Through Challenges and Tragedies

Today as we watch Hurricane Gustav make landfall, my prayers are with those whose lives are directly touched by the storm. My heart goes out to the displaced families along the coastline who may be experiencing fear, anxiety and fatigue.

Dear Loving Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing help and hope in time of need. I pray for the victims and displaced families who are affected by this storm. Please give them a calm and a peace in their hearts as they weather the challenges ahead. Help the many workers who are tirelessly providing direction and support to the families. Lord, please watch over the precious people who are facing difficulties due to the storm and help them to know your presence and love. Provide for their needs. Give them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. In Jesus Name, Amen

Pray for the storm victims with your kids and talk together about the challenges the families face as they leave their homes and businesses and travel to a different place. In the coming days look for ways you can help. This is a time when we can teach our kids to care about others needs, and become a little less focused on our own.

Whenever we face a difficulty or challenge, let us turn our eyes upward and seek God’s help. He provides for our needs in a variety of ways; sometimes through people and organizations, sometimes through circumstances and sometimes through unexpected blessings. Look to Him, and be watchful. Psalm 34:17 reminds us, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” Yes, we will have troubles, but God is our sustainer in times of need.

Last weekend, Curt and I were on our way to a wedding when a severe car accident happened just infront of us. We stopped to help. As we ran to the scene we saw a woman who had been thrown from her car, and we were the first ones to reach her. She was moaning and breathing, but not moving as she lay face down on the pavement with a pool of blood by her head. We knew we shouldn't move her at the risk of further injury, so I just placed my hand gently on her back and spoke comforting words to her until medical help arrived. I prayed for her by name (we found her name from info scattered on the road) and assured her we would stay with her until help came.

Help did come, and we eventually left knowing she was in good hands. Our hearts were deeply moved to pray continually for this dear woman. We couldn't help believe that God had us arrive on the scene just at the specific moment after the wreck, so we could be there to minister and comfort this woman. Although we can not understand why tragedies happen, we can know that our loving God will provide comfort and help in time of need. Look to Him through all life's journeys.

One last little side note: Please, please please, always wear your seat belt and encourage your family members to do the same. Most likely, the woman in the accident would have had a much better outcome had she not been thrown from the car and onto the pavement.