After feeling the whole house shake for a few minutes tonight, and checking the Salvadoran earthquake report, I am soberly reminded of the volatile world that we live in, and our need for God's grace.
The earthquake, felt here, was a magnitude 8.0 earthquake, near Palmercito, Chiapas, Mexico. Thinking of our Mexican brothers and sisters, and remembering God's words in Romans 8:
The earthquake, felt here, was a magnitude 8.0 earthquake, near Palmercito, Chiapas, Mexico. Thinking of our Mexican brothers and sisters, and remembering God's words in Romans 8:
For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now.
And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.In April, this year, I wrote the following: "Last evening, we stood by the door as a family, looking out at the storm, having just felt an earthquake. We had an emergency bag packed (with first aid kit, snacks, Emergency survival kit, etc) and then were talking about what we would do if another stronger earthquake happened... but then the rain stopped, we felt like there wasn't going to be a big one in that moment and we proceeded to clean up the flooded floors, eat our dinner and get kids ready for bed.
At bedtime, my sons were full of peace and my daughters were feeling nervous (the two year old picking up on the 5 year old's nerves I think). my 8 year old son said, "mommy, do you know why I'm not afraid of anything? Because I know that God is bigger and in control and He is good and does everything for a good purpose" - out of the mouths of babes, eh?
My 5 year old daughter wanted a cuddle and to read the Bible for assurance, and also wanted to know why there are earthquakes- we read and talked about Matthew chapters 6 & 24 and also Romans 8 (28). And we talked about the fact that Jesus is coming SOON and that when we feel tremors, it is like the earth having contractions (they have felt my contractions when in labour and can relate to that). Knowing that Jesus is coming soon (whether tonight or in another thousand years) it is a reminder to be READY, to REJOICE, to WORSHIP, and to live our lives ENJOYING Him and sharing the Gospel...
But, what if there is an earthquake and I am separated from my kids (if they are at an art class in San Salvador and I am on the other side of the volcano at our home, for example)- my son and I talked about that, and he is ready to help his sister to remember worship songs and to pray together and to wait and trust God - even if it takes days before finding out if we are all ok- and if we are not all ok, like the man who died on our usual route yesterday - God didn't accidentally let that boulder fall- that man's days were numbered. All of our days are numbered. And, scriptures like Psalm 91 are not a guarantee that danger won't hit my house - it IS a guarantee that if it does, God has allowed it and is with me in it.
Like in Psalm 46- read it again, it sounds like an earthquake! Though the earth change and mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas... GOD IS OUR REFUGE & STRENGTH, a very present (& well proved) help in trouble- THEREFORE, we will NOT fear!
I imagine the Israelites, with plagues all around them and then experiencing the Passover and the exodus- how awing/horrible/amazing that must have been! Yet to know that in the midst of it all, God is a REDEEMER, Slow to anger and abounding in love!
We serve a GOOD God, full of LOVE! May we live every moment and every detail of our lives, in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... and not be alarmed or intimidated in anything (not just from persecution or the enemy's plans, but from natural disasters too - talking with my children last night, another point was that Satan does not have the power to make an earthquake or volcanic eruption or storm, THAT is the power of OUR GOOD GOD! And we can REST in HIM.
He has also given us everything that we need for LIFE AND GODLINESS (2 Peter1:3)- and He understands our emotions and fears and bids us to come and to cast our cares on Him.
Our bedtime song was about casting our cares upon the Lord...He doesn't demand that we come to Him in perfection, but to come as we are and His perfect love casts out fear! We have been granted the privilege not only to believe but also to suffer for His sake- preparing us for and declaring to the world the truth of eternity. If that suffering comes from natural disasters may our response show the world who God is...
Rest and worship and meditate on His Word - and if needed use the things He has given for life, like chamomile and other herbs, to calm your nerves- but trusting IN Him and His goodness! "
Be blessed!