Perspectives    
An Act of God?     

   Where was God when Michael - not named for the archangel - grew into a
Category-4 hurricane, on short notice, devastating lives and possessions in Florida and beyond?   

   Paul wrote to the Colossians, 

Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 

   How do we do that when 155-mph sustained winds blow away our earthly possessions, such as food, clothing and shelter? 

   Jesus wasn't kidding - He never does - when He commanded, 

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you as well. 

   Then a 10-foot surge of water churns all our things like a giant washing machine.  

   James wrote, 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 

for the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

   O Lord! Can't we learn steadfastness without losing every thing? 

   This is not an academic exercise for us. In 1985, an E-5 tornado roared through our neighborhood along the Pennsylvania/Ohio border. Twenty-nine people died within a stretch of about four miles, or less. 

   This month, if not for high-pressure stationed over Florida's Gulf Coast, Michael might have churned our way. 

   So, what about it, Lord? 

   What is our perspective, our point of view? How do we square what the world imposes with our sense of fairness, and right, and good? 

   Click on Views By the Sea the next three days. Together we'll search for perspective on various kinds of trials, including acts of God.

       Jimmy