. . . not even a forest fire

This week in our part of the world, wildfires have destroyed most of the town of Slave Lake, burning houses and businesses and leaving many people with only what they could quickly load in a vehicle as they left. No lives were lost.

Our daughter-in-law sent a prayer request for her young brother and his wife. Their home burned to the ground. They saved their dogs, truck, and the clothes they had on them. I sent a message to our grandson saying that when such things happen, I want to gather family close and that I am praying for them. He wrote back:

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are doing ok, it is terrible what has happened. I feel pretty bad for (my uncle and his wife) not to mention the rest of the people of Slave Lake. That sure is a lot of rebuilding to do for a lot of people lost everything but the shirt on their back. Fortunately, human nature compels us to help in any way we can; so many people are making food and cash donations. I'm sure there will be a combined effort to rebuild the town. People have a way of helping each other through disaster and tragedy, and although so much was lost which cannot ever be replaced, it seems everyone still has each other, and that is the most important treasure we have.

This touched me; his observations are true. Tragedy often brings out the best in people, even though looters take advantage of chaos and we are already being warned of scam “assistance” programs. However, so many people are offering whatever they can to help those who have lost their homes and possessions that agencies have asked them to stop for a bit so they can catch up with sorting and delivering donations.  Even in a great trial like this, good is already happening.

Today’s reading in My Utmost for His Highest says that God does not keep anyone immune from trouble, not even His people. In fact, the Bible says that Christians are “more than conquerors in all these things.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37–39)

These verses are not talking about imaginary or even spiritual trials. These troubles are real, whether famine, sword, persecution or fires, and they leave people in shock and destitute. However, because God is faithful, we can overcome. We rebuild or regain losses, yet biblical overcoming is more than that. It does not happen by our ingenuity, courage or the help of our friends. Our victory is the fact that no trial of any kind can destroy our relationship to God in Jesus Christ. It is secure no matter what.

I know that a terrible physical loss does not look like love to those who experience it, even to those who observe it. However, those who belong to Jesus know that no matter the losses here on earth, that is all that they are . . . here on earth. We have a greater treasure stored up for us in heaven, one that cannot be lost or taken from us.

Lest that seems too “pie in the sky” for anyone, we also have something else. Even in the midst of great loss, sorrow, trials and any other difficulties, God’s people also have His presence and His promise to never leave us or forsake us. We know that He is sufficient, no matter what happens to us.

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God, I’ve had losses, yet nothing like our relatives and others who look at the burned out shells of what used to be their safe places. I know what has been destroyed can be rebuilt, but also know that even the most optimistic feel kicked in the stomach by what is happening to them and their community. Even though Your people know that houses and even life in this world is temporary, it is still heart-wrenching. May we be sensitive to the needs of others, yet reminded that one day all of what is here will be left behind, and even burned in that last fire. As my grandson says, we are glad to have each other.

I am also glad that I know You and Your promises. No matter what losses are suffered in this life, You never abandon us or leave us without the greatest resource of all — Yourself. As I pray for the people of Slave Lake and as people rally to help these who are suffering, may each one be aware of Your loving care. You can raise up good from these ashes. You have not stopped loving this world. May those who know You be aware of and even able to share Your persistent and constant love with those who are in shock and great sorrow.

(Photo credit)