Praise Him in the Storm

I've been anticipating this blog entry for many days now. And now that it's time to post my thoughts I'm at a bit of a loss for words. When I think back to that horrific day five years ago I had a much different life than I do now.

2001 was a rough year for me. My Mom passed away in March and my dad passed away in August of that year. I was single, living in a small garage apartment in Nassau Bay, and working as the general manager of Bay Area Racquet Club.

I remember how I felt when I found out about the first attack. I was shocked and stunned. I was sick to my stomach. I could not believe that someone would deliberately fly an airplane into a sky scraper. Then the second tower was hit... That was too much. I had to get away. I had to get to a safe place.

I drove to my favorite coffee shop where I would go every day to hang out and do my devotional and bible study. Everyone was just starting to hear the news. I just put my head down and prayed....

Now five years later I have a wife and family and life for me is so different. I did not know I had the capacity to love as much as do now until I met Monica, got married, and had a child.

This world is not a nice place. That's a fact. But I can do everything I can to make my part of the world as nice a place as possible. And I must do that for the sake of my wife and children.

The main thing I can do is to live a Godly life and set an example for those around me. I can try to influence everyone I can for Christ. ...And I can pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I praise You. You are an awesome God. And You are right there with us in every storm. You were there at the trade center in New York five years ago. And You are present here right now. Father God this world is going completely crazy. Lord all I know to do is draw closer to You, raise Godly children and pray.

Father we sang in church yesterday a prayer for You to heal this land. I echo that prayer this morning. I pray dear Lord for a revival. For a spiritual awakening. I don't believe there's much time left. What kind of world will Elijah have to grow up in if things don't change...?

My King, My deliverer, Most Holy God, I cry out to You. Help me do all I can to effect change in this world. I pray Father for peace between the nations. I pray for more lost souls to turn to you. Father I pray that I may be used in a mighty way to make a difference in my small part of the world. I pray for boldness. I pray for courage to witness. I pray for strength.

Oh Lord I need you. My family needs you. This world needs You. You are God.

Father I just give it all to You. All my cares and concerns, I just lay them at the foot of your cross. I will abide in You, Jesus. You are the Master Planner and I know You have everything figured out. It is not my problem to figure things out. it's just my responsibility to be faithful.

Lord I love You. And in this storm of life I do praise You. I give today and every day to You, Jesus. And I pray this prayer in your precious holy Name, Amen.