Hebrews 10:24-25
In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
Let
us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage
and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back
again is drawing near.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
In
the wake of the devastating tornado that ravaged several communities in
Central Arkansas on Sunday, we are hearing countless news reports of
“Good Samaritans” who have rushed to the aid of those in need…from law
enforcement officers and rescue workers to medical personnel to church
groups who are organizing shelters, meals and supplies…to area
businesses that are feeding and supporting victims and workers alike.
It’s a beautiful thing, and God’s handiwork is evident even in the midst
of the horrific destruction and piles of rubble that are all that is
left of neighborhoods, schools, church buildings and businesses.
I
cannot count the reports I have heard in the last 24 hours in which
victims claim that “the grace of God saved us.” Does this mean that
those who were killed and injured were not covered by this same grace?
Will people in these decimated communities turn their backs on God and
blame Him for the destruction? I don’t think so. As one woman
explained today…”God has a plan.” If ever many of us had a reason to
walk away from God, this might be it. And let’s be honest…when troubles
and tragedy befall us, we often ask God, “Why?” We wonder “Why me?
Why my family? Why this? What have I done to make God so angry?” The
people of Vilonia, Arkansas, are asking, “Why two times in three years?”
as they crawl out of the rubble of homes that they rebuilt after the
2011 tornado…only to lose them again on Sunday.
I don’t have good
answers for why these things have happened. I don’t know why God
allowed some to be injured or wiped out…or killed – and others were
allowed to live. I do know it was not to punish them. And I do agree
with the survivor who said that “God has a plan.” He will not waste
these events. God will continually work in and through these
days/weeks/years to bring about amazing results that further His
Kingdom.
Come Sunday, I suspect that any church building in the
area surrounding the communities affected by these tornadoes will be
filled to brimming with worshippers. Those who lost their church
facilities in the storm will find a place and a time to stop the cleanup
efforts and come together to praise God for His love and care…and to
seek His guidance as they move forward, rebuild and recover. And if
people in this situation can gather to encourage each other and glorify
God…surely those of us who are safe, warm, dry, fed, clothed, housed and
comfortable can take a few hours out of our week to pray, sing, study,
fellowship and feed on the word of God.
Here is yet another
example of how God is working through a tragedy to demonstrate His love
and care. He is using these tornado victims to encourage and uplift
even those of us who are observing from afar. God is inspiring people
across the nation to roll up their sleeves, open their wallets, and come
together in His name and for His glory…to show the world at large that
nothing can separate us from His love – that we will serve Him with
whatever we have and however we can.
A tornado may take our
home, our business…even our loved ones. But God is still with us. And
in the days ahead, we will gather to help those in need…and to worship
Him. Will you be among them? Don’t you think you should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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