8/7/12
" GOD won't put you to it if HE can't get you through it. "
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
In August 7, 2012 (8/7/12), was a very difficult situation for all Filipinos as the cruelty of Habagat striked everywhere causing floods, from heavy to intense rain submerged the Philippines that even death was inevitable. I've seen floods and panic everywhere, rescuers were running back and forth saving many lives, children were crying and people were ensnared, pinned down and shaken anywhere. My friends were sending messages that they've been trapped, and so we were !!!Massive flooding spawned by a typhoon devastated Manila and surrounding areas. Rampaging flash floods and landslides ruined the city.
It was after work, Aug. 6, 2012, when I and my two bestfriends were having midnight snacks, we were badgering, twitting and laughing at somewhere in Eastwood, a lovely place of corporate people working at a night shift when we heard the news that manila and some part of the region has been flooded already, rivers were getting high and high, places have been skirted of dirty water. It was a very rattling country since then, I've never imagined how worst it was that night. Thank God we've had our shelter, we gathered on a high place, had the TV on. In August 7, 2012, reporters were everywhere as floods were everywhere,too. It seemed like people were losing hope and there was a hue and cry. Friends were texting they'd been trapped and they needed to find a safer place indeed since they're going to travel far but some roads were not passable anymore. It was raining harshly and flood was getting worse and worse, people were evacuating their houses and food was getting scarce. Some accidents were reported. Some were dead and some were rescued.
Worryguts, eh, worrywart, whatever it was, All I knew was worrying at the moment, but I remembered what our God has promised in 1 Peter 5: 7. When you feel worried, God said " Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. I and my friends were praying, we had no other weapon but Pray. God cares, and God watches over us. God won't let His people get harmed. God is really God. We were comforted. We stayed alert. We're on the ball.
Hirap ma- trap ( Waaaaah )!!!!!!
People were complaining anywhere. People were seeking help to different authorities, thousands of residents were calling media outlets pleading for help while others were too busy with their own families. We were there, praying for all the rescuers that God will abide them, give them strength they needed, and courage they expected.
Then, God spoke again, in 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."
For two days, we're trapped, we did nothing but watched TV for news update and weather forecasts, we did nothing but pray for those victims, what else could we do? what else could you do? What else can anybody do? Thunderstorm was threatening, and a landslide was frustrating. Victims have been in sorrow. It anguished us to see those victims digging up to recover their loved ones' bodies. You couldn't help to feel hurt, they're in deep hurt. If only I could be a superhero to rescue , a superwoman to respond, then I wished I could.. but nope, we're nothing without God, in the midst of chaos and turmoil, your choice is to turn it to Him, the only way to find a rest is to let God, and stay in faith. Take actions. We all have responsibilities. Do what you can do but what if you can't do anything to it, then, the best way to reach out is to pray. There's nothing like an instant help but prayers.
He told us in JOHN 14:1, Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. I came across Mark 4:35-41 when Jesus Calms the Storm and told His disciples to be Quiet, Be still.
Why do you have a li'l faith? God is the creator of the universe, the creator of all things in the world, He is the master, Why are you afraid? Aren't you safe with Him? or Don't you know that God can do all things which the man can't? We know all of these miracles, we know all of God's power and majesty, how could we be so doubtful and unbelieving? but I couldn't blame you, cause I was once like that. I couldn't help but doubt sometimes, well, I was convicted.
And I found myself reading Luke 1:37 " For nothing is impossible with God. " By just a glimpse, I'm convinced that God is really who He is. I couldn't argue with Him? I just wanna completely trust Him. Because in John 14:18, He promises us again, " I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Isn't it coincidence? My friend asked, that Genesis 8:7-12 talks about the story of Noah's Ark, today is 8-7-12 and it's flooding everywhere? All I thought was God sees and God knows everything we're going through. The Word is alive. If Noah survived, what about us? Keep your faith strong and let God's will be done. Our God is big.
God is in control. Ask God to be the Lord of your life; fear won't reside in your heart.He keeps telling us this : Deuteronomy 31:6So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." And He keeps repeating this: Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."I hope to impart this to you as I'm very comforted knowing the truth that no matter how grim the circumstance is, we have peace in Him. How merciful is My Lord, your God, our Yahweh because He promises us one thing, though we are stubborn to believe this : Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
God bless the Philippines !!!! Stay calm wherever you are, and believe.
GOD CARES.
