Diasters
Mark 13:7, “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.”
Morning! Why do we focus on the disasters around us? Do we genuinely feel compassion for others as they go through this? When we hear of such things, are our hearts brought to the realization that it could happen here, or to us, or close to us? Some Christian scholars believe that many disasters happen because of someone, some city, some country; is punished due to sin or rebellion against God. They also say it is a reminder of human mortality and spiritual vulnerability! That, in itself can be true in instances in the Bible. I find that the devil is at fault instead of God due to him wanting people as a whole to fall apart or get angry with God. He tries finding a way to pull people away from their relationship with God using these happenings because they bring about grief and suffering. But if you have witnessed hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.; we have watched the coming together of ALL people of different backgrounds, race, social status. The people today are changing due to several Christian public platforms and Christian people seeing that God is the answer and spreading God’s word! Disasters only help us to have hope beyond suffering, faith without consequences, unification beyond race or status. Disasters serve as reminders that life is short, and we must endure suffering with patience and trust; accepting that God will provide the strength we need. Billy Graham said, “We can lose everything in only a second, and perhaps for the first time we are brought face to face with the reality of death- and our NEED of God.” Life is fragile, it brings us disasters great and small; some in our personal lives. We need to pray more; seek God more; rely on His ability to help us! Keeping God’s presence within us at all times, we can become encouraged and find hope and patience during any disaster!
Scriptures:
Read: Psalms 46:1-2, II Corinthians 4:6-9, Psalms 91:2-4, Isaiah 43:2-3, Nehum 1:7, John 16:33, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-13, Romans 12:12, Isaiah 54:10, 13-14, Psalms 18:6, II Peter 3:8-13, Revelations 21:1-7, Proverbs 3:25-26
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your love, grace and mercy. Thank you, God for the caring heart that we have to help others in whatever disaster may arrive. Help us, dear God, to find compassion, unification during times of disasters. Give us continued instructions and guide us to find them within your words in the Bible. Place within us a desire to seek you during all times and not just during crisis. Amen.