I just sent and email to my Student Ministry Leaders and Prayer partners asking them to pray. By now it's likely you've seen and heard the news of the earthquake that hit Haiti late last night. It is times like these, when a natural disaster strikes that some feel helpless and hopeless.
Questions like; 'what can we do?' & 'where was/is God?'
Well, I'd like to quickly take a shot at both of those questions...
First, what can we do - well there are so many wonderful aid organizations that have already sent people, supplies and more to Haiti this morning. We can support their efforts by giving. Two organizations I might suggest would be the International Red Cross and Compassion International. Both are asking for financial gifts as that is the fastest way to get the needed supplies into the affected area(s). If you feel led to give - please give. Believe me, even if you have little, you can give and it will help make a difference.
Beyond and even before giving I would suggest we start with prayer. Pray for all of those impacted by this disaster.
- for those who have lost their life
- for those trapped waiting to be rescued
- for those in Haiti who are in shock and disoriented - having no idea what to do
- for all who have family, friends and loved ones in Haiti
- for hope
Honestly it brings me comfort to know the answer. God was and is in the same place He was when His Son was crucified. Although it might be hard for us to wrap our minds around God has always been and always will be on His throne. He alone is in charge. I know it's not the simplest of answers to a question asked in a time of pain, suffering and loss, but for us to know that God is The Great I AM yesterday, today and tomorrow; that is all that should matter to us.
So, I ask you to first pray for those impacted and I ask that you would not be shy...shy about your faith. Today will be the last day on earth for some - maybe someone you know. If you have a relationship with Christ please share that hope with those around you so that when it's their last day - they will know they will have hope and be with Him.
Helpful and Hopeful In Him,
~C
1 comment:
You know, this blog actually got me thinking about something Francis Chan wrote about in Crazy Love. He said that God had more of a right to ask us why there are so many poor, sick, and dying in the world rather than us asking 'where were you in all this'? *This also helps when trying to wrap our heads around the 9/11 incident. Why wasn't there more love shown to these people in my name instead of violence and ultimatums?
Now, it gets a lot tougher when it comes natural disaster, but I'm reminded of a medieval philosopher who once wrote an analogy describing our struggle to understand God. Pretend we are an ant and now pretend God decides to water his garden or backyard...as an ant we are limited concerning our knowledge of things-what we precieve as destruction may be revitalization down the road.
We may never know the 'real' answers, but I think Jeremiah's visit to the potter's house helps a bit. We are meant to be broken and reshaped and sometimes that might mean literally for the benefit and growth of others...
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