A little over one month ago, my community was ravaged with an unprecedented storm. Tropical Storm Debby dropped over 20 inches of rain in a matter of hours, causing massive flooding and destruction. Hundreds of homes and vehicles were destroyed and countless people lost everything they owned. To complicate matters even more, over 100 sinkholes have opened up in Suwannee County alone. It is being declared as a “500 year event.” Gratefully, no lives have been lost in our county, save the many livestock and pets that were swept away in the storm. Even so, it is a disaster that has rattled everyone to their very core.
I am sure many people are asking themselves, “Why?” and “How?” Personally, I have been asking some of the same questions. My long-haired miniature Dachshund, Lucy, along with my two pygmy goats, Charlotte and Savannah, were taken by the flood. I know many others have lost so much more, but still I wonder, “Why?” Why did God allow my animals to be swept away? I also wonder, “How?” Our backyard became a huge lake, something which we do not have on our property. The water came within inches of flooding my dad’s workshop and our home as well. Looking at the photographs, I cannot quite comprehend how the water was approximately five feet high toward the back of our property, yet did not make its way into the house. If the water had flowed level, I am pretty sure this would have been the case. Still, several friends of mine were not so fortunate and woke up to several feet of water in their homes. Over a month later, they are still trying to make sense of it all.
What about you? Are you facing a storm in your own life? Maybe it is not a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake. Perhaps it is an emotional, physical, or financial storm. You may be going through a divorce or battling depression. There may be someone in your family fighting for their life in Intensive Care. Or someone you know could be suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s, cancer, or some other disease. Whatever you are facing, I want to encourage you right this very moment. Do not be afraid. Call on the name that is above every other name: Jesus. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. No matter what you are going through, Jesus will calm your fears, He will guide your footsteps, and He will be your Friend that sticks closer than any brother. Jesus will be your Shelter in the storm.
In Christ's Love,Jennifer
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