The Reason Behind Katrina's Devastation

As we all have been watching the news this week and seeing the path of destruction and lost lives that Katrina left in the Gulf Coast region, I wanted to share a word about where God was in this devastating event. God, in His Word, tells us that He brings afflictions into our lives to draw us closer to Himself.

"We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired even of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." - 2 Cor. 1:8-9

As the video and pictures have shown the situation of the aftermath and evacuation of the refugees from the hardest hit areas, we can see how many of these people, like Paul, might be "despaired" of their situation and even of life itself. But God's intent was to wean us from our dependence on ourselves and the world. John Piper in writing on this passage of Scripture, puts it this way:

"This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in self and the world." from Desiring God p. 265

Many may even be thinking they were given a "death sentence". But my prayer is that many unbelievers would see the futility of their rebellion against God and through the kindness and grace of God working through relief operations and the powerful witness of the Spirit through Christians around them, that they would trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and true source of life. And for the Christians that have suffered, I pray, that they would know that God's good intent for this storm was that they would be driven right into His arms and learn that He alone is worthy of our trust, love and worship.

For Christians outside of this area, I pray, that we would continue to rise up to help and support those who have gone through so much this week. I pray that we would find ways of helping those who are in need, not only because God has commanded us to help the needy, but because He delights to see us do it.

"You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land." - Deut. 15:11

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Heb. 13:16

There are many ways we can be involved in helping in relief efforts, evacuation and extending hospitality to the evacuees, and I suggest the first step is to see what your local church is doing and you can help with that. Beyond that, there are several organizations that have been at work all week helping those in this region that are in need of donations. Below is a short list of three and their websites, where you find more information about how to give and help out.

• The American Red Cross
  
• Texas Baptist Men
  
• Feed the Children
  

Please also remember to keep the health and safety of these people in your prayers and to also pray for the relief efforts going on. Blessings all-

in HIS grip for HIS glory,
jason

* pictures from msnbc.com, used without permission