There is the possibility that the enemies of Israel will take advantage of this situation as so much man-power has been sent to the Northern region. Several enemy areas are rejoicing at this disaster and the loss of life. LIttle do they understand that, should the winds shift and the fires head in their direction, these same firefighters would be there to help them keep from losing their homes and fields.
Today is one in which we are glued to our TVs waiting word and wondering what, if anything, we can do to help. The 2 Spies are feeling rather at a loss at this moment and will be glad for a positive direction to focus their energies. We know that our time will come to assist and to that end we wait.
We ask for your prayers for G-d's favor~ for much needed rain, success in putting out the multiple fires and protection from any more loss of life.
December 3rd 2010 (12)
ReplyDelete"And Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.' So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees." [1 Kgs 18:41-42]
Nothing is more comforting on a cold, snowy, winter's night here in Britain, once boots have been taken off and the door on the world has been closed, but to be drawn to the orangey-red flames of a coal-fire, pull up a chair and allow the fire’s warmth to warm-up the once frozen toes.
Fires, when within the safety of the fire-place, bring heat and light; two necessities for life. However when fires rage out of control only destruction, loss and pain occur. Today the continued high temperatures in Israel at the expense of much needed rain further exacerbates the situation and intensifies anguish.
Many times in past years the nation of Israel has faced such critical times when, it seems, her people are impotent to effect any change for the better. Today the wind takes the fires of Carmel where it wills whilst again man can do nothing to bring the much needed rain.
Returning to 1 Kgs 18 we can see three important lessons that might aid us today. Firstly, though the answer to our prayers may not come quickly our fervent intercession should not weaken. Seven times Elijah instructed his servant to look to the sea (v43). Secondly, a faithful belief in the desire outcome must be spoken out. In v41 Elijah proclaimed that he heard the sound of heavy rain before even a cloud appeared in the sky. Thirdly, it was from a cloud, "as small as a man's hand," that eventually the heavy rain fell from a cloud-filled sky. Let us never forget that when we turn to our LORD, He is our facilitating partner (v44-45). We are not alone in our misery.
In this day, and every day, let us not forget that when we offer to our LORD our fervent intercession mixed with a faithful belief the good LORD will, indeed come to our aid.
Steve Perry (UK) <><