After seeing and experiencing the magnitude of the earthquake's affects here, we've found ourselves angrily asking God, "why?" over and over again. It's hard not to question a faith that claims that everything happens for a reason when that 'thing' is something so horrific. In my memory of the actual earthquake, the sound that accompanies those of buildings crashing and neighbors screaming is Ben crying and yelling over and over again, "God, have mercy on this country, have mercy on this country!" Tuesday night, it felt like there was no mercy.
But in the days that followed, we have heard unending stories that can only be described as miracles. A friend doing translation in a medical facility tells us that the 6.4 aftershock on Thursday shifted buildings so that hundreds of people trapped alive were able to get out (they are now receiving medical attention). That is a miracle. 10 days after the earthquake, people are still being rescued alive from the rubble. That is a miracle. And in country that is stratified by social and economic class, skin color and language: we are daily seeing the miracle of solidarity being lived out. It also occurs to us that it is a miracle that we are alive and that out of everyone Ben and I know and love in Haiti, all but one are alive. This then begs the question, why us and why the people we know when so many other lives have been lost... but nevertheless, here we are questioning and being awed all at once.
13 comments:
Thank you for being so honest about what you are thinking and feeling. Thank you for sharing your hope. Thank you for sharing your anger and your pain. Thank you for your passion to minister peace and hope and comfort in the name of the One. Thank you for sharing miracles. You two are miracles too. Love, MED
There are so many "WHY GOD?" questions to ask but no clear answers. Especially your situation right now. So many reasons to be Angry. Your honesty is awesome and thank you for sharing. much love and lots of prayers. There hopefully will be a day when we can cuss, yell and scream at God face to face, than maybe cry together. There is so much more that we don't know or see.
After the first earthquake in Haiti, I had a word of knowledge that another earthquake was coming soon. But I kept my mouth shut for fear that it was just an after-thought.
This earthquake-shifting act pulls the story of Paul and Silas in prison for their Faith and an earthquake hits the walls during the night and breaks their shackles and those of everyone around them, while they are praising God. (Acts 16:25-26)
Why? You ask. God puts us in what seems to be the worst and terrible experience so He may be gloried through our outpouring witness of peace and reliance on Him when all else is in ruins.
So therefore having full opportunity to reach people with His love. The World's heart is more open to the Gospel of Christ when all seems lost and all they depended on is no longer trustworthy.
In showing the contrast of Satan's plans versus God's plans, Joseph shows us that God's plans are perfect. Two Bible translation versions say it well. (Genesis 50:20)
NIV
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
NLT
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
I pray for you daily, and often multiple times a day. This post gives me such a window into the tenuous hope that has gripped your home. Thank you for serving in the midst of your questions. Your courage is a beautiful gift.
Whoa! You guys are not going to believe this but the day after this aftershock we prayed in the Boone prayer group at Paul's house for miracles. Praise abounds for this joyful update of miracles. We are expecting many more miracles too. Love you guys. Keep the updates coming.
I join you in this in between place - of genuinely recognizing God's graces over these last days but struggling to accept grace was also present at 4:53:10 pm on January 12. Nap kenbe.
Thank you for giving us such a different perspective on miracles happening. We pray for you daily.
God's ways are not our ways, which makes it impossible for us to understand. How often and in what ways does he have to bring us to the end of ourselves so that we can see him more clearly? I appreciate your honesty in your anger, your hope and your praise. We love you. We pray for more miracles.
Lori & Terry
Came across this verse the other day and it made me think of you two:
"As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ" - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 NLT
It's hard not to question God in a crisis like this...thanks for sharing some light. I never even thought that the second big aftershock could have freed people from the initial quake.
Keeping you guys in my thoughts...stay safe!
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata
mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.
Hey Ben and Lexi, we have been thinking about you both, watching reports here in Korea, praying for you guys and for Haiti. we have organized fundraisers in the Elementary, Hannah, Luke, Bret and Kayla are all pitching in. Michelle has set up a bake sale for the early learning center too.. We miss you.. I'm proud of you both. Blessings, John Petrey, for the family.
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