Storms can be quite destructive. Over the past week i've been amazed by the storms that have caused incredible damage and loss of life across the US. Hurricane force winds, tornadoes uprooting trees and demolishing homes. This morning the count was close to 200 dead in Alabama alone. I was talking with a friend last night who was quite close to the tornadoes, and worried about not being able to reach a friend by phone..
I wonder about storms, how do you explain those that destroy? It almost seems like nature is taking a vengance on humankind, or perhaps God bringing judgement as a sign of the end times... Or perhaps it's just life living on a restless planet.. But as destructive as storms may be, perhaps they can also bring some good..
As storms can make trees stronger, or destroy them completely, so can the storms of life. They say what won't kill you makes you stronger, not sure if i agree with that statement completely. The force of a good strong wind can increase strength as we press against it, but what do you do when an unexpected storm blows you to the ground? No way to resist, the storm just tears everything around you away, your shelter, your belongings, your loved ones...
What do you do when you've lost everything like those folks in Alabama yesterday? Three days ago they had no worries, no way of knowing or preparing for the destruction that was about to unfold. Today many are homeless, some have lost their loved ones, some have lost it all. the feeling of despair must be overwhelming.
Where's God in all this? How can He fix such destruction? The amazing thing is that He can! I'm not necessarily talking about homes and belongings, but he's in the business of restoring lives that have been ravaged by storms. It may not be tornadoes or hurricanes, but thoughout the world many lives and families have been ravaged by others, or sometimes the damage has been self inflicted. The pain and loss may not be any less than the aftermath of a tornado. But there is always hope, always a chance to rebuild on a stronger foundation, with stronger walls and firmer footing. Rebuilding lives is not only about fixing houses and cleaning up the landscape, it goes much deeper. Let us not only look at fixing the outside, but take the opportunity to reach and help people on the inside, to be tools in the hands of God who is a specialist in the human restoration business..
