4 May, 2011
Peaceful Assistance
One week ago today, tragedy struck the South, specifically, the state of Alabama. One week ago today, homes were destroyed and lives were changed forever. Like most of you, I live several states away, but this horrific storm hit too close to home for me. It was only three years ago that I lived and worked in the city of Tuscaloosa, and my heart is still there among close friends and "old" Campus Life students. I have spent a ridiculous amount of hours, this past week, looking at pictures and searching Facebook for clues that those I love are safe and have been accounted for. The level of destruction is absolutely overwhelming and has brought me to tears often. Yet, while my Facebook feeds have exploded with horrific pictures of mass destruction and pleas for help, I am encouraged to see how God is working in the wake of the storm. Christians throughout Tuscaloosa are clinging to the promise of John 16:33 and using this tragic time to share that peace and hope with those who have lost everything.
See and hear about one such church in Alberta City, one of the hardest hit areas in Tuscaloosa, here (click link).
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer McAteer Photography)
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about peace?
Christ shared these words with his disciples because he knew that they were about to go through some tough times, some storms in their lives, where they would struggle and even fail. He wanted them to know and trust in the fact that, no matter how much (or little) strength they had, and no matter what they faced, He had already overcome it all. What greater peace is there than knowing that, in the end, God wins?! It's like watching a football game you recorded and, while your roommate is sitting on pins and needles thinking your team is going to lose, you're calm, collected, and able to smile because you know that they pulled it out and got the victory!
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Do you know the peace that comes from having a relationship with Christ? If you are a Believer, you have this peace and you have every right to claim this promise from Christ! The question is, do you live it? When you struggle and go through trials, when your life seems to be ripped right out from beneath you, do exemplify peace? Or do you find yourself panicked, doubtful that anything good can come of your situation? If you are going through a difficult time, even now, pray and ask God to grant you His peace; preach to yourself the promise of Truth, that He has overcome all things and reigns victorious!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Talk to those around you about what's going on in Alabama right now. Look at pictures together and read stories of those who survived the storm. Talk about the different ways survivors are approaching their recovery process - some have peace and are trusting the Lord, others are fearful and have very little peace. Use the stories to spark conversations with your friends about how they would deal if a storm, like this one, hit their home. Tell them about the peace that God promises to those who love and choose to follow Him.
- In the weeks/months ahead, do not let yourself forget about this horrible tragedy. Pray for those who have been affected by the tornadoes in the South. Pray for the Believers who are among them, that their light would shine brightly so that others may see their good deeds and praise our Father in heaven (Mt. 5:16)! Pray for the unbelievers, that they would see the hand of Christ upon them and that their hearts would be changed.
- Today, from 5:13-5:14 PM (Central Standard Time), the University of Alabama is holding a moment of silence to honor the victims of the April 27th tornado. Figure out your time difference and set an alarm to remind you to pray for all of those affected by the storm.
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