Now is the time

It was just one week ago we were staring at the TV or phone watching the aftermath of the Moore, Oklahoma.  If you think about it, there’s been a lot of devastation this year.  Super storm Sandy on the Jersey coast. New Town, Connecticut.  Boston, Massachusetts. West, Texas.  And now Moore, Oklahoma. 

 It seems like as time marches on, we can forget the horrific things that happened in the past.  Unless we are strongly connected to people in one of these locations, we can easily just get back to our normal lives. However, those in New Town feel their loss every day.  Victims in Boston are trying to learn to do life as an amputee.  People in West are still displaced.  Those in Moore are still in shock. 

Devastation takes a toll.  Yet, once we get a glimpse of the pictures, people and stories of what took place, we too experience a bit of that devastation.  We wonder. We question.  We hurt.  We want to come along side and help.  We want to give.  Yes, we want to be Americans that care for one another.  What a great country we live in!

When in the midst of hard times like this, our faith matters.  Trusting God when things are going great is one thing, but trusting God when devastation occurs is yet another thing.  It’s so easy for us to question God…. “God, how could you allow yet still another tragedy?”  I think it’s important for us to know that God’s word does not say we will be shielded from all pain and suffering.  However, his Word does tell us that He will be with us through the pain and suffering.  There is nothing that can occur in your life that can catch God by surprise.  It might certainly catch you by surprise!  But, not God.

Now is the time to nurture and develop our relationship with God.  Now is the time to learn to pray.  Now is the time to let go of your pride and ask some questions about who God is. Now is the time to admit your relationship with God is lacking. Now is the time to trust God with your life. Don't wait until the devastation comes.  Now is the time.

 

Nancy Abbott serves as Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.