disasters... who will help?

" But now, this is what the Lord says... 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you...'" Isaiah 43:1-5

It was a violent day at school.  We were blasted by not one, but multiple natural disasters...  a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, volcano and flood.  I am thankful to say all teachers and students survived.

While these actual events didn't occur, they were part of an explosive study by our third graders. They had a blast living through these natural disasters.  Our local chief meteorologist, Christy Henderson, kicked off the morning sharing her knowledge and experiences to a very excited audience. 

As the day progressed students, experienced the disasters in classrooms and later learned precautionary measures if ever faced with real disasters from our own RO, Officer Lester.

While it is highly improbable we will ever battle all events at once, we can feel attacked and whipped in rapid succession by more common battles...

beaten by high winds of defeat 

drowning in pools of depression or doubt

life suck out of our soul from accusations

scorched by fires of meanness

burnt by spewing anger in words and actions 

All these internal disasters and more have the ability to unlevel the foundation of our faith by shaking and crumbling it from doubt and despair.

I know of only ONE who can rescue and save us in any and all catastrophes... and you know Him too.  Yet, why are we at times so reluctant to reach out or call to Him?  Are we embarrassed? Are we too proud and self-sufficient?  Do we not TRUST His way is best? Do we fear we have used up all our "free" cards of grace and mercy from Him?  Do we interpret His silence as a disregard to our need instead of His answer to wait?

God did not and never has promised we will not have troubles and even disasters, INSTEAD HE PROMISED WHEN WE DO, WE WILL NOT BE ALONE, HE WILL BE WITH US.

Can you live with that promise?  I certainly can't live without it.  Praying for your belief in our undeniable, faithful, ever-present HERO.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal