Normalcy decimated. 
I attempt to empathize with the victims of these recent disasters. However, I can’t get my proverbial feet into their shoes.
Yet I try. And I pray.
Each day my family overflows with gratefulness as we compare our lot to “theirs”. It is unfair: our dry home, family pictures intact, beds, food, school work, dishes, laundry, traffic. Ordinary.
Why God? Why?
In our pre-heaven life, will we fully understand why God allows affliction? Probably not. What I do know is He tells us we will experience trials and loss (see John 16:33). He also tells us there is great gain in knowing and trusting Him in these times. “...The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2
Millions in our country (and beyond) are experiencing nature’s worst. As I have prayed over people affected, I have reflected. May I share my thoughts with you today? I think you’ll find encouragement.
5 Points to Ponder:
- God is with them. Hebrews 13:15 tells us that God will never leave us. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” Sometimes, He is the sole comfort.
- Our God is trustworthy. When life makes no sense, we remind ourselves of His character. Psalm 111:7 tells us, “His works are done with truth and justice. All His guiding principles are trustworthy.”
- Experiences like these give us opportunities to pray for and give to strangers. We can be the hands and feet of Christ. Example: Our church family donated $60,000 to a church in Katy, Texas.
- Comparing our difficulties to those ravaged by fire, earthquake or storm is an exercise in gratefulness. A chance to celebrate the everyday normalcies we take for granted.
- How about those heroes? Those who made human chains, gave up their homes, rescued in boats, risked their lives for their fellow humans, and the list goes on. We can become cynical and negative when reading the daily headlines about divisions in our land. Let’s take heart because heroes still live among us! “When Mother Nature is at its worst, human nature is at its best.” Steve Hartman CBS News
Dear Jesus,
Reveal yourself to those decimated. Provide food, shelter, beds, and normalcy again. Please use us as your hands and feet. We remain in prayer for your precious ones who are suffering.
Thank you for the beautiful-ordinary in our lives.
Thank you for the brave people who rescued so many.
You, The Lord Almighty, are with us. You are trustworthy. You are our fortress.
Amen
Thank you!