Tornado

We had a tornado come through near where I live a couple of days ago.  Although we were under a "warning" and had moved away from the windows you could tell by the weather maps and looking outside that it was going to miss where we lived.  Not so just a few miles south of us where someone lost their life.

I thought as we waited out the "warning" and then the "watch," what would I have done differently if it looked like it would actually hit where we lived?  I have some water put back for emergencies, some extra batteries, flashlights, weather radio, etc., but can you really be prepared for what could easily be total devastation?  How does the mind cope with the unthinkable?

How do you prepare yourself for disaster?  Of course you can compile your "storm-kit" with things like I mentioned above, but I think there is a deeper preparation which needs to take place inside your brain and heart.  Of course, I've been writing about natural disasters, but what about those that come at you through your work, e.g. lay offs, or personal relationships, e.g. divorce?  What kind of "storm-kit" can prepare you for the unexpected?

It is interesting that Christ told his disciples of impending cataclysm but instead of urging them to hide and store up for the day of disaster, he urged them to be about His father's business of spreading the good news.  Stuff is nice, but Jesus is better.  In John 14:27 we read these words that Jesus spoke: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Sometimes, most times, I feel woefully inadequate to face the challenges of even normal days . . . and yet somehow each day comes and goes and I find I have survived.  I suspect God's grace is the cause; it is certainly NOT my own wisdom or strength or goodness.  I am as dependent upon His grace as I am upon oxygen, even more so since a lack of oxygen only kills the body.  

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

AMEN!