Christmas tornadoes

  
"I've heard it from those who've been through it - 'It sounds like the roar of a train.'  Finally, I got my confirmation.  Yes, it does."

These are the words of John Sharp, a reporter for the Mobile (AL) Press-Register and al.com, after he heard a tornado roar near his apartment on Christmas day.

Sharp further described his experience: "As the clock ticked toward 5, things were growing hectic.  Turning on my computer to seek the weather news, I got a couple of instant messages from colleagues that I should seek shelter.  The storm, reportedly, had hit Interstate 10 and was headed along Government Boulevard directly toward the city."

"I turned on TV, but the signal was disrupted.  That's when the wind began to pick up.  I went into my bathroom as I heard a clanging noise, like someone whacking a cooking pot with a large metal spoon. The power flickered: off, back on, then off for good."

"I hunkered in my bathtub, curled into a fetal position with my hands above my head.  That's when I heard the roar and prayed that my apartment building would not collapse on top of me." *

Thankfully, it didn't, but the "Christmas tornadoes" - a record 34 tornadoes throughout the South - caused a lot of damage in Mobile and other areas in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

As the stormy weather approached Mobile, the meteorologists repeatedly warned listeners to be in their "safe place."  For the benefit of those who might not know where their "safe place" could be found, the meteorologists described the safe place: ground floor, interior room near the center of the house, away from windows.  Bathrooms usually fit that bill.  And once you reach the safe place, meteorologists advised, get in or beside the bathtub with your head down!  You are now "hunkered down" and ready for the storm.

Do you know the whereabouts of your "safe place"?

There is really only ONE safe place where you can withstand the "storms" that life brings.  It's the only place that will last throughout eternity. 

That "place" is in a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The greatest "storm" that all of us face is SIN, for it is deadly and destructive (Romans 6:23).  But God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  Through Jesus, we can have the forgiveness of our sins and the security of eternal life with Him.

Jesus said, "Therefore whoever HEARS these sayings of Mine, and DOES them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." - Matthew 7:24-27

In order to accept Jesus' offer of security and eternal life, one must: place his faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  Then, one must continue to follow Jesus faithfully (Revelation 2:10).

The storms have come and will come.  Are you "hunkered down" in the only true safe place that will last throughout eternity?  That "place" is JESUS! 

Won't YOU come to Him in trusting obedience today?  

David A. Sargent