Whilst disagreeing with the first part of the above statement, I applaud the sentiments but wonder if we can go a little deeper. While risking offending some I believe that courage and strength comes from something deeper than accident of birth. People around the world will invariably rise to a disaster and give all that they can to bring restoration and hope to those who have suffered. I am always thrilled with the way Aussies respond to disaster whether home or abroad and offer help without fear or favour; yet I feel that there is more to it than this.
It is interesting to note the way in which some nations and governments respond to disasters and offers of help. A good deal of time passed after the earthquakes in China before the government conceded it could not cope and accepted overseas aid. There we have a government that believes only in itself and to ask for help would be a loss of face.
During the Tsunami disaster parts of the Indonesian government were suspicious and fearful of the outpouring of help offered by Western nations. ‘What were we after?’
Some might ask ‘Where is God in the midst of this disaster?’ and I might use a saying of Jesus by replying, ‘those who have eyes to see let them see.’ I see God in every tear that is shed. I see God in every shoulder that is offered to cry upon and every gift, gesture and greeting of goodwill. I see God in the tired and traumatised faces of fire-fighters, police and emergency workers. I see God in the shocked and stricken faces of young children, unbelieving and lost.
I believe that courage and strength do not come via our birth certificate but through something far more profound. It comes from the spiritual air that we breathe. Oh, I know that people will say that we are the most secular nation on earth – and I believe that also – but what we say we believe or don’t believe is not necessarily relevant at this time. It is more about who we are and the legacy that still lives through us.
We highly value individuality, a fair go, respect and a soft spot for the under dog. When our neighbour hurts (no matter where that neighbour may live) we hurt also. If we can lend a hand then we will do so. This is stuff of God!
‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.’ Psalm 23:4
I have learnt that God is much bigger than me. I have also learned that God is not restricted by constraints of a church and is perfectly capable of working with and through any number of believers and / or unbelievers!
Where is God? His Spirit is with the people of Victoria, wandering the blackened ruins and weeping with a shocked and stunned nation. Last Sunday I spoke of Jesus taking a woman by the hand and lifting her up and I have all faith that he continues to do that right now in the blackened and broken villages, bush and forests of our neighbours. He does the same for those to our north struggling to rebuild after devastating floods and his hand is held out to us as we seek strength to cope with shocking images invading our senses right now.
What can we do? We can talk it out and share the grief, giving permission for others to do so also. We can give money as a way of helping many thousands to start again and build a new future. We can pray. What difference will that make? Over many years now I often remind people that I have been praying for them and never has that news been received with derision. Prayer can give us comfort and the combined prayer of many – across the world right now – will bring comfort to the suffering. These things we can do.
Blessings – John
