From the Ashes…
The fires in Los Angeles, California resulted in complete devastation.
Homes turned to rubble. Family dreams laid in ash. The unnerving question of what comes next.
Why did this happen? Does God care? In times of hardships, we must reflect on some Biblical truths.
We are given free will. This often results in human error and sin. Most of the worlds problems are a direct result of human volition, a byproduct of living in a fallen world.
God can redeem a tragedy. He can create good out of disaster, life from death. The Bible is filled with stories of loss and hope. He is sovereign over all evil and He wants to redeem your life’s trials.
Jesus wept. John 8:35 He deeply cares about you. In fact, He died to get to know you and to save our souls.
We may not ever understand why some things happen in this world but we must remember that God is good, that He loves us and He cares deeply for us. Our hope must always be anchored in eternity. Sometimes we don’t understand the route we are on in life until we have reached the destination. It can feel like a terrible mystery but we must place our trust in the Lord at all times. He promises that He will never leave or forsake His children when they trust in Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Take a good look at this image. This photo was featured in National Geographic‘s February issue in 1924. Captured along the slopes of an extinct volcano, we see the incredible vegetation surrounding the man.
This mountain slope, once volatile and violent has become a unique source of life.
The volcanic lava and ash which initially kills and destroys, becomes ground to the worlds most fertile soil.
A visible reminder that God can redeem even the most difficult of times.
Have you experienced a moment in life that was difficult but has shaped you for the better? If we ask most people- certainly most Christians, the resounding answer is YES! In fact, many people find Christ as a result of a trial in their life. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. We must turn to Him in times of need.
In all life’s valleys, call upon the Lord.
In all life’s mountaintops, call upon the Lord.
Our purpose in life is to know Him and make Him known. We are not promised a life without troubles here on earth but in Christ alone, we are promised eternal, abundant life with the Lord where there shall be no more tears, struggles or pain.
In all life’s troubles, Lean on God. He wants to carry you through your trials.
Let us be near and support one another in times of tragedy
Unite in prayer for L.A. For all those affected by the fires, those who lost loved ones, for the displaced, for the firefighters and for the thousands of people who will be affected by the smoke now and in the years to come. God is near, available to everyone and He is FOR you.
As half our team is based in L.A., we are heartbreakingly aware of the magnitude of the damage and are praying for containment, resolution and peace.
If you have been affected by the fires: our hearts and prayers are with you.
May gardens grow from ashes, and may hope be found by all.
Follow links below for a list of resources, from housing to meals.
https://www.lahsa.org/newsArticle/resources-to-support-those-during-the-la-fires
https://emergency.lacity.gov/recovery
https://lafla.org/los-angeles-fire-emergency/
