I got home last week the day before hurricane Harvey hit Texas. I spent a total of 10 days in Austin, which is three hours northeast of Houston. The reason I had gone there was to visit my daughter, grandson and son-in-law and to be present for the delivery of my first granddaughter.
Now, though, I’m sitting on the couch in the living room of my home here in Columbus. I have the radio on and tuned in to one of the gospel music stations in the area.
As I just listened to the last song played on the air, my heart broke again for people who are hurting. People, individuals and families of every nationality who have been devastated by yet another hurricane or flood and the chaos, turmoil, destruction, suffering and hopelessness that comes with it.
This is all around them. Why does my heart ache so for the state of Texas at this moment?
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I’ve been through a flood before, actually, not long ago and just like many of you in the Columbus area, I know how it feels to be surrounded by despair, chaos and suffering. I know what it’s like to lose almost every material possession I own.
However, I also know what it’s like to experience the peace within that only God can give when faced with circumstances such as these. This is the peace that passes all human understanding that the Bible talks about.
The usual personal response I have when I hear of devastating circumstances around the world is first to pray, then to give money to Christian organizations working at ground zero to meet the immediate needs of the effected people.
Today, I read from my copy of “Living the Battle Plan,” the following words:
“One man or woman who is completely surrendered to God and filled with His Spirit can radically impact the marriages, families, churches, businesses and culture in a city.”
In this situation, I am praying and I will give money, but I also must do a third thing and this is to be willing to make myself available to do whatever God, through his Holy Spirit, leads me to do.
I feel compelled to live the battle plan, and do whatever it entails. This is what God expects from me in this situation and as a Christ follower.
Now, I have a question for you. What does God expect from you?
Nita Evans of Columbus is owner of Confidential Christian Counseling, focusing her work especially with ministry leaders and their families. She also is a Columbus Police Department chaplain and a national retreat and conference speaker. She can be reached at 812-614-7838 or by visiting specialspeaker.com.
