some thoughts on the Tsunami . . .

On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9 earthquake—the most powerful the world has seen in four decades—off the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island produced a multitude of incredibly devastating tsunamis. These massive tidal waves have taken the lives of at least 150,000 people in 11 countries in southern Asia and eastern Africa, while leaving at least one million residents homeless. Satellite images of the affected areas have revealed immense portions of land completely submerged and once beautiful landscapes utterly devastated.

As people across the globe observe this epic tragedy, with remembrances of September 11 still fresh on the minds of Americans, we can only ask one question: Why?

Luke 13:4-5 (New King James Version)

4  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?

5   I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Deuteronomy 29:29   (New International Version)

29   The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Psalm 103:19   (New International Version)

19  The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Isaiah 55:8   (New King James Version)

8   "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.

Isaiah 45:9   (New King James Version)

9   "Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth!
Shall the clay say to him who forms it, "What are you making?'
Or shall your handiwork say, "He has no hands'?

2 Peter 3:3-4   (New International Version)

3   First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

4   They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

What an encouragement it is to know that when the dark trials of life are over, Jesus stands ready to present His children with the “crown of life”—eternal life, free of tragedy, heartache, and loss. This is a promise the world needs to hear right now.

John 3:16-17   (New International Version)

16   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

17   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God was not caught off-guard by the tsunami; He allowed it to happen for a purpose known only to Him at this point. But one thing is for certain— He has shaken this whole world into the realization that life is fragile and uncertain.And the truth is, disaster hits not just nationally or internationally; it also strikes individual lives.We can have no confidence unless there is a God who is in absolute control, and we have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you ready? If not, it’s time to get ready. First, examine your heart, repent of your sins, and surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ.Then extend a compassionate hand of assistance to those who are suffering.And share with them the One who can bring hope back into their lives.

. . . some notes from In Touch with Charles Stanley . . .