Answered Prayer

Tornadoes have devastated my home state -- and those surrounding it -- this week. I am a bazillion miles away and have had to rely on the internet, television and a million phone calls to my mother to ensure all is safe and well where she is. It is. She is good. Praise the Lord.

A whirling mass DID touch down in her backyard, rearranging lawn furniture and leaving some untouched. So strange the ways of twisters.

Many were not so lucky. Lives have been lost. Entire towns devastated and still many missing. My heart just breaks.

And so as I praise God for the safety of those near and dear to me, I am burdened for the many who must be asking where their protector was during the storms. And so I am compelled to share a truth that I have had to learn repeatedly during my adult life: God is in the storm. He is. Sometimes, however, our faith-filled prayers are not answered exactly the way we desire. Sometimes, our sick are not made well. Sometimes, our lame are not made to walk. Sometimes, the storm devastates and destroys. Sometimes, the plan of the Father is simply not the plan of our heart.

And yet, through it all, my beloveds, HE IS FAITHFUL. He will hold you. He will carry you. He will provide the strength you need to make it through whatever trial He brings you up against.

"Have mercy on me,  O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings, until the disaster has passed. 

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57: 1, 7, 9-11 (NIV)

And especially, Father God, let your glory be over my beloved South today. Amen.