A man who starts imagining that others think good because he does is simply out of his mind.”
–Louis L’Amour (Galloway)
“This is what the Lord says: Do not fool yourselves into thinking that the Babylonians are gone for good. They aren’t!”
–Jeremiah 37:9 (NLT)
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“The rains came down and the floods came up,
The rains came down and the floods came up,
The rains came down and the floods came up,
And the house on the Rock stood firm.”
–Old Sunday School chorus
My mercy! Did it do some raining! Ol’ Harvey did some devastation and it is still to be determined what and how much it is. Where we are located we had 50 inches. We were high and dry, so we were okay. One tree limb fell and did a little damage to the roof.
I think there has to be some special notice to those first responders! A great salute to them. They did an “unprecedented” job. Things went as well as could possibly be with all of the high waters. Protecting, securing, and guiding folk to safety was among their concerns and they did it well. A second salute to all of those who came from hither and yon to volunteer. There were thousands of rescues as the water continued to rise.
So far, the looting has been minimal. There is always evil out there ready to pounce on the unsuspecting; ready to take advantage of the weak and hurting. The Governor has said they would be harshly dealt with, and that they should. People gathered around and helped people. There was only one race involved–the human race. We’ll leave it up to the media, the rebel rousers, and the instigators to begin to bring out their fake news and falsehoods. The people in the region however, know that man helps man. (And no, I will not excuse my masculine rhetoric).
In our life, we should recognize that we have a First Responder as well. When things start to come in like a flood there is the One who will guide us to higher ground and safety. When the heart sees that evil is falling down on them, there is that Responder who stands in our place to protect and shield us.
“So give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ,
So give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ…”
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Were you ready for the storm? Some folk were well-supplied when the storm came through. Even when the waters entered their house they were able to survive on the second floor because they were prepared and equipped for the situation. Others, were not so fortunate. Many could not prepare for the waters that would come their way; the elderly, decrepit, and sick were at the mercy of the flood unless someone came to their rescue–which did happen. Others simply mocked the warnings and had to be rescued for their foolishness.
Now the flood and rain is over. The hurricane has passed us, what lies ahead? The devastation was great, and it will take time to dry out, clean up, restock, and rebuild. The storms of life that come our way are much the same. They can wash us away, especially when we are not prepared. Bear in mind that it will have some kind of affect on our lives. What you do with it is very important. The choices you make after the storm may actually be more important than the choices made before. Life goes on; oh, there is definitely a cost to be paid, but what about your character; what has the storm done to it?
“Tread the walk carefully and with caution. Look for debris, rocks, varmints, and other obstacles that may be hidden along the path. Be prepared to meet what is around the bend, but do not get overly anxious. Take time to enjoy the beauty and blessings [now after the storm] that God brings your way every day, even as you walk [in the aftermath of the storm].” (Taken from “Trails in the Wilderness”)
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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” –Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)