Do miracles happen after a disaster? And is there hope beyond all the pandemonium and mayhem we experience in one way or another? Is there a God of miracles? Many remain skeptical, yet I for one, beg to differ. Having gone through countless disasters, I am certain that yes, with God, miracles do happen.
The Bible illustrates faithful servants of God, who more often than not, faced disasters upon disasters. They were all-so-faithful and trusted in the Lord. Daniel was one such man. When he was thrown into the lion’s den during the reign of King Darius, unlike the norm, he trusted in the Lord. He was confident in God and trusted that he would be saved, somehow. True enough, God extended his help to Daniel. He shut the mouths of the lions and kept Daniel unharmed. Because when God saves, He saves completely.
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Of course, it is very unlikely that I would be thrown into a lion’s den or even find myself in one – and I thank God for that! I often hear of disasters occurring in Third World Nations; nature turning its back on mankind is simply inevitable. I cannot fully comprehend the emotions involved – heartbreak, haplessness and chagrin.
In April 2010, I saw with my own eyes, destruction and devastation, the aftermath of a disaster. An extremely strong wind blew, tearing down the newly-built school in an uphill village in Northern Thailand. I was there. I witnessed it all. Just as the many roof tiles were fragmented and scattered, our hearts were broken. One thing that kept us ever-thankful was that God’s grace and mercy was shown. None of the children or adults there suffered from injuries. A miracle we ought to thank the Lord for indeed!
Albeit struggling with the overwhelming disappointment, the team of us including the Pastor-in-charge there bowed our heads and gathered with contrite hearts in prayer. Our prayers were not of complains and whys, conversely they were of praises and thanksgivings. I saw how much faith the Pastor there had despite it all. It was truly commendable. And this, I couldn’t help but to thank the Lord for this faithful man, a man after God’s heart.
It did not stop here. We were deeply encouraged when we saw the children clear the debris with bare hands and brave young men replace the missing roof tiles under the scorching sun. There was no sign of reluctance at all. This is faith. No questions; No second thoughts. They trusted in God and did what they had to do. We then offered our help in whatever ways we could. And by God’s grace, the school was restored and the debris cleared.
Throughout the Scriptures, faith seems to be of paramount importance to God. The Bible reminds us that “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Faith is plain and simple. It’s not about your problems! Faith is letting go and trusting in the Lord and with faith, comes miracles.
Got it? Or, rather, done it?
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