Ps 102:16, 17 For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. He will appear in His glory. He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.
Pleading for God’s mercy is something we do before every hurricane season. Unfortunately, there were times disaster struck, and we prayed for restoration. Everyone seemed to focus on rebuilding the city after hurricane Katrina. A newscaster said it would be at least ten years for our area to recover. The time frame seemed exaggerated, but was eerily accurate. Rebuilding was not the hardest part. Restoring the life we once enjoyed proved more difficult.
Our spiritual and emotional life was never the same. Some believed Katrina was a punishment from God, and their love grew cold. Others abandoned their faith. Some received it as a wake-up call and trusted God even more. As in Biblical times, God listens to the prayers of his people and never rejects their pleas for help. We are resilient, and when we trust God, he comes through. Sometimes it may not be the answer we want, but in the long run it will be what is best for us.
Adversity brings strength. Strength from God, strength in ourselves and others. We came back even stronger and better prepared for the future. Prayer works. If you are struggling through something—pray. God is waiting, he will listen and honor your efforts.
Jena Kleinpeter 