As we waited on Hurricane Isaac this week, we as a people grew more and more anxious about what to do and when to do it. We began to buy out the gasoline, batteries, canned meat products, flashlights, etc., but what we forgot was the faith that we should have in our God during the good and bad times.

For some 1,982 years ago (theoretically quoted) when Jesus died He didn’t leave us empty minded about His demise. He gave us a promise that one day He’s coming back again and those who want to live with Him for eternity should prepare daily not only to get but also to keep their lives in tact with His word.

Since that time we as a people have not only suffered natural disasters but human tragedies. We become stirred up about the deaths of natural disasters yet we are killing each other with guns, knives, bombs, negative words, suicides, homicides, etc. We’ve got to come out of this era where we want to be natural disaster free yet we’ve become comfortable with human-caused disasters.

No, I don’t expect the world to grasp this concept, but I do anticipate the collective cooperation of the Christian households. This storm has not only been a tragedy but it has been a blessing. How?

Folks across the Gulf-Coast region have been boggled in their minds about the similarity between Isaac and Katrina resulting in them yielding to Christ as the only answer to life’s problems.

Before and during the storm we beheld godly quotes on websites, prayers across Facebook, people helping people, governmental officials stepping away from politics and turning to prayers and people, the hungry being fed and the poor being treated with respect of living.

We must understand that in every storm there is a lesson being taught and test being given. Our way of living became highly spiritual during the storm and this should not be forsaken once it’s over. It’s natural for calamity to direct our people to the Lord but on a sunny day we should flock to the churches and give thanks to him even where there is no disturbance in the Gulf. Our daily slogan for our lives should be “I’d rather have God and not need Him than to need Him and not have Him.”

Here are some good tips for storm preparation and survival:

1. Stay in contact with God when the sun is shining so that when the clouds gather you’ll already have who you need. Draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you. James 4:8

2. Listen for the promises of God. Jesus then said to His disciples, “let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” Luke 8:22

3. Know who Jesus is so when you’re in need He’ll come to your rescue. And whatsoever you ask in my name, that will I do that the Father maybe Glorified in the Son. John 14:13

4. Do good before the storm so that good can come to you during the storm. Be not deceived or God is not mocked; whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7

5. Make sure your neighbors all have a plan of survival. He answered, “Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27

6. Don’t keep your mind on the storm because you’ll panic. You will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him. Isaiah 26:3

7. While others are panicking you start praying. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and Glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

8. Don’t stop praying when you think this storm is over. Man ought to always pray and not faint. Luke 18:1

9. The recovery process is easily said and easily done. If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven; I would forgive their sins and heal the land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

10. Always remember He allowed the storm to happen but He will be in the storm with you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Dr. Jarrod R. Bottley is the senior pastor at Young’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.