They Were Astonished…

When talk of Gustav first began, weathermen and women stated that it could be rated a catagory 4 or 5 hurricane that could destroy New Orleans again. As Gustav moved closer to Louisiana, computer models kept showing a strong possibility of that happening. The language used by city and state officials was strong also and sent an estimated one million people into evacuation mode. Prayers were made so that the storm would weaken or bypass that area. The threat posed by Gustav was taken seriously. So, lo and behold, the storm weakened and did not hit New Orleans directly. Instead of “Praise God for answering our prayers” the reoccurring statement being touted now is that it was foolish to evacuate or take the storm seriously. Ahem…wait a second… when you prayed to God and hoped for this very outcome, didn’t you pray and wait in expectation? Are you really upset that He answered your prayers?

When you read Acts 12:1-9, you read about how the Apostle Peter was imprisoned and how the church nearby was praying for him. The angel of the Lord rescued Peter, allowing Peter the freedom to return to the place where the church was praying. After Peter knocked on the door, a girl went to open it (v.14) but was so astonished to see him that she ran back without opening it. When they finally came back and opened the door (v.16) they were astonished. They were surprised to see him there, even after praying to God in expectation (one assumes) that God would help Peter.

It is easy to point fingers at that church, but I have felt astonished myself, and then felt astonished that I felt astonished. Standing on this side of the pages of my Bible, it is easy to ask that church, “Why were you surprised? Did you thank God for answering your prayer?” But, I can hardly point a finger at them, without pointing at myself. It is always good to get a reminder that God is always faithful in hearing and answering our prayers. It is important to pray, believing that he will answer according to His wisdom and His timing.

Like many others, I listened to the reports of an imminent strike by Gustav. I prayed that the storm would dissipate. I hope that this week, we can be in agreement as we pray and thank God that the expected disaster did not happen as forecasted. Also I hope we will also lift up those who did face trouble with the storm, and those returning home this week. God IS good, all the time…