Several scenarios come to mind... a shattering or sudden violent destructive occurrence, a gradual deterioration, or a desired plan to replace the present with something better...Sometimes it may start with one and involve all of the others!
(Thinking especially of the hurricane this week even though I penned the above about a month ago! Wow I marvel when God does the timing!)
In the case of a natural disaster, we think of roads, homes, businesses, and buildings and facilities of all kinds that are affected. The outreach of such devastation is unimaginable and so laborious, time-consuming, and expensive!
But what about the people connected to this devastation?! How will they react to a destroyed or heavily damaged home or business. Perhaps even an injury or death may occur as a direct or indirect result of this disaster. There may be a prolonged time of grieving or inconvenience that is almost unbearable!
How about those, like one I heard of, who are already in a very difficult personal situation that is out of their control? Those in the process of rebuilding their personal lives from heartache or physical illness, or financial ruin may reach the depths of despair. Or...? what is their alternative?
Amidst the overwhelming circumstances of life, there are steps to be taken. We will start here to lay out a plan for overcoming the "quitter or bitter factor" in such situations that we may face.
1. Survey the damages! LOOK at the true devastation! You may want to run away or look away or not think about it, but truly you must examine it in all its facets to know what the real situation is! You cannot make any progress toward "anewal" without this first step. Decide what is broken. No situation is without hope, but the only answer is to really look and see what needs to be removed, replaced, or repaired. Most people who cannot recover from devastation have refused to look hard at the problem and make assessments.
FACT: It is alright and actually normal to be upset about times of devastating disappointment. But it is not alright to refuse to deal with what you have personal responsibility for.
You know that I am going to remind you right now that you don't need to be alone facing your devastation whether it is intensely personal and painful, or openly revealed to others. GOD has the power to give restoration or renewal. He will help you do the things that you need to do to bring this about. His love will be revealed by guiding and giving inspiration and strength. If there is anything you need to do, you will know. And HE will never leave you or forsake the project. Because His project is You. Ask for His help. Slowly but surely you will see Him working in your life. If you don't know or trust God,this is your opportunity to become acquainted with His ways. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!
To be continued: Today's assignment : Survey the damages. Pray for GOD to help you through this painful task. Here's some promises:
- "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!" Jer.33:3
- "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you". I Pet. 5:7
- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and earth. Psalm121:1,2
- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil.4:13
- "Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa.49:10
My prayer: "Dear GOD, there are so many suffering people at this moment. They may be confused and bewildered. They may be disappointed and angry or bitter. LORD help them now to realize that you are there and wanting to help them. I think of your grief when you looked out over Jerusalem and wept, because your people would not accept your help. They were like sheep without a shepherd or chicks without their momma hen. Totally without guidance or direction and no one showing them the right way. Lord I pray right now that you will prove yourself to those that read this. May they take you at your Holy word and accept the above promises. Make you their Shepherd. Make you their Lord. Show yourself to them and may they know you as I do. A loving, wonderful, and true God that they can depend on. For those that have little faith, may they be strengthed after reading this. In Jesus Name, Amen".
