Two weeks ago, there was a tropical depression forming in the Gulf of Mexico. Most meteorologists believed this system would eventually make landfall some where along the Mexican coast as a minor rain event. In the matter of 48 hours, Hurricane Harvey intensified into a giant, pounding southeast Texas with over 50 inches of rain over the last week. After viewing all of this devastation, media pundits are trying to make sense of this unexpected event.
And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them, Mark 13:7-9.
Some of these panelists have suggested this is a sign of the apocalypse, the beginning of the last days or the wrath of God. Curious about previous Hurricanes and Typhoons, I did some research to see if this has ever happened before. While listening to a historian, I discovered that a similar storm stalled over Cuba more than 60 years ago that brought over 100 inches of rainfall. Due to the lack of technology at the time, there isn’t the video like that aired nightly of the greater Houston area. Like the 2000 filmed based upon a true story, when the conditions are ideal a Perfect Storm can and will form.
I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things, Isaiah 45:7.
Whether you have the ability to choose where you live or not, there is no perfect place on earth to reside. Every location has its appeal and negative aspects. The beach is great but potential storms lurk out in the sea. Mountains are beautiful until blizzards and white out conditions arrive. The west coast is scenic until earthquakes abruptly interrupt your plans. Meanwhile, the Midwest is a wonderful place to live until tornado season arrives. In the end, you have to make the best of where you live, appreciating the good and enduring the bad. As for Texas and Louisiana, these people need your prayers as recovery will take months and possibly years. In the meantime, God is in control as this tragedy has brought communities together to help one another survive. This is my take on making sense of the unexpected event known as Hurricane Harvey.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 