Watching the news about the fires, I kept hearing those that saw this with there own eyes use the word “apocalyptic”. In the recent Louisiana killings people said, “it looked like it was out of a movie”. The recent crisis’s are getting so horrific that people are at a loss of words.

I know I have written a lot about these types of things in my blogs over the years. I do it to try to bring some hope and prayers to help people process this all. The main direction I go in is spiritual because that is where I look for and get comfort.

I won’t make you read the whole blog to get the answer to why. Looking across every disaster that has ever been recorded about in history no one has ever been able to give anyone a clear answer to that question. So, I can’t give one either. Whether one believes in the bible or not, it is a historical book and gives clear answers about what is to become of this world. I am going to share some of those scriptures in this blog today. While “why” cannot be answered to bring some kind of closure, there are a few things we can do. While we can surely pray for help and know God will work things out, we can also provide support for those who need us. I’ve seen the BEST of humanity in these situations!!!!

Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, fires, mass killings, accidents and so on. At this point many are asking the question “what is going on?” After 9/11 many people flocked to their house of worship to find out what in the world is happening and is this the end. After the initial shock wore off things went back normal and stopped seeking answers as to why this happened. Since that time the list of disasters is so long that it’s surreal. People are still asking why.

You might be a follower of one of the 4,000 plus religions around the world or you might not follow any religion. I can only speak to you in light of my own religion, Christianity. There is a prediction in the New Testament of the Holy Bible that explains what is to come on this earth:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2). People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3). without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4). treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5). having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Mathew 24:3-8 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us, “They said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

We are truly in the end times of this present season of God’s plan for humanity. The bible says that Christians will be removed from the earth and the antichrist will have his way with humans for 7 years and cause great distress on humanity. But before he’s revealed there will be signs that the end is near. We are in that time now!!! Everyone sees the signs and is reacting in shock and fear. What does this mean for you? It all depends. For me a Christian, it means that I need not live in FEAR. Tragedy can happen to me, and I surely have experienced suffering, but Jesus Christ has made me promises in the bible.

This scripture can save your life: Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

This scripture can give you hope: Deuteronomy 31:6Be 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.”

This scripture can bring you help: 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

There may come a time that things might be so horrifying for you that it may seem like death is a breath away. We must not live in fear of bad things happening to us or our family. It’s unhealthy and stressful to live that way. Jesus is the good shepherd, and He will be a comfort to us in these difficult times. Even in my most extremely painful times I’ve gotten incredible strength from the Lord. He is truly a comforter! We are not going to understand or get all the answers as to why suffering came into our lives, but I can tell you that incredible strength is possible with the help of the Lord. I would like to pray for all those who are going through the extremes of life:

“Father God, there are a great many people who are going through some of the worse trials that a person can go through. Some have lost homes, loved ones, jobs even their whole community. Some are suffering from devastating illnesses. Lord some are experiencing great fear and anxiety.

 I am asking you to please help those who are looking up into the sky with their hands up and those who are on their knees crying out to you for comfort…. please help them!!! Father God, we thank you in advance for all the help you will bring their way.

Surround them with people who really care about helping others like our former president Carter who died last week and helped so many people in need. Lord…people need love and compassion right now. I’m so glad that we can come to you in prayer. I ask these things in Jesus’ name…Amen.”

1 Peter 4 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

Hang in there!!!!!!!!

Let’s pray!