Beloved, Hurricane Michael has hit. Blogged prayer #17

     Friday, October 12, 2018

After watching the news today - I cried.  Another deal pal...her Aunt's home was destroyed.  The Panhandle area of Florida will be forever changed.  This HITS too close to home again.  Last year we had a near miss with Hurricane Irma  however,  another dear woman of God and friend DID have to deal with Irma.  Her home was destroyed.  She is now in a new place and rebuilding - but I thought of her often today.  

And I thought of my friend - Brooke's Aunt... Her name is Tammy and I am re-posting this blog from Max Lucado and my thoughts a year ago.  

Tammy, our prayers are with you.  Believing that as YOU have helped SO many and SO often, we will all be able to HELP you out now.  Believing beauty will rise up out of these ashes and all the fallen trees.  IN Jesus name.  Amen. 

Sept. 17, 2017 

Today is Tuesday.  Today as I prayed for another woman's home in Big Pine Key - I kept thinking about the numerous people who have damage to their homes. 

 Perspective.

 I have thought about those of us that 'dodged a bullet' and I also thought about those that just want to whine and complain on FB about not having power or even about not having internet so they can watch their shows.

 Perspective.  

I read a blog today from a lady who was from St. Johns an island near Puerto Rico.  Her home and business is probably totally destroyed as well as the other people on that island. 

Perspective.  

And locally here in Wisconsin, there is a young lady that has a spinal chord injury from a boating accident in Canada over the weekend -- fighting for her life.   

 Perspective.   

 

I even got to be a 'celebrity' as I visited my nephew's second grade classroom and spoke about hurricanes and the student's eyes just filled with wonder -- wondering why I would live where hurricanes go!?  

Perspective.  

I found this article the other night -- after having some what of a pity party myself.  It was a good read.  

 

My prayers for my Sister in Christ this eve -- basically just a reminder that God has YOU!   Continue to seek Him.    And this article gives a little perspective and reminds us that even though we are in a crisis and with heartache....there is always someone that would trade with us as from their perspective -- it may be a little worse.  

 

Max Lucado: Hurricane Irma is coming. Where is God?

By Max Lucado

Published September 08, 2017

FoxNews.com

Texans wading through water that covers prized possessions. Floridians fleeing a hurricane that is wider than their state. Forecasts of apocalyptic wind and waves. Wildfires filling the west coast with smoke. An earthquake rocks Mexico. Buildings collapse. Tsunamis threaten.

How can this all be happening? How should we respond? And, most of all, where is God? Scripture has answers.

 

 

Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.” (Lk. 21:25, NIV)

Natural disasters may surprise us, but they do not surprise God. Increasing frequency of natural calamities are like the birth pangs of pregnancy—indications of an impending delivery. Christians do not know when Christ will return, but we believe we will see “…the Son of Man coming in the cloud with great power and glory. When these things (natural disasters) begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk. 21:27-28, NIV)

This is the time to “stand up and lift up.” Lift up prayers. Lift up hope. Lift up your hearts. God is above this storm.

The storm is coming, but God is with us. Look ahead and chart a path to safety. Look around and see who you can help.

Turn your attention away from the crisis and, for a few minutes, celebrate God. It does you no good to obsess yourself with your trouble. The more you stare at it, the bigger it grows. Yet, the more you look to God, the quicker the problem is reduced to its proper size. This was the strategy of the psalmist:

I will lift up my eyes to the hills- 

from whence comes my help? 

My help comes from the Lord, 

who made heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:1, NKJV) 

Do you see the intentionality in those words? I will lift up my eyes.
Do not meditate on the mess. You gain nothing by setting your eyes on the calamities. You gain everything by setting your eyes on the Lord.
This was the lesson that Peter learned on the stormy Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman. He knew what ten-foot waves could do to small boats. Maybe that is why he was the only one to volunteer to leave the craft.

When he saw Jesus on the water through the storm he cried out, “Lord if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.”

Jesus said, “Come.”

And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me.” (Mt. 14:28-30, NCV)

As long as Peter focused on the face of Christ, he did the impossible. Yet, when he shifted his gaze to the force of the storm, he sank like a stone. If you are sinking, it is because you are looking in the wrong direction.
Is God sovereign over the hurricane? Is he mightier than your problem? Does he have answers to your questions? According to the Bible, the answer is yes, yes, and yes!
“God…is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters” (1 Tim. 6:15, Phillips).

 If he sustains all and controls all, don't you think he has authority over this situation you face?
Pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in control. Face the uncertain future with conviction. Our good God in heaven overseeing this stormy world.

 We may not be able to see his purpose or his plan, but the Lord of heaven is on his throne and in firm  control of the universe and our lives.

The storm is coming, but God is with us. Look ahead and chart a path to safety. Look around and see who you can help. And look up to the God who loves you. He can be trusted with your future.  And he can be trusted with your very life.


Max Lucado is a San Antonio pastor and best-selling author. His latest book is "Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" (Thomas Nelson, September 2017). Visit his website at www.MaxLucado.com. Follow him on Twitter @MaxLucado.