Typhoon Haiyan was reported by CNN to be the most powerful typhoon/hurricane on record. Thinking of our many friends in and from the Philippines, Marlene and I have wept and prayed on many occasions as we watch the devastation caused by the super typhoon. Power brings does the worst to people. In this case, lives were lost and property was thoroughly destroyed. The effects of one storm will linger, leaving people sick and homeless for months if not years to come. Just look at Haiti. One moment of power, coming from an indiscriminate or nefarious source leaves hurt and pain that is unbearable. Power of the same kind also brings out the worst in people at times. There have been demonstrations of lawlessness filling the void left for the powerless.
However, power no matter how evil or harmful should bring out the compassion in the humble. Those of us who realize that we are graced with provision and opportunity, absolutely must run to the aid of those impacted by tragedy.
The converse demonstration of power would be that of absolute love and the full exercise for the good of humankind. That, of course, is in God’s hands and heart. And, trust me, he will come through in this situation as he has in every other. Many people wonder where God is in these kinds of situations. The reality of living in a broken world is what we have just witnessed. The reality of living in a broken world with a loving God who has been working redemption until the final day is something that those of faith witness every day.