Hurricane on the doorstep
Hurricane Florence is barreling its way toward the East Coast. We’re in central North Carolina, so we’re inline for some weather. No one really knows how bad it’s going to be or where the worst will end up happening, but we’ve been preparing all week as best as we can.
I’d like to share with you some of the things (among the many thoughts) I’ve been thinking these last few days:
· On a daily basis, we are rather careless with our words, aren’t we? This was the best dinner ever made. That was the worst meeting in the history of meetings. She’s clueless. He’s stupid. This Netflix show is the greatest thing ever invented. However, for the aftermath of Hurricane Florence…the word “devastation” will not be an exaggeration. That’s a tough word to say. It’s tougher to witness. It’s a word we’re afraid to live through.
· For some people…eternity will begin this weekend. No matter how many precautions we take, the unpredictableness and utter ferocity of the storm will certainly lead to people losing their earthly lives. We’ve been preparing for this massive storm…seeking out information and supplies, and then making our best decision based upon what we’ve found. But are we prepared for the most important event of our lives? How have we responded to Jesus’ claims of being the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Me [John 14:6]? Our acceptance or rejection of Jesus is the most important preparation decision we can make.
· I keep coming back to the most famous line in Moses’ psalm:
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days carefully
so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
· We may lose possessions when, or even after, Hurricane Florence makes landfall. However, everything we own is ultimately destined for a garage sale, the garbage dump, or the recycle bin. Our things won’t last, hurricane or no hurricane. Even if we lose everything we own…there is a higher, more impactful, purpose for this life. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy for us to see from that vantage point. I wish it didn’t.
If you are not in this storm’s path, please petition God on our behalf. Pray that He will be seen in the way His children handle this event.
If you are in any way affected by this storm – be wise. Paul wasn’t directly discussing natural disasters, but his direction still applies:
1 Corinthians 10:31, 33
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God…not seeking [your] own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.
How can we ride out, survive, shine, and rebuild from Hurricane Florence for the glory of God? After all…everything means everything…even the hard circumstances. So be wise and number your days carefully.
Keep Pressing,
Ken