, but our souls.
God says to resist the devil and he will flee. Just don’t succumb to the anguish and desolation that the devil tries to wrap us in. Instead, be humble and wait to see what God will do. He will not leave us forsaken.
Community
Be aware of community. Forever family. So many needs. And so much help. From the firefighters to whom we owe much, to those groups who have come from everywhere to meet the losses and fill the needs.
Love your neighbor has new meaning.
Faithful God
Know this: after we have suffered for a while, our Father God promises that He will
- Perfect us (like going through a refining fire)
- Establish us (like putting our lives together in new ways)
- Strengthen us (like another layer of courage through trial)
- Settle us (like giving us peace beyond our circumstances or understanding)
He does not leave us alone in our suffering. He perfects us, establishes us, strengthens us and settles us.
“To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:11 NKJV).
Purpose
To everything, God has assigned a purpose. He is here. And when this time of suffering passes, as all earthly things do, He is on the other side.
His arms outstretched, His heart evident and plain to our freshly opened eyes.
Run to Him and let His arms enfold you.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
- By Helen H. Lemmel
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