Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Power-less

I’ve just been reading about how most in Houston are still without power due to Hurricane Ike, and they do not expect it to be restored to most for at least another week.

Friends, I feel your pain. We were without power for a week after our ice storm last December.

For those who haven’t experienced it, let me tell you a little about how it goes:

Your refrigerator and freezers do not function without power, so that food spoils quickly. You may not have been prepared with dry goods in the pantry. If you do not have gas appliances, you have no way to heat anything up (or in our case, stay warm). Cold meals would usually be a sandwich, but your sandwich meat and cheese have gone bad. Grocery and supply stores are closed because they do not have power. Those running on generators may still not be able to take credit cards or checks. You may not have stockpiled cash before the storm, and ATM’s aren’t working to get more. Gas stations cannot pump gas without power. Those few that may have generators have long lines and run out of gas. Restaurants are closed, so you can’t just go out to eat. Your cell phone is running out of juice, but you have no way to recharge (remember…you are out of gas in the car, so even the car charger is useless).

Everywhere you turn, what you are used to relying on is unavailable.

It’s a sick feeling.

You know, when my power is on and everything is running smoothly, it’s easy to read the words of Jesus about not worrying about what you will eat or drink or wear because God will take care of you, and think that I live those words pretty well.

What I learned, however, is that those words are much more difficult to live by when the reality is staring you in the face.

So, I guess what I’m saying is that I pray for the faith of those in southeast Texas as they are faced with these circumstances. I pray that they will trust. I pray that they will share and look out for each other. I pray that they will be patient. Because I know they are being tested.

3 comments:

Chad said...

I feel you're pain. Imagine having to add 3 kids to that situation.

Anonymous said...

Refrigerator without power? Ever seen a refrigerator blown down the block past the used to be houses?

preacherman said...

Shane,
Thank you for this wonderful post. I appreciate you praying for those effected by Ike. My aunt and uncle live in houston and still haven't been able to get into to see their house. He is one of the top fire cheifs and says there is still countless power lines down, trees and tree limbs all over the roads, downtown windows blown out. It is going to take some time before it gets back to normal. Shane, thank you brother for your thoughts and prayers for those who are suffering lose becuase of this hurricane. It is also a great opportunity for believers to step up and make a kingdom difference. As Paul said, "Make the most of every opportunity."