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Dear friends: Our prayers go out to all those who have been affected by the tragedies of the last few weeks. We feel so powerless as we watch wind and water cause such snowballing destruction. If we have learned one thing through all this, it is: We do not have control. But the sovereign God of the universe is not shaken. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing panics Him. The LORD sat as King at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever. (Psalm 29:10) We are not in control. But He is. No matter how senseless it looks. No matter how dark things get. No matter who’s doing or not doing what. I am not at the mercy of circumstances or people. I am at the mercy of the sovereign Lord. I don’t have the answers. But seeing our lack of control makes me want to draw near to the One who sits on the throne, even through hurricanes. Storms in all forms are going to come. But we cannot be ready for the storm unless we cling to the One who KNOWS the storm.
"Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41) It’s been heart-warming and heart breaking to follow the news coverage, with the suffering, pain, blaming, violence, bravery, kindness and amazing acts of sacrifice. Tragedies bring out the best and the worst in people. Q: What comes out when you squeeze a toothpaste tube? A: Toothpaste. This is obvious, but when we get squeezed, we have a tendency to blame our sharp words, our selfish decisions and our inconsiderate behavior on other people or tough circumstances or simply stress! But these things only reveal the contents of my heart. Ouch. To bring it home, what state is my heart in? What comes out when I’m in intense pain, undergoing impossible difficulties, under extreme pressure? We have been given a chance to demonstrate the love of Christ. “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf”. (2 Cor 5:14-15) I have been so touched to hear of countless believers who have opened their hearts, homes and wallets to show God’s love to those who are hurting and needy. May their tribe increase. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35) So many hurting people. So many challenges. So many chances to live out His compassion. One more reminder from the last month: Every breath is a gift from God. May we be grateful people, no matter where life finds us. In His hand, Linda P.S. Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement for my health. I’m feeling a bit stronger heading into the Fall. |