This past week South Texas was ravaged by Hurricane Harvey. Many small cities and towns were demolished, and Houston is still underwater.
In the last few days two of my friends have lost family members and friends to drugs and car accidents.
This past month one of my former neighbor’s husband died of cancer.
It’s so easy during times of crisis to question why?
Why did some Texas towns get destroyed while others suffered mild wind damage?
Why did some houses get gutted while others in the same area remained untouched?
Why did Houston flood, forcing tens of thousands out of their homes?
Why did some people lose their lives in the raging waters?
Why did my friend’s gorgeous, accomplished daughter die of a drug overdose when other addicts are resuscitated, just in the nick of time?
Why did two young people lose their lives in a car crash?
Why did my former neighbor lose her husband to cancer?
To each of these questions I can honestly say, “I don’t know.”
Sometimes life hits us hard, leaving us swirling in a whirlwind of unanswered questions. If you are going through a storm or a season of loss, my heart goes out to you.
I can not give you answers to your questions.
But these things I do know…
I know that you are precious to God, and the same eye that is on the sparrow never takes its focus off of you.
I know that the One who parted the Red Sea is able and willing to part the impossibilities in your current situation.
I know that when you put your hope and trust in the One who promised restoration to the children of Israel, He will move Heaven and earth to restore your life.
I know that the One who declared, “it is good!” after each day of creation, will show you His goodness in the most amazing ways.
I know that no matter how violent the storm, or how intense the heartache, the One who opened His arms wide for you on Calvary is now opening His arms to hold you close to His heart.
I know that The Lord is loving and faithful, and that He will bring beauty from the ashes in your life.
Yes! These things I know!
Let’s continue to unite in prayer for all those who have been affected by the hurricane, and for those who have suffered other losses. For I know that the prayers of the righteous avail much!
May you be abundantly blessed!
Jeannie Boatright