Thursday, January 9, 2025

Pastor's Ponderings, January 9, 2025

God Can Even Quench Fires

 

When wildfires rage, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. The latest wildfires in Los Angeles have captured global attention, with out-of-control flames devastating communities and landscapes. It's natural to wonder: Why is this happening? Who’s to blame? Politicians? Businesses? Some even point fingers at God.

 

But instead of dwelling on blame, let’s ask ourselves: How should those of us who trust in God respond when disaster strikes?

 

In the Bible, there’s a powerful moment where Jesus and His disciples are caught in a raging storm at sea. The disciples, panicking, wake Him. But Jesus doesn’t get up to assign blame or scold them for their fear. Instead, He speaks to the storm: “Peace, be still!” And just like that, the wind and waves obeyed, and calm was restored (Mark 4:37-40).

 

This story reminds us of God’s ability to bring peace to even the most chaotic situations.

 

Many believers around the world are likely already praying for the fires to cease. But it’s important not to lose heart. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 

When faced with disaster, we can learn from King Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament. Faced with hostile armies, he didn’t panic—he prayed. He sought God’s guidance and placed his trust in Him (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

 

Now, does that mean the wildfires will disappear overnight? Maybe not. But we can trust that God hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing.

 

The Bible also gives us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

So, what can we do? We can pray.

 

Pray for the firefighters risking their lives.

Pray for the families who have lost homes and loved ones.

Pray for the communities working to rebuild.

Most importantly, pray that God will bring an end to this catastrophe.

God is still in control, even in the face of flames and destruction. He can do anything but fail. Let’s place our trust in Him, now and always.

 

Mark 4:37-40

New King James Version

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

 

Galatians 6:9

New International Version

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

2 Chronicles 20:3, 4

New International Version

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah

The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

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