Hurricanes

If you're like me, you've been watching the news reports on Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna, Ike, etc. with great interest. I like weather in general, and I enjoy following what's going on, especially something that's a little unusual. But, of course, we're all concerned about the people in the paths of these storms. People are losing their lives and others are getting injured. And the damage to public and personal property is almost unimaginable for those of us who haven't had experience with hurricanes.

One lesson we can learn from this is how little faith we can put in earthly possessions. These possessions can be taken away quickly, with almost no warning.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." -Matthew 7:24-27

"Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." -Proverbs 23:5

We need to put our faith in God, who will not fail us as earthly possessions and wealth do. He is the only thing we can count on with certainty.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." -Proverbs 3:25-26

We should strive for the attitude of Paul:

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:12

And don't forget to help those who are suffering from the effects of these storms. If you can't help them personally, send money to the groups who are providing aid! How about the American Red Cross?

http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main