Good News October 2017 Broward

/DXGDGLR DQG $VVRFLDWHV &HUWLILHG 3XEOLF $FFRXQWDQWV &3$ 6HUYLFHV $XGLWLQJ DFFRXQWLQJ WD[ SODQQLQJ DQG WD[ SUHSDUDWLRQ ZZZ O DXGDG L R FRP 3D\UROO 6HUYLFHV )OH[LEOH DQG FXVWRPL]HG SD\UROO VROXWLRQV WR PHHW \RXU QHHGV 2XWVRXUFHG 6HUYLFHV &)2 FRQWUROOHU DQG ERRNNHHSLQJ VHUYLFHV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ DQ DV QHHGHG EDVLV :K\ KLUH D IXOO WLPH HPSOR\HH" 6SHFLDOL]LQJ LQ PLQLVWHUV FKXUFKHV DQG QRQSURILW RUJDQL]DWLRQV Last month, South Florida experienced the effects of what many expected would be a devastating hurricane. As we prepared for a direct hit from a category 4 or 5 storm, schools and businesses closed so we could prepare for the wind and potentially flooding rain. Prayers were lifted for the storm to move and spare us. . . and, almost miraculously overnight, the path of the hurricane shifted west to stay mostly in the ocean. Our prayers had been answered. While we were still impacted by the outer bands of the hurricane, most homes and families weathered the storm relatively well due to the time and focused effort dedi- cated to preparing. Communi- ties pulled together and helped one another, lending a ladder, helping remove shut- ters, sharing food, and clean- ing up debris. God protected us, used us, and blessed us. In contrast, the week prior to the hurricane a large group of individuals was praying for a man who had spent much of his life focused on teaching apologetics, serving, missions and building strong mar- riages. Despite our fervent prayers, he went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a young wife and three chil- dren under four years old. In- dividuals, prayer groups and the church prayed, and it seemed that God was giving us clear indication that He heard our prayers and was healing our brother and friend. Yet suddenly, within days, the path of the storm shifted and, after fighting to stay with his family, he passed. How could a faithful God let this happen? Where was God in this storm? The truth: He was right beside us, just as He was a week later in the hurricane. Easy faith is when God’s will aligns with our will. We pray and God so generously answers our prayers with an outcome we understand and appreciate. He does it just the way we would do it, if we were God. Hard faith is when God shows us a humbling glimpse into Isaiah 55:9, inviting us to consider that His ways are far above our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He is God. Our all- powerful, omniscient, and lov- ing Creator has a perfect plan. Are we willing to accept that plan, even when it doesn’t make sense and brings deep pain to so many? If we know the character of God (Isaiah 40:28, Galatians 5:22, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 18:30, Exodus 34:6-7, Jeremiah 10:12), we When Storms Hit Hard Terry Morrow Nelson Good News (Continued on page 39)