Hurricane Katrina

By now you should be aware of the devastation that has occurred as a result of hurricane Katrina. I am deeply saddened to see and hear of the loss of life and destruction to this part of our country. According to current news reports, the death toll can be in the thousands. My heart is broken for every person that has lost a loved one. Homes can be replaced, but not people. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone in New Orleans and surrounding areas at this time.

I received an e-mail today that said many churches and people around the country are getting ready to send money, food, aid and support to New Orleans, and the surrounding areas. As Christians we need to pray that God would intervene and help those affected by the hurricane. We need to reach out in love and support. Financially we should all be able to do something to help those that are in need. If you wish to donate, please donate to the Assemblies of God Disaster Relief fund found on their website at www.ag.org.

During tragedies like this, many are tempted to blame God for their loss. There is a tendency to feel as if God has abandoned them and that He is no where to be found. Let me assure you today that God is not the author of evil. His desire for us according to Jeremiah 29:11, is not to harm us but to prosper us, to give us hope for the future. God has not forgotten New Orleans. He understands death and tragedy. Isaiah 53 tells us that He is a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. It also tells us that He has taken up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. I can't give you an answer as to why this has happened, but I can tell you this. God cares. He loves you and His heart is breaking over the losses that have taken place. The Bible tells us that Jesus wept. I believe today that Jesus is weeping with those that have lost loved ones and with those that have been devastated by the hurricane. God is a God of love and compassion. A God who cares and is concerned for our deepest needs. I know that my God is able to heal, restore, and intervene in a crisis like this.

My prayer for you and for all those that have suffered a loss as a result of Katrina is that in the midst of the tragedy, you would find a Savior who can heal, and restore what has been lost. He is the only one that can heal the broken hearted, and bind up their wounds. In times like this, the only thing we can do is cry out to God for help and strength in our time of need. I know that when I have, He has been always faithful to meet me there. If you find yourself today overwhelmed with life, tragedy, and difficult circumstances, why don't you cry out to a Savior who is yearning to intervene and meet you at your point of need. His name is Jesus.