It appears that our part of the coast may be spared the brunt of the storm. (I am still waiting to see. Your continued prayers and concern are appreciated).
When I see that a storm may wield a threat to my community, I start to pray, but I wait until the weather data is applicable to our situation before I start to make major decisions, such as stay or seek higher ground. Some people want major disasters to strike and will even run to them for the thrill; some people are frightened simply by the word, "hurricane," and begin to make plans for a retreat. It is good to realize a couple of things when making plans.
First, don't worry or panic with the prospect of a major storm. Often times they take a different course or they dissipate before they are a real threat to your area. Panicking is the wrong response, since it leads to fear, worry and possibly making wrong choices.
Second (which is actually more important than the first point), God is in control and God will take care of those who trust Him. God's care is not always manifested in deliverance from the storm, it is sometimes deliverance through the storm, and sometimes in the storm. God will give us wisdom and direction concerning the storms of life (whether natural or spiritual).
In fact, God sometimes uses the storms of life to bring about His purposes; sometimes the storms of life are needed by people to move them in the right direction; sometimes the storms of life are God's nudging or His judging. Sometimes the storms of life are the attacks of Satan (per the life of Job).
In either case, God does all things well, and all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Trusting God is not just a pious platitude, it is way of life.
When I see that a storm may wield a threat to my community, I start to pray, but I wait until the weather data is applicable to our situation before I start to make major decisions, such as stay or seek higher ground. Some people want major disasters to strike and will even run to them for the thrill; some people are frightened simply by the word, "hurricane," and begin to make plans for a retreat. It is good to realize a couple of things when making plans.
First, don't worry or panic with the prospect of a major storm. Often times they take a different course or they dissipate before they are a real threat to your area. Panicking is the wrong response, since it leads to fear, worry and possibly making wrong choices.
Second (which is actually more important than the first point), God is in control and God will take care of those who trust Him. God's care is not always manifested in deliverance from the storm, it is sometimes deliverance through the storm, and sometimes in the storm. God will give us wisdom and direction concerning the storms of life (whether natural or spiritual).
In fact, God sometimes uses the storms of life to bring about His purposes; sometimes the storms of life are needed by people to move them in the right direction; sometimes the storms of life are God's nudging or His judging. Sometimes the storms of life are the attacks of Satan (per the life of Job).
In either case, God does all things well, and all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Trusting God is not just a pious platitude, it is way of life.
