A few nights ago I watched a program about earthquakes and tsunamis. Of course, it highlighted some of the most severe recent quakes and storms. They showed video from some of the events, and what really caught my attention was video from the 2004 Indonesian Tsunami. In the midst of all the destruction of that area, you could clearly see a statue of a god being carried away. It made me want to cry.
It's horrible enough when faced with the reality of life's storms (literal or figurative storms all included) but the only thing worse than enduring the storm, would be to endure it without God. No doubt people worshiped and served that god, and in their time of need, he was washed away with them. He could offer no safety, no hope, and no eternal home if they perished in that storm--because he too was a victim of the storm.
I serve a God who controls the storms of my life. Those who know the one, true living God have the assurance that even in a literal tsunami, even if they perish, they have the hope of eternal life. In a figurative storm they have the hope of God's comfort and grace. He will be with them in the storm not because He is being washed away as well, but because He promised never to leave them.
That video broke my heart, because even in this modern day there are still people in spiritual darkness, worshiping idols who can not hear their cries, have mercy, or answer prayer. The god of humanism and the gods of false religions won't bring comfort in time of need. Only the God of the Bible, the God of Creation, the God of salvation can.
The fact that there are unreached countries on this earth today is to the Christian's shame. There are people in darkness all over this earth who need to know there is a God who can withstand the storm.
Over and over the Bible tells us we are soldiers in a Spiritual battle. God is our Commanding Officer and our adversaries are the world, the flesh, and the devil. These three forces are at work enslaving people around the world. It is our job to go to these people and bring them the hope of the Gospel or to send laborers in our stead. Before another literal storm washes them and their false gods away again.
It's horrible enough when faced with the reality of life's storms (literal or figurative storms all included) but the only thing worse than enduring the storm, would be to endure it without God. No doubt people worshiped and served that god, and in their time of need, he was washed away with them. He could offer no safety, no hope, and no eternal home if they perished in that storm--because he too was a victim of the storm.
I serve a God who controls the storms of my life. Those who know the one, true living God have the assurance that even in a literal tsunami, even if they perish, they have the hope of eternal life. In a figurative storm they have the hope of God's comfort and grace. He will be with them in the storm not because He is being washed away as well, but because He promised never to leave them.
That video broke my heart, because even in this modern day there are still people in spiritual darkness, worshiping idols who can not hear their cries, have mercy, or answer prayer. The god of humanism and the gods of false religions won't bring comfort in time of need. Only the God of the Bible, the God of Creation, the God of salvation can.
The fact that there are unreached countries on this earth today is to the Christian's shame. There are people in darkness all over this earth who need to know there is a God who can withstand the storm.
Over and over the Bible tells us we are soldiers in a Spiritual battle. God is our Commanding Officer and our adversaries are the world, the flesh, and the devil. These three forces are at work enslaving people around the world. It is our job to go to these people and bring them the hope of the Gospel or to send laborers in our stead. Before another literal storm washes them and their false gods away again.
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