The devastation hadn’t yet struck. The young man remained calm so as not to scare his small children. He gathered together the ones he loved most. They hurried into the garage, and he opened the storm shelter door. Once safely inside he closed and clamped down and locked the lid. His wife wondered what their world would be like when it was all over.
The air pressure changed as they huddled together, hearing the roar of power. It sounded like the world above was being ripped away. Then it was silent. It was gone; it finally ended.
It was Monday, May 3, 1999, in Moore, Oklahoma. The F5 tornado had ripped through the Bridge Creek Addition. No other tornado had reached the 302 M.P.H., anytime, worldwide! During its 85 minutes on the ground, 38 miles of destruction had left 36 people dead. Families were devastated that day.
He told his family to remain seated in the comfort and safety of their refuge. As he slowly cracked the door open it was obvious their world was taken away. The afternoon light poured into the small room below their garage. “But there shouldn’t be this much light,” he reasoned.
Slowly climbing out of his family shelter, he saw nothing. All the homes were gone. There wasn’t a trace of his house, anywhere. No more cars. All had been taken away -- except their lives.
As he stepped out into what was once his neighborhood, his first words revealed his heart in that shocking moment: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” ( Job 1:21).
Someday your world will suddenly and dramatically come to an end. He’ll be gone! She’ll no longer be there to care for and comfort you! This happens every day, to the young and the old. You know that it’s coming!
What do people of God say when only He can help?
“In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; deliver me in Your righteousness. Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress; for the sake of Your name lead and guide me. For You are my refuge” (Psalm 31).
Some people have survived indescribable pain and suffering, but hear the confidence of the apostle Paul: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans5:3-5).
Keep your faith, hope, and trust in God, who cares for you and is always near!