GLMX #124: Sandy and Salvation

This past week, the Northeastern part of the United States was hit with a massive, devastating storm. Forecasters called it Hurricane Sandy. It started in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean before making landfall in Haiti and Cuba. Some thought the storm would die out at that point, but it kept gaining strength and churned its powerful winds and waves toward to the East Coast of America, causing people to fear for their lives and that of their families. Right now, parts of New York and New Jersey remain flooded, millions are without electricity, clean water, gas, food, or clothes. Many businesses remain shut down, homes remain damaged or destroyed, city leaders are desperate for a quick solution, and many people remain helpless, hopeless and heartbroken.

For many days, weeks, months, and probably years, the people of New York, New Jersey and other states in the region will have to work to rebuild. It will take time, patience, perseverance, and dedication. But those states and all of America will never forget what happened in the course of a few days and the long, devastating aftermath.

The truth is, God does not want us to forget Hurricane Sandy. In a strange way, it is a sign of His judgment and His mercy. It is judgment because He wants us to repent of our sinful ways and turn to Him. And it is mercy because He spared so many lives to give them the opportunity to do just that. In the midst of Sandy's devastation and destruction, God wants the people of New York and New Jersey and people everywhere to experience His grace and salvation. Things look bleak and difficult for the many people who are sitting in the dark, cold, hungry, and without any means of communication or transportation. But it is at these moments when the grace of God becomes obvious and the salvation of God becomes evident.

+ Plus, listen to Mandisa singing "He is With You"