God's Mercy

For the past couple of months, I've been immersed in a project. I'm a writer of sorts, and this project is keeping me in Scripture - and what a great place to be! Presently I'm working with the prophets, and while all of the details of Israel and Judah's destruction are horrific, it's the reasoning behind the invasions that is the key. Why does this strike me now? Because of the earthquakes that have struck Haiti in the past week.

As with all disasters, there are those who ask, why? Why would a loving God allow this? Where is God when all of these people are dying? The answer - He's right there in the midst of it. Go back to Scripture....why did these disasters happen to God's chosen people, the apple of His eye? In order to save them! The utter destruction of Jerusalem, even the attack upon the temple, was all for the purpose of bringing His wayward children back to Himself. And so it is with every problem or catastrophe that comes our way...in the midst of these troubles, we cry, Abba! Father! We cry to the Lord, repent of our sins, and trust in His unfailing mercy.

And He answers our prayers. In Haiti, His loving hand is evident in the outpouring of aid coming from all corners of the globe. The prayers that are rising from congregations and individuals do not fall on deaf ears, for our heavenly Father does not want anyone to be lost. And so, when these disasters come to countries, or our own part of the world collapses, we look outside ourselves for help. And help does come - in the shape of relief workers, friends, family - bringing our Lord's loving grace and mercy. We repent of our sins, thank God for His gifts, and rest in the knowledge that we are in His care, no matter what happens - whether our days are bright or stormy, whether we live or we die. All praise and thanks be to God, our Father, who gives us everlasting life through His Son, Jesus Christ.