Watching the Texas weather news this past weekend was enough to put a bit of fear and trepidation in me. Between the predicted wind gusts, rain predictions, tornado potential and flooding concerns- Harvey became a force to be reckoned with. The pictures of what we see are devastating! I'm sorry for anyone named Harvey. You do not deserve this.
With each passing hour, we inch closer and closer to a new understanding of what a bad boy Harvey is. With all the hype and warnings, Harvey has come with wrath and vengeance.
Jesus is in the business of calming storms. He can handle them quite well. There is a cool story in the Bible where Jesus got into a boat and the disciples jumped in too. All at once a big bad "Harvey" type storm came up on the lake and the waves went ever-which-a-way over the boat. But, Jesus was snoring. Not really, but he was sound asleep! The disciples woke him up and screamed for them to save him cause they were going to drown. Jesus replied "Y'all of little faith! Why are you so chicken?" He then got up and yelled at the wind and waves. All at once, everything was calm. The disciples were like "Dude, how did you do this? What kind of dude are you, anyway? Even the winds and waves obey what you say!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NBA paraphrase)
We will all experience treacherous storms in life. Some are real live storms like Harvey. Some are other kinds of storms. Cancer. Marital strife and divorce. Loss and grief. Financial strain. Loneliness. Heartache. No one is protected from the storms of life. However, there is great relief in knowing that no matter how great the storm is, Jesus is very present and real.
Did you notice the disciples in the story? They were trying to take control and figure things out on their own! But, Jesus was fast asleep. The disciples must have felt that Jesus totally abandoned them! But, he didn't one bit! I have a feeling He was so in synch with God that He was at peace in the storm and could sleep soundly. And we wonder why we stress? How often do we play "God" just like the disciples?
Whatever trial you face today, please know that it does not go un-noticed by our Lord. He knows and sees all and is in full control. God will see us through our storm.
Updated August 28: As we view the devastation this day, our hearts are breaking. Honestly, what can we do? One thing we can do is pray. God is still in the business of calming storms. Please join me in praying:
Father in Heaven, We come to you today on behalf of all who are in and around Houston and surrounding cities devastated by Harvey. It is beyond our comprehension the devastation. Our hearts are breaking as we watch the news and glance at these pictures of rising water. We long to help but feel so helpless. Lord, show us how we can make a difference from afar. Each of us can do something. Please show us. Please teach us the power of prayer and being on our knees on behalf of our fellow Texans and rescue workers.
For those who are dealing with rising waters, we ask that you could comfort them right now and meet their every need. We pray that you would raise up an army of people, volunteers, and organizations around our country to rescue and provide for those that need help. We pray for you to provide places of refuge and refreshment for those that need a place to lay their head. God, give wisdom for our city officials, civil servants, governmental and community leaders throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Give them daily strength and meet their every need as they deal with the task ahead. We pray for a calming of the storm in every way. Please, we ask that you would stop the rains. We ask that you would prevent any more loss of life in the wake of this tragic event. We ask that your love would shine brilliantly as humans serve their fellow man. We ask that your peace would pervade all who have been traumatized by this event. We pray that our Houston friends would not fear, but know that when they pass through the deep waters, you will be with them. May they experience your constant presence and peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Do not be afraid- I will save you. I have called you by name- you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you." Isaiah 43:1-3
"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 7
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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