Surviving Shock
Experts are saying that the earthquake that just pounded Haiti is the most powerful quake in the entire history of Haiti and the only one to strike the Caribbean in at least 200 years. Hurricanes are a frequent threat in the West Indies but who would have ever imagined a 7.0 earthquake? It has been wrenching to see the suffering of the people. Many of you have prayed that the rescue teams and medical personnel would be given God’s speed as they race to save lives. 15,000 people have taken refuge on the campus of our University in Port-au-Prince. While we pray for our believers in Haiti, and for everyone, many of us wonder when the next big quake will shake California.
What can a Christian do when quakes and shocks rattle our lives? It might be a financial collapse, a natural disaster, or something else we would never expect. We need to learn how to survive when personal disasters strike. Here are some spiritual suggestions to help you survive the next big disaster:
I. Have Faith not Fear A storm had come up quickly over Lake Galilee. The disciples were afraid their little boat was going to go down. Then they saw Jesus walking across the waves. Matthew says that when they saw him “they cried out for fear.” Jesus called out to them, “be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” It would be abnormal not to be afraid when an earthquake strikes or a tragedy threatens someone you love. That is a human emotional response. But a spiritual response in times of crisis can bring peace and calm our worst fears. 2 Timothy 1:7, tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Faith in God will bring God’s Spirit who will stabilize the heart and mind.
II. Pray don’t Panic The natural man panics. The spiritual man prays – and then goes to work. Peter was sinking beneath the waves. Then he called out to the Lord and found rescue. “Great peace have they whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Let’s pray for Haiti, and for America. Then click on Welcome to Haitian SDA.com and you will find a way to help.
III. Believe God – don’t Blame Him Earthquakes are acts of nature not acts of God. God is allowing this old world to run its course before Jesus comes back. The world is “groaning” according to Romans chapter 8. Pat Robertson came out with some nonsense about God punishing Haiti because Haitians made a pact with the devil to believe in voodoo rather than believe in Christianity. People who make deals with the devil will be punished with something far worse than earthquakes. God loves the world and does not condemn the world according to John 3:16,17. If you believe in Him, He will always make a way of escape.
When life shakes you, don’t blame God for your circumstances. He allows some things to happen to us, “but in everything God works for our best good.” All He asks is that you look to Jesus in faith and reach out your hand.
Pastor Rockne
