He Knows. Keep Your Focus!
This year has begun with watching horrific natural disasters and terrorist attacks on our nation. I live near the terror attack, and I have a daughter living in California. I have lost a friend in the last couple of days due to addiction and the inability to live free from it; I know of so many of you who are struggling financially and ministerially. And yet, in my neighborhood, Christmas decorations still adorn the windows and balconies. And while the lights still shimmer, I wonder if we are in a festive mood. There is a sense of worry and anxiety hovering over many of us.
One fire in California alone has had over 12,000 structures burn to the ground. One report I read says there are at least 27 people who have died in the fires. People are displaced and homeless, with little hope that they will be able to rebuild. The journey will be long and arduous.
I have lost all my material possessions twice in my life. I don’t want to repeat these material losses, but I will not trade the lessons I learned from them. My first loss occurred by fire. I was seventeen, a junior in high school, and we would lose everything except what clothes we had on that day. My second loss would come in my forties, as we experienced Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of our home after living in New Orleans for only 2.5 weeks. I was married for this last loss. I had a professor/preacher husband, a seven-year-old, and a 10-year-old. To top it off, eight months into living displaced, I contracted an illness that would almost take my life. Hard? Yes. It was a tough season of life, yet here I sit, nearly twenty years later, serving the Lord.
My husband and I have been discussing all the events and responses and what is happening at the beginning of this year. What is the significance of all of this? Is there any? Without doing a deep “eschatological dive,” let’s say, “Birth pangs.”Most reading this post will have multiple thoughts on that statement, but the point I want to make is that we all have a choice in how we respond. We are leaders. (Like it or not.) We are influencers – whether you have five people following you or five thousand. We lead in our context. How we respond to these crises and events will impact those around us. We must stay focused on what the Lord has for us during these times.
Here are some lessons learned – if you are impacted.
- Guard your heart. Stay connected to the Lord – It will be difficult, but don’t stop praying.
- Forgive any wrongdoing and trust the Lord to see you through. People are going to say and do dumb things during these times. And truthfully, some who have hurt you in the past might come around to help you. Let them.
- Stay close to your loved ones: Pray with, cry, and hug one another.
- Take the next step—don’t look too far in the future. Live in the moment and do the next practical thing. Assess the immediate, practical needs around you: food, water, shelter, and clothes.
- Try to sleep – you need rest for the stress, and your family needs you to rest.
- Let others help you. – If assistance is offered, take it.
- Keep your hands open. If you don’t need it, take it and then pray. Someone else will come your way, and they will need what you have been given.
- Protect your family during this time. Stay together.
Lessons and tips for those who can help those impacted by crises.
- Don’t use religious platitudes.
- Ask how you can help. Then listen.
- Donate money to legitimate organizations. (Links below.)
- Please don’t donate broken or greatly used toys or items to those who have lost everything. Think how you would feel.
- Imagine yourself in this situation and then act after you have prayed.
- Get involved. Volunteer where you can and show up.
- Compassion fatigue is real. If you are serving in the impacted areas, take a break. Be wise. You are not the savior. Jesus is.
In the midst of all of these days, you and I must stay focused on the Lord. No matter what, He is aware of the events worldwide and close to home. He is not sleeping, and He is not involved. He is working and seeing after His own. He is pursuing those who do not know Him, and He desires for us that do to share this good news.
Material things will pass away. All this world offers can be taken. The only hope we have is in Jesus, our Savior. You know this. Please don’t lose sight of this during the hard days.
Some of the verses I hang on to during these days:
Isaiah 26:3: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Psalm 37:23: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Matthew 11:28: “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Lay all of it on Jesus. Stay focused on Him this year. He will carry us through and make a way where there doesn’t seem to be a way.
Praying for you, my sisters!
Come see me at a Refresh Retreat.
Disaster Relief Links:
