I really hate earthquakes. You feel completely at their mercy - how long they last, how strong they shake, how much damage is done.
My sweet husband and I were sitting in the living room listening to Pastor Mike's revised weekend message when the room started to rumble, the chandelier started to sway, and... well, I don't remember what happened next because I started to pray so loudly and firmly that I couldn't quite process anything else. All I know is it was long and it was pretty strong.
My cell phone isn't allowing me to check on my parents or sibs to see how they're doing because my cell service is stating "Emergency Calls Only."
I'm okay right now, but when we go to bed tonight, I probably won't sleep very deeply. My shoes will be beside the bed and I'll probably wear shorts under my nightie.
When I go to the grocery store later today, a few more canned goods will end up in my cart. I'll be checking our bottled water supplies to make sure we have the advised amount.
For all my preparations, there is nothing I can do to prevent or postpone an earthquake. However, when it does come, I can rest in knowing that it was ordained by God (Psalm 139:16). I am also secure in knowing that God will never block my prayer, like my cell phone blocks my calls. He is waiting to hear from me, even if it is during an earthquake He has ordained.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for allowing the earthquake to feel mild enough that nothing even fell off our walls. We praise You that You are always waiting and willing to hear from Your children. Thank You that all our days are ordained by You; nothing comes to us that You don't know about and haven't allowed for our good and Your glory (Romans 8:28). Please strengthen those who may have suffered injury or damage during the quake. Please give the rescue workers wisdom and clarity as they help those more greatly impacted.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
3 comments:
This is a good reminder of our limitations and God's absolute omnipotence. It is such a comfort knowing that everything we face--no matter how scary--has only come to us by permission from God. Thanks for the powerful reminder!
I agree with Chiars's comment -- there is certainly such comfort we may take in God's sovereignty. When it comes to life circumstances, I am so grateful that I'm not in charge and He is! When I read your words regarding earthquakes, "how long they last, how strong they shake, how much damage is done," I immediately thought of the many events that "shake up" our lives. When we go through tough times, we certainly wonder about the length, the strength, and the damage that will result through our trials. Thanks for the reminder, as Chiara said, that God is in the midst of our "Lifequakes" as well; I'm so glad we don't have to rely upon cell phones to reach Him. :-) We've got the never-failing connection of our Savior.
Oops -- sorry about the typo in the first use of your name, Chiara!
I should have previewed before publishing. :-)
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