Reading the prophet Isaiah's longing for God to break suddenly into a situation and appear, my heart echoed this cry.
Before reading the verse above I had received a message from a friend. Her cousin lives in an area of North Carolina that was recently demolished by Hurricane Helene. Although so very thankful to be alive, life around her relative is almost non-existent. After days without power and cell phone service, she was only now able to contact her cousin.
In her message she described the conditions in Western North Carolina as nightmarish. Mudslides and missing roads prevent any travelling. With power still unavailable, ATM machines are inaccessible and without cash people are unable to make purchases. She described unbelievable scenes with heavy police presence at many gas stations because of the violence escalating. Any roads that are navigable are reliant on drivers being "nice, patient and respectful" as most traffic lights are not working. And, it is not just the smaller buildings that have been destroyed. Large corporate chain stores have become a mess of steel beams. She writes: "It's apocalyptic out there and I'm not exaggerating at all. I can't believe the far spread scope of this."
It is so heartbreaking to read and almost unfathomable for our minds to comprehend. Somehow, we can see pictures on the news and become desensitized due to similar visuals now portrayed on so many television dramas. In our thoughts we can distance the reality of all that these dear folk are experiencing, convincing ourselves that it is just another episode on some series, ignoring the very real pain happening for survivors at this very moment. Even while writing this, two more friends from across the border wrote with updates regarding their situations. One referenced all the food in fridge and freezers that no doubt has long spoiled for many. Another mentioned the very cold showers and no heat in her home, yet thankful the temperatures outside are still welcoming.
But some of us may be going through our own personal "hurricanes". Gale force winds are threatening to topple us as we've been blindsided by an unexpected storm. Oh, how we are calling out to the Lord to "burst" into our lives with His power and show Himself mighty on our behalf.
As I look over my list of prayer requests it seems overwhelming. As the walls of buildings collapsed, hearts too are crumbling from unforeseen circumstances, delays, and unrelenting ongoing trials without an end in sight.
Lord, we are calling on You to "burst from the heavens and come down!" Father we need You. Further on in Isaiah 65 You say, "I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for Me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am!' to a nation that did not call on My name" (Isaiah 65:1). Father, we don't want to be accused of that neglect. We are calling on Your name! "When You came down long ago, You did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!' (Isaiah 64:3-4). God, we ask that even at this very moment we will see the truth of Isaiah 65:24 before our eyes, "I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"
We wait with expectation for You to burst forth into each need represented that Your glory may be seen throughout the world. Thank You Lord for all You are going to do. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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