Earthquake

Last night I watched the coverage of the 8.9 earthquake (and dozens of aftershocks) hit off the coast of Japan followed by the tsunami that entered the shores of surrounding islands.

I am struck in awe at the devastation that a natural disaster can have. It is easy to be saddened by this kind of destruction because I think how I might be affected if that were to happen to me and what the people in that area might be going through looking for loved ones and trying to repair a semblance of normal life when all they have might be gone.

I am easily distracted in my own life with trying to gain a step up in my ministry, my family, my work, my health, my finances, my marriage... It can be hard to cope with constant barrages from negative people and those who wish ill of me and my ministry. I realize that I have it good. My life isn't being confronted like those in Japan.

When disaster strikes, how does one respond? I am fortunate than most and not in the way that you may think.
Yes, I have enough money to buy food and clothing.
Yes, I have the ability to enter a warm home and bed and sleep well.
Yes, my family loves me and cares for me when I am sick.
I have the ability to turn on a faucet and watch clear, clean water spill out of the tap and into a cup for me to drink and cook.
Those are wonderful blessings and miracles that God has given me. The real reason I am fortunate than most is because I know Jesus Christ.

In times of trial and pain, Jesus is there listening to my hurt.
In times of sadness and anxiety, Jesus comforts me.
In times of financial woes, Jesus has provided for me.
When life is good and I am blessed beyond what I deserve, Jesus celebrates with me.
Most of all, in my sin and my rebelliousness, Jesus has saved me.

Not everyone we encounter knows the glorious gift Jesus has provided us. I can help people by giving them a leg up when they are down, but if I don't share Jesus with them, I may never get a second chance. That should be my priority in every chance encounter I have with another human being. I should be asking them if they know Jesus. He alone has the power to save. This life is going to be full of more devastation like the earthquake in Japan. My prayer is that Christians everywhere are sharing the good news so that if these earthly days end, they will have the destiny of everlasting life.

My heart goes out to those in Japan and all the other places that have been left destroyed over the years. I am praying for the Japanese people as they try to rebuild the things that they need. I pray for the people who lost their lives and their families. I pray we as a wealthy nation can help them not with just money but bodies. Men and women to go and help clean up and rebuild. I also pray that we have Christian men and women in Japan to help lift up their neighbors with comfort and love and share the good news of Jesus.

Join with me in praying for this disaster. If you have the gift and time to travel to Japan, I urge you to go.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

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