Yesterday, our daughter, Polly, who lives in Omaha called. She said her co-workers were asking her if her parents would be ok. Until being asked these questions, she didn’t know there was a hurricane approaching Florida. She told them we must be ok, she hadn’t heard from us saying we were on our way to Omaha.
Isn’t it interesting how we live in our little worlds? When the pressure is on, it seems we have the biggest problems in the whole world. So we pray that the storm will weaken. Not that it isn’t wise to pray for that, but I wonder, “What if it does not weaken?” Will we be just fine with it turning and disrupting someone else’s little world instead of ours?
In September, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico and The D.R. Sixteen people died in Puerto Rico and many have not yet had electricity restored. On September 24, Fiona was still raging when it hit Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Three people were reported to have died, one-half million lost power, and several homes were swept into the sea. Not very many are talking about the damage or loss of lives. Many I’ve spoken to didn’t even know Fiona blasted Canada. We don't pay much attention from our little world vantage points.
There’s currently a typhoon equivalent to a CAT 3 hurricane bearing down on Viet Nam. Has anyone, including me, given this typhoon any thought? You see here’s the thing, none of those storms seemingly have any effect on my little world. I can’t see Puerto Rico, The D.R., Nova Scotia, P.E.I, or Viet Nam from my house. If I’m being candid, I'm probably only concerned if Hurricane Ian comes to my house.
So long as our little world is calm, we often don’t pay much attention to the heartaches of others. I’m as guilty as anyone. However, this storm has made me think. And my thoughts are drawn to prayer. We need to refresh our prayer life. Maybe I need to re-word that and say, “I need to refresh my prayer life”. You can join me if you like.
1. Let's be thankful.
I’m thankful that I have the stuff of value that could be lost in a hurricane. Thank you, God.
I’m thankful that, if I lose valuable stuff, I have insurance that will replace a lot of it. Thanks again, God.
I’m thankful that I live in the best time in the history of the world. Thank you, Lord.
I know some disagree that 2022 is the best time in history. But just think about it this way. We have weather radar telling us exactly what’s happening with a hurricane and when to expect its arrival. Most of us have access to transportation if we decide to make a run for it. If we lose power, many people have generators. I’m not one of them. But my son can plug his refrigerator into his work truck! Yes, this is the best time in world history.
Your list and my list of people and things for which we can be thankful are inexhaustible. Before crying “God please weaken this storm!” We really ought, to begin with, thanksgiving. Then continue to be thankful in midst of the storm. We will naturally be thankful when it’s over. Right?
2. Let’s be reminded.
There are plenty of problems in this world. I’ve already mentioned a few of them. Problems are always opportunities for us to pray. As I anticipate Hurricane Ian coming to our doorstep, I’m reminded that other people have more problems beyond a hurricane. Some are bracing for storms and live in inadequate housing. Some are struggling with terminal diseases while at the same time being concerned about an approaching storm. People are grieving who have recently, or maybe not so recently, lost loved ones. Now they might be facing the storm all alone. The list of troubles goes on and on. These people need our prayers.
It’s great to be specific in our prayers, but we can’t always do that because, unlike God, we’re not all-knowing. Even when we don’t know where all the storms are located, we know they’re out there and they are positioned to hurt people. Even though we might not know those who are in the greatest need, we can always pray in general knowing that God knows the specifics.
3. Let’s be bigger world thinkers.
I know I need to get outside of my little world further. Maybe you know you need to also. Outside of our little worlds doesn’t mean we have to know the details about every storm track, every earthquake, war, or typhoon. It means at least being concerned about the needs of those who are outside of our circle. Looking beyond self to discover a big world with lots of needs that needs lots of prayers.
The storm IS coming. It might shift direction. It might weaken. It might not. But let’s pray that this storm draws us and many others closer to God. Our little world will probably survive, someone else’s might not.
James 4:8a Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
P.S. Pray for Cuba. 11 million people without electricity.
