Quaking and Shaking

Something all my years of Bible Institute never prepared me for- an earthquake!  Today we experienced the largest earthquake in Guatemala since the huge one in 1976 that caused so much destruction and death.  It was a sobering few seconds to feel the earth rocking and rolling beneath me and I so utterly powerless to control it.

My first instinct was not to panic.  Then as I felt fear welling up inside of me when the shaking did not subside I realized that it was time to call upon the name of the Lord.  My thoughts immediately ran to my baby upstairs in the church nursery, my pre-schooler at his pre-school, and my husband on the 5th floor of a rickety old building.  Were they all okay?  All I could do was trust the Lord.

It is at moments such as these when faith really comes into play.  The Word of God that I had been reading and meditating on for years suddenly bubbled up in my spirit like springs of fresh water.  I remembered that my family and I were those that dwell in the secret place of the Most High and therefore entitled to all the promises of Psalm 91.  And of course I remembered that God is my refuge and God is my strength and a very present help in times of trouble- THEREFORE I WILL NOT FEAR THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED AND THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE CARRIED INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA.  sounds like an earthquake.

Thanks be to God, my family and I are fine.  Here in the capital city of Guatemala and its outskirts there was no destruction.  However, I have been told that in a distant part of the country called San Marcos is where the epicenter was located and there many houses fell, many lives were lost, and they were not so fortunate as I.

We have been told to beware of after shocks which could even be stronger.  We have been told to prepare for a state of emergency.  So I have packed diaper bags with fresh water, baby food, granola and cereal bars.  I have children's pajamas and tons of diapers all packed and ready to go.  Yes, I am a woman of faith, but I firmly believe in being prepared.  Should we need to flee this house I fully trust in God's faithfulness.  I fully expect his mercy to abound toward us and I know we will be fine- under the shadow of His wings.  But if I run- I want to run with food and drink and the knowledge that I have done the best I could for my kids.

Some may ask that if I am so confident in God's faithfulness then what happened to those in San Marcos upon whom tragedy rained?  God is faithful.  Always.  His faithfulness is a part of His character.  I believe that God is also faithful to take home His own and faithful to reunite us at the appropriate time.

So take time right now to thank God for His faithfulness in your life.  And if you are not sure that you are in the family of God, take time right now to recognize that Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin, you are forgiven.  Accept that gift, ask God for His forgiveness and ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.  God is faithful.

Also let us pray for those where were so deeply affected by this earthquake.  May God heal the hurting and bring peace to hearts and minds.  May the Good Lord use my family and I in any way possible to reach out to those in need.