Saturday, March 12, 2011

Trusting God in chaos


I sat at the McDonald's by the Engineering Building yesterday afternoon, watching images flashing on the TV screen.  Such tragedy in Japan!  (I thought of Senkyoushi-- a long time blogger and missionary to Japan-- and went to her blog today... here.)

As I waited for Christopher to meet me there after his doctor's appointment at the University's health clinic (he has two different ear infections and a sinus infection) a man sitting near me struck up a conversation about Mother Earth and how she is angry at what has been done to her.  I told him I agreed that the earth is in upheaval although from a Christian viewpoint.

I have often wondered how one can walk the journey on this fallen planet without trusting there is Someone who has it all together... that we are not here by chance... that the world will not end in nuclear winter because the Word tells us God is in control... albeit the last book of the Bible has some rather scary scenarios!

The man at McDonald's has his belief in a distant but angry Mother Earth.  I have a Father... a Savior... a Comforter-Friend.  That makes all the difference.

That doesn't mean I never fear or feel apprehension.  Especially during a tornado warning!  But I still know He is there when I'm afraid.

There is a very good article regarding recent events by Anne Graham Lotz... here. It is called Five Things a Storm Can't Destroy.

Photo: Reuters/Kyodo

9 comments:

Vee said...

Thank you for the link to Anne's article. I had a family member ask where God was when the earthquake hit and my only response was "right there in the middle of it all." How wonderful that you were able to share your viewpoint with someone who had one quite different by building upon what you both could agree upon.

Joanne said...

Thanks for posting this...my heart has been so heavy for all those involved, and more so for those who don't know the final outcome that...
The Lord will return to make all things new.
Thank you for sharing comforting and encouraging words here.
I will go to read Anne's article now...
Joanne

Fixing My Thoughts said...

Brenda, I also wonder how anyone gets through this life without knowing Jesus and having faith in a loving God because trials come to each and every one of us. And sometimes disaster. We don't know the whys and wherefores, but He does, and when we have a strong faith, that is enough. Our trust in Almighty God has to be enough or we become overpowered and even done in by our burdens. Have been sending up many prayers for the people of Japan. Thanks for the link to Anne Graham Lotz's site. I have a couple of her books on my wish list, but I don't think I've read her as yet. I mean to someday, tho, especially Just Give Me Jesus, because that's a mantra of mine. Thank you for your caring words today. Bess

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

As a child...our family lived on the island of Honshu...many of my loveliest memories are set there. It is heartbreaking to know that it was victim to such a horrific scenario. Even still, I know all of our combined prayers are stronger than the heartbreak. All things work to His good. I keep the faith.
Love,
Tracey
x0x

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I too, thank you for the link.

So good. I like the five P's - His purpose, His prayers, His presence, His peace, His power. Excellent!

Lallee said...

Thank you for the link to Lotz's message. I printed it out and will read through the verses this afternoon as my prayers are with/for Japan.

Kim said...

Thank you for your prayers!

Unknown said...

Thanks for this post and the links. Linda

dining tables said...

Thanks for a very nice post. I am really speechless for what had happened. My thoughts are with them. I hope that they will continue to live and never give up.