Coping With Disaster...
The Midwest has once again been ravaged by tornadoes. The town of Joplin Missouri has been hit hard. Many lives were destroyed by the storm which ripped through the area and left devastation and despair.
As I wake to the sound of lightening, I hear thunder setting the stage for what is to come. I’m reminded we have no control of devastation which occurs in our lives. In moments of unwelcome events, we are forever changed.
Some ask, “Why does God allow us to suffer?” It is a question considered by many, as events of life bring challenge and despair. But, those who place their faith in God understand. He prepares us to cope with whatever happens in our lives, as we faithfully trust in Him.
The Bible says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV
In moments of uncertainty, we realize we cannot cope on our own. We need God! He brings peace to the souls of the weary and strengthens us, as we faithfully continue to draw close to Him.
God can fill us in His mighty presence of peace, as we cling to our faith and find comfort. As we open our hearts to His will, we recognize there will be moments when tears will fall. During trials and difficulties we may cry, “God, where are you?”, but He lovingly reminds us He has been there all along…
Difficult situations will occur in our lives. We will become filled with despair, and we will suffer. But, God can show us how to faithfully be led through our troubles. We must allow Him to lead us to the place where we can once again find hope in the promise of His love.
The world around us will change, but God will not change! He is the constant Father who provides for His children. He is our Comforter, and mighty Prince of Peace. God knows our sufferings. He will lift us to the arms of His strength, and carefully place us where we will always remember we do not have to suffer alone.
As I read your words, I hear the song "Blessings" by Laura Story, in the background, playing on the radio. The last lines are:
ReplyDelete"And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise."
Your words and the words to that song speak to me. I have not been hit by the tornado, but I have faced things that turned out to be blessings in disguise.
We must keep praying for those who lost everything, including loved ones, in the tornado's path.
Tex
Tex, I love that song...It is one of my favorites! The lyrics remind us God is always with us, even in our trials. I too pray for those who have lost so much, and ask God to bring peace to their hearts.
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