As this week has gone by, I've been learning how to lean on The Lord even in times of stress. Hurricane Harvey made landfall just a little over a week ago, and as a Houstonian, it has been one of the most interesting times for the city. Thankfully, I had already left for school, but it was weighing on my heart knowing that family and friends were at risk of losing so much.
There were moments when I literally had to repeat to myself that God is good and lean on Scripture to remember that life here on Earth is so temporary. He kept showing me His faithfulness even in the midst of disaster. It is amazing to see how He is still able to bring Himself glory even in times of difficulty.
This past week, I have never seen so many people come together in the Houston area to help one another. The church is not silent in this time, and I am in awe of how many people are going out and helping repair homes in the name of Jesus. He is worthy, and He is calling on the church to be vessels for His Kingdom.
In the midst of this whirlwind of disaster, it is interesting to see how quickly it all went. I don't think anyone back home was expecting something quite like this to hit us. Within the matter of a few days, Houston was unexpectedly devasted with so much water. While currently being away, it was terrifying watching the news and Facebook, while also hearing my parents over the phone telling me that they are moving things upstairs.
It was fearful, and it was frightening, but it was also very telling.
I learned a few things about myself, and this storm showed me a lot about how significant my loved ones are in my life. Being out of the Houston area, at the time, it was easy to get caught up in the ease of not being in the midst of the danger and just enjoying time off of school and having a few rainy days, though this was not the reality of people not that far away.
It hit me when parts of my home city were put under mandatory and voluntary evacuation. It was then that I realized that some of my family and friends might be in danger. I was fearful, yet I knew the One who in control and is completely perfect. I knew the One who lives inside of my spirit.
During some of those days of fear, I would sit with Scripture and read the truth. There is so much fear and anger in times of confusion, but I had to remember that The Lord is faithful, and He knows me so much better than I could ever know myself. A few days later, I read a passage in Genesis that spoke so deeply into my heart about this very thing.
In the times of fear and lots of unknowns, it is peaceful to know that as Believers, we can see past times of the faithfulness of The Lord and trust in our future with Him.