Sometimes things happen in life that are too scary and big to comprehend. When we wake we find ourselves doubting the reality of it all. Then we remember it wasn't a dream or nightmare. It really did happen and we're left in a state of flux, unsure how to feel or what to do.
This is how I felt when I woke this morning and I imagine how many New Zealanders felt. My head it throbbed and my heart it ached especially for the people who died. A floodgate opened in my mind, filling it with memories of the past six years. Of the September 2010 earthquake which also woke us from our sleep and the deadly February 2011 earthquakes and all in between and since. The trouble with memories is that they become stuck in time, unable to be changed or removed. However, with time and restoration they hold us captive less and less. But in moments like 12.02am last night the memories can grab hold of us and threaten to overpower us.
Life can change in an instant and never be the same again. We are never the same again. But I know and trust in a God who is my protector and I know we were never destined to live forever in this earth and one day we will go and be with Him and there will be no more fear or suffering. Because of that I am filled with peace even if I tremble and fear, for my peace is found in God not a peace found in circumstances or the earth being shake-free. I have learned it is possible to be filled with peace but also to feel fearful at the same time. For fear is a natural reaction to an overwhelming situation. We just can’t let that fear hold us hostage. We must let the peace of God hold us hostage.
Kia kaha New Zealand xx
This is how I felt when I woke this morning and I imagine how many New Zealanders felt. My head it throbbed and my heart it ached especially for the people who died. A floodgate opened in my mind, filling it with memories of the past six years. Of the September 2010 earthquake which also woke us from our sleep and the deadly February 2011 earthquakes and all in between and since. The trouble with memories is that they become stuck in time, unable to be changed or removed. However, with time and restoration they hold us captive less and less. But in moments like 12.02am last night the memories can grab hold of us and threaten to overpower us.
Life can change in an instant and never be the same again. We are never the same again. But I know and trust in a God who is my protector and I know we were never destined to live forever in this earth and one day we will go and be with Him and there will be no more fear or suffering. Because of that I am filled with peace even if I tremble and fear, for my peace is found in God not a peace found in circumstances or the earth being shake-free. I have learned it is possible to be filled with peace but also to feel fearful at the same time. For fear is a natural reaction to an overwhelming situation. We just can’t let that fear hold us hostage. We must let the peace of God hold us hostage.
Kia kaha New Zealand xx