It All Burned

I heard someone screaming near the house on the street behind us.  I looked over and saw flames leaping high in the air.  I called 911 and they said they were on the way.

As the owner visited a nearby friend, the fire devoured everything she owned.  Neighbors used  garden hoses.to save the place next door    It was damaged but not destroyed.

 One moment, she had the treasures accumulated over a lifetime.  Minutes later, it all burned.  She lost things we take for granted.  She needed to replace medications, ID cards, drivers license, all her clothing, everything.

 Her community rallied to help, as she had no insurance.  Donations poured in, both money and material things. People debated the cause of the fire.  Many said it was accidental while others thought it was deliberately set.

 

Confirmation of the suspicions of most of the neighbors led to more unease and distress.  Another house also burned earlier in the week and everyone knew it was not an electrical problem.

Naturally we all felt stressed, jumping at every strange noise as we wondered who would be next. We all looked suspiciously at unknown cars and strangers in our neighborhood. Some wondered if the culprit lived here. Rumors quickly arose and made it hard to filter truth from gossip.  In short, we worried about our houses, our safety, and the well being of others around us.

Many things happen every day.  Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, fires, mudslides and other disasters threaten our peace of mind.  However, it is all in God’s hands.

Matthew in the Bible told us a lot about worry.

Matthew 6:27-29

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

 

 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  KJV

Bad stuff happens all the time.  You read about on the Internet, hear it on the radio or television and sometimes hear it from a friend.  When it strikes close to home, it affects us more deeply as we know what happened and more important, who experienced it.

We can rest assured that in spite of what happens, God cares for us.  He provided aid and comfort to our neighbor through friends and strangers.  Even as human behavior grows more bizarre by the minute, God still takes care of us.  Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead.  He will heal our wounds, our secret fears, and the dread of the world’s surprises if we turn to Him trust Him and take Him at his word.

 

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  KJV

All photos  from public domain.