As I sit to write this blog, I can hear the heavy wind outside and the rain pounding the roof. Every news station is focused on one event and that is “Hurricane Sandy”People were warned to evacuate low lying areas, and all schools and many business were closed. A number of the States that are in the path of Hurricane Sandy have declared a state of emergency and numerous shelters are opened for those needing a place to go. Is all this fuss necessary? Well I do believe that we need to take the necessary precautions to be safe. God is merciful and gracious, but not taking heed when warned of impending danger is being foolish. Expecting God to reward your folly is not very smart. So you do your part and then allow God to do the rest.
Consistently watching the news can become overwhelming, so take some time out to pray. Here are some suggestions. Let us pray for minimal or no loss of lives as this storm passes over and let us remember those who are more vulnerable than we are. Do you have an elderly neighbor or a neighbor living alone? Having some physical company makes the storm a bit more tolerable, so pray about inviting them over. Let us pray that those people who have to evacuate their homes will find the structure still standing when they return. For those who will be in shelters, let us pray that they will be comfortable and will have their basic needs met. Let us pray that there will be no quarrels among those people in the shelters, of course our nerves can become frayed when forced to move from an area of comfort to gather, sleep and eat with people you do not know. Let us pray that those who are medically challenged will be able to get their needed medications and if not that God will sustain them until they can get to the pharmacy. Let us pray for that the anticipated electrical outages will not be as bad and that basements prone to flooding will be spared. Let us pray for the emergency workers who will be called out in the storm to rescue others or to remove fallen trees or to restore electricity, pray that they will be free from accidents and return safely to their homes. As you end your prayer thank God for his protection around your home, and over your families and then go to bed, rest in peace knowing that The God you just prayed to is able to attend to all that you have asked. Remember that He never slumbers or sleep. Have a good night.
In His Service,
Vilma