As I write this, Australia has the worst bush fires in the nation's history. In fact, the worst natural disaster in our short history. The southeastern state of Victoria has had 31 separate bush fires moving through which have destroyed entire towns. So far 126 people have been confirmed dead with that total expected to rise to 230 as remains are identified.
The tragedy is on so many levels. The standard advice in bush fires is for people to either flee early or remain. If they choose to remain in their homes, then they need to stay and fight rather than trying to flee in cars at the last minute. Too many people die in their cars in bush fires, and this weekend has been no exception. TV footage shows many cars strewn on the highways, burnt out with families inside. But things took a turn for the worse this time. The fires were so bad that people who stayed to fight with their homes, have perished in them. It is just horrific. One man put his children in the car to leave, went back into the house to collect something, only to find that the kids burnt to death in that short moment. Just tragic.
The normal question for us to ask in times like this "where is God"?
The answer is that He is right here.
I was speaking with Mark Hayles (Asst National Leader for IPHC) this morning about both the bush fires in Victoria and the flooding in Queensland. He reminded me of the verses in Isaiah 43:1b-2 “...fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you...when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God....”
On a macro level, God wants to move upon our nation. The outcome of natural disasters can be one of two options. Either we will turn to the Lord in our sorrow or turn from Him. Israel went both ways over the course of their history.
In this regard, God is ready to move, but He is waiting for our response. Prayer and intercession, fasting and giving are all examples of our response to our God. May we turn to the Lord, our God. May we find Him in our need.
May the Lord lead you this week in your response to Him, in this tragic hour.
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2 comments:
Chris:
I appreciate your kindness in your response to my post "An Autobiography of Me". It is a horrific tragedy with the bush fires there in Australia. People must know, God is there waiting with open arms. So many times people turn from Him. I did several times over my life. It takes complete brokeness to open up the heart. The people of Australia are in our prayers here. God Bless you Chris and you and your family stay safe!
Your welcome. Thanks for your prayers.
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