Tip of My Iceberg

photo courtesy of Rachael on Unsplash

The multiple fires burning in Southern California are a reminder that we have very little control over the circumstances of our lives.

Families have been left stripped of all they own. Lives have been lost. What had been a series of communities is left barren and bereft of voices and laughter. Neighbors are scattered, families who used to live close to one another are seeking places to restore some familial order, and even pets have been abandoned because there’s no where to take them.

What’s happening in Southern California is an unplanned disaster. It will take billions of dollars, years, and heartache to restore what’s been taken away. The beautiful thing is people are stepping up to help in ways that reflect the empathy the country is feeling toward this area. It happened in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee after Hurricane Helene hit there, destroying homes, towns, and lives. They’re still struggling, especially now that winter has hit.

Disasters like this wreak havoc on many lives. The cost isn’t measured in dollars as much as in lives, opportunities, and memories lost.

We all have had disasters of some kind intrude on our lives. Those times when situations are out of control, and there is no possible apparent solution. When the stress of daily life, trying to provide for individual and family needs, and generally keeping a hopeful attitude seems impossible.

In the Bible, there are many potential disasters that people had to face that caused them to rethink what they believed. Elijah was a prophet in Israel, and because of King Ahab’s evil ways, which were more wicked than many of the kings before him, Elijah was sent to him to inform him that there would be no dew or rain during the next several years. It impacted everyone in the land, including Elijah.

He was told by God to go to Zarephath, a small village; a widow was to supply him with food. When he found her, he asked for a bite of bread, and she informed him she had just enough for one small loaf that would be the last meal for her son and herself. Elijah told her that if she were to share her bread with him, God would supply enough flour and oil for as long as they needed.

She did so. “There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised Elijah.” 1 Kings 18:16.

When we trust God, even when our circumstances seem bleak, He will provide for us.

The prophet Isaiah spoke to the people of Israel: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3a

The passage doesn’t say “if” these challenges would happen; they say “when.” We will all go through challenges in life that we can’t handle on our own, but God can get us through them all.

The people of Southern California need all the help they can get right now. We can lend a hand or contribute money where we can.

It’s God who can give peace of mind and His presence, though, that will help these folks move on and not be mired in these harsh circumstances.