Recent calamities, such as Hurricane Sandy, have brought home the reality that disasters do happen and when they do, even the righteous might not be spared. The fact that this unexpected tragedy occurred just a week from a keenly contested United States election that consumed the nation and divided its people, an election that saw billions of dollars and loads of human resources spent to gain control, proves that man is not in charge! There are forces beyond us that affect the course of our lives!
How do we cope with the fear and uncertainty that such realities bring? How do we step into the future confidently, knowing that there are many negatives that could derail our lives?
- Our answer is GOD. We can only wade through the uncertainties of our time by turning our attention and holding on to God.
Let’s take a look at how the God of love relates to those in covenant relationship with Him during uncertain times.
1. He discloses (Read Mark 13:1-4).
- In this scripture Jesus warned His disciples not to place their confidence in systems and structures He knew would crash. This information was not common knowledge, but the Lord who knows all things prepared His disciples ahead of time so that their lives would not be completely devastated by the tragedy that would occur.
- We may not know the details of what will come our way, but if we cultivate the habit of following the Lord’s leading on a daily basis, He will prepare us for whatever lies in our future.
2. He proclaims (Read Jeremiah 25:1-38).
- In this scripture, God openly informs His people of His impending judgment. This was not a one-off occurrence, He had warned them repeatedly of the looming consequences of their rebellious lives.
• Although He is not obliged to do so, God always speaks to His people about His plans. So, it is extremely important to test then heed every word that comes to us from Him. In other words, we should take His counsels seriously.
- The Bible tells us to test words, prophecies and messages to ensure that they are from God (John 4:1).
- Once we are convinced of the authenticity of a message, we should give heed, not only to words that promise blessings, but also to tough words that speak of discipline and disaster.
3. He protects (Read Acts 27:1-26).
- God’s people are sometimes exposed to calamity because of other people’s errors. For example, Paul suffered shipwreck because the captain of the ship on which he traveled refused to heed godly counsel (Acts 27:10-11).
- Because Paul lived in God’s purposes, the Lord intervened and not only delivered him, but gave him the lives of those that sailed with him.
Disasters happen and tragedies occur, but in the midst of these threats we can abide in God’s love by (i) staying close to Him (ii) knowing, hearing, and heeding His voice (iii) following His leading.
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