Praise You in This Storm

On Sunday night, I spent some time walking with God.
I decided I needed to get out into God's world and get closer to my creator. Which is entirely natural for me... because, afterall, I am human.
So I started out on a one hour walk to my mothers house just out of town. It was a great time to reflect upon my bussiness of late and to rejuvenate.

Which is exactly what I think I needed to prepare me for the next two days, as Monday morning I was on my way to Wallan; one of the various emergency relief centres for fire victims in Victoria.

The devastation that this fire has caused is incredible. Not just to properties... but to people... and animals. There was one lady on crutches who was able to escape the fire with her pet rabbit.... unfortunately however, she was unable to save her pet goats who were like family to her.

This fire however, has also caused a great banding together of people and communities. It's amazing how much people really do shine in the face of adversity. Constantly people were coming from all directions to donate their time and resources. Everyone wanted to help somehow.

On Tuesday morning, I had the opportunity of going out with my father to deliver food and basic necessities to those victims who needed it but were unable to leave their fire ravaged properties... It was a very eery atmosphere as we drove through the burnt trees and smoldering piles of ash where forest once stood... Houses had melted... we were only able to find one or two left standing.

At one house we came to, there was a lady there who was very lucky to escape. The fire had reached the windows of her house... What a nerve racking experience it must have been for her! Words cannot describe how she must be feeling.

It was only when returning home tonight that I listened to the song "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns and the enormity of the situation really struck me. It also struck me how soooooo very important it is to continue to praise our God through adverse time.

Our God works in mysterious ways... and may he continue to work in and amongst those affected by this disaster.