Hurricane Katrina

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I did something I normally don't do. I watched and listened to a lot of news. My heart breaks for the families of this natural disaster. I felt disgust that some evil men and women used the hurricane to commit acts of lawlessness.

As I listened to comments about why God allowed this hurricane to happen- which varied based on religious, political and moral hot buttons. Some reasoned that God allowed Katrina because the United States was not serious about global warming. Others thought God's hand of judgment was on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast for the proliferation of immorality abundant in the Big Easy.

I was reminded of an excellent article that appeared in World Magazine right after the deadly tsunami hit the Far East. The article was written by John Piper and can be accessed here: http://www.worldmag.com/johnpiper/piper.cfm?id=17445

Piper reminds us not to ask the why of God's judgments. But instead what do we do now? Jesus taught us in Luke 13:1-5 that disasters are to lead us not to I told you so. But rather to repentance.

Luke 13:1-5: 1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

Repentance for sin is our daily need. We need the mercy of God to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Tragedy and prosperity should both drive us to our knees in expectation that God is merciful and holy. All tragedy is just a glimpse of God's wrath that is coming on all sin. Prosperity is just a glimpse of God's goodness to those who love Christ with all of their heart, mind, soul and strength.

Christians should also be driven to help the families of hurricane Katrina through prayer, care and share. The needs for these families will be enormous. Some words of caution are in order though. Not every charity will steward the assets in the same way. Christians need to be wise in how they give. http://ministrywatch.com has a list of charities that are reputable and effective with distributing funds to the needy.

For example, it was well documented after 9-11 that the Salvation Army was more effective in distributing assets to the needs than the Red Cross: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=95001506

I am challenged by this tragedy as I was by 9-11 and the Tsunami to be even more vigilant about excelling at areas of life stewardship. There may come a time when each of us is called to help a friend, family member or stranger. Those who are debt-free, live low maintenance life styles and have savings are in the best position to help.

May God bless this country,

Ashley Hodge