“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:12
Where was God?
That was a question posed in one of the many stories about Hurricane Harvey – a storm that has killed so many people across several counties in Texas.
We were all horrified to hear about people drowning, a 3-month-old being swept away from her parents’ truck, and a family of six perishing in floodwaters while riding in a van.
More than 50 inches of rainfall from one storm? Highways and entire neighborhoods completely submerged? The overarching question was, “If there is a God, how could God let this happen?”
We hear that question often, especially following natural disasters or acts of evil. I believe the answer to “Where is God?” can be found in our response to those events.
Volunteers rushed to get nursing home residents and hospital patients away from rising floodwaters. People risked their lives in neck-deep water to save others. A tow truck driver used his own vehicle to rescue families because, “it’s the right thing to do.” How many people did we see carrying complete strangers in their arms to safety? On most days, we walk by those strangers without saying a word. Then there was the beloved “Cajun Navy” using their own small boats to save people from drowning in their homes.
Those stories remind me of the Matthew West song, “Do Something.” It’s about seeing a troubled world, shaking a fist at Heaven, and yelling, “God, why don’t you do something?” God responds with, “I did. I created you.”
I believe our response to catastrophe is inspired by God. As Dr. Long says, loving God and loving our neighbor is our purpose. It’s why we were created. A microscope can’t see it, but helping others is in our DNA.
While the urge to help others may be natural… the actual act is part of our free will. In John 13:34, Jesus said “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Christ gave us a choice, but if we remember to stop and count our blessings, the choice is easy.So let’s act on that feeling of gratitude. “Love Does,” as Bob Goff wrote. We must have the courage – we must dare greatly – to become the people God meant for us to be.
Symbolic gestures of empathy, like posting caring messages on social media, are good. But let’s dare greatly by donating our time, resources, or money to help others in need. Wherever we are, let’s fulfill our purpose and show everyone that, yes, “God was right there.”
Ed Doney, Staff Writer
