Hurricane Preparation 101

Last week the occurrence of Hurricane Isaac brought back many memories of when my family lived on the Gulf Coast and faced the preparations and endurances of Hurricanes Ivan, Cindy, Dennis, and Katrina.  While the clean up for these storms was often intense and demanding preparing for them was also quite a chore. 

Whenever a storm begins to churn in the Atlantic Ocean with a potential destination of the United States the meteorologists spring into action with forecasts of where the storm appears to be heading.  This immediately prompts the local news stations to begin broadcasting reports of impending possibilities.  Regardless of the word possibility or probability widespread preparation launches.  People begin purchasing plywood, batteries, gas cans, staple food items, bread, bottled water, etc…  In addition, there is always a mad rush to fill all of one’s gas cans, generators, and vehicles with fuel.  These efforts to prepare have a near panic effect on people.  While some who sit back and think nothing is going to happen eventually will succumb to the mass purchasing and hoarding to be prepared “just in case.” 

Once the storm moves closer to the said destination many will begin to pull out old plywood, replace damaged pieces with new wood, and place over glass doors and windows.  Outdoor patio furniture, grills, planters, and all potential projectile objects are secured in garages and sheds.  And many times this is done in conjunction with neighbors to make the job more manageable and enjoyable.  Every last minute preparation is done to prepare property and family from the impending danger.   The last step of the preparation is to make a decision of whether to ride out the storm or evacuate.  If the storm looks as though it will be catastrophic in nature many choose to leave for a safer area.

Now here is the irony of the preparation, often the sun is shining and the temperatures are scorching.  As I boarded up my home in Mobile I would often think to myself, “It doesn’t look like any storm is coming!”  In fact, the weather often looked as though it was some of the prettiest days of the summer.  However, I knew according to the forecasters, that a storm of great magnitude was coming my way!  I must prepare for what is coming!

What would have happened if I had not heeding the warnings?  What would have been the potential danger if I had not done all the hard work, even though it looked as though nothing was wrong?  What could have happened to my family if I did not take the necessary precautions to protect them?  There could be a chance of survival!  I have heard of harrowing stories from those who weathered the brunt of Katrina.  However, there were also those who did not live to tell of their experiences. 

There is a vast correlation between the preparation for a hurricane and the preparation for the storms of life. First, we don’t always sense or see a storm coming.  However, we must prepare anyway.  Matthew 7 gives us great wisdom regarding the man who built his house on the rock.  Matthew’s account does not tell us when he prepared for the storms but we know that when they came he was ready.  Most likely he prepared before the storms arrived, when the sun was shining and all was good.  The time to prepare for the storms is not as they are upon us but before they come.  We must prepare when all is good, bright, and shiny regardless if we do not see the storms coming. 

Secondly, trust in the one who has the power to calm the storms of your life.  In Matthew 8 Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Tiberius in a small boat when a great storm came up on them suddenly.  The disciples cried out to Jesus fearing for their life.  “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, you of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.” (Mt. 8:26)  Jesus has the power to calm every storm we are in or going to be entering.  Trust Him! 

Wherever you are today trust that God has the power and desire to protect and save you from whatever you face.  He also has the wisdom to guide you to prepare for the storms you will face so why not ask Him for wisdom for He gives to all liberally. (James 1:5)

Facing the Storms with the Master,

Pastor Ric