Submitted by: Pastor Wanderson Da Silva

Brazil

Note: 2011 brings many tragedies even worse than Katrina! Please pray for all, Japan, Haiti, and all others!

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:20 

Every year residents of the United States coast line live under the expectancy of storms through the hurricane season. This year, 2005, we have been watching through the news about many storms forming in the Atlantic ocean, more specifically in the Caribbean sea. The weather forecast had a list of possible hurricanes for this season that could become major storms with a possibility of reaching anywhere on the United States coast line. 

August 29, 2005 a hurricane named Katrina (as you know each season hurricanes are alphabetically named) after passing through Miami as a category one storm gained strength and had a direct hit as a category four in the Gulf Coast of the United States, devastating the entire coast line of Mississippi, Louisiana and parts of Alabama.  

Throughout the entire effected area, thousands of houses, building, boats and ships, industries and fields were destroyed. Millions of people were evacuated and thousands stayed behind. On the whole everyone suffered some kind of loss. In most cases all was lost — not only material things but lives.

Katrina has been declared the greatest natural disaster in recent years if not of all times. Surely will be the unforgettable storm for millions of people who lost their houses, cars, businesses, properties, dreams, memories and, perhaps the most important, a loved one.

 It is a suffering, a distress and anguish that money may not solve it or perhaps will only put a mask on it, but there is hope. You’ve got hope!

 v.1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 v.2: Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

 v.3  Though its waters roar and be troubles, though the mountains shake with it swelling.

 v.10:  Be still, and know that I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

 v.11: The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46: 1-3; 10,11

 Whether or not you are a believer of God’s word, I want you to know that He, God, is in control of all things including storms, and before I go further to answer the so asked question: “If God is Love, why does He allow disasters?” I want you to see the light in the dark hours. There is hope even though it seems that we have lost everything.

 My hope, your hope is in God through His Son, Jesus, the Creator of all things including you and me.

 “But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

 God is faithful and He Himself wants you to know that whatever you are going through in your life, He is in control, and not only in control but He promises that He will not give you more than you can bear. He loves you and if you trust Him to take you out of the mess and tribulation, you may see He will do it.

 God also says He will show you a way out. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the words temptations and tempted mean any kind of trials, tribulations, problems, suffering, and of course, sin. Considering this truth, know that your God is faithful, let Got be your helper in times of trouble. If He said He will show you a way out, God is able enough to restore any material loss you may have, perhaps, not in the same way as before but certainly in a better way because He is perfect. God will restore more than material losses; He will restore lives.

 Jesus said: “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

 God so loved us that He gave Jesus as a living sacrifice for whoever believes in Him even though after leaving This body of flesh will have eternal life, and if God gave you His son, Jesus, so that you may live much more, He will do for you as soon as you call upon His name.

 God gave you the most valuable thing — eternal life — if you believe in His Son. And if God didn’t spare His precious and Holy Son for you, I am more than confident that He will give you a life of abundance and joy after you pass through the storm.  And I am referring to a life in abundance of all things, not only in heaven but also on earth with: peace, joy, health, material things and much more needed to complete your joy. You know why? Because He cares for you!

 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 God’s word is God talking to you and me. God has plans to prosper you not to harm you. Even though this storm or any tribulation has caused you to lose a house, a job, a business or even a life of a loved one, don’t let anger or hate shut down the light of God’s purpose for your life. Nothing happens without God’s permission and of one thing you can be sure, He’s got the solution.

 v.2  “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.

 v.3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow

 v.4 So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)

 You may say or think that I ‘ve lost my mind by telling you to have joy when troubles come. Well, it is not me, it is the Word of God that tells us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials. Back some time ago when I read this scripture, at first I laughed and thought it wasn’t so.

 Today, I realize that back then I did not understand it because when James told us to count it all joy, he did not necessarily say for you to be happy and rejoicing with your situation. Neither am I saying you should not. But joy in times of trouble means to look up to God and rest on his mighty hand to deal with the overwhelming ordeals and turmoil of your life, knowing that He is God. God alone promises never to leave or forsake you, and He walks with you, protecting you, caring for you. Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:4

 Maybe you are asking so many questions; maybe you are completely hopeless and lost; maybe this storm has destroyed everything you took a lifetime to build . . . only you and God know how deep you are suffering. My advice — patience!

 After trusting in God as your helper and strength, like Jesus said, your faith produces patience (endurance), and it will all work for your benefit once you grow from it.

 I am a living testimony of God’s care and provision. In 1985 my family and I were survivors of a devastating flood that vanished with many houses in southern Mintas Gerais, Brazil. The water rose all the way to the roof. It came so fast that we had to leave everything behind. We did not have a chance to save anything not even clothes.

 While my father was thousands of miles away at this job, my mother was in charge, and she comforted two sisters and me with faith in God. Without a house and lack of everything, I was scared. Recovery took a long time. It didn’t come when I wanted, but God, who is faithful, restored everything back to normal and now I am telling you He will do the same for you.

 Here is what God is telling you today: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, For I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

 Maybe you are saying that’s easy for me to say and to give you comfort because I am not with you, or I don’t know your loss or circumstance. If so, you are right. Praise God because I know a God who is better than anyone, who is right now with you holding you by your hand. It is not me or anybody else, but God who will cause all things to work for your own good. Romans 8:28

 It might be time of mourning; a time of desperation; a time of rebuilding the future, a time for many things. But most of all, it is a time to seek repentance of your sins; it is a time to call upon the name of the Lord because there is only so much that man and the government can help you with, if you get any. Only God, only Jesus can see you through the storm and heal your broken heart and land.

 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

 I may not have all the probable causes for your suffering or loss, but certainly I have the best solution and help that you may ever get. It is at your hand and it is free — Jesus!

 Jesus is only waiting for your call on His name. He is right there beside God ready to intercede for your need. He is your mediator. Hebrews 9:11-15 And with Jesus as your mediator definitely your help will come soon!

 We are living in the end of times. Things will get worse as you can read: Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 The reality is that Katrina was one single storm, and storms go and come. To protect ourselves, we need to find a safe shelter not for a couple of hours, but one that will last forever. Jesus is God and God is our shelter and safe refuge. Maybe this storm caught you off guard, but seek Jesus now and you and your house will be saved.

 “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)

 Trust in God, dear friend. Your faith is His provision will see you through the storm. The mercy of the Lord is for those who wait upon Him. Psalm 147:11 Jesus will calm the storm; He controls the winds that blow through our lives.

 Our next topic we will discuss: why God allows disasters if He is love.

more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) 

Hurricane Katrina Finding Hope through the Storm Part Two

The victory is yours in Jesus’ name. Amen

SECOND STEP WALKING IN VICTORY

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Hurricane Katrina
| Finding Hope through the Storm |

 | Life After Death |

| Do You Know Your Provider |

| WALKING IN VICTORY |

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