Floods, Rivers and Streams

This past week Texas was deluged with severe rainstorms. Within hours, new streams were formed as the area was inundated with rainwater. Days before we had heavy rains. The ground was saturated, the creeks and streams were at capacity, and then the second wave came. Lightning, thunder, winds, and heavy rains came like the flood in Noah’s day. Within hours streets became rivers and streams. Homes, cars, people, and animals were swept away. Businesses suffered major losses, families suffered losses, and even churches suffered losses. It is amazing how life instantly changed for millions of people within hours.
One day, the people of Houston were in their comfort zone of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The next day, they were in prayer, pleading, and petitioning God for safety, security and shelter. In one day, the heart of the average person was turned to God. Then the blame game began. Why did God allow these things to happen? How could a loving God take away homes, businesses, and even churches in one swift stroke? Forgetting that God is not the author of debauchery, despair and destruction. Forgetting that the author of falsehoods, fabrications, and fraudulence is Satan himself. So what happens? God is blamed, while Satan walks away pointing to the Creator as the cause. Even Insurance companies call these events “An act of God”.

However, we know the truth. God doesn’t want anyone to perish. God doesn’t want any soul to be lost. “Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:11

Despite what some might think, God interacts, intervenes, and intercedes during these tragic events. He gives warmth and love to those who are hurting. He provides opportunities for healing and restoration. He allows us to be His ambassadors, us to be His hands and feet to a world that needs to see a loving God. Very often Satan tries to turn the hearts of men against God. But what often happens is that men and women are turned to God, as they see you and I bringing the message of hope and love by our acts of tenderness. During these times of havoc and chaos, we need not only to pray for our neighbors, but also take the step of love, and open our arms to the people in need during their time of despair.

“If you are in communion with Christ, you will place His estimate upon every human being. You will feel for others the same deep love that Christ has felt for you. Then you will be able to win, not drive, to attract, not repulse, those for whom He died. None would ever have been brought back to God if Christ had not made a personal effort for them; and it is by this personal work that we can rescue souls. When you see those who are going down to death, you will not rest in quiet indifference and ease. The greater their sin and the deeper their misery, the more earnest and tender will be your efforts for their recovery. You will discern the need of those who are suffering, who have been sinning against God, and who are oppressed with a burden of guilt. Your heart will go out in sympathy for them, and you will reach out to them a helping hand. In the arms of your faith and love you will bring them to Christ. You will watch over and encourage them, and your sympathy and confidence will make it hard for them to fall from their steadfastness. In this work all the angels of heaven are ready to co-operate. All the resources of heaven are at the command of those who are seeking to save the lost. Angels will help you to reach the most careless and the most hardened. And when one is brought back to God, all heaven is made glad; seraphs and cherubs touch their golden harps, and sing praises to God and the Lamb for their mercy and loving-kindness to the children of men.” Christ Object Lessons p. 197

May God bless you this Sabbath as we open our hearts to those in need.

Angel
Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor