HOW ARE YOU FACING LIFE'S EARTHQUAKE-LIKE ADVERSITIES?

We all have them. We all try to avoid them. But when we are overwhelmed by them, experiencing stomach-dropping sensations, God can keep us stable.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES        by Sally Bair

Earthquakes

When my family and I were in Alaska one year, we experienced an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale. Unused to such events, it frightened us and we all ran outside. I learned later that the devastating Alaska earthquake of 1964, which measured over nine points, dropped the level of the Homer spit by seven feet. The Homer "spit" is a narrow strip of land nearly five miles long that extends out into Katchemak Bay. It's a natural harbor for small and large boats and it houses many restaurants, shops, and charter fishing industries.

But the Spit changed drastically after that Good Friday earthquake in 1964. Prior to the earthquake, the Spit held many trees and houses and beautiful greenery along its length. (The local museum exhibits pictures of its former lush scenery.) In a matter of minutes, all the trees and brush disappeared, as well as some houses and much of the land itself. Mountains and hills in the Homer area literally moved.

It's hard to imagine how scary that event was for local residents. Here in the Midwest we face our own scary events, such as blizzards, floods, and tornadoes. We also face physical and emotional “earthquakes.” Perhaps many of us feel as if we're living on an emotionally unstable foundation.

When we face life's earthquake-like adversities, our faith in God may be tested. However, He promises to give us the stability we need when such things happen. No other god on earth or below or above can promise us the rock-solid, unmovable foundation that God the Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ can give. His holy Word professes that. A simple act of faith can give that assurance.

Isaiah 54:10—"’For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,,’ says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” What a promise! It is truly one we can cling to whenever we find ourselves sliding seven feet down the slippery slope of reality.

Lord, help us always to remember that there is nothing or no-one who can give us the sure, steady, unmovable foundation of love and security that You give. We thank You for Your unfailing love that will never be shaken. In Jesus' name, amen.