Within weeks, we have experienced record-breaking fires in the northwest, record-breaking hurricanes in Texas and Florida, and a record-breaking earthquake in Mexico. What is happening? Are these disasters random? Just freaks of nature? Or is something more significant intended? The answer may be found in an incredible Biblical story.
A home damaged by a tree is seen after Hurricane Irma made landfall in Tampa, Florida, U.S., September 11, 2017. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
The Old Testament book of 1 Kings 19 records a dramatic scene when the Lord God passed by as the prophet Elijah stood in the mouth of a cave. The description is eerily similar to ours, because first there was a great and powerful wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice–the gentle voice of Father God speaking to His frightened, weary child.
A sinking boat is surrounded by debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma at Sundance Marine in Palm Shores, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. (Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
God used the earthquake, wind and fire to get Elijah’s attention, because God had something to say. Our situation is so similar to Elijah’s it begs the question: Is God using these storms to get our attention because He also has something to say to His us? Yes, He is. What is it? I believe God is saying in essence what He said to Elijah. His message can be broken into four parts:
1) Be comforted. The fact that God spoke to Elijah revealed God’s presence. God is with us. He has promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) God is right there. With you. Now! And He understands what it feels like to be stripped of everything.
Marie Powell surveys damage to her property at a mobile home park after Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida, U.S. September 11, 2017. (REUTERS/Stephen Yang)
2) Be blessed. God told Elijah He would bring help. And God did. He brought Elisha alongside. God will bring us help, too: first responders, FEMA, friends, neighbors, family—even strangers will come alongside to help in the work of rebuilding. They are moved to do so by the Spirit of God, so even in the mess, mold, muck and misery we are aware of Heaven’s blessing.
3) Be encouraged. God told Elijah there were more faithful believers in God than Elijah was aware of, implying Elijah’s life had been more impactful than he knew. Our lives also have eternal significance. No man is an island. Life is not just about you. Me. These storms have given ample opportunity for us to understand that life is about something bigger than we are. It’s a good time to reorder our priorities and private world.
Neighbors help each other clear their road of debris in Kissimmee, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, as residents begin to clean up after Hurricane Irma plowed through the state. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
4) Be ready. God gave Elijah another assignment—a purpose. And I believe God has a purpose for us. We need to look to Him and be ready for what’s coming next. Because soon after Elijah’s sensational confrontation with God, he was “raptured.” Taken up into Heaven without seeing death. Don’t miss this implied message. In the words of Jesus, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) Heaven is waiting! Jesus is coming! The signs He gave signal that His coming is imminent. On that day, don’t be left behind. Be ready to meet Him face to face. Turn to Him now. Place your trust in Jesus.
Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
God is speaking through the storms. Are you listening?
End Time Bible Prophecy 
Yes I love Jesus Christ and I am putting my faith in him. I believe that these are the signs that he is giving and more is coming. Things are unfolding. I am wondering what is coming next. Because so many things are happening at the same time. I know that he is in control of everything. We are living in the rapture age. I cannot understand how when I have spoken to people about Jesus Christ and that is the kingdom that he is going to bring. Because satan right now he is the prince of the power of the air. But soon God is going to crush him. I am looking forward to my King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But what I cannot understand why some people do not understand what is going on. Today I had spoken to a wife that my oldest brother had and I just mentioned to her that satan is right now the god of this world. But I felt that she did not understand what I was trying to tell her. I kind of felt that she got kind of upset because she visits the catholic church. But I keep the sabbath. I go to a born again christian and my pastor baptized me two weeks ago by the seven lakes upstate. church located at Black Rock Avenue here in the Bronx. I also take bible studies online they are for free and I know I have the holy spirit.
Thanks for your comment Josephine DeJesus!
Most of the people in this world do not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, nor can they see the truth because their eyes are blinded to it by Satan, and those not of Christ cannot see the things of the spirit. Even many who profess to be Christians are not truly Christians, and sadly enough even many true Christians do not see what is happening in the world around them! Very sad.
We as believers in Jesus Christ need to wake up from our slumber for our redemption is near, our King is coming! Keep the faith Sister, God is always with you, even til the end.
God bless! Maranatha!