ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, deadly tornadoes, earthquakes are all part of God’s plan.  We often wonder where He is during massive destruction.  We wonder where He is during a terrorist attack, when innocent people are wiped off the face of the earth.  We struggle to make sense of a child’s death – the difficulties of aging – the perils of life threatening diseases. 

Where is God?

I couldn’t begin to understand God’s reasoning in sending storms into our lives.  I do know that when we’re faced with them, we can count on His presence.  He’s promised to be with us in all circumstances.  That isn’t very comforting to those who have just witnessed the loss of everything. 

Where is God?

We tend to think that God is absent and uncaring.  We might think He’s messing with our heads.  We could even blame Him for all of this.  We look only at what’s happening in the moment and can’t seem to see the future. 

Where is God?

Turn your focus to those who have given up so much to help these victims.  Look at the selfless heroes putting their lives on the line to help those they don’t even know.  Think about the dollars being donated for the rebuilding of devastated areas.  Observe the absence of race and bigotry.  Notice how peoples of every color are working together to help one another.   The power of God is great.  He can wipe out a town in a blink of an eye, but he can bring people together to rebuild it just as fast.

Where is God?

We could refer to this as the “end times.”  The signs are there.  There will be an abundance of knowledge.  There will be a lack of compassion.  People will abandon others in preference of self – wars and rumors of war – A drastic change in morality – rules and laws hold no value.  It’s time to focus on our eternal future.

Where is God?

God says that the end will come as a thief in the night.  We won’t be prepared, but the signs are there.  They’re given as a call for us to return to the King of Creation.

Where is God?

You can find Him and His message of hope in His Holy Word, the Bible and He is at your side, available at a moment’s notice.  He can be found in the smiles of your children. He appears when you need Him most. He always keeps His promises. He will never leave you. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the entire world.

He is there!

Dear Lord, You have complete control over the weather, but, you are also present with your compassion. Help those affected by the destructive storms to place their trust in you and know that you will never leave them.  Keep all of us safe from harm.  Protect us from the evil one, who would have us believe that you have left us.  We know better.  Amen!