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What in the world is going on? The cataclysmic events of our planet reflected in tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, mudslides and earthquakes seem to be reaching an unprecedented fever pitch.  According to the International Red Cross, the statistics related to the number of people affected by disasters have increased dramatically in the past 20 years. Some say the reason for this is simply explained: the current disasters fit a cyclical pattern for planet Earth, and since there are more people inhabiting our world, the consequences for mankind are much greater. This seems to be a logical explanation. Others draw their conclusions based solely upon their understanding of scripture, and conclude that what we see happening, all too frequently these days, are yet more indicators of “the last days.”
What should we believe?
Quite honestly, I think the answer lies somewhere right in the middle. I believe that each passing day brings us closer to the day of Christ’s return. Likewise, our planet is doomed to wear out some day, and the “natural” convulsions of our planet reflect this inescapable fact. Mankind is embroiled in the process, and often suffers in the fallout.
I can equally tell you what I do not believe. I do not believe that God is angry at us and taking out His frustrations by seeing how many people He can maim and kill, shaking the earth like a dirty rug or turning on the fire hose to wash away the debris. I do not believe that judgment triumphs over mercy. I do not believe that God is so disgusted with His creation that He looks for every opportunity to rub our nose in our shortcomings and mistakes.
Regardless of what we see, or what others may say – I believe that God is good! I believe that I can tell you what consumes the thoughts and focus of the Creator of the universe -- His ultimate “occupation”: He is constantly and wholeheartedly fully engaged in the process of redemption. He is righteously consumed with His love for each and every person on planet Earth, and even in the midst of disaster, He is at work for the eternal good of all involved. His heart breaks at the suffering of the Muslim child trapped in the rubble of an earthquake in Pakistan, just as much as the middle-class American whose home and family were swept away in the flooded aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
I believe that God longs to express His loving kindness and mercy to those whose lives have been devastated and who against all hope… wait in hope. Amazingly, He has entrusted much of this expression of His great mercy and love to the followers of His Son -- the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be His hands, His feet, and His eyes of compassion. We are to be willing to go where we need to go, do what we need to do, give what we can give, in order that those who hurt can gain a glimpse of a God whose heart breaks for them; a God who longs to bind up their wounds in His infinite care.
As people of faith, we can draw strength from God
In light of all that our world has suffered in recent days, it would be easy to allow our hearts and spirits to glaze over with the numbness of disaster fatigue. It seems that our mind and spirit can only absorb so much, then we either “numb up” or shut down. Aren’t you grateful that we do nothave to carry this burden alone? We can roll this onto Jesus, allowing Him to be our “yoke-fellow”, as He shoulders the load with us. Each of us should be encouraged to press into the heart of God in times like these for comfort, solace, and direction. As followers of Jesus, we are notresponsible for what we cannotdo, but for that which we are asked to do in response to His direction.
Please, take the time today to ask God how you should respond to the needs that have recently taken hold of our world; from the Gulf coast of the USA -- to the remote villages in Pakistan. Many can’t go, but can give to enable those who can. However, we can all pray and enter into a partnership with God to see the fullness of His redemptive love -- expressed in compassionate action on behalf of those who are in such desperate need. It is from this love that the spark of hope finds its origin.
Hope Force International and the tragedy in Pakistan
Presently, Hope Force International is in the process of connecting with our international partners to ascertain the viability of mounting an effective response to the devastating earthquake that struck southern India and northern Pakistan over the weekend. As a small team, we are stretched beyond our capacity. Nonetheless, we believe it is our privilege and responsibility to ask the Lord for direction on how to respond. Will you please join us in this pursuit by praying for God’s wisdom, direction, and provision as we partner with Him and pursue His heart of compassion at this time?
May God take away all “disaster fatigue” from us, and replace it with His infinite resources as we partner with Him to bring hope through compassionate action to a hurting world….
In His Service,
Jack P. Minton
CEO/President, Hope Force International |
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