This past week we were fortunate enough to go to the Gulf Coast and visit with our children. It was amazing to see some of the things that happened during the recent hurricane when it hit the coast. Signs were twisted and some even gone. In one area there was a boat on a high bank. There is no way it could have been placed there by anyone. Trees were twisted and broken. Debris was everywhere. Windows were blown out of some of the buildings in downtown Houston. The football stadium has part of its roof gone. (It doesn’t seem football stadiums and roofs go together does it?) There were “blue roofs” everywhere. The corps of engineers put blue canvas on houses that had problems with shingles being blown off. And that is all the things that could be seen. It is an emotional time for all of those who live there and have lost so much.

But even in all of this there are blessings to be enjoyed. What is so good about the destruction that happened to them? Nothing. But it should make us want to go to a place where the storms of life are all over, the place that God has prepared for those who are willing to obey and live according to His word. Of course, this place is heaven (John 14:1-6). If we never had any hardships we would never want to leave good old earth, would we? If we did not go through suffering what would be so great about a place were there is none? (Revelation 21:3,4)

Another blessing is that things can be replaced. They may not be as good as they were before and certainly would not be original, but things are replaceable—people are not. Homes can be rebuilt. Cars can be purchased. Clothes can be found. Memories can never be forgotten.

Finally, God can be praised who continually looks after those whom He loves. As each one puts their confidence in Christ they will receive the blessings He bestows on His children. Ike showed the great power that God is in the physical world. Jesus shows us the awesome God we have in our spiritual lives. Do you know Him? Doug