Praying for Japan

The events of the past week in Japan weigh heavy on my heart. Not because of any one or two people I know there, but because of all the people there. Let’s face it, if we (US) had sustained a major earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear catastrophe in the making, all in one region, we would be beside ourselves. I know watching the news can really make one feel helpless, and while something inside me wants to help (physically), I know at this point I would likely be in the way. Does that mean I have nothing to offer Japan today? Absolutely not! I can pray. I can easily summon the Creator of the universe, making my heart known to Him, lifting up this hurting creation. Now, that sounds ludicrous if you believe that in these events God passed judgment on Japan for some social sin, or if you think that God is powerless to respond to such events. However, I happen to think our God is Creator (and in that respect alone caused the earthquake, not out of judgment) and fully able to respond to the prayers of His people and even use these disasters to point unbelievers toward Jesus…so I am praying: praying that we soon hear stories of miraculous rescues; praying of God’s provision during this hard time; praying that people by the thousands turn to Him because they have no where else to turn. And I am praying for God’s grace, because that is what the people really need in this time of trial. Paul said it so well in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” I pray Japan will learn to boast of Christ's power.